Sept. 10 MHC through the years
100 Years ago – 1925
A free clinic for delicate children was held at the Martinsville Grammar School under the auspices of the Red Cross, with clinician Dr. Samuel Newman, child specialist.
The Kiwanis Club of Martinsville held its regular weekly meeting at Patrick Springs Hotel. J. Frank Wilson and two of his colleagues conducted the program, which was attended not just by the members but also by their wives and sweethearts. The Kiwanis automobile procession of about 20 or more automobiles left Martinsville at 5 o’clock, arriving at the Springs in time for a luncheon of fried chicken, meats, vegables and desserts.
75 years ago – 1950
Heavy rains caused creeks throughout Henry county to overflow, and eventually the Smith river basin from Philpott to Spray, N.C., was near overflowing. Thousands of dollars in damage was done, especially at the city’s filtration plant on Jones creek. The creek flooded, washed away the dam at the plant’s pond and flooded the building. It flooded the clear water well and disrupted all filtration for several hours. Traffic between Martinsville and Stuart on Route 58 was halted, as was traffic on Route 57 in Koehler. A bridge in Blackberry was washed away. Several roads were washed out.
50 years ago – 1975
Following 5 years of planning by the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, the courthouse grounds were renovated. The old concrete walks were replaced with brick in a herringbone weave design. Tulip bulbs would be planted. Funding for the project came from contributions from businesses, industry and the public since 1970. The goal was to have it looking good for the bicentennial celebrations the following year.
25 years ago - 2000
The dropout prevention program in Martinsville City Schools was Project YES, and Bill Maxwell was its dropout prevention specialist. His office was in Martinsville Middle School, and he visited each student in his program once a week. His students ranged across all the grade levels.
— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin.