October 27 through the years

100 Years ago – 1925

Notice from Sam Heiner, proprietor of a store bearing his name: “I just returned from the northern markets where I purchased a beautiful lot of Ladies’ Coats. The newest styles, materials and shades. I paid cash for these garments ad got them for about half price, therefore can save you from 35 to 50 per cent on your coats. Come in and look at these wonderful coat values.”

75 years ago – 1950

Frank Sawyer, who was digging a well in Willis Gap, near Ararat in Patrick County, died after being overcome by carbon monoxide gas. His two sons, Raymond and Lamon, went into the well to try to save him, and they were knocked unconscious. Compressed air was forced into the well, and the two sons were brought out and revived.

Members of Lynwood Golf Club held a Halloween costume party at the club. About 250 people attended. Paul Zimmerman and his orchestra played dance music.

50 years ago – 1975

Patrick County elementary schools were crowded, and the school board was proposing building $665,000 worth of new classrooms, office and library facilities at Stuart and Patrick Springs schools. Residents in the Red Bank community proposed making some improvements at Red Bank School and moving some students of the Stuart school there. Meanwhile, the State Department of Education had recommended closing Red Bank School.

John Early Dillard, 32, a convicted murderer from Oak Level, was one of seven state penitentiary inmates who overpowered guards in an attempt to free another inmate who was awaiting execution. Dillard had been found guilty of armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and the Nov. 15 murder of Bassett cab driver John Futrell. He was sentenced to 35 years.

25 years ago - 2000

The fine arts department of Magna Vista High School presented its fourth annual dinner theater. Performers were Jason Helms, Brittany Rorrer, Van Hussey II, Samantha Diaz, Jeremiah Hedgecock, Charles Hird, Heather Weeks and Carla Doughty.

— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin.