August 31 through the years
100 Years ago – 1925
The Henry County School Board met (on a Saturday morning) in the Burch building. Supt. Goode made a financial report, saying that the total disbursement for schools was $142,936.98, for the year ending July 1. It was an increase of about $6,500 from the previous year. The cost of instruction was $85,407.65, higher than the year before, because of a higher certification of teachers. Many of the rural schools were closed in the past year at the end of five months and six months due to lack of funds. At previous meetings, the school board had sent opening days of school for Axton Agricultural school, Bassett high school, and Fieldale and Ridgeway graded schools on Sept. 14. The rural schools would open on Oct. 5. State law required 7 months of school for 7 years. Bassett and Martinsville high schools were certified. Certification meant that the schools had to operate for 9 months. To do that, the school board would charge a tuition of $2 per student (about $37 today) for Bassett and Ridgeway high schools.
Ad: “Send Us Your Films. Special Trial Offer – Mail us 35 cents ($6.39 in 2025) with any size Kodak film for development and 6 fine extra high gloss prints; or send us 6 negatives, any size, and 25 cents for 6 extra high gloss prints. Enlargement 5 x 7 size, handsome mount, 40 cents. We pay postage. Fine plant, 25 Employees, 25 years’ experience. Nine-hour service. Roanoke Photo Finishing Co., 806 Bell Ave., Roanoke, Va.
75 years ago – 1950
The Virginia Department of Highways recommended one-way streets for Martinsville, in a 145-page report. It recommended making both Main and Church Streets to be one-way, which they are today. The report also recommended making Walnut and Bridge Streets one-way, and eliminating parking on the southside of the island on The Square. The report also recommended installing some new traffic lights, which would do away with the need of an office on the Square.
50 years ago – 1975
Martinsville Fire Chief J. Lloyd Gregory and his firemen conducted the Martinsville portion of the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon against Muscular Dystrophy Sunday and Monday. They were taking pledge calls. The telethon was broadcast nationally over 195 stations, seen in Martinsville over WLVA-TV 13.
25 years ago - 2000
The Virginia General Assembly issued a resolution recognizing the work of long time area attorney and former House of Delegates member William Carter. Sen. Roscoe Reynolds, E-Ridgeway, presented the resolution to widow Ella Stringey Carter.
— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin.