September 9 through time

100 Years ago – 1925

 Martinsville Public Schools opened with 686 students in the grades and 200 in the high school. It was the largest enrollment ever.

A delegation from North Carolina, the Winston-Salem Boosters, headed by a brass band, arrived in the morning and spent an hour. They were greeted by a large crowd. John R. Smith gave the visitors a welcome message, talking about cooperation between North Carolina and Virginia. Mr. Orr and Michey of Winston-Salem talked about the need for a better understanding between the communities and agreed with T.G. Burch of Martinsville that the Roanoke-Winston Salem Road should be boosted.

75 years ago – 1950

Pannill Post American Legion Membership Committee Chairman Louis Beckner reported that 210 members enrolled for 1950-51. The number represented 40% of the goal of 525 members. Committee members planned to call eligible veterans who had not joined.

50 years ago – 1975

Sunset House Day Care Center, under the direction of Frances J. Cambell, opened at 40 Sunset Drive, Martinsville, began a nursery school program which operated from 9-11:45 a.m. Activities included crafts, dramatic play, music, a study of growing things, reading and lessons in French.

25 years ago - 2000

The new runway at Blue Ridge Airport was dedicated during Airport Appreciation Day. An airshow was held as part of the events. Airplane simulators were on site for children to climb into.

The 16th Annual Indian Heritage Festival was held at Kings Mountain Park. It was sponsored by the Virginia Museum of Natural History and Henry County Parks and Recreation.

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