September 6 MHC through time
100 years ago – 1925
John D. Bassett of Basset was nominated to be the Republican candidate for state treasurer at the Republicans of Virginia convention in Richmond.
Spencer residents were campaigning the County for the establishment of a high school in their community. One had land to donate for its construction, and many others offered to help build it. They said that the other high schools in Critz, Bassett, Stuart and Martinsville were too far away for their children to go to.
75 years ago – 1950
Thieves broke into the safe at Martinsville High School and took $884 in cash and $111 in checks.
50 years ago – 1975
The Martinsville-Henry County Voters Education League honored Dr. Chevis F. Horne, pastor of First Baptist Church on Starling Avenue, and Dr. Hezekiah Morris, pastor emeritus of High Street Baptist Church, for their work in the community and their churches. Plaques they were given read “You have served as a beacon in the pursuit of racial harmony, brotherly love, and the betterment of human relations.” The pair have been credited with leading the way to peaceful integration in Martinsville.
25 years ago – 2000
Paul Stolbun, 80, of 505 E. Church St., testified in the case in the death of his wife due to his alleged abuse and neglect. The last known words Elizabeth Stolbun had spoken to any of her friends were “Pray for me,” Ruth Rothrock testified. Mrs. Stolbun died Nov. 27 of malnutrition and dehydration. Mr. Stolbun testified that his wife was sick and wanted to die at home and that he tried to feed her but she could not keep food down. He was found guilty by Judge Charles M. Stone. The couple’s son, Peter Martin Stolbunov, 36, was charged in the same.
Former Albert Harris High School student athletes funded a scholarship in honor of Clyde L. Williams. Williams, 85, was a teacher and administrator for 32 years, had been a City Council member for 12 years and was the vice mayor for 4 years.
— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin.