Nov. 21 through the years

100 Years ago – 1925

The new Roanoke-Rocky Mount road was almost finished – workers were just needing one more half-day of good weather and warm temperatures to lay down the final coating of tar and crushed stone. As soon as that’s dome, the highway would be open to traffic. That report was given at the first Chamber of Commerce meeting by road Secretary B.F. Moomaw. The Chamber had just been formed the week before.

75 years ago – 1950

Sgt. Harry S. Doss was the first Martinsville soldier to return from the Korean War. He had been shot in the foot on Sept. 4 and was home on a convalescent furlough. He was a radio operator with the First Calvary Division.

50 years ago – 1975

Do you remember the popularity of Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy dolls in the 1970s? The dolls were created in 1915 by Johnny Gruelle, and in 1918 the dolls became characters in children’s books. For sale in the Globman’s Basement – “Here’s fun for health’s sake!” – were Raggedy Ann & Andy Power Tooth Brushes for $4.96, regular price $8.99. A toothbrush stood on a stand to the left of a heart which read “I Love You,” and Raggedy Ann stood halfway in front of the heart, to the right. Also for sale was the Polaroid Super Shooter Camera [price illegible]; 1000-watt hair dryers for $18.96 [that’s what they cost still now] and chenille bedspreads for $7.96.

25 years ago - 2000

U.S. Cellular sold an Audiovox CDM digital phone and hands-free earpiece for 1 cent, with 2,000 bonus minutes and free activation. Plans were: for $30, 300 minutes per month; $50, 550 minutes per month; and $75, 900 minutes per month. Each plan included 2,000 bonus minutes.

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