March 18 through the years

100 Years ago – 1926

Charles E. Buck Tourist Party presented “Picture Stories of American Wonderlands” in the school auditorium. Admission was 35 cents for adults and 25 cents for children. “Don’t miss this greatest of all picture lectures,” the advertisement urged.

75 years ago – 1951

Roy M. Sawyers of 714 Oneida St., North Martinsville, was wounded in the Korean War and recuperating in a military hospital in Japan. He wrote to his parents, of the home, that he had narrowly escaped capture by the Chinese in fighting around Wonju. Several of his companions were killed, and he was wounded in his knee.

Harry Tuggle of Martinsville won the sweepstakes award for the highest number of points, as well as the award for best bloom, in the Garden Club of Virginia’s 17th annual daffodil show.  He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Irvine Tuggle. Martinsville Garden Club won the Garden Club of Virginia Cup for best test collection. The club and Mr. Tuggle won cup awards as well.

50 years ago – 1976

Patrick County noted a 54% drop in the number of people receiving food stamps, to 255, down from 393 the month before. Patrick County’s unemployment rate was 11% in February 1975 and 3% in February 1976.

25 years ago - 2001

Internet for the general public was new. Sitestar, at 29 W. Main St., advertised: “Discover the Internet. Low Price Guarantee – First-Time User Specialists – Free Training & Support. DSL Available.”

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