August 15 through the years MHC
100 Years ago – 1925
The John Robinson Circus entertained in Martinsville, starting with a street parade at 11 a.m.
The Martinsville Fire Department’s new American-LaFrance Fire Truck arrived. It had cost $12,500. The truck’s mechanic gave two demonstrations. The first was at the Henry Hotel, where a stream of water was thrown over the building. The second was at the river, when with the engine pumping water from the race, two streams of tremendous power and large volume were thrown the distance spanning the bridge and the dam.
A delightful dance was held at Phospho Lithia Springs in Ridgeway, hosted by Mrs. W.M. Carpenter of Draper, N.C., in honor of Miss Susan Wyson of Charleston, West Virginia, a houseguest of Miss Georgia Griggs of Ridgeway. Couples from Martinsville, Ridgeway, Leaksville and elsewhere tripped the light fantastic until a late hour. Misses Matilda Gravely and Susan Sheffield served punch, and the Martinsville Orchestra performed music. Invited guests included Dr. and Mrs. M.E. Hundley, Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. R.P. Gravely, Mr. and Mrs. R.S. Brown and many more.
Max Berlin’s store was robbed overnight. Thieves stole 15 men’s suits and several dresses, altogether worth $500 or more. It was the third robbery lately in the downtown district.
75 years ago – 1950
Mary Grant, 3, of Axton was admitted to Medical College of Virginia Hospital with polio. Her left leg was partially paralyzed but seemed to be improving. Hers was the fifth case of polio in the area reported in the summer.
In England, Princess Elizabeth gave birth to her second child, a daughter. Her son, Charles, was 21 months old.
50 years ago – 1975
Martinsville Jaycees and Jaycettes presented the comedy “Harvey” Friday and Saturday night in the high school auditorium. Actors included John Buck, Brenda Pringle, Doug Wood and Barry Speakman, and the director was Larry Griffin. Admission was $1.
25 years ago - 2000
Vehicles advertised for sale: 1990 Honda Prelude SI, $3,000; 1997 Nissan Maxima, $13,900; 1999 Explorer Sport, $22,000; 1998 Ford Taurus, $8,600; 1998 Ford Contour, $7,650.
— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin.