May 30 through time
100 Years ago – 1925
The Dokies had several hundred visitors for their annual memorial ceremonies. The program opened at 10 a.m. with the registration of candidates at Patrick Henry Lodge, No. 82, Castle Hall, and closed after the Eighth Order Work, which began at 9 p.m. Activities included: a concert by the D.O.O.K. Band; a baseball game; a business session; a ceremony at the Farmers Warehouse; and a parade, headed by the Rajah Temple Band, Brigand team, official Divan, votaries and tyros. After it was all over, visitors left Martinsville on a midnight train.
The American Legion and Auxiliary held Memorial Day services, which started at 1:30 p.m. at Public Square and went promptly to the Cemetery. At the cemetery, a patriotic address was given by W.R. Broaddus Jr., patriotic hymns were sung, and the Dokie Band from Roanoke performed. Rev. W.E. Roach gave the invocation and Rev. W.B. Jett gave the benediction. Graves were decorated.
75 years ago – 1950
It was announced that Robert H. Haskell Jr., the publisher of the Bulletin for the past year, would purchase the Bulletin from its owner, General Newspapers Inc.
50 years ago – 1975
The Playmakers presented “Laura” May 30-31 at Patrick Henry Elementary School. The directors were Crystal Gravely and Barbara Smith. The cast was H.C. “Clay” Gravely III, Carl deHart, Doug Wood, Molly Pierce, Bill Sapp, Ann Gardner, Judy Garland and Harrison Donavant. Practices were held in the Warehouse, a building on South College Street donated by deHart.
25 years ago - 2000
Stee-Fers Flower Shop and Wedding Chapel opened at 21845 Jeb Stuart Highway in Stuart. The shop sold both silk and fresh flowers. It was run by Judith and Ronnie Steele and their daughter and son-in-law Cheryl and Bill Keifer.
Marie Lackey received the Commander’s Award for Public Service from the U.S. Army for her work in organizing the annual Memorial Day Service at Roselawn Burial Park for more than 20 year.
— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin.