May 17 across the century

100 Years ago – 1925

 Ad for M. Berlin: “Only 14 days left in which to attend our remodeling sale. If you have not already attended do so at once, we have a new line of Silks and Laces For Commencement Dresses Also White Canton Crepes. Make your own commencement dress and safe the difference. All Silks Reduced.”

75 years ago – 1950

The U.S. Army Engineer Corps told Philpott residents that they had to leave the area by July 15. Landowners and tenants in the Philpott reservoir area were advised by public notice that all land for a distance of 5 miles upstream must be vacated because construction on the Philpott Dam and would soon enter a new phase which would affect the area. Trees, brush, buildings and other large items would be cleared away starting Aug. 1. It was expected that the river would overflow its banks upstream for about 5 miles by the middle of November.

50 years ago – 1975

William F. Franck was honored with the MHC Chamber of Commerce’s Heck Ford Award at the Chamber’s 16th Annual Leadership Recognition Dinner. The guest speaker was Gov. Mills E. Godwin Jr., who talked America’s dependence on imported energy supplies, and how that makes America vulnerable.

25 years ago - 2000

Henry County Public Service Authority was told that it was responsible for fixing the problems at the former Sanville Utilities, it learned during a meeting with state Department of Education staff.

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