May 23

By Holly Kozelsky and Pat Pion

100 Years ago – 1924

Judge William H. Harrison returned to Martinsville for the second time in about a month. The black judge spoke on matters of race relations. Prior to his second visit, local endorsements were written for him: By Mayor G.A. Brown, “… It was splendid in every respect. I understand he is to appear here again soon, and I do not want to miss hearing from him again. He is one of the most eloquent and entertaining speakers I have ever heard, and I feel assured that he will have another large audience.” Dr. J.P. McCabe and Hon. Jno. R. Smith wrote, “… He has an intelligent and sane grasp of the true relation that should exist between the races …”

75 years ago – 1949

The City fogging program against flies and mosquitos began, with the arrival of a new fogging machine. City Health Officer R.M. Wilson announced that it would use chloradene, a new type of anti-insect fluid that was more effective than DDT and not as toxic. The fogging would start on North Moss and Fayette streets and go throughout the city. Residents were told to uncover their garbage cans and lay them on the ground with the tops facing toward the street.

Newly appointed City Recreation Director Louis Lee Moore Jr. announced a significantly enhanced summer recreation program, including “supervised play” at the city’s playgrounds. There also would be activities in the fall, winter and spring. The playgrounds were at North Martinsville, Whittle Field, West End, East End and, new that year to supervision, Brown Street Athletic Field. Also, a Day Camp would be operated at the Church street park, with the cost of $3 for two weeks, which included transportation, activities and fresh milk for lunch.

1960

The choruses of Fieldale High School introduced students to their new school song, dedicated to the class of 1960, entitled “Fieldale White and Blue” by Mr. Paul Zimmerman. They were so proud of their new alma mater that the FHS chorus toured area high schools accompanied by the FHS band, presenting the new work.

Philpott Lake was chosen for its solitude and depth by the US Navy to undertake sound experiments which were thought to have an important bearing on future undersea warfare. Scientific determinations of sound patterns under water had a specific relationship to submarines and helped in submarine detection. The work was carried out by a team of technicians from the Navy Department.

50 years ago – 1974

Mrs. Lula B. Shires was the guest of honor at the potluck supper held by the Martinsville Association of Retarded Children, at First Presbyterian Church. She was the first teacher at MARC and was retiring after 10 years of service.

25 years ago – 1999

 Martinsville native Sherri Sharpe was graduated from the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership at Mary Baldwin College and commissioned Second Lieutenant. She has gone on to have a long and illustrious career in the military.

— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin accessed on microfilm at the Martinsville Branch Library.