March 31

By Holly Kozelsky and Pat Pion

100 Years ago – 1924

The Town of Martinsville was considering moving to a town-manager form of government. Some of the movers and shakers of the time were under suspicion that they were advocating for that form of government because they wanted to get the job of town manager. Jno. W. Carter Jr., Wm. M. Whittle, A.L. Tuggle, H.D. Whittle and Owen R. Easley had printed in the Henry Bulletin a letter saying that though they were advocating for the change, they were not going to try for the job.

75 years ago – 1949

Ingrid Bergman was starring in “Joan of Arc” at the Rives Theatre. At the National Theatre: “Whiplash – Warner Bros.’ New Story Sensation! No Harder Guy Ever Lived! No Softer Lips Ever Lied!”

1960

“Glass Holds the Key to the Future in Building” declared an advertisement for Martinsville Glass Company, as they anticipated a huge construction boom in the area.

Kroger, “The Friendliest Supermarkets in all of Virginia,” offered 250 extra Top Value Stamps with their weekly coupons.

50 years ago – 1974

Martinsville Bulletin - Classified Ads Special Notices: FIELDALE CAB CO., Fieldale, Viriginia, open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Closed Sundays. / TURKEY SHOOT every Friday and Saturday night, across from Draper’s Flower Shop, 220 North, Bassett Forks. / SHOE HOSPITAL Moved to 103 Jones Street, behind Chesleys.

Martinsville Bulletin - Lodge Notices: ATTENTION SIR KNIGHTS: A slated conclave of the George W. Wright Commandery No. 31 will be held at the new Masonic Temple, Monday, March 25, 7:30 p.m., Robert L. Mason, Commander, H.Glenn Lewis, Recorder. / A CALLED COMMUNICATION OF PIEDMONT Lodge 152 AF&AF will be held, Tuesday, March 26th, at 7 p.m. for work and instruction in the MM degree. All Master Masons cordially invited. S.D. Haskins, WM, Clyde W. Rodgers, Sec’y.

25 years ago – 1999

Stanley Furniture Co. Inc. announced that it would spend $15 million on a new home office furniture-producing plant, creating about 300 jobs. The 300,000-square-foot building was in the Bowles Industrial Park. Albert L. Prillaman was the chairman, president and chief executive officer of Stanley. On the same day, American of Martinsville made a formal announcement that it would have a $5.2 million expansion in Henry County, saving 200 jobs and creating another 200 jobs. Mike Haley was the president and chief executive officer of American.

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