March 28
By Holly Kozelsky and Pat Pion
100 Years ago – 1924
“Birth of a Nation” was shown Thursday, March 28, through Saturday, March 30, at the Hamilton Theatre.
A March 28, 1924, article in the Henry Bulletin on page 8, “Farming by Motor: Churn Is One of Modern Farm Devices That Has Been Electrified”: “When grandma and grandpa started housekeeping on the old farm, young and lusty in years, it didn’t seem much a terrible job to churn four or five gallons of cream, working the handle of the churn and up and down, with the cream getting stiffer every minute. But as time went on and the multitude of other chores piled up the churning frequently became a muscle-acher, the prospect of which didn’t always bring smiles …”
The Town of Martinsville issued $60,000 in bonds on Saturday, March 28. They were purchased by Seasongood & Mayer of Cincinnati, the highest bidder, for $60,542.55.
75 years ago – 1949
Commonwealth’s Attorney J.W. Cubine announced that the trials of the Martinsville Seven would be held in the week starting April 10.
The Martinsville Rotary Club held a “Courtesy Contest” from March 28 through April 18. All business people and others who came into contact with the public were urged to be polite to people, under the theme “It’s smart to be courteous.” Two prized of $50 savings bonds would go to: The person judged the most courteous, and the person who reported the winning incident. The contest was judged by the Chatham Rotary Club.
1960
The Twin Ridge Marina on Philpott Reservoir was set to open soon as boat owners in Martinsville and Henry County prepared to launch their boats for the new season. The Blue Ridge Yacht Club, Leonard Garrett, president, was slated to hold its annual meeting at the Henry County Courthouse to elect four directors of the nine-man board.
The Albert Harris Student Council presented their annual Talent Show, which offered an elaborate program featuring the Harris Knights combo featuring Yvonne Ingram, soloist, and the Albert Harris Dance Group under the direction of Thelma Norman. Tickets, $.75, were by reservation only.
The Blue Ridge Garden Club met at the home of Mrs. Eugene Minter. Mrs. Minter and Mrs. Walter Hagood hosted the event. Mrs. J. E. Whitaker gave an interesting talk on “Fabulous Facts of Nature.” She emphasized nature’s way of protecting balance among creatures, thus preserving life on earth.
50 years ago – 1974
Martinsville Mayor Francis T. West, who was white, finally accepted an invitation to address the MHC Voters League, which was a largely black organization. About 30 attended as he explained his sometimes controversial positions for about 40 minutes. After various rejections of the group, he accepted the latest offer in an attempt “to soften what I’m told is a brittleness between the black community and me,” the Martinsville Bulletin on March 29 quoted him as saying.
25 years ago – 1999
Riddle Chrysler, Plymouth and Dodge of Martinsville had the following vehicles for sale: 1995 Voyager, $8,995; 1999 Honda Civic, $14,635; 1999 Ram Quad Cab S: 4X4, $24,999; 1999 Dakota 4X4, $14,995.
— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin accessed on microfilm at the Martinsville Branch Library.