April 15
By Holly Kozelsky and Pat Pion
100 Years ago – 1924
Tuesday, April 15, was “Contribution Day” in MHC, for people to make donations to support the expenses of a clinic for crippled children on April 27 in the Parlor of the Henry Hotel, attended to by Dr. W.T. Graham of Richmond. Donations would pay for the clinic’s operation as well as all follow-up work and hospital admissions. The County Nurse reported having the names of 44 crippled children on her books.
The town manager form of government continued under hot debate and would be resolved by election on April 26. A group posted a notice on April 15, 1924 in the Henry Bulletin, with the headline “Will Give Banquet to Losing Side – Opposing Disputants in Matter of Proposed Change in Form of Town Government Sign Agreement.” The signors wrote that they recognize a difference in opinion but all love the Town of Martinsville. The winning side would pay for a banquet with the losing side, and no one would talk about the merits or demerits of that question during the banquet: G.A. Broyn, C.A. Whaling, J.H. Stanley, Owen R. Easley, J.W. Carter Jr., J.W. Booker Jr., K.C. Whittle, H.A. Ford, S.G. Whitten Jr., Wm. R. Shumate, J.R. Gregory, A.S. Gravely, Whitney Shumate, F.P. Turner. E.J. Davis, J.W. Jones, S.S. Stephens, A.L. Tuggle, R.M. Simmons, J.D. Sparrow and E.P. Gravely.
75 years ago – 1949
The Bulletin began its Friday Church News page on this date. The new regular feature came about as a request from the Ministerial Association of Martinsville through its spokesman, the Rev. E.S. Sharpe. The page would feature “a timely message on all things spiritual, as well as a complete listing of the local churches … and other information of interest.” The first edition of the Friday church news page was sponsored by Mrs. Ina McKee of McKeen Funeral Home.
1960
Several industries, including a metal-working company which would offer jobs for more than 500 citizens, were revealed to be considering relocating to Martinsville-Henry County. Representatives from Martinsville City Council and the Henry County Board of Supervisors expressed willingness to mount a cooperative effort to attract those industries, including ensuring an ample water supply as well as providing local capital for building. It appeared that the reluctance of industrialists to establish plants in the area had to do with a lack of zoning, allowing residential construction to close in around their plants; the ensuing conflicts would cause tension in the community. Residents of the area had historically resisted zoning regulations.
After a stubborn fire on 25 acres of brush land off Sellers Street took over 3 hours for city firemen to bring under control, Fire Chief Clay Easterly made an appeal for citizens to exercise extreme care in setting any type of open fire. Recent dry weather and high winds had created dangerous conditions which would continue to worsen until rain fell.
50 years ago – 1974
The PLG (Progressive Ladies and Gentlemen’s) Club held its annual Easter Egg Hunt for children at the Liberty Heights field.
25 years ago - 1999
April 15 was the deadline to buy Henry County vehicle decals, and the lines were long. The decals served as proof of payment of property tax. The deadline was the same in the City, but that was reported to be a pleasant experience without much waiting or crowding.
— Information from museum records and the Henry Bulletin and the Martinsville Bulletin accessed on microfilm at the Martinsville Branch Library.