Looking Back …
A look at the people and happenings of the area over the past 100 years
If you have information, pictures, artifacts, old company or church newsletters, family letters or anything else that sheds light on life in MHC-Patrick through time, please consider sharing them with the museum - either lending or gifting us the originals, or copies.
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Feb. 11 through time
1926, Farmers Institute in Axton; 1951, toddlers die in fire caused by heat source; 1976, Arts and Crafts Club; 2001, Divine Essence Hair Salon with Linda Young, Linda Wilson and MaCray Huff.
Feb. 10 through the years
1926, Henry Co.’s share in Shenandoah Park cost; 1951, prediction from Mexico; 1976, high school class project is to build a house; 2001, great year for Nationwide. (PHOTO: Sandy Beach Resort, between the Smith River and Appalachian Drive.)
February 9 through the years
20 women vacation in Florida; Blue Ridge Farm Museum being built; death of Christopher Francisco. (PHOTO: Astor Cafe and Chief Tassel Building)
February 8 through the years
“I ain’t never seen so many blue lights” as police chase of 12-yearo-old; CB radio jargon popular; B’nai' B’rith chapter to host state convention. (PHOTO: illustrations of Henry County’s previous jails)
February 7 through the years
Civilian Defense program; county employees quit in response to new county administrator; runaway inmate falls into the arms of guards (PHOTO: mid-century aerial view of Martinsville)
February 6 through the years
Joint funeral services for Martinsville Seven brothers; Twin Ridge Marina; “The Amway Way” PHOTO: The Martinsville Seven, who were executed during the first week of February, 1951)
February 5 through the years
The last of the Martinsville Seven executions and a funeral for Frank Hairston Jr., 21; three stolen cars; a refrigerator advertised as Valentine’s Day present; attorney’s license suspended. (PHOTO: The very first Globman’s can be seen second building from the right. “ A. Globman “ on the front top of building,his name was Abe Globman)
February 4 through the years
New Thomas Jefferson Hotel planned for site of the burned Hamilton Hotel (photo); Winston-Salem insults Martinsville; the first of the funerals of the Martinsville Seven; SPCA tries to stop dangerous spaying practices; City departments scrutinized.
February 3 through the years
Community meetings for farmers - plan for new Presbyterian Church - City Council candidates - Donna Massey’s tanning and nail salon. (PHOTO: First Presbyterian adds steeple in 1959; in 1951, petitions were signed to get it started.)
February 2 through the years
Four Martinsville men executed - landfill problems - beginnings of the EDC (PHOTO: An exhibit at the MHC Heritage Museum about the Martinsville Seven)
February 1 through the years
Final appeal for the Martinsville Seven - helicopter crash in Collinsville - hiring 150 after laying off 52. (PHOTO: Old location of the fire and police departments on Main Street)
Fourth week of January, 1926-2001
Sisters swindle the March of Dimes - remaining Philpott residents told to leave - school board rides school buses for school consolidation - Winston-Salem insults Martinsville - father & son reunite in jail after 23 years - explosions at Stuart mill - 1924 Christian colony at Buffalo Ridge. (PHOTO: Kearfott & Sons, Public Square, around 1900)
Third week of January
Trail of Eddie “Shanghai” Thomas - fire at landfill cause dissension and fine - Meana the door-opening gas station dog - Pannill Post’s series on controversial topics. (PHOTO: Early Globman’s and Kearfott Drug store)
Second week of January, 1926-2001
1951 fire ravages downtown Martinsville - the 1976 trial of Eddie Lee “Shanghai” Thomas - a 9-year-old girl takes on a rabid fox. (PHOTO: Early 1970s...Globman’s & Woolworths)
First week of January, 2026: the past century
Here’s what happened in MHC during the first week of January, 100, 75, 50 and 25 years ago. (Photo: 1930s ....Globman’s & Kolodny’s can be seen on the right; looks like Franklin Street)
Last week of December, 1925-2000
Here is the daily history column for the last week of December (1925, 1950, 1975 and 2000). These fell behind because we at the museum were working around the clock on two new exhibits. If you love history, you must visit the MHC Heritage Museum at 1 E. Main St. We are waiting for you! (PHOTO: 1930s birds eye view of Liberty Street showing airplane hanger at left bottom)
Third week of December, 1925-2000
The Time Out bar - Christmas shopping wars - electric transformer in Fieldale expanded. (PHOTO: 1922, Jones Street by the old courthouse)
Second week of December, 1925-2000
1925, Confederate Memorial Appreciation Contest - 1950, Jaycees annual Christmas decorating contest - and a week’s worth of more! (PHOTO: 1890 balloonist at Oakwood Cemetery fell to his death)
First week of December, 1925-2000
We’re back! We got behind — not in reading the newspapers and writing this column, because it’s the hobby I do at night after all the chores are done, but in getting it all on the website, which is another step that takes a different amount of time. I was a month behind, so instead of listing them by the day, I’m grouping these by the week, just to get this done! To those who like to read these as much as I like to write them - thanks for your patience. - Holly (Photo: 220 north business coming into Martinsville 1940s. The old Tavern is on the left. The Tavern was below what is now the Riverhill Flea Market)
Nov. 30 through time
1925, “The Half-Way Girl”’ 1950, Santa leaves Chuckle Cabin headed for Martinsville; 1975, Axton F.D. officers; 2000, Lester signs to buy former Tultex property. PHOTO: Henry County Training School's Smith Hall with 18 rooms, from 1906-1943; started by Fayette St. Christian Church as Mts. Christian Institute.