Echoes of the Past is a collection of historical articles curated from The West Virginia News, The Greenbrier Independent, White Sulphur Star and other publications archived since 1852. You may be exposed to content that you find offensive or objectionable. For historical accuracy, articles are reprinted in their original form and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the publisher.
1923 – 100 Years Ago
Refused To Serve
on Mixed Jury
An unusual situation presented itself Monday afternoon in criminal court at Beckley, when the jury was being selected for the trial of Tom Harris, charged with selling moonshine liquor. Two of the jurors empaneled declared that they could not sit on the jury, because a colored juror was already in the box, stating as their reason that they did not feel that they could return a fair verdict.
Helicopter A Success
Announcement that the Army Air Service has developed a helicopter and made successful air flights with it at McCook Field, near Dayton, Ohio, has been made by the War Department. The experimental flight was one minute, 42 seconds, and the plane rose six feet from the ground.
1948 – 75 Years Ago
Babcock Coal Land
Will Not Be Leased
The Conservation Commission has authorized the rescinding of a previous decision which would have permitted Director Jake Shipman to consider leasing of coal lands in Babcock State Park. Shipman stated that, “It is obvious that the process of strip mining is in such ill repute that our state’s citizens are vigorously opposed to any area under state ownership being made available for this purpose, regardless of any consideration involved.”
Greenbrier Rat Day
On Feb. 13, Greenbrier County will join the entire state in bringing bad tidings to rats and mice. The day has been designated “R” day when every man, woman and child will be mobilized to exterminate the leading destroyers of the nation’s grain supply.
Sewing Machines
Needed
Critical shortages of clothing in war devastated countries may be relieved by the contribution of sewing machines for use overseas. Anyone desiring to donate a standard, treadle-type machine to help fill this urgent need should contact the American Red Cross (Lewisburg telephone 322).
1973 – 50 Years Ago
Peace At Last!
Saturday’s Cease-fire Will End 12-Year War
President Nixon says a Vietnam cease-fire will take effect Saturday, and troops and prisoners will be home by the end of March, ending America’s longest war.
Nation Mourns For LBJ
Lyndon B. Johnson, who died one day before the war that marred his dreams for a “great Society,” was honored by a continuous line of mourners in the Johnson Library Tuesday night. Hours after Johnson was stricken by a fatal heart attack during an afternoon nap at his ranch Monday, the United States came to terms with the North Vietnamese for a cease-fire, ending the war that caused him to withdraw from politics in 1968.
1998 – 25 Years Ago
Volunteer Firefighter Dies in Fairlea
Grocery Store Blaze
A young firefighter lost his life in a Wednesday blaze at a Fairlea grocery store. Despite rescue attempts by other firefighters, Greg Carter, 25, died in the fire which gutted Crawford’s Galaxy Food Center. Carter was a volunteer with the Fairlea Fire Department.
Crowds Break
Another Record
The New Year started off with a bang as Carnegie Hall broke another record when 152 people attended “Mrs. Brown,” the January feature of the Carnegie Hall Film Series.
Coles Donates To
Parks Fund
Marion Gordon, director of parks and recreation for the city of Lewisburg, hopes that a $10,000 donation by NBA player and Lewisburg native Vernell “Bimbo” Coles will help spike interest in the city’s parks and recreation fund-raiser. Coles, currently an NBA player with the Golden State Warriors, still makes his home in Lewisburg during the off-season.
Greenbrier Valley
Remains in State
of Emergency
All of the Greenbrier Valley remains in a state of emergency today in the aftermath of a heavy, wet snowfall which blocked roads and knocked out essential services. On Wednesday, Governor Cecil H. Underwood declared a state of emergency in 12 southern and eastern counties, including Greenbrier, Monroe, Summers and Pocahontas.
