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
Boys Come Home
Blue Grass Realty Co. advertises for Greenbrier boys to “Come Home and Buy a Farm!” They offer 200 acres, dairy stock and everything for $30,000 — 400 acres, fine stock and all for $75,000.
An Unusual Bill
Mr. Hopkins of the lower house of the Legislature has introduced House Bill 345 that stands out as somewhat of a curiosity. If enacted, upon the opening of the public school, a few verses of Scripture shall be read to pupils each day. Each teacher shall require every pupil who has reached the eighth grade to write an item of local news of interest each week or memorize and write a verse of Scripture. The writing shall be on paper and forwarded to the county superintendent who shall keep the writings in his office for 10 days for public inspection.
A Ripe Old Age
James G. Sutton, 117 years old, died on Feb. 5 at the Kanawha County farm where he had lived the last four years. County officials said his age had been well authenticated, and that he was born in 1806. “Smoke plenty of tobacco, chew tobacco and don’t drink liquor,” was his advice to questioners on the means of attaining old age.
1948 – 75 Years Ago
Greenbrier County Band
At a meeting of school officials, principals and music teachers in Greenbrier high schools at Frankford High School recently, plans were made for forming a county band composed of representatives from 11 high schools. It was determined that a standardized uniform consisting of a cape and cap in the color of green, significant of Greenbrier, will be adopted.
Will Be Probed
The Legislature’s special committee on government and finance, expected to delve into operations of the state purchasing department and other state agencies, will launch its investigation of all phases of state purchases with particular scrutiny for any evidence of “kickbacks.”
Appearing At the Ronceverte Armory
A big doubleheader radio show is coming to the Ronceverte Armory, Tuesday, Feb. 17. It features Homer and Jethro, Chet Atkins, Ezra Cline and the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers. Admission is 75 or 50 cents.
1973 – 50 Years Ago
Arts Council Meets
The second organizational meeting of the Greenbrier Valley Arts and Humanities Council was held Monday at the courthouse with Miss Jeanne Coyne, president of AAUW, presiding. Edgar L. Smith, the lawyer appointed to incorporate the Council, stated that a charter had been granted by the secretary of state, and the next step was the adoption of bylaws.
The Greenbrier
The Greenbrier hotel has become so successful as a convention site that construction has begun on a new complex which will add more than 20,000 square feet to the present building. The center, to be located between Chesapeake Hall and the West Virginia wing, will be three stories high from ground level to roof.
East Takes Awards
Participating in the Marshall University Tri-State Forensics Tournament for the first time, the Greenbrier East High School Forensic Club brought home three top finishers out of seven entries. Bringing home honors for the East representatives were Donzelle Johnson, who placed second in the oral interpretation poetry division; Elizabeth Spangler, who also placed second in the impromptu speaking category; and Jennifer Hatcher, who received honorable mention in the public speaking category.
1998 – 25 Years Ago
Community College Celebrates Rededication of New Facility
Four years, almost to the day, after a fundraising effort was launched to finance the relocation of Greenbrier Community College Center, a gathering of several hundred people celebrated the success of the project in the school’s new quarters. Congressman Nick Rahall recalled the fundraising kickoff ceremony which was held in the same room on Feb. 15, 1994.
Deer, Fishermen at Center of Debate
Farmers and hunters were locked in a legislative battle last week over what to do about the state’s huge herds of deer; meanwhile, the state Division of Natural Resources was carping about overzealous fishermen. Hoping for a compromise, the House of Delegates delayed all week its vote to reduce the deer population over the next three years to 30 per square mile. Responding to complaints from some fishermen, the DNR was seeking approval of a rule that would limit anglers to two rods or lines between Jan. 1 and May 31, the period when the wildlife agency stocks lakes and streams with trout.
Mayor Proclaims Black History Month in Lewisburg
Lewisburg Mayor R.B. “Duke” Fouch presented the Rev. Carl Renick, a member of the John Wesley United Methodist Church, with a proclamation designating February as Black History Month.
