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
Only Two Left
Another one of the McMann quadruplet boys – the third born – died Wednesday afternoon at 3 o’clock at Bellburn, and now two of the four remain. The quadruplets, it will be recalled, were born on March 7, making a total of 20 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Homer McMann. Mrs. McMann is but 37 years of age. She was married at the age of 18 years.
75 Convicts Arrive
Last Saturday afternoon, 75 convicts from the state penitentiary at Moundsville were brought to Ronceverte and turned over to John E. Dougher and Son and Joe Carola in the proportion of 50 and 25, respectively, for work on the permanent road projects in this and Monroe counties. It is understood the convicts are short-term men and trusties, and while they had a commander along, they were not in chains or even under close guard.
Reception At Fairview
One of the most delightful affairs of the season was the elaborate tea given by Mrs. W.F. Boone and Miss Io Boone at their home, “Fairview,” north of Ronceverte on Monday afternoon, March 19, from 3-5 o’clock. Over 100 guests were entertained during the two hours.
1948 – 75 Years Ago
Sees Meteor Fall
Efforts of individuals to locate fragments of a meteor alleged to have exploded in the Second Creek area have not been successful. Shortly after dark several days ago, Mrs. G.W. Van Stavern, sitting near a window in her home, saw a meteor hurling through the air and exploding a few yards from her home before striking earth. The meteor was about as large as a barrel, traveled with great speed and was very brilliantly colored, said Mrs. Van Stavern.
Senior Play at Smoot
The senior class of Smooth High School is presenting a play written by Lt. Beale Cormack, “Aaron Slick from Pumpkin Crick,” on April 2 at 8 p.m. in the high school auditorium. This is a clean, rural comedy in three acts showing how the old farmer got ahead of the city slicker.
Jersey Has Triplets
A 2 ½-year-old Jersey cow, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Andy Alderman of Big Draft Road near White Sulphur, gave birth to triplet calves at their farm Saturday night. All survived. The little heifers and one bull are perfectly marked Jerseys, and all just about the same size. The calves were taken into the kitchen, where they are being fed on bottles until the mother cow is able to take care of them.
1973 – 50 Years Ago
Greenbrier East
Drama
The drama group at Greenbrier East High School traveled to Morgantown Wednesday to defend its 1972 State Championship at the West Virginia High School Drama and Forensics competition match Saturday. This year’s one-act play production is “Stoop,” a modern play based on pollution and its possible affects. Being directed by Linda Gillespie, a senior at GEHS, the members of the cast include Patty McClung, Judy Logan and Cindi Goulding. Makeup for the production is being handled by Cathy Gadd and lighting by Joe Wood.
Berea Students
John Randall Adams, David Michael Ferguson, Dalice Lee Jones, Tennent Yvonne Kirk, Arnold Ray Knapp and Gary Lee Tyree from Greenbrier County are attending Berea College. Dr. William Stolte, academic vice president, believes there are few substitutes for a moderate size residential college with a strong sense of worth of the individual. Berea offers not only these values but is tuition free and has a unique labor program which adds educational dimensions and offers qualified students a way to earn money to pay additional fees, room and board expenses.
Battle Rages
Over No-Fault
State Insurance Commissioner Samuel Weese stood alone as a nonpartisan witness Tuesday, when insurance men and trial lawyers waged a verbal duel over the no-fault auto insurance bill. Senator Frank Deem, R-Pleasants, declared “It looks like a fight between lawyers and insurance companies,” and “There’s no one here to speak for the consumer.”
1998 – 25 Years Ago
Lewisburg Rite-Aid Pharmacy to
Close Its Doors
Corporate officials confirmed that the Lewisburg Rite-Aid store will close at the end of this week. Sarah Datz, Rite-Aid spokesperson, said the reason for the store closure is the need to consolidate store operations at one location. Corporate officials chose the Red Oaks (Fairlea) store because of the size the facility, Datz noted.
Grass Tetany Begins
to Surface in State
Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass issued a warning to cattle producers with nursing cows that are grazing grass and do not have access to supplemental magnesium. “With unseasonably warm weather, supplemented by amble moisture, grass has begun to grow. The cattle and sheep, in some instances, have forsaken the hay for the lush, green foliage. For this reason, the reports are beginning to surface concerning grass tetany in cattle,” said Douglass.
United Way Exceeds Goal in 1997 Campaign
Paul Robinson, president of One Valley Bank and 1998 United Way chairman, and Phil McLaughlin, president and CEO of Horizon Bank and Greenbrier Valley National Bank, proudly show the 1997 United Way results in the photo above.
