1924– 100 Years Ago
Williamsburg and Mud
The war against mud is not a mythical dream, but is a full-fledged reality. The majority of the prominent farmers who formerly fought the road-bond issue have rallied to the contemplated project of a tar bound macadam road through our district. Though there are a few influential residents scattered throughout our community opposing this very important improvement, we sincerely hope to number them with the progressive uplifters. Let’s take a common-sense view of our situation. Seven months of the year we are housed within the limits of our district by deplorable mud. Bad road lower our morals; and dangerously impair our intellectual capacity. We cannot induce resourcesful trade into our midst, nor expect business personalties to mingle with our populace, neither can we reach the surrounding markets until we construct an outlet.
No More Bride Stealing
The custom of stealing or buying brides in various parts of Russia has been forbidden by the Soviet government, with long terms as penalties for violation of the order. The custom of bride buying or stealing is not considered wrong in parts of Russia, and the men look upon the new order as being extremely harsh.
On A Serious Charge
R. Thomas, said to be of Ronceverte, is reported as having confessed in an attempt to wreck a C & O train by placing a railroad tie on the east bound track near Frazier. The obstruction was discovered by O. L. Houchins on his way to Fort Spring on his speeder to enter on his trick as telegraph operator at the depot.
1949 – 75 Years Ago
Issues Stock Yard Permit
Commissioner of Agriculture J. B. McLaughlin has issued a permit for a new stock yard, auction sale and several other farm concessions to be located at Caldwell. The Blue Grass Market, Inc., secured an option last fall on a tract of land at Caldwell to the right and adjoining Route 60. A side track is to be constructed on the C & O railroad, yards, pens and buildings are to be erected.
Grand Commandery Here
The conclave of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of West Virginia will be held in Lewisburg this year. There will be some 200 Knights and their ladies attending the annual meeting. The citizens of Lewisburg are being asked to assist in making this a memorial affair for our visitors. As the hotels and several different places offering rooms will not be sufficient to house our visitors, the citizens of Lewisburg are being urged to offer their spare rooms to accommodate those attending the conclave.
Rabbits And Partridges
Twenty-six pairs of snowshoe rabbits and 25 pairs of chukar partridges have been bought by the conservation commission in an effort to get these species of game started in West Virginia. A few snowshoes were stocked several years ago and some of their descendants now are found in the higher counties, but as far as known, this is the first experiment with chukars. Ten pairs of the snowshoes have been released in Burner Mountain in Pocahontas County. The remainder were placed in the northern part of Greenbrier County.
1974– 50 Years Ago
Fire Destroys Cattle, Barn
No injuries were reported in a huge fire at Morlunda Farms here which started Thursday evening. Firefighters from Lewisburg, Ronceverte, White Sulphur Springs and Fairlea answered the fire call. The flames destroyed a large barn and 15 head of cattle. Also destroyed was over $3,500 worth of hay. Value of the lost cattle was placed at about $30,000 by Morlunda manager Truman Lawrence.
President Given 4 More Days To Answer W’gate Order
Special Prosecutor Leon Jaworski today gave President Nixon four more days to respond to Jaworski’s subpoena of more White House materials related to Watergate. Jaworski told James O. Eastland, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, that the White House refused to give him additional material to assist his investigation. He had asked for 27 documents. The White House has said the committee want to conduct a ”fishing expedition.”
Pound Israeli Positions
Syrian gunners pounded Israeli position in the Golan Heights for the 13th consecutive Sunday. Egyptian diplomatic sources said there must be disengagement in the Heights before there can be further withdrawls in Sinai.
1999– 25 Years Ago
Insurance Program Now Includes Older Children
Governor Cecil H. Underwood announced on Monday that the U. S. Health Care Financing Administration approved the West Virginia Children’s Health Insurance Program’s application to enroll children ages 6-18. “I am pleased West Virginia is expanding its efforts to improve children’s health,” Underwood said. “Many parents who work day-in and day-out cannot afford health insurance for their children. WV CHIP will assure that routine medical care or a child’s illness will not break the family budget.”
More Than $25,000 Raised At Monte Carlo Extravaganza
Carnegie Hall was the big winner at the 1999 Monte Carlo Extravaganza! More than 650 people attended the event at The Greenbrier, and over $25,000 was raised for Carnegie Hall. Proceeds from this annual winter fund-raiser directly benefit numerous arts in education programs at Carnegie Hall and the on going Renaissance. Campaign. The lucky winner of the first annual Great Ping Pong Drop and $5,000 was Elizabeth Arbuckle of Lewisburg, who generously donated half of her winnings back to Carnegie Hall.
Chosen For V-Tech Honor Band
Seven Greenbrier East band members participated in the Virginia Tech Honors Band. As part of a group of 580 junior and senior high school students who spent three days at Virginia Tech, the seven were assessed in individual auditions and then assigned to one of five bands. Virginia Tech music department heads directed the bands, assisted by college students majoring in music. (The local students were (from left) Jaron Mengel, Mark Bartos, Keli Sizemore, Jennifer Hodges, Evelyn Sizemore, Christa Spence and Carrie Hayes.)
DISCLAIMER: The articles in Echoes of the Past are printed in their entire original form, including typos.
