1924– 100 Years Ago
Democrats Nominate Distinguished West Virginian For President
The Democratic national convention brought its tempestuous sessions to a close early on July 10, placing before the country a ticket headed by John W. Davis of West Virginia, with Governor Charles W. Bryan of Nebraska in second place.
117 Miles An Hour In Auto Race
Jimmy Murphy raced away with the national championship automobile race at Speedway Kansas City, Mo., July 4. The race scheduled for 250 miles, was called by officials after the end of 150 mile because of bad holes that appeared in the track earlier in the race. The fastest time in the race was 117.86 miles an hour, averaged by Ernie Anslerberg at the 25-mile mark.
The Circus Is Coming
The remarkable and complete collection of trained wild animal actors, comprising the most important specimens of zoology assembled in the wild beasts’ performance which form an imposing part of Christy Bros. trained animal shows which will exhibit in Ronceverte on July 30 has never been equaled in the history of the world. Chief among these wonderful creatures is a wild leopard, a magnificent animal of feline grace and terrible power, with it many peculiarities riding on the back of an elephant.
1949 – 75 Years Ago
State Bird And Tree
The melodious cardinal and the spreading sugar maple are the state bird and tree of West Virginia. A committee of five officially declared the spirted red songster and the distinctive member of the forest as emblems of the state after tabulating the votes cast by school children, college students and representatives of organized civic, sportsmen and bird study groups.
Judge Kramer
As we go to press Governor Okey Patterson notified Nickell Kramer, prominent member of the Greenbrier bar, that he had appointed him judge of this (11th) judicial circuit to fill the unexpired term of the late Judge Mark L. Jarrentt.
M. S. Alumni
Organization of a Kanawha Valley Alumni chapter of former Greenbrier Military School cadets has been announced by Oscar Nelson, Jr., chairman of the organization committee. As outlined by Nelson, the chapter will be devoted to regular dinner sessions and other functions.
1974– 50 Years Ago
Nixon Exceeds Authority
President Nixon exceeded his constitutional authority in imposing a 10 per cent surcharge on imports in 1971 and the government must refund $500 million to importers, the U. S. Customs Court ruled Monday. Nixon imposed the surcharge as a means of improving the United States’ balance of payments deficit. It had the effect of discouraging foreign imports by making them more expensive while at the same time making American exports cheaper.
Ronceverte Welcomes Opening Of New Plant
Greenbrier’s Economic Development Corporation president, Otto Hollowell, today announced a new industry for Ronceverte. The new plant, when in full operation will employ about 25 workers and will be located in one the buildings formerly occupied by the Bendix Corporation’s Process Instrument Division. The new plant will manufacture ladies and girls clothing.
G-Men Perform This Weekend
Government men, Donnie O’Brien, Edgar Smith, John Holt, and Rod Weikle, break in on the unsuspecting and daffy Sycammore family in “You Can’t Take It With You,” the Greenbrier Valley Theater’s production.
1999– 25 Years Ago
Dignitaries Welcome New Employer To Greenbrier County
Lou-Aire was welcomed to the Greenbrier Valley with a ribbon cutting ceremony acknowledging the company’s recent expansion to the former Kellwood building located in Maxwelton. The business, which is a subsidiary of the Airolite Company, produces industrial louvers that are used worldwide. Governor Cecil Underwood said, “West Virginia is determined to go the extra mile to attract and keep companies in our state. We currently have the most business-friendly legislature I’ve seen in Charleston in the last 50 years.”
White Sulphur Springs Citizens Complain About Water Quality
Despite reassurance from an official with the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health that their water is safe to drink, many citizens of White Sulphur Springs said the quality of water in the Spa City needs to be improved and asked that council take action to make it better. At Monday’s council meeting, people complained about the “build up” of chemicals they are seeing on coffee pots, tea pots and heating elements in their hot water heaters. Mayor John Bowling responded by explaining that the build-up is due to the hardness of the town’s water. “We do have a good water supply, but we do have hard water,” he said.
Energy Assistance Funds Released
In response to requests from Governor Cecil H. Underwood and leaders of other states affected by this summer’s drought, President Clinton on Monday released contingency funds under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The funding will assist low-income residents of 16 states, including West Virginia, with increased home energy costs that have resulted from the sweltering summer weather.
DISCLAIMER: The stories in Echoes of the Past are printed in their entire original form, including typos.