1924– 100 Years Ago
General Hines Chief Of Staff
It was announced by the War Department that Major General John L. Hines, a native of White Sulphur Springs, this county, had been appointed Chief of Staff of the United States Army to succeed General John J. Pershing.
Against Evolution
Georgia House of Representatives had before it a favorable report from its committee on education on a bill to withdraw all state funds from any school or other institution at which the Darwin theory or any other similar theory of evolution is taught. Representative Pope styled the theory of evolution as “rotten stuff.” Representative McCoy, speaking before the committee, said if he was descended from a monkey he was ashamed of it, but didn’t think he was.
Reformatory For Men
According to a letter received from E. E. Dudding, President of the Prison Relief Society of Washington, D. C., the branch university to teach trades to ex-convicts, known as Letha Watts Memorial University, will , if built in West Virginia, be located between Pence Springs and Alderson. Dr. Dudding thinks that the Federal Prison for Women as well as the proposed reformatory for men will be located near Alderson, and believes that the University should be located near the two prisons.
1949 – 75 Years Ago
Purchase Iron Lung
At a meeting of the Lewisburg Elks Club the club’s committee on social and community welfare was authorized to purchase immediately an Emerson Respirator, known generally as an iron lung for use in communities of Lewisburg, Ronceverte, White Sulphur and adjacent areas.
Scouts Canoe Trip
Twelve Eagle Scouts from the Boy Scout Camp Clifton McClintic, located about 12 miles northwest of Lewisburg, will attempt to travel 263 miles by canoes. The trip will start at Charleston on August 11 and if all goes well they will arrive in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 22. The expedition will be sponsored by the Lewisburg Lions Club. The Scouts will camp along the river, sleeping in pup tents and cook their own meals.
Protect Groundhogs
Conservation Director C. F. McClintic reclassified the groundhog from a game to a wild animal as a step to facilitate enforcement of state laws. Specifically, he explained, the step was designed to permit more rigid enforcement of the statue prohibiting the carrying of an uncased gun in woods except during open hunting season for game animals and game birds unless a special permit is issued by the commissioner.
1974– 50 Years Ago
President To Quit
President Nixon has decided to resign, leaving only the timing uncertain, a White House aide said today. It was learned that the President has ordered speechwriters to prepare a resignation speech for use as early as Friday.
Gathering Planned At Stadium
All master carpenters, journeyman jointers, apprentice fitters, do-it-yourselfers, and healthy citizens, male or female, are invited to attend a “barn raisin” at the Spartan Stadium, Fairlea, all day August 10. Rock bottom wages will be paid. Zero. Satisfaction guaranteed by hitting a lick for the Spartans. “Barn Raisin” involves installing a press box on top of the new home side bleachers. Bring your own hammer.
Harness Racing Featured At Fair
Harness Racing, “The Sport of Kings,” will be a feature at the 50th Annual State Fair of West Virginia. Races begin at 2 p.m. each afternoon on the new all-weather track. Admission to the grandstand is free for all afternoon harness races which also feature top rated vaudeville acts.
1999– 25 Years Ago
Governor To Call Legislature Into Special Session To Deal With Drought
Convening a meeting of 15 federal and state agencies involved in the drought relief effort, Governor Cecil H. Underwood announced that he is planning to call a special session of the Legislature and to mobilize available vehicles in the push to get feed stocks to farmers in need. “I am prepared to authorize the use of available state transportation resources to haul hay and grains to the most drought-stricken areas of West Virginia,” the governor said.
Swimming Pool Dedicated At Moncove
A new swimming pool has been completed and was opened during a ceremony held July 31 at Moncove Lake State Park in Monroe County. Construction began one year ago, using $638,000 from a state parks improvement and expansion plan.
Sports Fans Attend Fantasy Event
Carnegie Hall scored a home run at the 1999 Fantasy in Sports Gala. The event took place at the West Virginia State Fairgrounds, and sports fans and fanatics attended from across the region. The Grand Fantasy Award for best costume was awarded to sumo wrestlers Jerry and Linda Clemons of Lewisburg.
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