1924– 100 Years Ago
Rainelle News
On August 28, fire of unknown origin destroyed the large triple band mill of the Meadow River Lumber Company. When the alarm was sounded one side of the mill was practically on fire from the bottom to the top, and the fire had gained such headway upon the inflammable frame construction before it was discovered that it was impossible to save it. It did not advance further than the sorting shed, all manufactured lumber and docks being saved.
Greenbrier’s Largest Lady
Mrs. Margaret E. Loudermilk of Maxwelton is probably the largest woman in Greenbrier County. Mr. Loudermilk was weighed at the Greenbrier Valley Fair last week and tipped the scales at 345 pounds.
The Weather And Crops
The week was continuously cloudless and dry until close. Sunday was the second warmest day of the season. There was much in need of moisture at the close of the week. Pastures are becoming short and dry. The apple crop is generally small, but the yield is fairly good in some valleys.
1949 – 75 Years Ago
To Open Shop
George A. Aide, East Rainelle merchant, has rented one of the store rooms in the new Yarid building on Court Street in Lewisburg and expects to open an infant’s wear store there at an early date.
State Fair Great Success
A record Saturday night crowd was in attendance as the West Virginia State Fair’s Silver Jubliee Week ended with a set of new records in both attendance and quality of exhibits at the exposition. A highlight of the closing program was the presentation of 25 American Beauty roses to Mr. William E. Hayes of Lewisburg, who has attended every day and night session of the fair over the 25-year span since it was inaugurated.
Polio Epidemic Feared
The polio epidemic may not have reached even the half-way point yet, and 1949 is certain to be the worst polio year in U. S. history says the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. The score on the basis of the foundation’s latest reports: 17,306 cases so far in 1949.
1974– 50 Years Ago
Dean Begins 1-4 Year Jail Sentence
John W. Dean III, who vowed he would never be a scapegoat for the Nixon White House in the Watergate scandals, goes to jail today for his role in the cover-up.
Book Boycott Continues
A boycott of about one-fourth of Kanawha County’s student body continued today, although opponents of a controversial new textbook series were under court order not to disrupt area schools. Pickets reappeared at the mines, school campuses and bus garages. Many of the dissidents were associated with a group called Concerned Citizens of Kanawha County. “We want those rotten, filthy books out of our schools,” said Rev. Avis Hill, pastor of the Freedom Gospel Mission at St. Albans.
Economists Seeking
President Ford, opening a pre-summit meeting of 28 economists, said the American people are “sick and tired of having politics played with their pocketbooks” and are demanding solutions to their economic woes. Ford urged the economists to set aside their usually conflicting views as much as possible to come up with practical, workable solutions to inflation.
1999– 25 Years Ago
Unique Children’s Clothing Shop Opens
After a successful run with Wolf Creek Gallery, owners Deva Wagner and Deanna Richmond decided to open a second store in Lewisburg, Do-Si-Do for kids. The two women decided to open a children’s clothing shop in downtown Lewisburg after learning about the need for such a store from their customers at Wolf Creek.
The prolonged drought plaguing much of the mid-Atlantic is beginning to be noticeable in varying level around the forests. “We are seeing numerous drought-induced effects in all resource areas of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, said Forest Supervisor Bill Damon. “Our biggest area of concern is fire, which obviously places the quickest and most stress on vegetation in the short term.”
Suits Filed Against Mining Company
Two companies have filed lawsuits against the now-defunct Royal Scott Minerals, Inc., and a preliminary injunction has been granted to the plaintiff of one of those suits. Last month, Circuit Judge James J. Rowe ordered that Royal Scott Minerals be prohibited from “selling, transferring, assigning, converting or contracting to sell transfer or assign any of those assets, accounts, monies, and property, both real and personal.” Rowe maintains that West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection allege that Royal Scout quit reclaiming the property and treating acid mine drainage.
DISCLAIMER: The articles in Echoes of the Past are printed in their entire original form, including typos.
