1925– 100 Years Ago
In Twentieth Place
West Virginia advanced its standing among the states of the Union from twenty-second to twentieth position, superseding the states of North Carolina, Kentucky, and Mississippi in the race for merchandise exports. Coal continued to account for the big part of the state’s export trade, amounting to $7,557,722.
Anti-Gossip Law
Now that Kentucky’s anti-gossip law has been put to the test and taken definite toll in the form of a fine imposed upon a farmer’s wife who, it is claimed, had asserted in the presence of witnesses, that the police of Owensboro were “fifty-fifty with bootleggers,” it will certainly behoove Kentuckians to mind their p’s and q’s as never before.
Lynchings In 1924
Sixteen persons were lynched in 1924, the smallest number in any year since records have been kept. All persons lynched were negroes, according to the repot.
1950 – 75 Years Ago
Samuel P. Preston
Samuel Price Preston, a leading citizen, lawyer, and farmer of Lewisburg passed away January 10. Mr. Preston was born in Lewisburg, July 3, 1879, a son of the late Senator John Alfred and Sallie Price Preston, daughter of Gov. Samuel Price.
January Clearance Sale
Yarid’s Specialty Shop announced its January Clearance Sale. Girdles and Corsets, all sizes, 25% off, Nylon Hose, dark colors only, 69 cents a pair, woolen, silks and printed scarfs, $1.00.
Soil Conservation
Contour strip cropping should be installed on every slopping field that will be used for row crops in 1950. This is the opinion of several farmers interviewed recently. They advise that little or no evidence of erosion can be found in strip cropped fields.
1975– 50 Years Ago
Illegal Aliens Taking Jobs Away From Americans
Illegal aliens are streaming into the country and taking jobs away from Americans at such a rate that officials are using words like “flood” and “national crisis” to describe the phenomenon. Attorney General William Saxbe says these outsiders constitute “a severe national crisis.” On Jan. 6, President Ford appointed a Cabinet-level panel headed by the attorney general to study the problem and recommend a solution.
Senator Discusses Future Of New River Gorge
S. Senator Jennings Randolph met with Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Director James Watt to discuss the significance of the New River Gorge and its possible inclusion in the National Park System.
Rev. Sell Optimistic About Future Of Christians
“Bobbing on the surface of life like a jellyfish will no longer work,” predicted the Rev. James W. Sell, vicar of St. James Episcopal Church in Lewisburg, when he spoke to members of the Lewisburg Women’s Club. “Basically, I am terribly excited and optimistic about the future of Christianity in American,” said Sell.
2000– 25 Years Ago
Rowe Named To Historical Hotel Group’s Advisory Board
National Trust Historical Hotels of America, a collection of 145 historically significant hotels, recently announced its 1999-2000 board of directors. Sharon Rowe of The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs was named to the advisory board.
People Who Stutter May Be Hard Workers
People who stutter may be harder workers because they have to compensate for their disability, speech experts say. “People who stutter have a temperament that’s perfectionist because they often work tirelessly to gain fluency,” said Dr. Barry Guitar, professor of speech-language pathology at the University of Vermont.
Amendment Requested For Casino Measure
In an impromptu meeting with local legislators Greenbrier County Commissioners shared concerns over the financial implications of casino gambling at a White Sulphur Springs resort. At issue is the percentage of The Greenbrier’s revenue that will be funneled into county and municipal coffers, if a gambling referendum wins local support. “We need a bigger piece of the pie,” Commissioner Steve Malcomb said. “As far as I’m concerned, the county’s getting short changed.”
DISCLAIMER: The articles in Echoes of the Past are printed in their entire original form, including typos.
