1926– 100 Years Ago
Fruit Killed
From all reports the early fruit in this section was likely killed by the extreme cold which visited this section the first of the week. Considering that snow fell here Sunday night and on Monday night a cold wave put the thermometers down to 20 degrees, some registering even lower than this mark.
Derailment
A derailment last night of 13 coal cars between Ronceverte and Whitcomb, caused a tie-up of all traffic. The Sparks’ Circus train making the night run between Covington and Hinton, passed through Ronceverte about 8:20, which means a late parade and show for the Hinton folks.
Stomachs Pumped
The story comes from Alderson that a stomach pump was used last Sunday night on two men charged with drunkenness to find evidence against them. They were arrested by the local policeman, and taken to the hospital there to be pumped for evidence. No evidence was produced and the two were acquitted.
1951 – 75 Years Ago
Hogan To Defend Title In Greenbrier Open Golf Tourney Ben Hogan has made a definite entry to defend his title in the Greenbrier $10,000 Open Golf Tournament May 10-13. Hogan’s victory at White Sulphur last year was one of the most sensational feats in his comeback after a near-fatal automobile
crash. He won the tournament with a 21-under par 259, a total which tied the PGA record for a 72-hole tournament on a 70- par course.
Sun Valley Club Opens
Sun Valley Club on White Sulphur’s Tuckahoe Road owned and operated by Mr. Clarence (Bussie) Allen on Ronceverte had its grand opening. It is the loveliest place we have in this section and Mr. Allen will be on hand every night to greet you.
Active 80-Year-Old County Woman Named State ‘Mother of the Year’
An 80-year -old woman still active in family and community affairs was chosen as the West Virginia Mother of 1951. Mrs. Alex R. Thompson of Alderson was chosen by a committee of women representing prominent state organizations. Mrs. Thompson is the mother of 14 children – 11 sons and three
daughters, ranging in age from 38 to 59. She has 38 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She is a member of the Methodist Church, Alderson Garden Club, Women’s Club, and PTA. She has been active as a temperance lecturer and counselor.
1976– 50 Years Ago
Banker Summoned To Extortion Trial
The government summoned a banker to the extortion trial of West Virginia Gov. Arch Moore in an attempt to support the testimony of Theodore Price, the prosecution’s star witness. Banker Nolan Hamric of Gassaway, WV, was expected to describe how he had suggested that a once-thriving loan company attempt to give Moore, charged with extorting $25,000, a campaign donation at a time the firm was seeking a state bank charter.
Ren Heard, Tom Rodd To Be Featured
Union Cidermaker Ren Heard and Renick potter Tom Rodd, will be feature participants in the Mountain Heritage Folk Arts Festival in the Keyser, West Virginia Armory. Nearly 40 selected artisans and craftsperson both will demonstrate and display their work – with the emphasis on demonstrations.
Not A Deterrent
Don Reid, after watching 189 men die in the electric chair, says the death penalty is not a deterrent. “The only person it deters is the man being executed,” he says. Reid’s experiences have turned him firmly against capital punishment. Reid, editor of the Huntsville (Texas) Item, spent 26 years as an official execution witness for the Texas Department of Corrections.
2001 – 25 Years Ago
NAACP Official Urges More Fairness In School System’s Hiring Practices
The president of the local chapter of the NAACP challenged the Greenbrier County Board of Education to “walk the extra mile” to ensure a better education for students. Larry Baxter addressed the board with concerns regarding the lack of African-Americans in administrative and supporting roles in the county’s school system.
Local Students Chosen To Participate In 2001 Governor’s Honors Academy
Gov. Bob Wise has announced the names of 165 high school juniors chosen to participate in the 2001 Governor’s Honors Academy at West Virginia University. Emily Smead of Greenbrier East High School and Tracy Stover of Greenbrier West High School will represent Greenbrier County at the
academy. Representing Monroe County are Elizabeth Bragg and Leslie Ervin, both of James Monroe High School.
Area Students’ Artwork On Display At The Cultural Center For Youth Art Month
Youth Art Month at the Cultural Center Complex in Charleston is celebrated each year with a display of artwork by students from across the state of West Virginia. Lewisburg Elementary students with work on display are (L-R) Ainsley Strand, Susie Wyatt, Megan Lenherr and Molly Morgan.
DISCLAIMER: The articles in Echoes of the Past are printed in their original form and may conatin typos.
