100 YEARS AGO
Thursday, June 10, 1920
from the Gloucester Gazette
With impressive Masonic ceremony, the corner stone of Achilles High School was laid Wednesday in the presence of a large gathering from all parts of the county, including many from beyond its borders. A sumptuous dinner was served by the ladies of the Achilles neighborhood and after the repast the audience listened to an address by Hon. J. Boyd Sears, of Mathews, which thrilled the audience with its appeal that the priceless boon of universal peace won by our boys on the fields of France should not be thrown away for the selfish gratification of partisan politicians.
The corner stone bearing the inscription, “Achilles High School, June, 1920,” was laid at noon by the Masons of Botetourt and Achilles lodges, with all the solemn ritual of the order. In the box were placed lists of government officials, state and national and local authorities. Interspersed with the ceremony was appropriate music by a well-trained choir, under the supervision of Principal J. Walter Kenney.
from the Mathews Journal
On Thursday evening, June 3, 1920, Miss Wanda F. Brown of Hudgins, Va., and Mr. James A. Hatch of Akron, Ohio, were united in marriage. During the sweet strains of music skillfully rendered by Miss Emma Hudgins, the bride and groom accompanied by their attendants, Miss Nannie Hatch and Mr. John Hodges, presented themselves to be joined in marriage.
The bride was gowned in white satin and georgette, veiled with embroidered tulle and wreathed with orange blossoms and carried a bouquet of roses.
The maid of honor, Miss Nannie Hatch, was beautifully gowned in blue satin and georgette and carried a bouquet of American Beauty roses.
90 YEARS AGO
Thursday, June 12, 1930
from the Gloucester Gazette
The heavy showers which began falling in this section Saturday morning and continued at intervals Sunday and Monday were a blessing to vast proportions to the farmers and have greatly improved the crop conditions and prospects in the county.
Potato digging has started in some parts of the county this week. The crop is reported to be in better condition than it was feared would be the case a few weeks ago. Many planters had poor stands, and many of the potatoes being dug are scarcely up to the usual standard in size. It is estimated by some planters that the crop in Gloucester will run about two-thirds the normal output.
from the Mathews Journal
Mrs. Nat Foster entertained the Missionary and Enterprise Societies of Providence Church at her home on East River in West Mathews last Thursday at 3 p.m. This meeting was presided over by the president, Mrs. Ruth Hunley. A regular program was presented. The subject was “Friendship.” Those present were Mrs. C.E. Diggs, Mrs. Emma Machen, Mrs. T.E. Miles, Mrs. C.H. Miles, Mrs. Mary Pratt, Mrs. W.G. Green, Mrs. J.H. Jordan, Mrs. Emma Brownley,
Mrs. Spitzer and niece.
Refreshments were served by the hostess.
80 YEARS AGO
Thursday, June 13, 1940
from the Gazette-Journal
Many from all sections enjoyed the radio broadcast last Thursday by the Botetourt High School Glee Club from WRVA directed by Mrs. J.E. Spruill.
These singers were highly commended on these renditions. Those who made up the Glee Club for the past year were Virginia Thurston, Lydia Oliver, Ethel Thomas, Sarah Moore, Elizabeth Ewell, Eloise Wilson, Emma Oliver, Louise Mele, Edna Givans, Betty Walker, Billy Kerns, Ernest Pugh, Cary Lawson, Ellen Thrift, Everett Rich, Woodrow Pierce, Ada Oliver, Ruby Anne Oliver, Betty Jenkins, Billy Jenkins, Cornelia Nye, Mary Armistead Catlett, Nannie Webb, Lillian Tucker, Cecil Cary Waddell, Trevilian Kerns, Maria Atkins, Margaret Thrift, Alma Powell, Audrey Brown, Marjorie Oliver, Nellie Streale, Louise Deal, Louise Thrift, Alex Atkins, Betty Kerns, Beth Walton, Felix Rigau, Virginia Lamberth, Bland Fletcher, Mildred Lamberth.
70 YEARS AGO
Thursday, June 8, 1950
from the Gazette-Journal
Due to inclement weather, the parade which was to be held at Mathews Baptist Church by Vacation Bible School on Sunday was postponed, and will be held on Sunday, June 11, at 3 p.m.
The children will re-enact the bringing of the (Ark of God) from the threshing floor of Nacon to the temple of Jerusalem which is found in II Samuel 6.
There will be an ice cream social also lemonade and home-made candy on sale at the home of Barbara Jean Swisher on Friday evening, June 9, beginning at 7:30. Sponsored by the Youth division of Mathews Chapel Church.
60 YEARS AGO
Thursday, June 9, 1969
from the Gazette-Journal
A skating party will be held at the Old Mill Rink, Gloucester, on Saturday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m. This party is sponsored by Achilles 4-H Club. Come and join the fun.
There will be a Donkey Baseball Game beginning at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 14 at the Mathews High School. Admission, 50¢ and 75¢. Sponsored by the American Legion, Post No. 83, Mathews.
Dr. Raymond S. Brown will be out of his office next week while attending the American Medical Association convention in Miami. His brother, Dr. William Brown, who is now associated with him at the Gloucester Clinic, will take care of office and house calls during his absence.
50 YEARS AGO
Thursday, June 11, 1970
from the Gazette-Journal
Bicycle skill-test-driving contests will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Mathews Dairy Freeze.
The contests will be conducted under the supervision of the state police, county sheriff, parents, junior 4-H leaders and T.E. Dinwiddie, county extension agent.
The program is designed for young bike riders between the ages of 9 through 13, Dinwiddie said.
40 YEARS AGO
Thursday, June 12, 1980
from the Gazette-Journal
The Gloucester County School Board was told Tuesday night that the school system’s Food Service is now healthy and likely to declare a profit for the year.
For three consecutive years, considerable losses in the food services were noted. Last fall, Robert E. Davidson was appointed director. Through a program of bulk buying and heavy use of U.S. Department of Agriculture foods and a development of a new system, Davidson reported Tuesday that the food service is in fine health financially and that all schools are now profitable.
At Tuesday’s meeting the board voted the purchase of five computer registers to provide a safe and accurate account of money taken in; two new dish machines, and a floor mixer.
30 YEARS AGO
Thursday, June 14, 1990
from the Gazette-Journal
Commencement exercises for Gloucester High School seniors will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday on the athletic field of Gloucester Intermediate School.
The class of 1990 has approximately 320 members; they will receive diplomas from GHS principal Glenith P. Whitaker and assistant principals Mark Dixon, Timothy Donley and Frank Johnson.
Class members taking part will include Greta Wood, president, to welcome the audience; salutatorian Patrick Dorgan; and valedictorian Christopher Jensen.
In case of rain, the graduation will be held at 3 p.m. in the GHS gymnasium. This decision will be made by 8 a.m. and broadcast on local radio and television stations.
Mrs. Whitaker said each graduate will be issued eight tickets good for admittance to the outside graduation. It the event is moved indoors at GHS, only five of these tickets will be good due to seating limitations.
20 YEARS AGO
Thursday, June 15, 2000
from the Gazette-Journal
Chimney Corner Lawnmower, in its 40th year in business, will hold an anniversary promotion Saturday at its White Marsh store in Gloucester County and its store at Hudgins in Mathews. Frank Crittenden, who owns the business with Bobby Diggs, said that the product discounts will be offered at both locations. Refreshments will be served from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday only at the White Marsh location.
10 YEARS AGO
Thursday, June 10, 2010
from the Gazette-Journal
Five Gloucester High School softball players were selected for All-Eastern Region honors following the Group AAA Eastern Region Tournament.
Shortstop Kristie Hoeffer, a senior, and sophomore pitcher Taylor Distefano, chosen as an at-large selection, were named to the first team. Catcher Ashley Moore, second baseman Karli Robb and center fielder Leta Bressin, all seniors, received second team honors.