110 YEARS AGO
Thursday, July 6, 1911
from the Mathews Journal
A small but representative crowd attended the dedication of the new hall at North, on the 4th. The hall which is not entirely completed had been nicely decorated by the ladies.
Mr. L.C. Garnett presided over the exercises of the day. In the morning after a brief speech dealing largely in politics, he introduced Mr. Percival Hicks who made a comprehensive presentation of his claims for election to the Legislature, giving his platform, etc. His statement of his position upon the different issues was clear and he was enthusiastically received.
After this dinner was served by the ladies and mighty good one it was.
100 YEARS AGO Thursday, July 7, 1921
from the Gloucester Gazette
On June 30, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ockushosen, of Washington, D.C., was solemnly graced by the marriage of Miss Elsie Carrington Minor to Mr. Herman Douglas Buck, both of Gloucester County. The impressive Episcopal ceremony was performed by Rev. Thomas Williamson, rector of the Church of the Advent, Washington. The wedding march was beautifully played by Mrs. J.C. Hogg, a sister of the groom. We extend to them wishes for a happy future and a long and useful life. Mr. and Mrs. Buck are residing at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Buck, in Glass.
from the Mathews Journal
Mr. James Blaylock, a well-known young man of Blakes, son of Mr. Fred Blaylock, and Miss Bessie Pauline Stormer, the popular and attractive daughter of the late F.H. and Hettie Stormer of Hudgins, were married on Wednesday evening of last week.
The ceremony, which was a very quiet one and attended by only a few intimate friends, was performed by Rev. J.W. Simmons at the Baptist Parsonage at Hudgins.
90 YEARS AGO
Thursday, July 9, 1931
from the Gloucester Gazette
Approximately $400 more is needed to insure the payment of the visiting nurse’s salary in Gloucester County for the current year.
At a recent meeting of the Gloucester Nursing Activities committees, it was found that only $2,005 of the necessary $2,400 had been pledged. These pledges are conditioned on the contribution by Gloucester people of the remaining amount needed.
It is hoped that the total sum would be raised by May 1, but as that has not been the case, it is urgently requested that those who, no doubt, are intending to contribute will come forward as soon as possible.
The recent tonsil clinic held here in which 49 children were operated on, was a striking demonstration of the county’s need of continuance of the Nursing Activities work.
from the Mathews Journal
Mrs. Melvin Hudgins and little son have returned to their home after spending two weeks in Norfolk.
We are sorry to report Mr. Leven Forrest on the sick list.
Mr. Clarence White and Mr. Perry Shackelford spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Callis.
Mr. John W. Hudgins of N.Y.P. & N. is spending this week home with his family.
Miss Lucy Maude Downs, of Moon, is spending some time with Mrs. Leven Forrest.
Mrs. Penn Forrest and children spent Monday with Mrs. John W. Hudgins.
80 YEARS AGO
Thursday, July 10, 1941
from the Gazette-Journal
Harvey Phillips, of Bena, was seriously injured when struck by a bolt of lightning on the Gloucester-Yorktown Ferry, Tuesday afternoon. Phillips, who is employed as a deck hand on the ferry, was believed to have been hit by a fragment of a main bolt while standing out on the deck of the boat.
Dr. W.H. Springall, Gloucester physician who attended Phillips, administered first aid and had him removed to Elizabeth Buxton Hospital in Newport News. His condition today was reported improved but still serious.
Dr. Springall expressed surprise that Phillips suffered no burns, only shock. He was knocked unconscious for some time.
70 YEARS AGO
Thursday, July 5, 1951
from the Gazette-Journal
William M. Marchant was guest of honor at a surprise birthday party at his home at Cricket Hill on Saturday, June 30.
The house was attractively decorated with cut flowers, and in a color scheme of green, pine was used.
Refreshments of ice cream, cake and punch were served. A daughter, Mrs. Fred Brown, of Baltimore, presided at the punch bowl.
Guests, who began to arrive about 7 p.m., numbered approximately fifty. All of his children also joined him, with the exception of a son, Morris, who is stationed in North Africa.
Mr. Marchant received a number of lovely gifts and a most enjoyable time was had by all present.
60 YEARS AGO
Thursday, July 6, 1961
from the Gazette-Journal
The colors were displayed throughout Gloucester Village on July 4 giving the effect of true Americanism. A majority of the business places had a new 50-star flag flying from their stores.
The flag was a reminder to the passer-by as well as those in the community of the reason for celebrating the Fourth of July. This was the second occasion on which the flags have been displayed, Memorial Day being the first time.
The movement to have business men throughout the county to display flags on appropriate days was sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Post 75. They canvassed the entire county during the month of April.
50 YEARS AGO
Thursday, July 8, 1971
from the Gazette-Journal
The Mathews Volunteer Fire Department has completed the installation of a two-way radio communication system, it was announced this week by Thomas S. Hunley, fire chief.
Hunley said the equipment consists of a base station located at Fire Station No. 1, Mathews Court House, with mobile radios in each of the five fully equipped pumpers, and a walkie-talkie unit for the jeep which is used in fighting brush and woods fires.
The chief said, “The new system will provide better and faster service for the citizens of Mathews by providing a means of constant communication between each truck and the base station in the event of a large fire, or several fires in different areas of the county.”
40 YEARS AGO
Thursday, July 9, 1981
from the Gazette-Journal
Summerville Plantation, Gloucester, local legend tells is a house with an historic ghost. Today it is peopled with a new type of ghost, entirely electronic in origin. The former Tabb family home is the headquarters of a cable television service, which began operation to clients mid-June.
Donald A. Perry, board chairman of the Gloucester Cablevision company, said Monday, already 110 Court House families have become subscribers to the service and as more areas are connected by cable to the ‘headend’ located in Summerville’s historic basement he is confident their numbers will swell.
30 YEARS AGO
Thursday, July 11, 1991
from the Gazette-Journal
The annual Gwynn’s Island Festival, held Friday and Saturday, has been termed a resounding success by officials of the Gwynn’s Island Civic League. The crowds were the largest in many years, though no estimate was given, and the league netted over $5,000 for its efforts.
The Gwynn’s Island Museum had its grand opening Saturday morning with longtime Civic League member Eleanor Respess and noted Mathews County historian Martin Diggs cutting the ribbon. The museum was open to large crowds all day as festival-goers pored over the many materials and artifacts that have been assembled.
20 YEARS AGO
Thursday, July 5, 2001
from the Gazette-Journal
Even though sweltering heat chased the crowds away earlier than usual this year, the Gwynn’s Island Festival was a success, according to Cricket Call, chair.
“Everybody had a grand time,” said Call. “At the beginning we had more people than usual but a lot of people left because of the heat.” Proceeds from the festival go toward maintenance and improvements at the Gwynn’s Island Museum and the Civic League building. The annual festival is “a great community effort” with a lot of willing volunteers, said Call. All the good help I had made it so easy for me,” she said. “I’m ready to start again.”
10 YEARS AGO
Thursday, July 7, 2011
from the Gazette-Journal
Mathews County was fortunate to have held its fireworks display on Sunday, rather than Monday, July 4, as severe storms rolled through the area, canceling many nearby fireworks shows, including Yorktown’s. Residents and visitors often flock to the Gloucester Point shorelines to see the Yorktown show, which has been ongoing for over 30 years.
Charles Ingram, spokesperson for the Mathews Fireworks Committee, said Sunday’s show brought out the, “biggest turnout we have ever had.” He said he really had no way of estimating the attendance, but thought at least 2,500 packed into the stadium at Mathews High School.
He said vehicles were also lined up and down Buckley Hall Road from Hyco Corner to Ward’s Corner. “People were all along the highway sitting in chairs … in any open space they could find,” Ingram said.