110 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Jan. 29, 1914
from the Mathews Journal
Pursuant to an order of the Circuit Court of Mathews County, Virginia, at the September term 1913, we the undersigned members of the Westville District School Board will sell at public auction at Mathews C.H., for cash on Saturday, February 14, 1914 at 3 p.m., the property known as the Bohannon School Property, consisting of one acre of land, more or less, and a two-room school-house, situated near Bohannon at the junction of the “Mill Lane” and the county road. For better description see deed in Clerk’s Office. —E.M. Maxwell, Chairman; W.M. Minter, Secy.; R.W. Fleet, Westville Dist. School Board.
100 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Jan. 31, 1924
from the Mathews Journal
Messrs. Keeler and Marvin Hudgins, of Laban, were painfully injured last Saturday when a gasoline tank exploded.
They were at the blacksmith shop operated by their brother, Lester Hudgins, mending the gasoline tank on their boat. Fumes remaining in the tank ignited from the soldering torch, the explosion blowing the tank to pieces and rendering both men unconscious for a short time. They were taken to a nearby store and first aid rendered, Dr. Hoskins having been called in the meantime. Upon the prompt arrival of the doctor, it was found that Keeler had a severe cut on one hand and also over one eye as well as other small injuries and Marvin had a sprained wrist and face badly torn. The faces of both men were filled with particles of paint and rust from the tank.
Fortunately, neither of them received serious injuries to his eyes. Willie Owens, who was also present, received a slight burn on the back of neck.
The accident occurred at an unfortunate time as both men are fishermen and it is time for them to start on their spring work.
90 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Feb. 1, 1934
from the Gloucester Gazette
The new 1934 Chevrolet with knee-action wheels, eighty horsepower Blue Streak engine, stream-lined body and an imposing list of improvements and refinements has arrived in Gloucester and is attracting much attention and favorable comment at the Gloucester Auto Sales Co.
Prospects for the construction of a bridge to span York River between Gloucester Point and Yorktown seem much nearer realization with the announcement last Friday that Governor George Peery has placed his stamp of approval on the plan. It will be a toll bridge, if the plans are finally consummated, becoming a state bridge after 20 years, by which time, it is believed by its promoters, cost of building and operation could be made. The estimated cost of the bridge is $2,000,000, and the construction work would give employment to a large force of men for several months.
80 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Feb. 1, 1944
from the Gazette-Journal
A. Birkhofer, for a number of years was the manager of the Eagle Point Hatchery, announced that he has opened a hatchery at Gloucester Court House, in the Buick garage formerly occupied by W.A. Robinson. Capacity has been increased, and the newest equipment installed, including scientifically controlled Jamesway incubators of 23,000 capacity. The Hatchery will specialize in started chicks in all breeds. Sexed chicks are also available.
70 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Feb. 4, 1954
from the Gazette-Journal
The Botetourt cafeteria supper will be served Friday evening in the school cafeteria from 5:45 to 7:45. During the evening, members of the school choral group, under the direction of Mrs. George W. Heath, Jr., will render several selections.
This supper has been postponed twice because of unfavorable weather conditions. The proceeds from the meal will be used for cafeteria improvements. It will be the last school activity for that purpose this session, according to Fred B. Corr, principal of the school.
It is being sponsored by the faculty and ladies of the cafeteria, in appreciation of what has been done thus far by the school board, members of the PTA and other organizations.
60 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Jan. 30, 1964
from the Gazette-Journal
Peoples National Bank has announced a change in hours at the branch bank in Hayes, as follows: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. In addition, the branch bank will be open on Thursday and Friday evenings from 4 to 7 o’clock. This change only applies to the branch bank at Hayes, according to Hudgins Miles, president. The regular hours are still maintained at the main bank at Gloucester C.H., with the usual 3 p.m. closing observed except on Wednesdays and Saturdays when the 12 noon closing is in effect. At the main bank, the 4-7 p.m. opening is only observed on Fridays.
50 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Jan. 31, 1974
from the Gazette-Journal
Construction of the $91,000 elevated water storage tank at Gloucester Court House is continuing. But members of the Gloucester board of supervisors are concerned about the upcoming decision from the Federal Aviation Administration which will determine if the 134-foot structure is a hazard to air traffic and must be torn down, a decision which could delay the opening date of Grant City Plaza.
Or the FAA may rule that the tower is safe and required that the structure be painted and lighted, a decision which officials at the Gloucester Airport maintain will impede the future growth of the airport. Either way, a final decision from the FAA may take as long as four to five weeks.
The elevated water tower, which is now approximately two-thirds completed, is located .8 of a mile from Gloucester Airport and is approximately 400 feet from being lined up with the center line of the runway.
40 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Feb. 2, 1984
from the Gazette-Journal
Construction is underway on a six-unit apartment complex for the elderly initiated by the Francis N. Sanders Nursing Home in Gloucester Court House.
According to nursing home spokesman Benjamin C. Garrett, III, the complex, Sanders Common Ltd., will consist of three buildings, two apartment building buildings with three apartment units in each and a common hall for dining and recreation.
30 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Feb. 3, 1994
from the Gazette-Journal
Five of the six Mathews High School students appointed by the board of supervisors as non-voting representatives on several local boards and agencies were sworn into office Tuesday morning.
Appointees are Laurel Anne Harris, Wetlands Board; Tina Thacker, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission; Catherine Ann Davis, Planning Commission; Karri Anne Callis, Social Services Board; and Adam Payton, Board of Zoning Appeals.
20 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004
from the Gazette-Journal
Working around the clock since Sunday’s snowstorm struck the area, Virginia Department of Transportation crews had cleared—at least partially—90 percent of the roads in Gloucester and Mathews counties by Wednesday morning, Saluda resident engineer Mary “Marcie” Parker said.
Road conditions in Mathews had improved enough so that VDOT had reduced its road crew in half Tuesday night, Parker said, but full crews were still out in Gloucester, Middlesex and King and Queen counties.
10 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014
from the Gazette-Journal
January has been a snow lover’s paradise, with back-to-back snowfalls coating the ground with white powder two weeks in a row. This week’s snowfall was a bit deeper than last week’s, forcing county government offices, as well as schools in both counties, to close for the day on Wednesday.
Weather watcher Deb Buchanan recorded 6¼ inches of snow at her home on Gwynn’s Island, which she said was about average across the area. She reported Wednesday morning’s low temperature at 15 degrees with a wind chill of minus 1.