The 1970s seem to have spurred localities to take stock and to see what would be needed in the future.

Much like the 1974 forecast of Gloucester County needs, Mathews officials were presented a list of their county’s needs following an extensive survey conducted in the county in 1978.

More than 600 people answered a questionnaire distributed by a group of county residents who worked with the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service. Recreational opportunity was the top item called for by respondents.

Here is a summary of findings, as reported in the Gazette-Journal of June 29, 1978. Alongside these points are comments from present County Administrator Ramona Wilson, and a bit of perspective relating subsequent changes.

Wilson, who reviewed the 1978 survey, said, “It is interesting to note that 46 years ago the citizens of Mathews County had many of the same desires as the current population.”

Recreation: “The county,” said the 1978 survey, “is in dire need of recreational...