110 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Dec. 24, 1914
from the Mathews Journal
An entertainment oyster supper, etc., will be held at the Beaver Dam schoolhouse on the nights of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, December 28, 29 and 30, for the benefit of the school. The feature of the entertainment will be a demonstration of the powers of hypnotism by Mr. Gibbons. Admission, 10 cents. Everybody is invited to the novel demonstration.
70 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Dec. 23, 1954
from the Gazette-Journal
A building located approximately one-half mile east of Gloucester on Route 14, formerly known as the “Old Folks’ Home” was destroyed by fire early yesterday (Tuesday) morning.
Several men from Mathews County, while driving near the place at 2:30 in the morning, discovered the fire and gave warning, presuming the house was occupied. With no success from their yells and cries, they rushed to the home of Dick Willison, nearby, and aroused him. Mr. Willison, having no telephone, directed the good Samaritans to the residence of Carroll Foster, who notified the Gloucester Fire Department.
When the Fire Department arrived on the scene, the flames had engulfed the structure and nothing was saved.
In recent years the house was renovated by a group and was known as the Gloucester Recreation Center. It has been reported that a meeting was held there on Monday evening.
60 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Dec. 24, 1964
from the Gazette-Journal
A handsome plaque recognizing 20 years of service to his community has been awarded to W.B. Clements, owner of the Western Auto Associate Store in Gloucester.
The walnut and bronze wall plaque, engraved with his name, was forwarded from Western Auto Supply Company’s general offices in Kansas City, Mo., and presented through the firm’s division offices which serve this area.
Recognition of community service by local Western Auto Associate Store owners is given by the company at five-year intervals. The honor indicates the dealer has completed a specified period of outstanding merchandising service to the customers and community.
50 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Dec. 26, 1974
from the Gazette-Journal
Those in the area who were unable to provide Christmas for their families were assured a better holiday season by many Gloucester citizens who opened their hearts, closets and pocketbooks.
“There are many generous people in the county,” said Edward E. Holstrum Jr., chairman of the Jaycees Toys for Tots campaign. Boxes were placed at collection centers at stores around the county. Holstrum said about 40 percent of the toys left in the boxes were new, still in their wrapping.
The Jaycees collected and repaired eight bicycles. Other toys received were stuffed animals, dolls, trucks, cars and many of this year’s favorites among the children. The toys were provided to 38 children in the county who were found through churches and the county visiting teacher.
40 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Dec. 27, 1984
from the Gazette-Journal
Terming “Operation Blessing” a resounding success, the Gloucester Social Services Department helped a total of 174 families have a merrier Christmas.
According to Linda Miller, volunteer coordinator, 85 families were “adopted” by groups and individuals and an additional 89 were served with food and gifts collected from the community and assembled into baskets at the agency. Schools and churches, civic groups and individuals contributed approximately 4,000 canned goods and hundreds of toys to the project, she said.
30 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Dec. 29, 1994
from the Gazette-Journal
The new state administrative license revocation law affecting persons driving under the influence of alcohol goes into effect Sunday. Virginia joins 33 states and the District of Columbia in implementing an ALR policy.
Under the new law, drivers suspected of being impaired will have their driver’s license and privileges taken from them for seven days if their blood alcohol content (BAC) tests 0.08 or above.
20 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Dec. 23, 2004
from the Gazette-Journal
Dear Santa,
I know that kids want tens and even hundreds of toys. But I don’t want any thing. I bet you can find what I want. I will be happy with what you will give me.
Love, Phillip Machen in 3rd grade, 8 years old.
Dear Santa,
Can you call me my number is 725-XXXX and tell me if I am on the bad or good list? Can you tell me about Comet and all the other reindeer? Love, William Tucker Blackwell, Age 8
Dear Santa,
I have been good all year. I would like to know how your reindeer is doing. You are going to eat a lot of cookies this year! I would like to have a lot of things! Also Ms. Morgan has been nice to me! I would also like a cell phone!! A little thing would mean a lot to me, which is a happy family!! Also another thing is a soft pillow. Love, Lexus Walton
Dear Santa,
Do not come throw the chimney. There will be raindeer food on our pourch. Bring roghdolf with you. I cant wate till crismas. I hope you like our home made cookes. Crismas is my favrite holliday. This crismas I will have a gift for you. Cant wait to see you. Love, Gibson
10 YEARS AGO
Thursday, Dec. 25, 2014
from the Gazette-Journal
Dear Santa, We have been good this year (most of the time). Please bring us a trampoline, a Barbie Dream house, some new clothes for school and new tennis shoes that tie, cause we can tie our shoes now, also new comforters for our beds. Don’t forget our baby sisters, Maddie and Macie and our Mama and Daddy – they are good to us.
We will leave you chocolate milk and cookies to enjoy.
Love, Kristen and Caitlen Hudgins, Port Haywood, Va.
Dear Santa, Whant I whant for Chrismas is for every body to be frinds. From Vincent
Dear Santa Claus, How are you and Mrs. Claus? Are you doing well this year? Are the elves and reindeer doing fine? I am doing well, so is my family. I would like the LEGO Delorean Time Machine for Christmas this year. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
P.S. In my stocking could I have a book you would think I might like (cough) the Scorch Trials.
Happy Holidays, Ben Tschirhart
(Dear Santa) If I could have 2 turtles I would be happy. Anonymous (but hopeful)