Echoes of the Past is a collection of historical articles curated from The Virginian Review and other publications archived since 1914. You may be exposed to content that you find offensive or objectionable. For historical purposes and accuracy, articles are reprinted in their original, unedited form, and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the publisher.
July 1, 1923
99 Years Ago
Gunman Makes His Getaway On Speeding Train
Edmund Rust, gunman, last night shot and killed Sheriff I. C. Fulker on a speeding Great Northern train and then held the passengers at bay while he forced one of them to unlock his handcuffs and leg irons. The daring coup was staged last night near Moorhead. With his hands manacled and legs encased in irons, Rust signalled to the sheriff that he wanted to whisper to him. As Fulker bent forward Rust seized the gun from the sheriff’s holster, fired into his body and holding the automatic in both hands faced the panic stricken passengers. While the men and women cowered in their seats, Rust forced a passenger to take the keys from the sheriff’s pocket and unlock the leg irons and handcuffs.
July 1, 1937
85 Years Ago
Local reports Rayon Plant Will Open Tomorrow
Reports today indicate the Industrial Rayon Corporation will attempt to reopen its South Covington plant tomorrow but a confirmation has not been received from the company officials. Several hundred union pickets were congregated at approaches to the plant property along the highway early this morning when persistent reports that the plant would reopen at that time proved false.
July 1, 1962
60 Years Ago
Classes Prove Popular At Swim School
The City Playground is popular with youngsters this summer according to Francis “Boodie” Albert who is in charge of supervising the activities. Eight swimming classes are being taught by instructors Mrs. Judy Weade, Charles Gillispie and “Boodie” Albert. Life savers are Monty Vess, David Vess, Micky Caviness, Janice Smith and Billy Taylor. Martha Hardy works behind the desk. A total of 5,134 swimmers attended the pool during the month of June.
July 1, 2012
10 Years Ago
Virginian Review Upholds Tradition Of Publication
The Virginian Review has not missed publishing an edition during its 98-year history, despite the adversity of The Great Depression, two World Wars, two labor strikes, a fire in the press room and flooding. In keeping with this tradition, today’s issue is a combination of the editions due to the devastating storm which struck the Alleghany Highlands late Friday evening and knocked out power across the area for days. This marks the fourth time in the paper’s history that an edition has been delivered late. In 1972, electricity was lost because of Hurricane Agnes as the paper’s press had just started. Deep snows also delayed distribution in January of 1996 and again in 2008. The paper was printed but could not be delivered until the next day.
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