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.
MAY 1923
100 Years ago
Fair will be open on September 11
Thomas McCaleb, secretary of the Alleghany Fair Association, stated this morning that the fair this year will be the biggest ever held in the county.
The fair will open Tuesday, September 11, and continue through the week. The fairgrounds will be entirely taken up this year with exhibit tents and concessions, some having already been engaged.
McCaleb stated that due to the size of the fair this year it was deemed wise to dispense with Payne’s fireworks as, owing to the crowded condition, it would be dangerous to use them.
MAY 1938
85 Years Ago
Subscribers get copies of annual
Publisher of “Puffs and Patches” Covington High School, released the 1938 yearbook yesterday.
Not as large or elaborate as usual, due to the lack of necessary subscriptions, this year’s book is nevertheless one for which the Covington High School staff should be commended. The arrangement and selection of materials are on equally as high a standard as has been the case in the past.
The annual is dedicated to Captain Walter R. Curfman, principal of Covington High School, described as a real friend of the students and a man who they all love and respect.
MAY 1968
55 Years Ago
Wickersham murder trial begins on Monday
Almost three years after the disappearance and death, the murder of 22-year-old Dianne Brewster Wickersham, city school music teacher, remains one of Virginia’s most intriguing mysteries.
Dianne walked out of Hotel Collins to get a “Coke” Sunday night, September 5, 1965.
Fourteen days later, her badly decomposed body was found in a closed car at the foot of a 110-foot cliff in the mountains of Bath County.
A short distance from the car searchers found a .22 caliber pistol.
An autopsy revealed Dianne died from a bullet wound to the head.
Slightly more than two years to the day lapsed before authorities made an arrest and when they did, they charged Forest “Lucky” Halterman, 44, a Covington gas station attendant, with first-degree murder.
Halterman’s trial begins Monday in Bath County Circuit before Judge Earl Abbott.
And, Halterman maintains he is innocent.
The big question overshadowing the case is motive.
MAY 2008
15 Years ago
Bath Chamber Honors Dr. Diamond, Gilchrest
The Bath County Chamber of Commerce recognized its 2008 Business of the Year and 2008 Community Service Award recipients at the sixth annual Bath and Highland Business Appreciation Dinner Friday at the Highland Center.
Dr. Martin Diamond, DDS, was chosen as Business of the Year for his hard work and the exceptional dental care that he has brought to the Bath County area, while Cliff Gilchrest, a long-time teacher and former chairman of the Bath County Board of Supervisors, received the Community Service Award for his dedication and many contributions to the community.
MAY 2018
5 Years ago
Downpours Flood Southern Bath County
Heavy rain in Bath County Monday evening spawned flooding in the southern portions of the county.
Nearly a foot of rain fell Monday evening inundating streams, flooding roads and bringing emergency crews into action.
Bath County Emergency Management Coordinator, Andy Seabolt said the National Weather Service estimated that five inches of rain fell in about two hours in the Hot Springs area and southern Bath County.
