The Shadow
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.
100 Years Ago
August, 1923
Alleghany Man Purchases Home: Austin Robinson Bought Old Rumbold Home Near Callaghan Yesterday
The sale of the old home place of Captain H.E. Rumbold, which was sold at auction yesterday, was purchased by Austin A. Robinson of the Falling Springs Valley, the price being between $5,000 and $6,000, the exact figure not being known.
The old home place has a long history and at one time was a noted hostelry. The hotel was first run by Dennis Callaghan and was later purchased by Lord Milton, and Lord Milton’s eldest son, the present earl, one of the wealthiest of British noblemen, was born there. The Miltons arrived
at the home from the old country on a Christmas evening and that night most of the old building burned down. They immediately built the present red brick Manor home, one of the largest in a radius of 100 miles.
The property is situated on the Staunton-Kanawha Pike and is only about one-quarter of a mile from the Midland Trail. It is typically English, with its chimneys and gables, and its beautiful settings would be unique in any land, particularly so in the Alleghany hills.
75 Years Ago
August, 1948
Fire Department Wins Two Prizes at Annual Convention
The Covington Fire Department won two second prizes yesterday at the annual convention of the State Firemen’s Association, in Salem.
One of the prizes was $15 for a second place in the three-man chemical team trials. The other was a second in the first aid contest.
Other contests were held this morning, the last day of the convention, including prizes for best-appearing company and the best place of apparatus.
A parade of all the fire departments will close the convention.
50 Years Ago
August, 1973
Auto Thefts and Burglary are Under Investigation
Covington police are currently investigating two auto thefts and a burglary.
According to police one auto theft occurred between 9:30 p.m. Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. Thursday, at Camperland Sales on Route 60. This was a blue 1971 two-door hardtop Pontiac owned by Covington Motor Company, Inc., and valued at $2,495. Lt John McFarland and Patrolman Robert Miller are investigating.
The other auto theft occurred around 1:57 p.m. Thursday at the Mayflower Restaurant on Highland Avenue, and involved a blue 1966 Cadillac sedan, with an estimated value of $1,095. Owner of the car is Buster Burke, of Mallow Road. Patrolman Miller is the investigating officer.
The burglary was reported at Lewis’ Barber Shop on Hawthorne Street, occurring sometime between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. Wednesday.
Entrance to the shop was gained through a rear window, police said.
Reported taken in the theft were six revolvers, one $10 Federal Reserve note, several $1 silver certificates; 11 Red Seal $5 Federal Reserve notes; one woman’s wristwatch valued at $20; one man’s diamond ring valued at $35, and $4.39 in change. The total estimated value is $458.49.
Triangle Shoe Store Opens
Triangle Shoe Company, one of the largest chains in the east, has announced the official grand opening today of its new family shoe store, in the Mallow Mall Shopping Center, Covington.
The new unit is one of six new family shoe stores that have been opened recently. Highlighting the new store’s Grand Opening Celebration, will be the presentation of free gifts for men, women and children.
The Triangle Shoe Stores specialize in featuring distinctive footwear for “Fashion-minded America.” They purchase millions of pairs of shoes each year for men, women and children.
Mrs. Nelle Fuller has been named as manager of Triangle’s new show store in the Mallow Mall Shopping Center. She has had many years of experience in the fashion footwear field and experience which will be of help to Triangle customers.
August, 1998
25 Years Ago
CF Main Street Seeking $530,000
A group spearheading downtown revitalization efforts in Clifton Forge is once again touting a $530,000 street lighting project.
Clifton Forge Main Street Inc. Will submit a funding application to the Alleghany Foundation for the project.
“The poles and the lights would add beauty to the downtown area and maybe create some business during the evening hours by making people feel more secure,” said Scott Bennett, an engineer with Broadway Electric Inc.
Plans call for 63 light fixtures to be installed throughout downtown, replacing the 26 that currently exist. Each antique-style pole would feature two metal halide lamps that cost $25 apiece. Each fixture globe would cost $285.
