90 Years Ago
Fire Destroys Mr. Davis’ Barn On Walnut Street
In spite of the absence of a large part of the membership of the Covington Fire Department at the State Convention of firemen at Phoebus, what at first threatened to be a rather serious fire on Walnut Street, was very successfully fought around the noon hour today and flames finally subdued.
The absence of so many firemen was obviously a handicap, but those remaining at home answered the alarm promptly and “held the fort” very gallantly.
The flames did small damage to the C.H. Davis home, but the barn where the fire originated was practically destroyed, along with other outbuildings.
The origin of the fire is not definitely known, but is reported to have been started by a blaze under a kettle of boiling soap.
75 Years Ago
Lt. Arnold McClintic Awarded Gold Star
Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz recently presented a Gold Star in lieu of a second Bronze Star for meritorious service on Iwo Jima to Marine First Lieutenant Arnold L. McClintic, of 322 West Riverside Avenue, Covington.
“When his company commander was killed, McClintic took command during fierce action and succeeded in building a defense line to evacuate wounded.
“Later, McClintic attacked with replacement officers and men to knock out enemy strong points.
“McClintic enlisted in March 1937, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in February, 1943. Overseas since October, 1943, he was a machine-gun platoon leader during the Bougainville and Guam invasion.”
He worked with the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company before joining the Marines and is a brother of Mrs. Theodore Dietz, of Covington.
50 Years Ago
State Seeking Bids On Valley Ridge Bridge
The Virginia Department of Highways has asked for bids Sept. 23 on the proposed two-lane new bridge on secondary Route 11 at Valley Ridge.
The present bridge, a one-lane structure, provides access to Valley Ridge Subdivision, Alleghany County High School and the Alleghany Country Club from the east end of the county.
The present bridge was built at a time when the area it served was only farmland.
25 Years Ago
New Service
Town and Country Inc. is now offering professional carpet and upholstery cleaning.
According to Eric Walton, owner, Town and Country will use a self-contained system which does not use the customer’s water.
Town and Country will perform commercial and residential business.
“Our customers can expect to see the same professional and courteous service they have expected from Town and Country in the past,” said Walton.
10 Years Ago
New Iron Gate Water Tank Nears Completion
Iron Gate Mayor Alan Williams reported at Thursday night’s council meeting that the new water tank being installed could be in operation by October 15.
He said the tank will be finished by this week and then there are several tests that must be done.
One of the tests is to fill the tank and let it stand for several days and then check the water.
Williams told council members it will cost approximately $15,000 to take the old tank down and he said at the present time, the town doesn’t have the money to take it down.
He noted that Alleghany County may pay half of the cost of the tank removal.
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