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
January, 1924
Local Kiwanis Club Guest of C.F. Kiwanians: Dr. E.R. Rogers Makes Interesting Talk on “Good Fellowship”
The Covington Kiwanis Club was the guest of the Clifton Forge club at a banquet and smoker held in Clifton Forge Monday night. A silver loving cup, which is being sent from club to club in this district, was delivered to the Clifton Forge Club by the delegation from Covington that attended the banquet.
Short addresses featured the meeting, which did not adjourn until after the new year was at hand. As the clock struck 12, the Clifton Forge club and their guests stood, saluted the American flag and sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” In addition to the Covington guests, there were a number of other visitors present at the meeting, including Harry Kimble, of Washington. Mr. Kibble entertained with one of his humorous talks.
The Hon. F.W. King, of Clifton Forge, was toastmaster. The banquet was served in the Episcopal parish house by a committee of ladies of the church.
75 Years Ago
January, 1949
Covington Motor Company Named Four-letter Dealer
J.A. Wright, president of Covington Motor Company, Inc., Covington Ford dealer, became one of the first Ford dealers in the United States to be named a four-letter dealer when he was awarded a plaque recently by M.L. Hill, assistant district sales manager for the Ford Motor Company in Cincinnati.
Four-letter dealers are those who have received a superior rating in facilities, management, competitive spirit and finances. In making the award, Mr. Hill said that Covington Motor Company Inc. has achieved outstanding records during the time Mr. Wright has been a Ford dealer in that the four letters F.M.S.F. stand for “Ford Must Stand First.” He explained that this award is a distinct honor for dealers and is an indication of excellent management on their part.
The plaque signifying selection of Covington Mother Company, Inc., as a four-letter dealer is signed by J.R. Davis, vice-president and director of sales and advertising, Detroit; Walker A. Williams, general sales manager, Detroit; J.C. Doyle, central regional sales manager, Detroit; and J.K. Lester, Cincinnati district sales manager.
50 Years Ago
January, 1974
The Dam is Needed
For the third time in four years, the Jackson River and creeks in the area turned from sedate, tranquil streams into raging torrents last week. Rain during the night caused a previous snow to melt, sending more water than the streams could hold out of the mountains.
In June of 1972 Tropical Storm Agnes caused a similar occurrence due to a large amount of rainfall. At that time much of the water came from Dunlap and Potts Creeks in Alleghany County.
In 1969 and again last week much of the water came down the Jackson River from its headwaters in the mountains of Alleghany and Bath Counties.
In Covington, the Jackson River did not begin rising to any great extent until 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. After that time it rose at the rate of one foot per hour. It had begun rising at 6 a.m. at a slow rate of approximately one foot every two hours. The main reason for the difference was that before 11 a.m. the Army Corps of Engineers at the site of the Gathright Dam construction were able to hold back water by collecting it there.
25 Years Ago
January, 1999
School Upgrades Supported
More than a third of Virginia public school systems responding to a survey had to close one or more schools during the past two years because of building problems, including lack of air conditioning.
Nearly two-thirds of the school divisions turned storage rooms or other non-instructional areas into makeshift classrooms, and more than half increased the size of some classes because of insufficient space.
The Thomas Jefferson Center for Education Design at the University of Virginia concluded in a study released Monday that the conditions are hurting student achievement. It recommended that the state pump more money into expanding, fixing and upgrading its public schools.
“It seems only fair that a state that expects high performance from its students and teachers should also hold itself, and its citizens, to a high standard when it comes to support for schools,” the study said.
