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
February, 1924
Groundhog Sees Shadow: 40 Days of Bad Weather is Promised by this Prognosticator
True to his ancient custom, the groundhog poked his nose above the ground this morning, but just as quickly drew it back, when he saw that a shadow was cast upon the ground by his snout as he poked it up out of his winter home. Running true to form in such cases, the weatherman today predicted northwest winds and colder weather for tomorrow, and so the 40 days of winter and bad weather are scheduled to arrive.
The groundhog, recognized in fable and superstition as the forecaster of weather, goes back into his underground home for 40 days if he finds his shadow when he emerges each year on February 2.
75 Years Ago
February, 1949
Truman Believes Depression in the US Can be Headed Off
President Truman, the “busted merchant” of 1921, believes the United States can head off economic disaster.
And, he says, it must not only do that but must follow through with the job of “world planning.”
“I think that before any disaster with which we may be faced comes about,” said Mr. Truman, “we will be in a position to meet it.”
He voiced his thoughts at a dinner of the National Planning Association last night in an extemporaneous talk that was alternately humorous and deadly serious.
Efforts to make government serve the people more efficiently, Mr. Truman said, go hand in hand with economic planning to avert the disaster of depression.
50 Years Ago
February, 1974
Cougars-Colts in Battle Tonight
The Covington Cougars and Alleghany Colts clash tonight at Colt Gym and Alleghany has one thing in mind — victory.
The Colts were zapped by a healthy 80-54 margin in their first meeting with Covington and feel they have a score to settle tonight.
Covington enters the game with a 5-10 record and the Colts are just a shade behind that at 4-10.
JV action begins at 6:30 p.m. tonight and the little Cougars hope to take another step toward their second straight JV playoff appearance. Varsity tipoff is set for 8 p.m.
25 Years Ago
February, 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 Educational 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.
