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 2024
Repairing Low Moor Furnace: Start of Operations Creates Optimistic Spirit Throughout Entire Section
The plant of the new Low Moor Iron Company has taken on new life. Men are working on the furnace, making extensive repairs. It is understood that this work will take about three months to complete. The top of the furnace will be entirely remodeled, and improvements are being made which will greatly facilitate operations.
A force of men of the Roanoke Welding Company has been working in the Low Moor shops for several weeks, repairing the boilers of several locomotives that will be needed when the furnace starts. The revival of operations has created an optimistic spirit throughout this section.
75 Years Ago
February 1949
Wild Coons Released in Alleghany County
Twenty-four wild coons were released in the mountains of Alleghany County yesterday by members of the Alleghany County Protective Association.
The big, swamp coons, obtained from eastern Virginia, were equally distributed in pairs all over the county for restocking purposes.
It took four men from 11am to 5 p.m. to distribute the coons and put feed out for them.
Pete Jones, a member of the association that released the coons, said the excellent weather aided the distribution a great deal. He said the group plans to release 20 more as soon as they can be obtained.
50 Years Ago
February 1974
R.L. Waller Describes ‘River Trip’
City Manager Ronald L. Waller said today he feels Saturday’s boat trip on the Jackson River by himself and three members of City Council was “quite satisfactory” and “quite an education for me” in getting a close look at some of the causes of the city’s flooding problems. He said he noticed several things the city itself can correct without outside aid which could only be noticed from a boat.
Waller added that he hopes to talk to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers representatives about channelization of the river at various places in Covington where islands overgrown with brush and trees have formed and are complicating the flood problem. He said the islands “do seem to obstruct the river and cause backup in times of high water.”
He noted that the biggest problem is at the mouth of Dunlap Creek, where a lot of dead trees and other debris have accumulated. But there are islands at City Playground, just below the Idelwilde Bridge in the vicinity of Raymon Drive, and one which is forming near where Prospect Street would intersect the river which are also major problems.
25 Years Ago
February 1999
Virginia Senators Vote to Acquit President Clinton
Virginia’s two U.S. senators voted Friday to acquit President Clinton of perjury in the climax of the historic impeachment trial.
Republican John W. Warner was one of 10 Republicans who joined with all 45 Senate Democrats in voting 55-45 to find Clinton innocent.
Warner voted to convict the president of obstruction of justice in a 50-50 vote, saying later that Clinton had violated his oath of office.
Democrat Charles S. Robb voted to acquit Clinton on that count.
Because two-thirds of the senators must vote to remove him from office, Clifton can serve the remaining two years of his term.