October 10: Happy Birthday! Oscar Benjamin Eaton
Oscar Benjamin Eaton was born on this day in 1858, in Davie County, to Jacob and Mary Clement Eaton. He attended a school operated by his sister, Mattie, and he worked on the family...
Tagged: Winston-Salem history
October 10,1949: Mayor Portraits Installed at City Hall
On this day in 1949, the portraits of former Winston-Salem mayors were hung on a wall in the mayor’s office in City Hall. The framed portraits were removed from storage, and the current mayor,...
October 9: Happy Birthday! Gabriel Ellis Ashburn Jr.
Gabriel Ellis Ashburn Jr. was born on this day in 1914, in Forsyth County, to Gabriel Ellis and Ollie Hastings Ashburn. He attended R. J. Reynolds High School and graduated in 1933. He served...
October 9,1951: New Fairgrounds Debut
The new fairgrounds opened on this day in 1951, at 27th and Cherry Streets. New structures were built for the fair, including a new grandstand and a cattle show barn. The city and county...
October 8: Happy Birthday! Blanche Thomas Sumner Hege
Hattie Blanche Thomas Sumner Hege was born on this day in 1873, in Salem, to H. Clay and Carrie Butner Thomas. Blanche and her family lived for a while in Thomasville. She was the...
October 8,1905: Plans for a New Masonic Temple
An announcement in the Winston-Salem Journal on this day in 1905, alerted citizens to plans for a new Masonic Temple. An article, accompanied by a drawing of the building, described the new structure that...
October 7: Happy Birthday! Laurie Carolyn Pratt
Laurie Carolyn Pratt was born on this day in 1923, in Forsyth County, to Eugene C. and Sallie Pfaff Pratt. Laurie graduated from R. J. Reynolds High School and studied music at Atlantic Christian...
October 7,1908: Tag Day
Tag Day was observed on this day in 1908, for a worthy cause. Cardboard tags were sold for 10-cents, and were designed to be worn on one’s lapel or dress. Sales from the tags...
October 6: Happy Birthday! James Richard Pleasants
James Richard Pleasants was born on this day in 1854, in Wake County, to J. R. and Annie Jones Pleasants. He married Laura O’Daniel on October 6, 1875, which was his 21st birthday. His...
October 6,1908: Piedmont Fairgrounds Open
Ideal weather was forecast for this day in 1908. In fact, the weather was predicted to be great all week. And beautiful weather is so important when the activities take place mainly outside. Holding...