The Pocahontas Times Timeline: January - October 1965

 

The Pocahontas Times Timeline: January - October 1965

This timeline details the events reported in the provided excerpts from The Pocahontas Times newspaper spanning January to October 1965. Due to the nature of newspaper reporting, the exact dates for some events are unavailable, and the timeline reflects the week of publication.

JANUARY

• January 7:
• Business: C. J. Richardson Hardware and Furniture advertises a sale on living room furniture.
• Community: Numerous engagements, weddings, and births are announced, showcasing a vibrant community life.
• Entertainment: The Alpine Theatre shows "A Very Special Favor" and the Durbin Theatre features "For Love or Money."
• January 14:
• Business: Mammoth Sale advertised at all 25 H&P Stores, featuring various household items.
• Community: The local Red Cross appeals for blood donations.
• Entertainment: The Alpine Theatre shows "Woman of Straw."
• January 21:
• Business: Southern States Cooperative announces a three-day sale.
• Community: Pocahontas County Board of Education releases its Financial Statement.
• Entertainment: The Alpine Theatre shows "Kiss Me Stupid" and the Durbin Theatre features "Roustabout."
• January 28:
• Business: Valentine's Day Dance advertised by the Pocahontas County Country Club.
• Community: Sheriff releases notice to taxpayers concerning upcoming deadlines.
• Entertainment: The Alpine Theatre shows "What a Way to Go" and the Durbin Theatre features "The Disorderly Orderly."

FEBRUARY

• February 4:
• Business: Pocahontas Loan Company advertises loans up to $800.
• Community: The Pocahontas Times publishes an article on the benefits of regular exercise, citing the American Medical Association.
• Entertainment: The Alpine Theatre shows "Send Me No Flowers" and the Durbin Theatre features "The Americanization of Emily."
• February 11:
• Community: Sheriff's sale of delinquent land advertised.
• Entertainment: The Alpine Theatre shows "The Outrage" and the Durbin Theatre features "Get Those Fantastic Spies."
• February 18:
• Business: Valentine’s Day Dance advertised by Pocahontas County Country Club.
• Community: Sheriff reminds taxpayers about the May 1st deadline.
• February 25:
• Business: Bryant Motors advertises the arrival of the 1965 Plymouth Fury.
• Community: Local news focuses on engagements, weddings, and births.

MARCH

• March 4:
• Business: Southern States Cooperative holds a three-day sale featuring various specials.
• Community: Local news includes court proceedings, 4-H club activities, and community events.
• March 11:
• Business: C&S grocery store advertises weekly specials, including meats and produce.
• Community: Notice to Taxpayers published, with details about where and when to pay taxes.
• Entertainment: The Durbin Theatre advertises the showing of "The Carpetbaggers."
• March 18:
• Business: Southern States Cooperative advertises a Housewarming Sale with discounts on appliances and more.
• Community: Focus on school news, including honor rolls and upcoming events.
• March 25:
• Business: Sheriff's notice to taxpayers regarding the May 1st deadline.
• Community: The Pocahontas Times emphasizes fire safety with the headline "BE EXTRA CAREFUL We Are in Extreme Fire Weather.”
• Entertainment: The Alpine Theatre shows "The Americanization of Emily."

APRIL

• April 1:
• Business: Bryant Motors advertises a sale on Dodge vehicles.
• Community: Detailed levy estimates for Pocahontas County are published.
• Entertainment: The Alpine Theatre shows "Ride the Wild Surf."
• April 8:
• Business: CJ’s advertises weekly specials for various groceries.
• Community: Sheriff’s Notice to Taxpayers published, emphasizing the approaching deadline.
• April 15:
• Business: Grand Opening advertised for Buckeye's, a new store.
• Entertainment: The Durbin Theatre advertises "Ten Japanese."
• April 22:
• Business: Southern States Cooperative advertises a Spring Sale with discounts on various items.
• Community: Numerous public auctions for property and equipment announced.
• Entertainment: The Alpine Theatre shows "Dear Heart" and the Durbin Theatre features "The Rounders."
• April 29:
• Business: Spring gobbler hunting season is in session, and The Pocahontas Times provides advice and regulations for hunters.
• Community: Local news focuses on school events, club meetings, and community gatherings.

MAY

• May 6:
• Business: First National Bank emphasizes the importance of saving money.
• Entertainment: The Durbin Theatre advertises "The Unsinkable Molly Brown."
• May 13:
• Business: The Pocahontas Times features an article about the increasing popularity of Plymouth Fury.
• Community: Numerous advertisements for local businesses and services, reflecting a thriving local economy.
• May 20:
• Business: Southern States Truck-Load Tire Sale advertised.
• Education: Pocahontas County Schools announce upcoming commencement ceremonies.
• May 27:
• Health: Enrollment is open for a new health insurance plan offered to residents.
• Community: Memorial Day remembrances and events are highlighted.
• June 3:
• Community: The Pocahontas Times features an article about a local man, Pickle Joe Tread, and his colorful life experiences.
• Business: Summer Clearance Sale advertised at Southern States.
• June 10:
• Community: Numerous wedding announcements, suggesting a popular time for marriages.
• Entertainment: The Alpine Theatre advertises "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines."
• June 17:
• Community: Detailed coverage of local high school graduation ceremonies and student achievements.
• Business: First National Bank encourages families to open a checking account.

JULY

• July 1:
• Business: An advertisement for the upcoming Robert G. Clear Circus.
• July 8
• Business: An article about the upcoming Green Bank Telescope project.
• Community: Numerous wedding announcements, suggesting a popular time for marriages.
• July 15:
• Business: An advertisement for Marlinton Motor Sales, featuring new Chevrolets.
• Community: Coverage of the Pocahontas County Fair, including 4-H exhibits and carnival rides.
• July 22:
• Business: An advertisement for the upcoming Durbin Days festival.
• Community: Local news highlights community events, social gatherings, and church news.
• July 29:
• Business: An advertisement for the upcoming State Fair of West Virginia.
• Community: Extensive coverage of the Pocahontas County Fair, including 4-H exhibits and carnival rides.

AUGUST

• August 5:
• Business: An advertisement for the upcoming Mountain State Forest Festival.
• Community: Local news highlights community events, social gatherings, and church news.
• August 12:
• Business: Back-to-school sales advertised by local businesses.
• Community: Focus on upcoming school year, with articles about new teachers and school bus routes.
• August 19:
• Community: Local 4-H clubs prepare for the upcoming State Fair.
• Entertainment: Durbin Theatre advertises the film "The Train."
• August 26:
• Community: The Pocahontas Times publishes a detailed report on the county fair, highlighting award winners and memorable moments.
• Business: Southern States Cooperative advertises a sale on school supplies.

SEPTEMBER

• September 2:
• Business: Local businesses gear up for Labor Day sales.
• Community: The Pocahontas Times reflects on the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year.
• September 9:
• Community: Focus on the start of the school year, with articles about new teachers and school activities.
• Business: Local businesses advertise fall merchandise.
• September 16:
• Community: The Pocahontas Times encourages residents to donate to the local blood drive.
• Business: Local businesses advertise fall merchandise.
• September 23:
• Community: The newspaper announces the winners of its annual "PUNT, PASS & COMPETITION."
• Business: John's 27th annual Fall Sale, offering discounts on all paper and paint.
• September 30:
• Community: The Pocahontas Times publishes a special section dedicated to the history of Pocahontas County.

OCTOBER

• October 7:
• Business: Bryant Motors announces its grand opening in a new, larger location.
• Community: Local news focuses on the changing fall foliage and upcoming autumn festivities.
• October 14:
• Community: The Pocahontas Times publishes a financial statement for Pocahontas County.
• Business: Local businesses advertise winter clothing and gear.
• October 21:
• Community: The Pocahontas Times features a heartwarming story about a local hero who saved a child from a burning building.
• Business: Local businesses advertise Halloween costumes and decorations.

Cast of Characters

This is not an exhaustive list, but it includes individuals who are mentioned frequently or play a significant role in the events reported by The Pocahontas Times.

Business & Service:

• C. J. Richardson: Owner of C. J. Richardson Hardware and Furniture store in Marlinton. He frequently advertises sales and special offers in the newspaper.
• John (Last Name Unavailable): Owner of Trent's General Store, a popular local grocery store in Marlinton. Known for offering weekly specials and advertised deals.
• Steve Smith: Farm equipment dealer in Marlinton, specializing in hay balers and conveyors. He often advertises his equipment and services in the newspaper.
• (Name Unavailable) Pryor: Owner of Pryor Chevrolet Company, the local Chevrolet car dealership in Marlinton.
• (Name Unavailable) Bryant: Owner of Bryant Motors, a new car dealership in Bartow, offering Chrysler, Plymouth, and Dodge vehicles.

Community Members:

• Pickle Joe Tread: Local resident with a colorful past, subject of a lengthy article in the June 3rd edition.
• (Name Unavailable) Weese: Appears frequently in the social columns, often hosting gatherings and attending community events. Likely a prominent socialite in Marlinton.
• (Name Unavailable) Sharp: Another frequently mentioned name in the social columns, often seen attending events and gatherings. Could be another prominent community member.

Note: This cast of characters is limited by the information provided in the newspaper excerpts. Further research might reveal more about these individuals and others active in the community during this period.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Life in Pocahontas County, WV in 1965

What were the housing options like in Pocahontas County in 1965?

For $50.00 a month, residents could rent a "living room" advertised as suitable for "your old mother" at one of several residential hotels. These single rooms likely offered few amenities beyond a bed and a shared bathroom down the hall. Those seeking more independent living could explore financing options for home improvements through institutions like the First National Bank in Marlinton. The emphasis on affordability in housing advertisements suggests that many residents lived modestly.

What were the most popular cars in 1965?

Plymouth Valiants were a popular choice, recognized for their affordability and fuel efficiency. They were marketed as a sensible alternative to compact cars, highlighting their value proposition for budget-conscious consumers. Advertisements also showcased the new 1965 Chevrolet, emphasizing its luxurious features and innovative engineering. Chevrolet also appealed to those seeking a stylish and comfortable ride, emphasizing its unique qualities compared to other brands. Other popular car brands mentioned included Ford, Dodge, and Chrysler.

What were some popular grocery items and their prices?

Supermarkets like A&P offered deals on a variety of products, including:

• Chuck Roast: .39¢/lb
• Fresh Fryers: .29¢/lb
• Pork Loin Roast: .49¢/lb
• Grapefruit: .5¢/lb
• Cantaloupes: .29¢ each
• Eight O'Clock Coffee: $1.89 for a 3-lb bag

These low prices, alongside advertisements for items like Plaid Stamps (a rewards program), suggest a focus on economizing and stretching grocery budgets.

What were the primary forms of entertainment in Pocahontas County?

Movie theaters, like the Alpine and Dorbin Theatres, provided entertainment with showings of films like "The Young Lovers," "The Impress File," and "The Sons and Lovers," catering to a variety of cinematic tastes. Community dances, such as the Valentine's Dance hosted by the Pocahontas County Country Club, offered opportunities for social gatherings and entertainment. These events, often featuring live music, provided a chance for residents to connect and enjoy themselves.

What was the local economy primarily based on?

While not explicitly stated, the prevalence of advertisements for farm equipment, livestock auctions, and fertilizer suggests a significant agricultural presence in Pocahontas County. The importance of agriculture to the local economy is also evident in the presence of organizations like the Pocahontas Producers Cooperative Association, Inc., which likely supported local farmers.

What were some essential businesses and services in the community?

Essential businesses and services included:

• Grocery Stores: A&P Super Markets provided a variety of food items for residents.
• Banks: First National Bank in Marlinton offered financial services, emphasizing the convenience of banking by mail for rural customers.
• Pharmacies: Coleman's Pharmacy advertised a wide selection of goods and prescription services.
• Car Dealerships: Dealerships like Pryor Chevrolet Company and Blesdoe Motor Company offered sales and servicing of various car brands.
• Hardware Stores: C.J. Richardson and Peoples Store & Supply Co. provided residents with hardware and home improvement needs.
• Gas Companies: Home Gas Company offered essential gas services to the community.

These businesses likely formed the backbone of daily life for the county's residents.

What were some significant community events?

The Pocahontas County Country Club hosted various community events, including Valentine's Dances, suggesting its role as a social hub for residents. School events, such as the Green Bank School Drama Club's production of "The Diary of Anne Frank," offered entertainment and highlighted local talent within the community.

How did residents stay informed about local news and events?

The Pocahontas Times served as a primary source of local news, announcements, advertisements, and community happenings. The newspaper offered insights into social gatherings, business advertisements, obituaries, and upcoming events, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the residents.

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