Dec. 8-14, 1952 

A gang of thieves driving along U.S. 158 between Winston-Salem and Yanceyville broke into five businesses along that highway, including three in Rockingham County. 

Sheriff Leon Worsham said the thieves apparently robbed the stores as they came to them in their late night or early morning foray. He said footprints indicated there were several people in the gang, including a woman. 

Rockingham stores broken into were Lovelace's Store near Lawsonville, Weber's Electric Store at Monroeton and Witty's Store near Witty's Crossroads. The loot included about 200 cartons of cigarettes, radios, plumbers tools, auto tires, auto batteries, flashlights, an electric drill and men's apparel. 

Mrs. Edith Asnes of Reidsville has suffered her second heart-rending tragedy within one year. Her 4-year-old daughter Rebecca Lee died this week after an illness of five months. Her husband, Lt. Edward A. Asnes, died last December in a plane crash. ... Barbara LaMar of Leaksville received a cash award from the Tri-City Merchants Association after her essay on "How to Get the Most Enjoyment Out of Christmas" was chosen as the best among 45 entries in a contest at Tri-City High School. ... Rockingham County was named both regional and state winner in the "County of the Year in Rural Progress" contest sponsored by the North Carolina Board of Farm Organizations and Agencies and Progressive Farm magazine. County Farm Agent Ed Foil said Rockingham was chosen because of programs that led to significant pasture improvement, addition of livestock, dairy and poultry farming and a 20 percent increase in farm income. 

It's been a month since the elections but Rockingham Republicans are still celebrating the victory of Dwight D. Eisenhower in the race for president. This week they gathered for a celebratory dinner in the cafeteria of Lawsonville Avenue School in Reidsville. ... At a mass meeting of citizens of Spray, the consensus was that the newly incorporated town should issue a franchise to the Central Telephone Company, which has served the town for years. The town's board of commissioners had delayed granting the franchise because of concerns about the quality of service provided by Central. ... Reidsville High School's new $200,000 gymnasium and cafeteria building has opened. It is named after Kearns Reid Thompson, a 27-year member of the Reidsville school board, including 14 as chairman. 

Gift idea: Elgin lady's wristwatch, $57.50; Bulova man's wristwatch $49.50. 

Gift idea: Rayon tricot gown, $3.98.