June 21-27, 1948 

An early morning fire gutted four buildings and did nearly a quarter-million dollars damage in the heart of downtown Madison. 

The fire was first reported by a Greyhound bus driver passing through Madison on a regular run. 

The explosion of a full oil tank behind one of the buildings caused the fire to spread beyond the control of the Madison volunteer fire department. Before it was contained, fire-fighting units from Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Reidsville, Leaksville, Mayodan and Stoneville were called in. 

Employees of Grogan Motor Co. managed to save seven or eight cars parked inside the dealership, but company vice president Tom Tuttle estimated the loss at $90,000. 

T.H. Meador Grocery put its loss at $75,000. The Ideal Poolroom and Cafe estimated its loss at $12,000, and D.C. Hawkins, owner of the large building that housed the poolroom and cafe, said his loss probably totaled $40,000. 

The Reidsville Home Demonstration Curb Market opened in the Leader Warehouse on South Scales Street. ... District Highway Engineer Tom A. Burton said a new 24-foot-wide U.S. 29 will be constructed through Rockingham County in the near future, but a precise location for the road has not been decided upon. ... The body of Mrs. India Meador Labberton, 55, a civic leader in Madison, was recovered from the Dan River. Coroner M.P. Cummings said she was a drowning victim and no inquest would be necessary. ... The Coleman-Southard American Legion Post 79 is planning a $14,000 block-and-steel structure at Watkins and Woodrow streets as its new home. 

The Danville and Western Railway is allowing passengers to ride the caboose of its freight trains between Leaksville and Leaksville Junction, an eight-mile ride. But this is hardly a profit center for the railroad. It charges 10 cents per passenger, and last year it took in less than $10. ... Because July 4 falls on a Sunday this year, Reidsville merchants will mark the holiday by closing on Monday, as will city, county, state and federal offices and banks. ... Leaksville baseball interests have asked George Trautman, president of the National Association of Baseball, to block the move of Leaksville's Blue Ridge League franchise to Abingdon, Va. Dr. Tom Wilson of Draper said Tri-City businessmen have enough money to buy the franchise. 

Car for sale: 1947 Jeep with metal top, good tires, $950. 

Rug sale: 9x12 ft. Early American hooked design, $89.50. 

Leading lady: Betty Grable stars in "Mother Wore Tights."