A reminder of Mecklenburg County’s tobacco heritage was donated to the Tobacco Life Museum in South Hill last week by Dennis Evans (left) of Boydton. A lifelong resident of Mecklenburg, Evans found an old purse belonging to his grandmother Laura Evans that contained tobacco sales receipts from various local warehouses dating back to the World War II era, from the late 1930s and early 1940s. Evans also found bank receipts, draft classification cards and other dated items recalling a different time and way of life. Instead of just tossing out the contents of the purse, Evans’ family decided to see if the Tobacco Farm Life Museum in South Hill would like to have these pieces of history. Max Crowder (right), museum curator, will go through the memorabilia and display the best items at the Museum. Special items of interest are a WW II stamp ration book and sales receipts from Banner Warehouse listing the prices of tobacco. The donation is made in the memory of Evans’ father, James “Puddin” Evans, by Dennis and family members Christine Evans, David Evans and Bunny Shepherd. A card will be placed on the display to recognize the donation. (Lisa Clary photo)

Outgoing South Hill Chamber of Commerce president Mickey Smith welcomes the crowd to the 20 Years in the Depot Celebration Thursday. The South Hill Chamber of Commerce held its celebration of 20 years in the Depot. In addition to housing the chamber offices, the Depot is also home to a train and doll museum. (Lisa Clary photo)

Veterans stand at attention during Monday's Memorial Day program in South Hill. The program was presented by American Legion Post 79 and featured Capt. Robert Alexander, U. S. Army, 240th Quartermaster Battalion from Fort Lee, as the guest speaker. (Lisa Clary photo)

South Hill Mayor Earl Horne receives the first poppy from American Legion Post 79 Ladies Auxiliary Poppy chairperson Bobbie Brooks recently. The poppies are available Memorial Day weekend May 29 and 30 at locations around South Hill for a small donation. The red paper crepe poppy has been the official Memorial Day Flower of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary for over 80 years. Prior to May 2001, poppies were made by hospitalized and disabled veterans. At present, due to a resolution by The American Legion, all veterans are eligible to make poppies under the supervision or management of the American Legion Auxiliary. Today, members continue to support the poppy program to provide financial assistance and therapeutic rehabilitation to our nation’s veterans and their families. (Lisa Clary photo)

American Cancer Society chapters held Relay For Life walks in Clarksville and South Hill over the weekend to raise money for research into the disease. The 2010 honorary chairperson for Relay for Life in South Hill, Chalon Carter, speaks to survivors. She is a 16 year cancer survivor and was happy to share her experiences with those battling the disease.