We’ve had all kinds of weather, some nice, some not so nice. In the winter time we can expect snow and cold weather. Snow is a bother, but cold can be taken care of with some warmth. What happens when there isn’t much there? The winter of 1977 is a good example of what can happen when the heat’s off.

In December of that year, across the state and especially in Richmond, freezing temperatures and the demand for warmth soon forced a shortage of supply. One cause was a temporary shutdown of the Virginia Electric and Power Company nuclear unit for maintenance. The weather at the time was said to be the coldest ever with temperature day after day below freezing. The cold continued into January and with the continuing demand for heat, there was a shortage of natural gas supplies said to be running 10 days behind schedule. A warning was given that unless all residents, as well as commercial customers, began to conserve, serious trouble was anticipated. The first step taken was to cut off some 2,670 gas lights around the city.

Richmond was not alone, the cold temperatures were felt in other areas of the state and there seemed to be no immediate solution. On the 29th, Governor Mills Godwin took to the radio and television to announce: "Do hereby declare an emergency because of a reserve shortage to exist in the Commonwealth." An executive order was issued for organizations and businesses to remain open no more than 40 hours a week until Feb. 13. Residential customers were to turn thermostats to 65 degrees or lower unless they used coal or wood for heat.

Natural gas supplies to 58 Richmond area industries were cut off and some 4,500 people were laid off as stores and banks set new hours of operation. Each decided on their approach to the problem. Some banks closed their branches; many, like ABC stores, continued to operate with no heat. Neighborhood movie theaters announced: "At this point we don’t plan to close, but we want people to know it will be cold inside."

Thalhimers posted signs in its store: "No Gas Is Being Used To Heat This Building. The warmth you feel is being generated by electric lights and you. So, bundle up and think spring!"

It came and then summer and really hot weather, maybe a little too much. In July, a new record was set for Richmond when the temperatures soared to a new high of 105 degrees, listing Richmond as one of the hottest places in the nation.

The thermometer, like life, has its ups and downs. FP

Ray Schreiner is a volunteer at the Valentine Richmond History Center and the Virginia Historical Society.