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Roanoke Valley in the 1950s Photograph Collection

Dublin Core

Title

Roanoke Valley in the 1950s Photograph Collection

Description

The photographs in this collection are a result of Roanoke Valley in the 1950s by Nelson Harris published in 2024. With years of research and thousands of newspapers and other resources scoured, this book contains invaluable information about life and happenings in the Roanoke Valley during this decade. Many of the photographs were provided by individuals and organizations. Not all of the photographs contained here are included in the book.

Creator

Roanoke Public Libraries

Source

Publisher

Roanoke Public Libraries

Rights

Please contact the Virginia Room at 540.853.2073 for permission to use.

Is Part Of

The Roanoke Valley in the 1950s

Collection Items

RVNH5001
The Zoo Choo in operation at the Children’s Zoo on Mill Mountain. The official name was the Jaycee Star Liner as it was sponsored by the Roanoke Jaycees.

RVNH5002
Singer Marian Anderson was welcomed at the N&W Railway passenger station by Roanoke Mayor A. R. Minton. Joining him were Rev. William Simmons (fifth from right) and some members of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.

RVNH5003
This 1950s postcard shows the main entrance to the Children’s Zoo. The blocks spelling out the zoo’s name were added in 1954.

RVNH5004
This early 1950s postcard shows the Noah’s Ark animal exhibit at the Children’s Zoo on Mill Mountain.

RVNH5005
This postcard depicts Archie’s Lobster House and Town House.

RVNH5006
In 1954, S&W Cafeteria moved from Jefferson Street to 16 Church Avenue in the former Greyhound Bus Terminal.

RVNH5007
The Times-World Building on Campbell Avenue.

RVNH5008
During her visit to Roanoke, Sheena visited local businesses. Here the “Queen of the Jungle” (center) is at the Harris & Huddleston Super Market on Pollard Street in Vinton. William Harris (left) and Warren Huddleston (right) pose with her.

RVNH5009
Postcard depicting the "Willy the Whale" exhibit at the Children's Zoo on Mill Mountain.

RVNH5010
Aerial view of Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

RVNH5011
The Everly Brothers perform at Lakeside Amusement Park,

RVNH5012
The Everly Brothers perform at Lakeside Amusement Park,

RVNH5013
The Everly Brothers perform at Lakeside Amusement Park,

RVNH5014
A view of the midway at Lakeside Amusement Park.

RVNH5015
Postcard depicting Lewis-Gale Hospital when it was located at the corner of 3rd Street and Luck Avenue.

RVNH5016
A montage of attractions at Lakeside Amusement Park.

RVNH5017
The Howard Johnson's Restaurant opened in January 1952 on Route 11 east of Roanoke.

RVNH5018
A billboard for Piedmont Airlines atop storefronts in the 500 block of South Jefferson Street Piedmont was one of the main air carriers serving the Roanoke Valley during the 1950s. The company was headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC.

RVNH5020
Lee-Hy Auto Court was located on Route 11 west of the Roanoke City limits.

RVNH5021
Riverside School was located on Riverdale Road SE. The school closed in 1952.

RVNH5022
Roy Minnix poses in front of his new 1951 Chevrolet in Belmont Park.

RVNH5023
Bradford’s Seafood Restaurant was located at 2523 Franklin Road, SW.

RVNH5024
Roy Kinsey (fourth from right) and his employees pose in front of the Roy C. Kinsey Sign Company at 22 Wells Avenue, NE.

RVNH5025
Members of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity stand in front of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. Rev. William Simmons, the church’s pastor, is fifth from right.

RVNH5026
Davidson's Esso was located at the intersection of Williamson Road and Peters Creek Road. The station was owned by C.R. Davidson.

RVNH5027
Bart Galbraith is in the shop of his Virginia Armature Company at 314 Salem Avenue SW.

RVNH5028
Participants in Vacation Bible School at Melrose Baptist Church. 390 children were enrolled.

RVNH5029
Judy Holladay was crowned as Salem's Sesquicentennial Queen.

RVNH5030
B.E. Conner Market was located at 3676 Colonial Avenue SW. It was owned and operated by Bob Conner.

RVNH5031
Roy and June Holcomb (center right) and the employees of State Office Supply. The Holcombs were the owners of the store located at 511 S. Jefferson Street.

RVNH5032
A view of Campbell Avenue looking west from Williamson Road.

RVNH5033
Participants in Vacation Bible School at Belmont Baptist Church.

RVNH5034
Kroger formerly located at the corner of 9th Street and Bullitt Avenue SE.

RVNH5035
The 2,000-seat amphitheater in Sherwood Burial Park.

RVNH5036
Construction of the Sherwood Burial Park amphitheater.

RVNH5037
The Roanoke Drag Strip at Starkey Speedway. The dragstrip opened in June 1958

RVNH5038
The Colony House Motor Lodge is located at 3560 Franklin Road.

RVNH5039
Lakeside Amusement Park. The Wildcat roller coaster was replaced by the Shooting Star in 1968.
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