Point where Chapman Avenue forks off of Campbell Avenue
Please contact the Virginia Room at 540.853.2073 for permission to use.
Madison Avenue east from 2nd Street NE. I581 runs through this area today.
East side of 2nd Street NE and Madison Avenue. I-581 runs through this area today.
The Philip Levy Exchange Company furniture store caught fire for the second time on 31 August 1928. The first fire occurred the previous year and only caused minor damage. This fire would prove more disastrous. Philip Levy Exchange Company was located at 118 Salem Avenue.
Boyle-Swecker Tire Company, formerly located at 715 Patterson Avenue.
Jack's Laundromat, formerly located at 5312 Williamson Road.
Unidentified individuals with a carriage in front of Magnolia. Magnolia was located at the corner of Orange Avenue and Williamson Road,. Built in 1837 by Zachariah Robinson as a tavern, Magnolia was a popular stop for stagecoach traffic until 1850 when rail became the primary means of long distance travel. Dr. Henry C. Hart purchased Magnolia in 1876. He ran a hydrotherapy clinic in the house for many years. Magnolia was razed in 1974.
Humble Esso, formerly located at 3611 Brandon Avenue.
Unidentified nurses pose next the pond once located in Elmwood Park.
Community Hospital as seen from Elmwood Park.
Colonial-American National Bank, formerly located at 3002 Brandon Avenue.
Colonial-American National Bank, formerly located at 210 Washington Street in Vinton..
Hollins Branch of Colonial-American National Bank, formerly located at 7337 Williamson Road.
Hospital Computer Service, formerly located at 1147 2nd Street.
Billy's Barn, located at 1790 Thompson Memorial Drive.
Kenney's, formerly located at 5324 Williamson Road.
Bantam Market, formerly located at 3515 Franklin Road.
Harry Dixon Insurance, formerly located at 3226 Brambleton Avenue.
American Motor Inns, formerly located at 103 Campbell Avenue.
Colonial-American National Bank, formerly located at 2112 Colonial Avenue.
Colonial-American National Bank, formerly located at 1953 Franklin Road.
Sign at the entrance of the Windsor West neighborhood, located at the intersection of Grandin Road and Charing Cross Drive.
Entrance to the Windsor West neighborhood at the intersection of Grandin Road and Charing Cross Drive.
Interior of the 81-43 Restaurant, formerly located at 8131 Plantation Road.
81-43 Restaurant, formerly located at 8131 Plantation Road.
Construction of Normandy Knoll Apartments located at 3513 Normandy Lane. These apartments were built on a former 9-hole golf course called Devil's Elbow.
Chewning Garage, formerly located at 3034 Wentworth Avenue.
Kenney's, formerly located at 4317 Williamson Road.
View of the Roanoke Valley from Mill Mountain.
Booth Supply, formerly located at 828 Jamison Avenue.
Roanoke Box, formerly located at 621 Ashlawn Street.
Offices located at 701 Brandon Avenue, including Flora and Martin Insurance, Department of Taxation and Jean Moore Custom Frames.
Andy's Cards and Candies, formerly located in Townside Festival Shopping Center.
Peters Realty, formerly located at 623 Abney Road.
Magic City Ford, located at 809 Williamson Road.
Kroger Bakery, formerly located at 541 Salem Avenue.
Kelley's Restaurant, formerly located at 4328 Salem Turnpike.
The Crofton subdivision off of Hardy Road in Vinton.
Loyd and Fralin Attorneys, formerly located at 301 Campbell Avenue.
Hundley's Market, formerly located at 3605 Shenandoah Avenue.
Aerial view showing flood damage brought on by Hurricane Camille.
Northview United Methodist Church, located at 521 Ridgecrest Drive.
Thomas Rutherfoord Bonding and Insurance, located at 1 S. Jefferson Street.
Allied Sales Company, formerly located at 2480 Patterson Avenue.
Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew hall, located at 374 Day Avenue.
Southampton townhomes, located off of Wyndham Drive in Vinton.
3-dimensional scale model of Southampton Townhomes.
Texaco station formerly located in the 5200 block of Williamson Road.
Cycle Center, formerly located at 406 E. 4th Street.
Colonial Avenue Baptist Church, located at 4165 Colonial Avenue.
Williamson Road Plaza, located in the 5300 block of Williamson Road.
Vacant store fronts in the 100 block of Salem Avenue.
View of Staunton Avenue near 24th Street.
Various business signs along E. Campbell Avenue.
Fire Escape diagram depicting a "state-of-the-art" fire escape containing a slide.
View of two men standing beside Watts Springs.
View of Church Avenue looking east from Commerce Street (now 2nd Street). Greene Memorial UMC visible on right, old YMCA visible on left.
Though not in Roanoke, this Longview, Washington neighborhood scene was used as an example in John Nolen's plan for Roanoke.
View of Hotel Patrick Henry from Elmwood Park
Looking west on Campbell Avenue at intersection with Jefferson Street.
Scene in Elmwood Park with a view of Patrick Henry Hotel.
Scene in Elmwood Park viewing the rose garden.
View of Salem Avenue east from Second Street, SW. Buildings lines street with painted advertisements.
Image of a building being demolished with coat laying on ladder.
View of a single family dwelling made of brick.
View of Patrick Henry Hotel from Elmwood Park.
View of advertisement signs hanging from the front of buildings along South Jefferson Street.
Derelict home in Northeast. Exact location unknown.
Side view of the Walnut Avenue and Jefferson Street bridges.
A view of 10th Street NW at Williamson Road and the Oakland School.
Side view of State & City Bank, once located at approximately 206 Jefferson Street. This photo was taken after a building was razed.
Northwest corner at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Campbell Avenue.
View of people playing recreational games in Melrose Park.
View of West Campbell Avenue at 8th Street intersection, 1928.
Chamber of Commerce map showing roads to Roanoke.
Davis GL 35 Panoramic View from Mill Mountain
A panoramic sketch from Mill Mountain by Louis Ruyl of New York for the Chamber of Commerce. Caption reads, "Showing spurs of the Blue Ridge with the Alleghany Mountains in the distance, and the Roanoke bowl or amphitheater, McAfee's Knob at left, and the entrance to the Great Shenandoah Valley between Tinker and Dead Man's Mountains.
Roanoke Hospital at the foot of Mill Mountain. The Mill Mountain incline can be seen to the right.
Sketch of the Dog Mouth Fountain. The fountain was acquired by the city in 1898. It stands at the corner of Salem Avenue and Market Street.
Davis GL 38 Public Library in Elmwood Park
View of the first Roanoke Public Library in Elmwood Park. The library was located in the Terry House, a gift to the city from the Terry Family.
Davis GL 4 Mill Mountain and Roanoke Valley
View of Mill Mountain and the surrounding Roanoke Valley
View from Williamson Road of Virginia Railway Station. Jefferson Street bridge in background.
View of the rear of the Hotel Ponce De Leon, with the remainder of a building's foundation visible in foreground.
View of Elmwood Park from the Patrick Henry Hotel.
View of the intersection of Church Avenue and Second Street SW with the sign for the YMCA on the right.
Davis GL 46 Spring in Weaver Heights Park
View of the spring once located in Weaver Heights Park.
View of debris behind original Hotel Ponce de Leon.
View of 9th Street from the intersection with Jamison Avenue.
View of the 600 block Montrose Avenue lined with houses.
Ruins of an episcopal church in Northeast Roanoke.
View of men working on construction downtown. Totz Department Store can be seen in the background. Totz was located at 117-119 Salem Avenue SW.
Mayor's Monument in its original location in Woodland Park at Church Avenue and Sixth Street SE, overlooking the Norfolk and Western Shops. The Mayor
Unknown location on Orange (Lynchburg) Avenue.
Panoramic view of Roanoke Valley from Route 221 on Bent Mountain at the top of the climb up the mountain just before it reaches the top.
View of Highland Park Elementary School, located at 1212 5th Street.
Melrose Park on Melrose Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets.
A view of the 300 block of Allison Avenue.
Davis GL 7 Jefferson Street Looking North
Aerial view of Jefferson Street looking north.
Map of City of Roanoke's Zone Plan used in Nolen Plan.
Fairacres, located at 2713 Avenham Avenue, was built in 1912 by W.C. Stephenson. It remained in the Stephenson Family until 1963, when it was purchased by the Roanoke Council of Garden Clubs. The club kept the home until 2003. It is now a private residence.
Map of City of Roanoke and Environs used in the Nolen plan.
Davis GL 76 Existing Conditions of Roanoke
Existing Conditions Map of City of Roanoke used in Nolen plan
Jamison Company Bakery, formerly located at 541 Salem Avenue.
Children play under stone bridge. Location unknown.
Giles Brothers Furniture, formerly located at 108 Campbell Avenue.
Campbell Avenue as seen from the Schulte United building, formerly located at 16 Campbell Avenue.
Stonework etched with First National Exchange Bank.
Washington Park, located at 1610 Burrell Street.
Looking north on Grandin Road from Sherwood Avenue.
Map included in John Nolen's Comprehensive Plan for the City of Roanoke.
Looking east on Mountain Avenue at 4th Street intersection.
Billboards lining Eleventh Street at Moorman Avenue intersection.
Pitzer Transfer Storage Warehouse, formerly located at the corner of Franklin Road and 2nd Street.
Aerial view looking east down Campbell Avenue
Aerial view looking west on Campbell Avenue
Aerial view of Hotel Roanoke and Roanoke Auditorium.
Aerial view of Norfolk & Western General Offices.
Aerial view of Highland Park Elementary School, known as Park Street School at the time of this photo.
Aerial view of athletic field that would become the location of Victory Stadium and Maher Field.
Aerial view of Mill Mountain, including the Mill Mountain Incline and Roanoke Hospital.
Aerial view of the Norfolk & Western Railway yards.
Raleigh Court; aerial views; Grandin Road; Patrick Henry High School; Underwood
Aerial view of American Viscose Corporation.
Aerial view of the Norfolk & Western Railway shops
Aerial view of Virginia Bridge & Iron Company.tif
Aerial view of the Iron Furnace and Pyrites plant
Aerial view of Roanoke Railway & Electric Company's power station, substation, car barn and shops.
Aerial view of downtown Roanoke looking southwest
Aerial view of Roanoke Railway & Electric Company's hydroelectric plant
Aerial view of St. Andrews Catholic Church.
Aerial view of Mountain View, the J.B. Fishburn home.
Aerial View of Hollins College, now Hollins University.
Aerial view looking north of Roanoke. Williamson Road can be seen bisecting the photo from top to bottom. At the bottom left, the first street left of Williamson is Sycamore Avenue. The street above Sycamore is Thurston Avenue. The entire block north of Thurston is occupied by Berglund Chevrolet.
Aerial view looking east on Campbell Avenue.
Aerial view of the Norwich neighborhood.
Aerial view of Roanoke from the south. The road entering the photo at bottom right is Starkey Road heading north. The Shell country store is currently located where Starkey veers right in this photo. This section of the road is now the path of Route 419/Electric Road. Tanglewood Mall is currently on the left of the road as it continues north.
Aerial view of the Andrews farm, near Roanoke.
Aerial view of mountains at the south edge of Roanoke.
Aerial view looking north on Jefferson Street.
Aerial view of Roanoke from Stone Mountain
Aerial view of Roanoke from Colonial Heights
Aerial view of downtown Roanoke looking southeast
Includes accounts of childhood visits, getting engaged at the Star, an anniversary surprise, and more.
Story of her son, Ivy, building a model of Mill Mountain and the Star as a child and Ivy meeting with M. Carl Andrews (well-known local newspaper editor) to discuss the Star.
A Synopsis of Roanoke in 1891 and Her Wonderful Prosperity
A synopsis of the City of Roanoke in 1891, including summaries of industries, schools, financial conditions, etc.
W.M. Yager and Co., "the leading real estate firm of Virginia"
Picturesque Roanoke is "a series of reproductions from photographic views , taken in the City of Roanoke, and the vicinity thereof, especially for this work".
Stone Printing and Manufacturing Company
For permission to use, please contact the Virginia Room at 540.853.2073
Roanoke, Virginia is a Chamber of Commerce publication that highlights its "location, climate, water supply, manufacturing, commercial and educational advantages, and general desirability as a place of residence."
Compiled and edited by the Jamestown Exposition Committee
The Surname File Index alphabetically lists all of the roughly 3,000 surnames for which there is a file in the Virginia Room.
The Vertical File Index is an alphabetical list of over 3300 topical files. Vertical files may include pamphlets, news clippings and other materials that do not merit a call number, but are arranged for ready reference on a given topic.
A Guide to the 1952 All-America City Award Records
A finding aid for the 1952 All-America City Award Records, which were created and/or collected and compiled by M. Carl Andrews, Editor of the Roanoke Times & World News. Items include correspondence to and from Andrews in reference to the award and nomination, photographs, news clippings, and other related documents.
A Guide to the Association of Fundraising Professionals Records
First Virginia ChapterAssociation of Fundraising Professionals Records 1981-1997
A guide to the records of the presidents of the First Virginia Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), earlier known as the National Society of Fundraising Executives (NSFRE). The collection extends from the founding of the chapter in 1981 and the presidency of Clai Wilcox to the year 1997 and the presidency of Harold Uhl.
A Guide to the Papers of M. Carl Andrews
A guide to the Papers of M. Carl Andrews, which consists of seventeen file folders including typescripts, clippings and photocopies of newspaper articles and columns, letters, invitations, event programs, committee reports, and both personal and professional correspondence.
A Guide to the Bonnie S. Ball Collection
A guide to the Bonnie S. Ball Collection, which highlights the extensive genealogical research done by Mrs. Bonnie S. Ball, who worked primarily in Southwestern Virginia historical records. Contained in the collection are notes for merely a handful of family histories researched by Ball.
A Guide to the Raymond Barnes Manuscripts
The Raymond Barnes Manuscript Collection consists of Barnes’ research notes and drafts used to compile "A History of Roanoke". Also included are several personal items, including a journal kept by Barnes in 1966, a journal kept by Barnes’ brother, Albert, in 1923 and Barnes’ address book. Notebooks are arranged chronologically by the time period covered in each. Notebooks containing Section I of A History of Roanoke document the valley prior to its settlement as Big Lick and are not strictly in order by year. Notebooks in Section II begin with 1882 and continue through 1940, with missing years noted in the container list. When published, Barnes chose to leave some names of individuals involved in scandals out of A History of Roanoke; however he includes these names in his notes. One folder at the end of the collection includes several notebooks that seem to relate to other research Barnes compiled separate from his book.
This item is a guide to the Papers of Steve Brody. The Brody Papers are comprised of documents, photographs, and artifacts that relate to community work done by Steve Brody in Roanoke from 1935-1978. Documents include a biographical timeline of military service, news clippings, awards, stars of David, war enlistment cards, Christmas cards (including images of local families) and correspondence (1951-1977). Photographs and negatives include portraits of Brody from WWI – 1978, public events (flag dedication ceremonies, picketing during Vietnam, festivals in Elmwood Park and Victory Stadium); streetscapes and local buildings; small group photos (award ceremonies, WDBJ TV man of the week award ceremony); and collages of awards, news clippings, and photographs of Brody. Artifacts include war registration cards, wallets with all personal contents scrapbook, yarmulke, a suitcase, flag, and various awards and trophies.
A Guide to the Papers of Bruce J. Anderson
This is a guide to the papers of Bruce J. Anderson. This collection contains genealogical research compiled by Bruce J. Anderson on his own family, in particular the Poindexter family. The papers and personal documents of a number of relatives are arranged by family surnames, and their variants, but are all related to the Poindexter family, which is also known by the variants Puddister, Pendexter, and Poingdestre. The collection extends from the 1950s to the 2000s, but the bulk of the collection is from the 1970s and 1980s, especially the 1980s. A few documents are from the 1930s.
A Guide to the Ruth Davis Manuscript Register
This is a guide to the Ruth Davis Manuscript Register. This manuscript is a collection of materials related to Ruth Davis’ enrollment in the Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing from which she graduated in 1926. The collection includes five folders that contain items such as newspaper articles about Jefferson Hospital and its founder, Dr. Hugh H. Trout, memorabilia about Florence Nightingale, nursing, and unidentified photographs. The collection also contains Ruth Davis’ Nurses New Testament Bible and her Memory Book that holds many unidentified photographs, most likely of fellow nursing students, doctors, and other hospital staff.
This is a guide to the Ellison Family Papers. This collection contains the correspondence of members of the Ellison family, as well as other documents, records, manuscripts, publications and printed materials related to and belonging to family members, friends and associates. Most of the letters in the collection are addressed to Beirne Ellison himself, but also significant parts of the correspondence belong to his father, Charles Ellison, his mother, Leona Ellison, and his wives, Gracie and Nannie Ellison, as well as other relatives, friends and associates. Materials in the collection touch on education, business practices, and hotel management, as well as Southern mores, dating practices and courting in the late 19th and early 20th century. The collection extends about a hundred years, from the early mid-nineteenth century to the early mid-twentieth century. The bulk of the collection is from the 1880s to the early 1900s.
A Guide to the Records of the Elmwood Park Century Project
This is a guide to the records of the Elmwood Park Century Project. In 1978, the City of Roanoke and downtown business community commissioned a $100,000 study to evaluate the development potential of Roanoke’s downtown core area and to prepare a plan for revitalizing it. The Elmwood Park Century Project is one of the recommendations from the study that was approved by City Council as submitted to the public as a bond issue in 1979. The bond was issued and a committee was established to ensure that all development occurring in the project would be of certain design standards. The committee was chaired by Betty B. Wood, with the following members of the committee: Dorothy L. Gibboney, Byron A. Hicks, Mary Watkins, William Watts, Louis Goodwin, Vernon Jamison, Roma Pevler and George Vogel.
This is a guide to the papers of Gayle Fisher. This is a genealogical collection of 49 family names that have been arranged by Mrs. Gayle Fisher. The collection includes computer printouts of Bible records, research by others, obituaries, photographs, and notes.
A Guide to the Contents of the Huff Lane Time Capsule
This is a guide to the contents of the Huff Lane time capsule. The collection is comprised of items that were set in a cornerstone of Huff Lane Intermediate School in the City of Roanoke in 1950. The creator of the collection chose items that portray several aspects of Roanoke life and Roanoke City Public Schools.
A Guide to the Records of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lignite Lodge No. 185
This is a guide to record books for the Lignite Lodge #185, based out of Oriskany, VA, and one folder with the original deed for the Lignite Lodge Property in Oriskany, Botetourt County, Virginia.
This is a guide to the Papers of Dr. John Kern. The Kern Papers are comprised of documents, photographs, and newspaper articles that are a product of the research done by Kern during his time as Roanoke Regional Director for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources at the Department of Historic Resources. The collection includes copies of nominations of historic sites in Southwest Virginia to the National Registry of Historic Places and the research that went into those nominations, including records, photographs, and newspaper articles. Also included in Kern’s papers is his research of several areas in Southwest Virginia, including sites in Roanoke, Henry, Montgomery, Pulaski, Rockbridge, Smyth, Franklin, Floyd, Washington, Giles, and Russell Counties as well as in Roanoke City, Blacksburg, Wytheville, Buena Vista, and Covington, that were not nominated, research on Robert J. Boland and John Willis Chappelear, Jr, that were submitted to the Dictionary of Virginia Biography series, articles and research on subjects related to black history in Southwest Virginia, and documents related to workshops and conferences on black history that Kern helped organize. Research and a paper done under Kern’s supervision by an intern on Roanoke’s segregation ordinances is included as well. Many of the reports and nominations included can also be accessed online at www.dhr.virginia.gov. Addendum 2018.07.25 materials are composed of Dr. Kern’s work as Director of the Delaware State Division of Cultural Affairs. This addendum consists of information related primarily to historic sites in the State of Delaware. The majority of material consists of presentations Dr. Kern gave at various conferences, symposiums, meetings, and workshops throughout the United States on topics of historical significance. Items are arranged as they were kept by Dr. Kern.
This is a guide to the LaRue Mason Collection. This collection consists of genealogical information relating to the Mason and Bowman families. Most of the information is regional, although correspondence regarding the search for genealogical information comes from all over the country.
A Guide to the Memoirs of Ora Belle Mayberry McColman
This is a guide to the memoirs of Ora Belle Mayberry McColman. The Ora Belle Mayberry McColman Memoir Manuscripts are comprised of twelve yellow ruled notepads of the thirteen piece collection. The first notepad in the collection was missing at time of donation. This is her fourth family history book, which is unpublished.
A Guide to the McKendrie-Day Papers, 1920-1930
The documents in the McKendrie Day Family Papers include family history documents and materials relating to Charles and Sarah McKendrie’s four daughters, Grace, Mabel, Jessie “Boots,” and Hilda “Irene.” The majority of the materials focus on Mabel, Grace, and Irene McKendrie. Mabel’s documents focus on her years spent as a teenager in Roanoke, VA (1926-1928). Her diary, travel journal and high school programs document the life of a budding teenager in 1920s Roanoke, VA. Her diary lists the names of friends and families living in Roanoke, VA. Her manuscripts, undated, show her skills as a young writer. In one of her manuscripts, “Ellen of the Westland,” there is a torn page from a magazine advertising a writing contest with a $25,000 cash prize for the best novel by a woman. Grace’s scrapbook documents her graduation from Roanoke High School in 1925, and her early working life in Washington, DC, where she moved in 1926 and was employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Ephemera from her travels to places including New York City and Boston are included in the scrapbook. The documents relating to “Irene” McKendrie focus primarily on her tragic death in a car accident in Washington DC on her 17th birthday. Compiled in a scrapbook, there are photographs, letters, newsclippings, and sympathy cards, many of them from Roanoke residents.
A Guide to the Moulse-Huff Genealogy Collection
This is a guide to the Moulse-Huff Genealogy Collection. The Moulse-Huff Genealogy Collection was created and collected in the course of Helen Huff Moulse’s family history research in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. It contains completed genealogy forms, copies of records, photographs and notes pertaining to the Moulse and Huff families and their relatives, most of whom reside in southwestern Virginia.
A Guide to the Original Letters Collection
This is a guide to the Original Letters Collection. The collection contains various correspondences from numerous authors at different dates. The letters that pertain to Roanoke are those of John Randolph, who resided here in the 1800s, the majority of letters coming from the late 1820s to his cousin Maria, talking about daily life. The remaining letters range in date and cover a variety of topics. The oldest correspondence comes from the shipping company of Champe, Ward and Hunter to John Backhouse, another shipping magnate in England, regarding debts owed. A large portion of the letters appear to be legal in nature, discussing court dates and suits filed. The last folders in the collection contain a few land deeds for property in Roanoke County. Perhaps one of the most remarkable pieces in the collection is a letter from James Monroe to an unknown recipient in 1813.
A Guide to the Nathaniel Parrish Manuscript Register
This is a guide to the Nathaniel Parrish Manuscript Register. This manuscript contains a collection of the professional and personal communications of Nathaniel R. Parrish. The documents date from 1916 to 1929. The collection is contained in one box and divided into two folders. Folder one contains personal communications between Parrish and his family, friends and any personal business not directly related to his profession. Folder two contains professional communications associated with Mr. Parrish’s work as a court reporter and stenographer.
A Guide to the Pennsylvania Archives Maps
This is a guide to the Virginia Room holdings of the Pennsylvania Archives Maps. The Pennsylvania Archives Maps are comprised of twenty one folded paper maps of the twenty five piece collection and a photocopy of the index entitled, “An index to Maps, Portraits, and Other Illustrative Materials contained in the Ten Series.”
A Guide the Congressman Richard H. Poff Collection
This is a guide to the Congressman Richard H. Poff Collection. This collection contains Virginia’s 6th District US Congressman Richard H. Poff’s “Report from Washington” from 1954 through 1971. These are newsletters sent by the Congressman to his constituents on a routines basis providing them insight into governmental events happening in Washington, DC. There are several speeches, reports and newspaper clippings from or about the Congressman in the collection.
A Guide to the Ernest F. Reynolds Collection
This is a guide to the Ernest F. Reynolds Collection. The collection is comprised of various materials related to coal mining in West Virginia and Virginia and other miscellaneous historical topics of interest to the creator. Originally housed in binders, the binders were deconstructed for the purpose of preservation, to help consolidate material to aid researchers, while maintaining the original order of the materials. The collection consists of photos, notes, articles, and photocopies of different mediums associated with coal mining. Reynolds collection gives histories and backgrounds of mines andcoal mining . Other topics, such as iron furnaces, are also explored in Reynolds’ collection.
A Guide to the Diaries of Mary Louise Riley Harmon and Celia Riley
This is a guide to the diaries of Mary Louise Riley Harmon and Celia Riley. This collection of diaries relates the daily thoughts and actions of Celia Riley and Mary Riley Harmon. Those kept by Celia span the years 1928 through 1933 and 1946 and 1947. The diaries kept by Mary Riley Harmon were written between 1973 and 1994.
A Guide to the Roanoke Drug Company Collection
This is a guide to the Roanoke Drug Company Collection. The Roanoke Drug Company collection contains various articles related to Roanoke Drug Company and the various companies related to it, both before and after the company was known as Roanoke Drug Company. Interoffice memos, letters, and newsletters make up a large percentage of the collection. The remainder of the collection is comprised of stock ledgers, photos, office directories, ephemera and artifacts.
A Guide to the Roanoke Area Scouting History Collection
This is a guide to the Roanoke Area Scouting History Collection. This collection contains the papers and personal documents of several notable leaders in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) from the Roanoke, Virginia area. The bulk of the collection extends from the 1930s to the 2000s.The collection contains information on awards, camps, menus, membership lists and member data, agendas and minutes of meetings, newsletters, various versions of official records, correspondence, financial records, and unofficial and personal documents. There are lists of attendees at camps and various events sponsored by the Roanoke-Area and Blue Ridge Mountain Councils of the Boy Scouts of America, as well as examples of the brochures and promotional literature for these camps, events and institutes, and the planning processes that went into holding them. Committee records, programs, clippings and newsletters are included, as are photographs, a few videotapes and a digital video disk. The collection provides an overview of scouting in the Roanoke area and the Blue Ridge Mountains for over eighty years, from the 1920s into the 2010s.
A Guide to the Roanoke Railway & Electric Company Records
This is a guide to the records of the Roanoke Railway & Electric Company. The collection includes correspondence, photographs, general histories and newspaper articles.
A Guide to the Enrollment Records of St. Andrews Catholic School
This is a guide to the enrollment records of St. Andrews Catholic School. St. Andrew’s School Enrollment Records document the names of students who attended the school circa 1897-1941, 1944-1953. Lists of high school graduates are documented from 1897-1941. From 1897 through 1930, names of students and addresses are recorded. Award winners for typing and other accreditations are listed in Book 1 (no date). From 1926-1936, 1944-1953, there is a complete listing of school students (circa 1930-1936, class year is not listed at the top of the page) for all grades. Beginning in Book 2 pg 69, the lists are divided by grade and include the student’s name, age, date of birth, father’s name, address, occupation, phone number, and withdrawal information. This collection is copied with permission from the St. Andrew’s Historical Society. Original records are available at the St. Andrew’s Historical Society.
A Guide to the Papers of Marguerite Tise
This is a guide to the papers of Marguerite Tise. The collection consists of historical and genealogical materials related to Floyd County, Virginia, and limited research of other localities. The majority of the collection is composed of genealogical research related to many families of Floyd County. The collection includes newspaper clippings, vital statistic data, manuscripts, correspondence, photographs, and other miscellaneous documents. There are shorthand notations throughout the collection. The collection is divided into general categories – Surnames, County Records, Manuscripts, and Miscellaneous Records.
A Guide to the Stephen Warren Collection
This is a guide to the Stephen Warren Collection. The Stephen Warren Collection is a collection of photographs, correspondence, scrapbooks, and miscellaneous items of the Bryant, Mullins, Caldwell, and McManaway families.
This is a guide to the papers of Julian Stanley Wise. This collection contains material directly related to Julian Wise or the Rescue Squad movement in the United States and/or Virginia. Personal correspondence, articles and awards comprise the majority of the collection.
This is a guide to the Women's Guild Scrapbook. This scrapbook contains ephemera, photographs, brochures, newspaper clippings, and correspondence related to the guild. Contents of the scrapbook are arranged chronologically.
Discusses girlfriend coming from Florida, visiting the Star and meeting others from her area of Florida. Also discusses childhood memories and memories of the Star changing color.
William D. Fortune as an infant. Fortune was born 24 September 1908 to George E. Fortune and Mara Ophelia Blanton.
Frances Elvira Fortune as an infant. She was born 31 December 1909 to George E. and Mara Ophelia Blanton.
Roberta Blanton Fortune as an infant. She was born 6 August 1913 to George E. Fortune and Mara Ophelia Blanton.
Molly W. Wood milking a cow at her son Jessie's farm in Cave Spring.
George Fortune as a child. Born in Rocky Mount, 22 February 1879, to Charles McDonald Fortune and Cleopatra Board Gill.
George Fortune poses next to a car. Location unknown.
Unidentified streetcar employees pose next to a streetcar in Richmond. Destination sign reads Oakwood and Broad Street.
Unidentified streetcar employees pose next to a streetcar. Location unknown.
An aerial view looking toward Mill Mountain. I581 can be seen under construction on the left .
An aerial view of Mill Mountain Zoo. The zoo opened in 1952.
An aerial view of Victory Stadium. Victory Stadium was built in 1942 and razed in 2006.
An aerial view of the Roanoke City Mills, once located at 1750 Jefferson Street. The mill facility was razed in 2009.
Hotel Roanoke. Civic Center and I581 can be seen to the right. First Baptist Church, destroyed by fire in 1995, and St. Andrews can be seen at left.
Looking south toward the intersection of Franklin Road and Williamson Road. The parking lots visible here became the Norfolk Southern building, Franklin Plaza, and a parking garage.
Elliott Buick, formerly located at 4721 Melrose Avenue NW.
Roanoke Valley Motors, formerly located at 2239 Franklin Road.
Roanoke Industrial Loan and Thrift, formerly located at 20 Franklin Road.
Reid and Cutshall Furniture, formerly located at 301 3rd Street.
Reid and Cutshall Furniture Wayside, formerly located at 3441 Brandon Avenue.
Interior view of Reid and Cutshall Furniture. This photo is believed to have been taken in the Brandon Avenue location. Individuals unidentified.
Interior view of Reid and Cutshall Furniture. This photo is believed to have been taken in the Brandon Avenue location.
Hallmark Hall of Cards store, formerly located at 301 S. Jefferson Street.
Interior view of Hallmark Hall of Cards, formerly located at 301 S. Jefferson St.
A&U Mobile Homes, formerly located at 1827 W. Main Street in Salem
Roanoke Salem Plaza opened in 1962. It was the third largest shopping center to open in the valley, with Crossroads being the first and Towers, the second.
Two unidentified women pose next to Christmas decorations at the Roanoke Salem Plaza.
Towers Mall under construction. Towers opened in 1961 at 2207 Colonial Avenue. At the time, it was reported in the Roanoke Times that Towers was the largest shopping center in the state. This photo depicts the upper level.
Peters Creek Church of the Brethren, located in the 5300 block of Cove Road.
Mill Mountain Star was constructed in 1949 by the Roanoke Merchants Association to kick off the 1949 holiday shopping season. Though at first the star was not meant to be lit all year, it became popular enough with citizens that it was decided to illuminate it year round. Today, the Star is the most well-known symbol of Roanoke.
Hut Restaurant in Collinsville, Virginia.
Home formerly located on the southwest corner of Franklin Road and Broadway Avenue.
The Terry House, formerly located in Elmwood Park, was the first library in the city.
Mabry Mill was built by Edwin Boston Mabry. E.B. Mabry returned to Floyd County in 1903 and began the construction of the mill. It was first a blacksmith and wheelwright shop, then became a sawmill. By 1905 it was in operation as a gristmill. By 1910 the front part of the mill was completed and included a lathe for turning out wheel hubs, a tongue and groove lathe, a planer and a jig-saw. Between 1905 and 1914 E.B. Mabry bought adjacent tracts of land, mostly for the purpose of acquiring more water power.
Promotional shot of golfers at Roanoke Country Club. The club had its beginnings in South Roanoke in 1899, It relocated to its current location in the early 1920s.
Looking west on Salem Avenue toward the intersection with Jefferson Street.
Superimposed image of the Patrick Henry Hotel.
An unidentified employee works with a fur coat at Henri Kessler Furriers, formerly located at 117 Campbell Avenue.
Nobel's Flowers, formerly located at 430 Church Avenue.
Lady Byrd Johnson greets the press and spectators at Roanoke Regional Airport during the Landscape-Landmark Tour. This tour led to the Highway Beautification Act of 1965
Lady Byrd Johnson greets the press and spectators at Roanoke Regional Airport during the Landscape-Landmark Tour. This tour led to the Highway Beautification Act of 1965. She stands with Director of the National Park Service, George Harzog.
WSLS Channel 10 News station, located at 401 3rd Street.
Staff of WSLS Channel 10 await results of the 1967 elections in the newsroom.
Advertising displays in the windows of WSLS Channel 10, located at 401 3rd Street.
Inside the WSLS Channel 10 studio during merchandising promotion.
Unidentified women sit at registration desk of an Advertising Clinic held at the Hotel Roanoke to promote the Valley's businesses and industries.
Advertising displays at an advertising clinic held at the Hotel Roanoke.
Marcia Fink woman holds a copy of an advertisement for Fink's Jewelers printed in Life Magazine at an advertising clinic
Display at an ad clinic for the Roanoke Advertising Club.
Artist rendering of Heironimus. Artist unknown. Location is 401 S, Jefferson Street.
Crystal Clear Ice Cubes vending machine.
Drivers of Andrews-Pitzer-Butler Fuel Oil Corporation pose next to their trucks in Highland Park.
The Roanoker Cafeteria, formerly located at 4142 Melrose Avenue.
Sign for The Bride's House, formerly located at 2223 Crystal Spring Avenue
Unidentified service employee of Holdren's stands next to service van at 2272 Westover Avenue.
Fink's Jewelers, at its former 310 S. Jefferson Street location.
Unidentified members of Williamson Road Life Saving and First Aid Crew suiting up.
Kenmore Plantation, the home of Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis. Betty was the sister of George Washington.
East Building on the campus of Hollins University.
Cannaday House, also known as Waverly Plantation was purchased by Woodrum Airport in 1934. The house was used as a weather station and terminal for the remainder of the 1928s. It was razed in 1955 to make room for growth of the airport.
Lawrence Augustine Washington Society Children of the American Revolution at the Daughters of the American Revolution state conference. Members: Holding flag - Charles F. Massey, Junior Vice President, Walter P. Massey, Helen Price Hotoler, Retha Carson Cooper, Ethel A. Cooper. Eleanor Gillespie Scully, Mrs. William P Massey, Sr., President, Center: Mrs. J.F. Negley Scully, Hettie Turner, Mollie Baker Glass, Mary Devereaux Bowles, John Edward O'Neal, William P. Massey, Jr.
Riverside Filling Station, formerly located at 13th Street next to Woodrum Bridge, which would be replaced by Memorial Bridge.
Waverly Filling Station, formerly located at the corner of 14th Street and Jamison Avenue.
Marathon Filling Station, formerly located at 824 3rd Street.
George Davis, far left, poses for a photo during a bike ride up the old Mill Mountain road.
Students from an unknown private school in Bedford. According to notes on photo, "This is a private school in Bedford at Mrs. Witt's house. Miss Amelia Buck, in center, is the teacher.
Unidentified Roanoke firemen pose on fire truck.
Group photo of the Roanoke Chapter of the Union of Railroad Equipment Painters.
Engine 2151 of Norfolk & Western Railway.
Engine 601 of the Norfolk & Western Railway.
Engine 604 of the Norfolk & Western Railway.
Engine 609 of the Norfolk & Western Railway.
William Bryan's homestead at the Great Spring west of Salem was known as Bryan's On Roanoke, according to F.B. Kegley's Virginia Frontier. Photo depicts detail of stone chimney.
Unidentified group of men pose on the steps of a school or church(?) presumably on the Bryan Homestead property. Photo was included with Bryan Home photos.
Presumed photo of Robert C. Bryan, a descendant of William Bryan, owner of the Bryan Home. Photo was included with Bryan Home photos.
Unidentified group of children pose in Elmwood Park. Terry House in background.
The Barrens was built between 1865 and 1870 by Dr. Francis and Letitia Watts Sorrel. The home was sold to PC Huff in 1900. It stood on the present site of Valley View Mall.
The American Theatre once stood on the corner of Jefferson Street and Kirk Avenue. Built in 1928, the theatre remained in operation until 1971; it was razed in 1973. This interior view is of the stage from the balcony.
The American Theatre once stood on the corner of Jefferson Street and Kirk Avenue. Built in 1928, the theatre remained in operation until 1971; it was razed in 1973. This view shows the loge, just above the orchestra pit.
The American Theatre once stood on the corner of Jefferson Street and Kirk Avenue. Built in 1928, the theatre remained in operation until 1971; it was razed in 1973. This view shows the ornately appointed foyer. The placard at left advertises the film "Love", starring Greta Garbo and John Gilbert.
The American Theatre once stood on the corner of Jefferson Street and Kirk Avenue. Built in 1928, the theatre remained in operation until 1971; it was razed in 1973. This view shows paintings in the foyer as seen from the mezzanine.
The American Theatre once stood on the corner of Jefferson Street and Kirk Avenue. Built in 1928, the theatre remained in operation until 1971; it was razed in 1973. This view is of the mezzanine.
The American Theatre once stood on the corner of Jefferson Street and Kirk Avenue. Built in 1928, the theatre remained in operation until 1971; it was razed in 1973. This view is of a staircase from the mezzanine to the upper balcony and loges.
The American Theatre once stood on the corner of Jefferson Street and Kirk Avenue. Built in 1928, the theatre remained in operation unitl 1971; it was razed in 1973. This is a view of the auditorium and balcony as seen from the stage.
The American Theatre once stood on the corner of Jefferson Street and Kirk Avenue. Built in 1928, the theatre remained in operation until 1971; it was razed in 1973. This view shows the theatre's main entrance with marble walls and brass doors.
An unidentified man points to bullet holes in the windshield of a car involved in the Fork Ridge Mine shootout on 15 April 1941. The shootout was a result of a strike between mine workers and non-union mines operated in Mingo Hollow on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. The massacre ended with four dead and nine wounded.
Bullet holes in the windshield of a car involved in the Fork Ridge Mine shootout on 15 April 1941. The shootout was a result of a strike between mine workers and non-union mines operated in Mingo Hollow on the Tennessee-Kentucky border. The massacre ended with four dead and nine wounded.
An unidentified man points to bullet holes in the wheel of a car involved in the Fork Ridge Mine shootout on 15 April 1941. The shootout was a result of a strike between mine workers and non-union mines operated in Mingo Hollow on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. The massacre ended with four dead and nine wounded.
Bullet holes seen from the interior of a car involved in the Fork Ridge Mine shootout on 15 April 1941. The shootout was a result of a strike between mine workers and non-union mines operated in Mingo Hollow on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. The massacre ended with four dead and nine wounded.
Bullet holes riddle the side of a car involved in the Fork Ridge Mine shootout on 15 April 1941. The shootout was a result of a strike between mine workers and non-union mines operated in Mingo Hollow on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. The massacre ended with four dead and nine wounded.
An interior view of the Barn Dinner Theatre. The theatre was created by Roanoker Howard Wolfe as a franchise in 1961. The chain grew to 27 theatres throughout the country. They were characterized by barn inspired architecture and included farm-themed decorations. Wolfe created a "magic stage" that would disappear into the ceiling after each act.
Interior view of Garland's Drugstore, formerly located 1327 Grandin Road.
Roanoke Motor Car Company, formerly located at 503 S. Jefferson Street. The company sold Chevrolets.
Huntingdon, located at 320 Huntington Boulevard, was built circa 1820 by Elisha Betts. The home underwent extensive renovations in the late 1980s and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. It now operates as a bed and breakfast.
A Guide to the World War II Letters Collection
This is a guide to the World War II letters written by James S. Thomerson to his family in Roanoke while he was deployed during World War II. They chronicle his time abroad and illustrate the hardships that many others faced far from home.
Mr. Kinsey helped build the Star; the Kinsey Sign Company was lead on the project. The company continued to maintain the Star for many years.
An early Roanoke aviator who used flight for commercial success was George H. Mason, shown here in 1929 with his Waco. Mason sold textbooks throughout Virginia, the Carolinas, George and Florida. He would circle a town, drawing attention, and then land near schoolyards to take book orders, often addressing the awestruck students. In an advertisement for Waco aircraft, Mason was profiled and the company boasted, "The value of a Waco as an Aid to Mr. Mason's sales is reflected in his record. He consistently leads the entire sales force of his company. He profits by prestige gained through use of his Waco...by his ability to cover more territory, more frequently and in less time.
Martha Anne Woodrum displays her trophy for winning a trancontinental air race in 1950. She and her Beechcraft Bonanza were sponsered by Johnson-Carper Furniture of Roanoke.
This image shows Clayton Lemon standing in front of the hangar that housed his company, Virginia Airmotive, at the time. Lemon was one of the first pilots in Roanoke to fully understand the "business" of aviation and had a long career at Woodrum Field serving the needs of general aviation.
The first flight of an aeroplane in the Roanoke Valley occurred at the Great Roanoke Fair, when aviator Eugene Ely flew his Curtiss Pusher biplane from a hill in South Roanoke. Ely flew across the Roanoke River and circled the fairgrounds, where he landed, having made a half-mile flight.
Many types of military aircraft were present in Roanoke at the dedication of the airport. Among them were the Douglas B-23 Dragon (left) and the Douglas B-18 (right).
Customers at Woodrum Field pose in front of the soon-to-be-demolished terminal building. Shown here, from left are Mike Davis, June Carr, Parker Smith (behind the scope), Lou Urquhart, and Jo Hambrick. Note the American Airlines and Piedmont logos on the terminal.
The progress made at Woodrum Field is seen here in 1971. Among the facilities shown are the terminal dedicated in 1953, the nose-in hangar (left of center, top), general aviation hangars and the service hangar for Piedmont Airlines (upper right). Also illustrated here is the parking needed to support the growth of commercial aviation. An Eastern Airlines DC-9 waits on the ramp.
January 1967 saw the introduction of the Boeing 727 by Piedmont Airlines to its routes. The first 727 to visit Woodrum Field is seen here. Just a few months earlier, in November 1966, Piedmont Airlines had opened routes through Roanoke to New York. Piedmont began providing passenger service to Roanoke in 1948.
Wes Hillman sits in his Waco "F" in front of the terminal at Woodrum Field. At left is a Pan American DC-4 (most likely a charter, as Pan Am did not serve Roanoke). A Piedmont Airlines DC-3 can be seen in the distance at right.
This photograph was taken three days before the dedication and renaming of Roanoke Municipal Airport to Woodrum Field. The airport is receiving a final inspection, having just undergone a $400,000 multifaceted construction project as a WPA Certified National Defense Project. Shown here, from left to right are: A.M. Mayre, WPA district director and construction supervisor; W.P. Hunter, Roanoke City Manager; John L. Wentworth, City of Roanoke Engineer; and R.J. Dunahoe, airport manager.
An aerial view of Roanoke Municipal Airport.
Starting in the fall of 1950, construction began on the first modern terminal facility at Woodrum Field. It was designed to house commercial air service, administrative functions and government services such as weather and air-traffic control. These two structures, the former Cannaday home and the tower, would be razed upon completion of the new facility.
This promotional photograph shows a Piedmont Airlines Boeing 727. Piedmont began using the 727 in January of 1967 in Roanoke. The following year, Piedmont placed the Boeing 737 into service in Roanoke.
The main facilities at Woodrum Field are seen here as they existed during much of the 1940s. From left to right are Clayton Lemon's hangar, the hangar leased to Martin O'Brien Flying Service (which trained naval cadets until 1944), the terminal building (with the windsock), the control tower and the former Cannaday house.
With Tinker Mountain as a backdrop, a C-17 Globemaster sits on the north ramp at Roanoke Regional Airport. This aircraft, one of the US Air Force's largest transport planes, has significant operational flexibility.
Roanoke Regional Airport was host to this Boeing 757, and on that date the aircraft was designated as "Air Force One" because President Barack Obama was on board. Air Force One pilots have often used Roanoke Regional Airport as a site for "touch and go" exercises due to the airport's proximity to the nation's capital.
A 1942 Stearman bi-plane is parked on the south ramp at Roanoke Regional Airport. The tower stands in the background. Restoration of these vintage planes has allowed new generations to relive aviation history. Such planes used to be seen regularly at airport appreciation days, but security concerns have eliminated such events locally and around the nation.
The first three managers of the airport are shown in this image from the 1970s. From right to left is Bob Dunahoe, manager from 1937-1945; Marshall L. Harris, manager from 1945-1974; and Bob Poole, manager from 1974-1991. In 1991, Jacqueline L. Shuck, already Director of the Regional Airport Commission, assumed managerial duties.
Warren and Hassie Gilbert are pictured beside their Rotorway Executive helicopter that was assembled by Warren Gilbert at their home. The aircraft was registered with the Federal Aviation Administration around the time this photo was taken.
This photo is of Charles "Chuck" Cannaday, grandson of Dr. A.A. Cannaday who once owned the land where the Roanoke Regional Airport is located today. He is pictured in his Pitts special "Cloud Dancer". This airplane was the star of the movie by the same name. Cannaday lived at Waverly, the Cannaday homeplace as a boy.
Aerial view of Roanoke Municipal Airfield.
This 1937 aerial photograph shows the location of Horton Field, which was on the Horton Farm near the present-day intersection of 24th Street and Melrose Avenue. It is believed that the first plane to land at Horton Field in 1919 was a barnstormer who offered short rides for $15.. Horton Field became the location of many early air shows.
This aerial photograph shows the area where Patrick Henry High School is located today. During the 1920s, the pasturelands served as an early airfield known as Shrine Field. The land was owned by the Shriners in hopes of erecting a large Masonic complex on the site. The main intersection would be that of Grandin Road and Brandon Avenue.
Trout Field is directly in the center of this aerial photograph. Fairview Cemetery is the rectangular area at top with the teardrop-shaped driveway in its center. This view illustrates why a cemetery served as a good navigational point for early aviators.
In this aerial photograph, Williamson Road runs along the left side. The small structure in the open space at center is the present-day location of Breckenridge Middle School, formerly William Fleming High School. In 1921, the federal government used the field in front of the school as an airstrip and holding area for 17 bombers. The planes were sent from Langley Airfield to be on standby for possible suppression of a miners' march in Charleston, West Virginia.
An aerial view of Woodrum Field. I-581 opened in 1965 and can been seen at left of the airport.
An aerial view of Roanoke Regional Airport.
A Cessna 172, one of 500 Cessna aircraft owned by the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is seen here. These aircraft are rotated periodically among active stations, including Roanoke Regional Airport. The CAP was established in 1941 to serve as a civilian resource during World War II, including anti-submarine surveillance along the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. Wes Hillman was a charter member of CAP; Roanoke's chapter dates back to 1942. In 1947, the CAP became an auxiliary of the US Air Force and remains so today. Its purpose is civil air defense, aviation education and flight training. Since 2001, it has taken on duties associated with the Department of Homeland Security.
This photograph shows the location of the Appalachian Power substation adjacent to the rail line where Cook Field was formerly located. Cook Field was leased by Frank Reynolds and Clayton Lemon to provide an airstrip for local fliers in the late 1920s. The road bisecting the photo is Apperson Drive.
A recent promotional photograph depicting Carillion Roanoke Memorial Lifeguard 10, 11 and 12 in front of Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
The main entrance sign for the Roanoke Regional Airport off of Aviation Drive. The innovative sign, designed by URS of Baltimore, Maryland, incorporates the mountains, the Mill Mountain Star and a very unique 'R' to the left, the center of which is created by an airplane flying flying left to right, making the 'R' on the right.
These huge vehicles represent the evolution of fire-fighting and emergency service equipment needed by airports as the number of flights increased and the size of the aircraft became larger. Both trucks are shown at Roanoke Regional Airport. They are capable of dispensing foam and have other specialized capabilities to deal with accidents. This is certainly a vast improvement over the modified Cadillac used by the airport some decades ago.
An Eastern Airlines DC-3, part of the "Great Silver Fleet" takes off from Woodrum Field.
This DC-9 was purchased by Hugh Heffner in 1970 as the Playboy airplane, known as Hare Force One.
This photograph shows a privately owned, fully restored DC-3 being refueled by Landmark Aviation at Roanoke Regional Airport. The appearance of such a vintage aircraft in restored, flying condition has become increasingly rare with limited air shows now available to the public.
Seen here is a Jeep Forward Control crash truck that was added to the emergency fleet at Woodrum Field.
This is a close-up view of the tetrahedron wind-direction indicator installed at Woodrum Field. The device allowed pilots to visually determine the wind direction prior to landing in order to choose the best runway. The device became obsolete as aircraft avionics provided more information to pilots in the cockpit.
American Airlines restored air service, notably passenger and airmail, to Woodrum Field in the 1940s. This photograph appears to have been taken at Woodrum during World War II. The statement painted on the rudder of this DC-3 reads, "Buy War Bonds".
This photograph shows a US Air Force Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter parked on the ramp at Woodrum Field. Only sixty of these planes were built. The Roanoke airport has been and remains important to the military subce World War II, either for training, refueling, or as a hurricane evacuation site for coastal bases, not to mention its proximity to Washington, DC.
An advertisement for Woodrum Flying Service, which offered flying lessons, charters, and rentals.
The airport engages in regular winter activity for Southwestern Virginia, snow removal. In the early days of the airport, snow would cause major delays in operations, measured in days, not hours. In later years, airports, including Woodrum Field, acquired specialized snow removal equipment to deal with the potential probelm.
This is an advertisement for Virginia Airmotive Service and Supply, a business owned and operated by W. Clayton Lemon at Woodrum Field. The aircraft are identified as a Beechcraft (left) and a Stinson (right).
This building houses the fixed-base operation (FBO) of Landmark Aviation at the Roanoke Regional Airport. FBOs have evolved from very simple operations to full-service onces that provide fuel, maintenance, pilot support services and more. The Roanoke airport has a long history of FBOs, beginning with Clayton Lemon's operation in 1930.
Mounted inside the Roanoke Regional Airport terminal is a plaque placed in the airport as a tribute to those aviation pioneers and advocates who had the vision and fortitude to make air service a reality in the Roanoke area. The names upon the plaque are: W. Clayton Lemon, Frank C. Reynolds, Robert T. Garst, Roy Richardson, Charles L. Hale, Dr. J. Hugh Bailey, George "Buddy" Childress, Leonard I. Hylton, Harry Economy, Marvin Turner, Wesley V. Hillman, Martha A. Woodrum Zillhardt, Clifton A. Woodrum, Robert J. Dunahoe, Jr., Marshall L. Harris, George H. Mason, Paul W. Kesler, Jr., J.E. "Jumbo" Owens, T.E. "Boots" Frantz, N.C. "Cris" Carper, William H. Cook, Trout Grissom, William E. Brightwell and Eugene S. Sweeney.
George Mason, like many early aviators, conducted air shows as a means to both entertain and earn income. This undated poster promotes an air show at Moomaw Field in Elliston, Virginia, with Mason billed as the "Nationally Known Flying Salesman and Goodwill Ambassador". Rides were $1 on that October Sunday afternoon. The show was sponsered by Repass & Company, an auto body shop on Franklin Road in Roanoke.
This 1928 city map shows the area where the airport would be located, noting the location of the airfields. With the development of a municipal airport, particularly under the management of Frank Reynolds and Clayton Lemon, interest in aviation began to boom.
This blueprint of the Roanoke Municipal Airport illustrates its development between 1930 and 1933. According to data on the blueprint, the Cannaday farm was recommended as the site for a municipal airport by the Department of Commerce in February 1929. On July 1, 1929, the City of Roanoke leased 136 acres from Dr. A.A. Cannaday.
This blueprint of the Roanoke Municipal Airport shows its phases of development from 1934 through 1935.
Development of the Roanoke Municipal Airport by 1937 is seen in this blueprint.
This blueprint of the Roanoke Municipal Airport shows its phases of development from 1938 through 1939.
By 1941, the Roanoke Municipal Airport had seen tremendous development, as evidenced by this 1940-1941 map.
This blueprint of the Roanoke Municipal Airport shows its phases of development from 1942 through 1943.
This blueprint of the Roanoke Municipal Airport shows its phases of development in 1944.
This photograph shows the control tower at Roanoke Regional Airport that wsa commissioned in 2004. The large hangar at left was built bby Piedmont Airlines in the 1960s, and the emergency services facility (foreground) was placed into service in April 2013. The tower is 197 feet tall and provides air traffic controllers an unobstructed view of the entire airport.
The current Trussmark field in Salem. The field is located along the Roanoke River adjacent to an industrial complex. This was the early location for the Salem auxiliary field used by naval aviation cadets enrolled at Roanoke College. The shorter runway sown here is used by radio-control model plane enthusiasts.
The current Trussmark field in Salem. The field is located along the Roanoke River adjacent to an industrial complex. This was the early location for the Salem auxiliary field used by naval aviation cadets enrolled at Roanoke College. The shorter runway sown here is used by radio-control model plane enthusiasts. Cropped image of RAC66
Postcard depicting the current terminal at Roanoke-Blackburg Regional Airport. The terminal opened on 13 September 1989.
This unusual photograph illustrates the increased traffic of Piedmont Airlines in and out of Roanoke and the transition from propeller aircraft to jets. The prop aircraft landing is a Martin 4-0-4; the aircraft at lower left is a Nihon YS-11; and the jet (upper right) is a Boeing 737. Almost lost in the shuffle is a twin-tail Cessna Skymaster, visible beyond the nose of the Martin 4-0-4.
Aircraft from the Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point , North Carolina are lined up at Woodrum Field during the hurricane evacuation in September 1945.
Roanoke Municipal Airport became Woodrum Field at a dedication ceremony on 13 October 1941. The new airport received a class 3-A rating and American Airlines reestablished passenger service, which had been abandoned in 1937.
The first freestanding control tower at Woodrum Field, completed in 1943, is seen here. The tower was critical to the airport's operations. In 1943, due to the training of Army and Navy pilots at Woodrum Field, the total number of official operations (273,624) at the airport exceeds the totals for LaGuardia, Philadelphia and Washington National airports combined. The control tower would operate for about a decade. It was razed along with the Cannaday home in 1953 for a parking lot after the new terminal was built and dedicated.
This aerial photograph shows the separation of private aviation (left) and commercial aviation at the front of the terminal. Note the layout of the new parking lot behind the terminal. More passengers began leaving their cars at the airport for extended periods.
Courtesy of Marshall Harris; Stephen E. Fox
This west-facing photograph shows the configuration of runways. There is construction work at right, indicating the extension of runway 5/23. Still noticeable are the rural surroundings of Woodrum Field. Visible at the bottom is the internal road system for what is to become Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. At top, center, Northside High School can be seen.
A south-facing aerial view of Woodrum Field. In the upper left of this photo, Crossroads Mall can be seen under construction.
An advertisement for the Rice Bottling Company depicting the Virginia Air National Guard Fighter Squadron.Organized in 1946, the Virginia Air National Guard flew the P-47 Thuderbolt.
A Guide to the Louise Wright Bailey Genealogical Collection
This is a guide to the Louise Wright Bailey Genealogical Collection. The Louise Bailey Collection consists of 12 record storage boxes which include family group sheets, records, correspondence, news clippings, photographs, handwritten research notes, birth, marriage and death announcements and photocopies of publications related to Mrs. Bailey’s research. Some of the primary surnames included in the research are: Bailey, Boyer, Cook, Cornett, Farley, French, Romine, Straley, Thompson, Vaught and Wright, as well as many other connected surnames from the 1600s to the early 1900s. The majority of the collection focuses on Southwest Virginia, though other parts of Virginia, other states and some European connections are represented. Mrs. Bailey maintained excellent organization of her genealogical research materials, which was further maintained in the processing of this collection. It is also important to note that in many cases, source information was provided for this thorough genealogical collection. It should also be mentioned that much of the correspondence included in the collection contains genealogical information, as Mrs. Bailey received research request from individuals all over the country. Records included in the collection are often handwritten transcriptions for official records, but in some cases may include photocopies of the records.
This is a genealogical collection focusing on the Hale/Ahl/All families and connecting families. Many other families of Craig County, Virginia and surrounding areas are also included. Materials in the collection include notes, correspondence, news clippings and copies of official records (births, marriages, deaths, cemeteries, funeral homes, military pensions etc.) along with photographs: both originals and copies and photo negatives. The collection was created between ca. 1970 and 2001; materials included in the collection cover the 16th-20th centuries, with coverage varying for each family name. Names and locations will turn up multiple times throughout the records. Researchers interested in a certain family or locality should make sure to go through the name files as well as the cemetery files and files organized geographically by county or locality. Geographical designations are made at various levels: county, city or town, and cemetery names. Many of the family records include photographs; there are also photographs of buildings and local historical landmarks. Folders with photographs are marked. This includes original photographs as well as the photocopies Mrs. Hale often made of original family photographs. The cemetery records in the collections often include photographs of markers, maps and Mrs. Hale’s handwritten notes; they may also include obituaries. Mrs. Hale recycled paper. Occasionally a small article of importance will be mounted on a larger piece of which the text is not relevant.
A Guide to the Records of the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke
This is a guide to the Records of the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke. The records are divided into four sections, some of which are subdivided by record type. There are some gaps in the record, but overall the records are fairly complete. The first section, Club Records, contains meeting minutes and annual reports, along with The Kiwanis News weekly newsletter. These records provide an excellent and detailed record of the club’s activities. There is also a nearly complete set of annual membership rosters, three of which have photos of the members, as well as notes and correspondence from one Club president. The second section, Committee Records, contains committee notes for some of the standing committees. This section is mostly more recent records, and mostly contains selection notes from the Scholarship Committee in the 1980s and 90s. The third section, Historical Information and General Roanoke Club Records, contains information about the Club’s history. There are maps, brochures, correspondence and deeds for Camp Kiwanianna, a summer camp for girls run by the Club from the 1940s to the 1960s. There are also general records, including newspaper clippings about members in the 1970s and assorted event programs, and photographs of Club events (often unidentified.) The fourth and last section, District and International Records, contains some material about the Kiwanis Club International and activities as part of the Capital District. There are Capital District convention programs (some of the conventions were hosted in Roanoke), and a history of the District in the 1920s. There are also ribbons and patches from conventions.
A Guide to the Business Ledger of H.A. Webber
This is a guide to the business ledger of H.A. Webber. The H.A. Webber Ledger is a handwritten business ledger recording the transactions of H. A. Webber from 1873 to 1891, especially 1879-1880. H.A. Webber was a shoemaker and also ran the Roanoke County jail around 1890. The ledger including account for performing work on behalf of others, for employees making shoes, and for keeping people in jail for the U.S. Government who were brought in by U.S. Deputy Marshals.
A Guide to the Typescripts of the Roanoke District of the Virginia Writer's Project.
This guide of the Works Progress Administration Records consists primarily of typed manuscripts about historical topics of local interest written from 1936 to 1942. While the primary focus is on the city and county of Roanoke, several documents address historical topics specifically related to Botetourt, Floyd, Franklin, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick and Wythe counties, and others feature a broader focus on Southwest Virginia as a whole. Some of the typed manuscripts were photocopied, bound, and cataloged with the books in the Virginia Room. Most typescripts that were made into books were discarded from the WPA Records collection, though a few with differing versions or very poor copies were retained. Highlights of the collection include a monograph on duels fought in Virginia, listings of newspapers in Roanoke and 23 counties of southwestern Virginia, and many biographical sketches of both prominent and average citizens including pioneer women, “colored people,” and youth. While the collection is comprised almost exclusively of typed manuscripts, it also includes a scrapbook of newspaper clippings about Roanoke’s history.
Works Progress Administration, Roanoke District of the Virginia Writer's Project
This is a guide to The Youth Haven Collection, which is comprised of materials relating to the early stages of the organization from 1969 through 1972. The Collection includes 15 folders containing the organization’s founding, financial beginnings, activities, and connections to other government and community organizations. The collection is a single report that has been divided into 15 sections. The collection contains organizational reports, legislative reports, financial reports, pictures, newspaper clippings, and correspondence.
This document is an index to the Roanoker Magazine arranged alphabetically by subject. from 1974-present.
Dr. John Pinkard: A Negro Medical Genius
A biographical sketch of Dr. Pinkard and his contributions to the field of medicine as well as his contributions to the African American community in Roanoke.
Biographical Sketch of the Life, Work and Medical Skill of Dr. John Henry Pinkard
Biographical sketch of Dr. John H. Pinkard and his contributions to medicine and the African American community of Roanoke.
Family tracings of the Callaway, Tilly, Early, Anderson, Franklin and Cook Families of the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell.
The Addisonian was the annual for Lucy Addison High School.
Story describes grandchildren from out of town visiting the Star.
Mayor Bowers describes hikes on Mill Mountain with his family, visiting with travel writers and bloggers at the Star, and his dog Catcher's "one trick." Multiple recordings - the transcript is from the first recording.
Stories describe a plane passing the Star on approach and the passengers applauding, also children visiting the Star on the City's 6th All-America City Award celebration.
Aerial view of New London in Campbell County, Virginia.
Unidentified students and teachers in front of school in Shawsville in Montgomery County.
Students in front of Shiloh School in Catawba Valley. 1st row, L to R: Hortense Deeds, Eva Reed, Gladys Grisso, Edna Wright, Mary Garman, Paris Wright, Roy Hall, Claude Garman, Nelson Alls, John Garman, Kermit Garman, Roy Brillhart, Clyde Brillhart, Kenneth Deeds, Grattin Hall and Matthew Wright. 2nd row, L to R: Pearl Bain (teacher), Vera Deeds, Mary Reed, Violet Custer, McKenley Damewood, Leo Garman and Oscar Garman.
Students in front of Narrows School in the Catawba Valley. 1st row, L to R: Students in front of Narrows School in the Catawba Valley. 1st row, L to R: Hubert Brillhart, Kyle Shelor, Clovis Garman, ? Bennett, ? Bennett, Edna Brillhart, Hazel Shelor, unknown, Eva Garman, Edith Brillhart. 2nd row, L to R: Lloyd Shelor, Roy Brillhart, Marvin Garman, unknown (teacher), Pernia Brillhart, ? Finch, ? Moore. Narrows School was located at the corner of "Old Blacksburg Road" and Route 311.. Narrows School was located at the corner of "Old Blacksburg Road" and Route 311.
The first 3 floors of the State & City Building were built in 1905 for the State & City Bank. The additional 5 floors were added in the late 1920s. In 2008, the State & City building became Roanoke's first LEED certified building in the city. It is located at 102 Campbell Avenue, SW.
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The Addisonian was the annual for Lucy Addision High School.
The Addisonian was the annual for Lucy Addison Junior High School.
That Addisonian was the annual for Lucy Addison Junior High School.
Acorns of Roanoke was the annual for Roanoke High School.
A Guide to the Records of the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League
This items is a guide to the records of the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League. The Greater Raleigh Court Civic League Records (now Raleigh Court Neighborhood Association) document the neighborhood organization formed in 1978 to protect and further the interests of residents in eight neighborhoods in Roanoke, Virginia. The records mainly consist of minutes, project files, correspondence, and newsletters, and include some photographs, maps, and city publications from the group's formation to the present.
Billboard advertisement for Grand Piano located at Jefferson Street and Franklin Road.
Storefronts on the 10 block of Campbell Avenue SW.
Storefronts in the 10 block of Campbell Avenue SW.
Looking east on Campbell Avenue at the intersection with Jefferson Street.
Lucy Addison High School Class of 1943 in front of Roanoke Auditorium.
Greenvale Nursery School., located at 627 Westwood Boulevard NW.
Lord Botetourt High School, located at 1435 Roanoke Road, Daleville.
A teacher reads to children at the Greenvale Nursery School, located at 627 Westwood Boulevard.
Children in the nursery of Greenvale School, located at 627 Westwood Boulevard Northwest.
The playground at Greenvale Nursery School, located at 627 Westwood Boulevard NW.
Jefferson High School football team at Victory Stadium.
Roanoke Times Index - April 1923-June 1924
Partial scan of the Virginia Room's Roanoke Times Index composed by library staff over many years.
Law Office of Thomas Surface, formerly located at 501 13th Street SW.
Community Hospital during construction. Roanoke Engraving is visible on the left.
Community Hospital during construction. Roanoke Chemical Company visible at left.
Damage to Natural Bridge Hotel from fire on 23 April 1963.
Damage to Natural Bridge Hotel after fire on 23 April 1963.