Virginia Room Digital Collection

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The Virginia Room Digital Collection includes photographs, oral histories, books, pamphlets and finding aids to items in the Virginia Room. Continue to check back for new additions.

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Bus depot, formerly located at 16 West Church Avenue.

Amongst the clerks, boilermakers, carpenters, mechanics, and engineers were a slew of instrumentalists, singers, song writers, and composers. Together, they formed the Roanoke Shop Band. Here the band stands on the grounds of the Hotel Roanoke. …

The carpenter crew has almost completed work on the station at Vicker, Virginia in this photo. Carpenters built everything from depots to boxcars and cabooses, to the finished interiors of passenger coaches.

This photograph captures the station and crew at Welch, West Virginia. It is believed that the building in the background is the courthouse. Notice the freight car to the left.

Here is the Old Yard Office located upstairs from the N&W Passenger Station at Radford. Pictured from right to left are Zince, Stump, E.E. Allen, Lawrence Allen, Louis Lucas, Horace Price, Tom Heslep, H.A. Hall, J.C. Turner, O.C. Charlton, J.H.…

Employees at the N&W roundhouse in Lynchburg. While Lynchburg served as the divisional point for the N&W during its first few years, increased coal and ore traffic caused the N&W to move its divisional points farther west in 1888.

Working for the railroad was not always about work. Here is the 1895 N&W General Office Building Baseball Team. Team members are from left to right: (front row) ? Coleman, Winfree Reed, Max Howe, and G.F. Butler; (middle row) Harry Moore, Garnet…

An early N&W mail car. The N&W purchased the car, which was built in 1892. Railroads were a popular and effective way to distribute mail around the country. Clerks aboard the cars would actually cancel the letters en route with the initials RPO,…

On July 2, 1889, a night storm swelled Wolf Creek near Thaxton, Virginia, which rose out of its banks just as passenger train No. 2 was crossing. The situation became N&W's first major disaster. There was only one survivor, trainmaster James…

An N&W passenger train speeds between Roanoke and Christiansburg, Virginia. The N&W provided extensive passenger service through southwestern and southeastern Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley, West Virginia, and into parts of North Carolina. With…

This photograph of the crew of Engine No. 82 was taken when Goodwin, West Virginia was a western terminus. The engine was standing on the Wye track. Crew members are S.D. Clowers, engineer; R.S. Brown, engineer; James Emmons, fireman; George…

Engine No. 500 pulls out of Norfolk with the Pocahontas. The Pocahontas' maiden run occurred on November 21, 1926, when she ran between Norfolk and Columbus, Ohio. That run replaced the former "Norfolk-Chicago Express".

Passengers board an N&W coach. Passenger service when into a steep decline after the mid-1940s. In 1946, for example, the N&W carried 3.4 million passengers. By 1950, that figure was about 900,000. The automobile was taking its toll on the…

The crew of Engine No. 102, shortly after the engine was taken over by the N&W, included Conductor Lawrence Boyles, Engineer George Agee, Fireman Harley Pugh, and Brakeman Jesse Honaker and R.C. Warden.

This photograph captures a proud moment in the development of the N&W. Rolled out from the shop is the first locomotive built by Roanoke Machine Works. Roanoke Machine Works would later become the N&W Roanoke Shops. The engine is a Class I.

This photograph was taken at east Radford coal wharf. It depicts Engine No. 138 and crew. Mr. Akers, engineer; Charlie Roby, fireman; Mr. Allen and Mr. Adkins.

Rail workers watch a safety film inside the N&W's motion picture car.

In the late 1920s, the N&W developed a new strategy in rail safety education - the motion picture car. Carrying the "Safety First" logo, the car traveled various rail lines of the N&W as a mobile classroom for the purpose of providing safety…

The caboose functioned in may was as the train's office. Often train orders and other paperwork were handled aboard the caboose, which come on the scene in the late 1800s to serve as living quarters as well as an office for the crew. With the…

A foreman gauges track to make certain the distance between the rails is exactly 4 feet, 8 inches. In 1883, the N&W operated primarily on a 5-foot gauge; however, on June 1, 1886, the N&W and other southern railroads adopted the now-standard gauge…

This photograph shows the interior of a 52-foot long baggage and express car built in 1892. Notice the hanging oil lamp and stove at the mid-point.

Commonly called the "boxcar", this particular model was used by N&W in 1960. The small numbers along the side under the logo indicated its hauling capacity, weight and load limits, measurements, when it was built, and when it was most recently…

A hopper with coal is ready to go. 1970 was the peak for N&W coal traffic, when the railway carried 90.6 million tons of coal. While coal was profitable, it was not always a source of revenue. Floods, miner strikes, and other labor disputes cut…

Locomotive No. 1212 pulls a load in a scene of the past: a steam engine at work. The N&W was the last major American railroad to abandon the steam engine in favor of the diesel engine. The designers and engineers of the N&W developed the steam…

Engine No. 1442 is placed on the new 115-foot turntable and in the new roundhouse of the Shenandoah Division. For this moment, the men of the roundhouse take a break to pose in recognition of achievement.

Electric engines acquired by the N&W were from Baldwin-Westinghouse. There were 16 locomotives in all. The system, including overhead catenary wires and a generating plant, was completed in 1916. Engine No. 2506 makes the Bluefield run. In 1950,…

This electric locomotive, Engine No. 126, was from the Virginian Railway. The Virginian was formed by Henry Rogers for $30 million in 1907. Having made his fortune in oil, Rogers died a month after the Virginian was officially formed and his…

Engine No. 1 was the switching locomotive used at the Roanoke Machine Works (later Roanoke Shops) in 1886. Standing in the cab of the engine is H.S. German. Others, from left, are Brakemen W.H. Hall and W.W. Rule, Engineer Paul DeArmond, and…

Engine No. 345 was the first compound engine owned by N&W. This photograph was taken at Crewe, Virginia. Crew members include A.D. Lane, engineer, and Julian Hark, fireman.

During the first part of the 20th Century, N&W tried to cultivate agricultural products and freight as possible revenue. Rail agents often advertised farmland near N&W depots to encourage such activity. Here a "farm train" stops as men gather…

The railroad employed a number of young boys to serve as apprentices during the advent of child labor laws. This photograph shows the Roanoke Shops machinist apprentices. A young apprentice would work a 10 hour day and often overtime on weekends. …

This photograph shows track crews at work along the N&W line. Track laying and maintenance was an awesome undertaking, given the thousands of miles of track owned and operated by N&W. Only in the middle part of the 20th Century did track work…

Unidentified employees at the Roanoke roundhouse pose with locomotive wheels. Notice the various tools each is holding, which suggest the different types of work done at the roundhouse.

N&W employed a wide variety of skilled laborers. In this photograph, upholsterers in the Roanoke Shops prepare seats for passenger coaches. In addition to outfitting trains, the upholstery shop also fitted office furniture and some items for the…

Roanoke Boiler Shop employees at the corner of Salem Avenue and Commerce Street. Pictured from left to right (front row): Frank Bianchi, T.D Equi, John Griffin, P.E. Lawhorn, F.H. Wigmore, George Leisinger, T.J. Murray, James Conway, Edward Irvin,…

Carpenter Force No. 1, Pocahontas Division at Richlands, Virginia. From left are R.L. Sorah, J.A. Dye, Dayton Henderson, O.J. Lawson, R.L. Maxwell, J.D. Farmer, T.R. Stinson, S.T. Sparks, G.W. Petts, E.W. Clay, A.G. Quillen, R.H. Honaker. Notice…

Drawing room employees in the N&W office building. Pictured from left are: John Worthington, Charles Jacobsen, James Woods, Fred Scuiffer, two unidentified, George Worthington, Otis Bellingrodh, Servelius Bisphan.

This history of the Nickel Plate Railroad is an amassment of histories from other lines, such as Lake Erie and Western, Clover Leaf, and the Wheeling and Lake Erie. The Nickel Plate was officially the New York, Chicago, and St. Louis Railroad…

Like many railroads, the lines of the Wabash Railway Company predated the company's formation in 1877. The history of the Wabash is long and complicated, involving certain dubious personalities, mergers, receiverships, and a wavering bottom line. …

In addition to Engine No. 1776, N&W also had painted certain cars within their rolling stock to highlight the Bicentennial. Here a caboose wears the nation's colors.

Public relations was not always left to copy editors and high-ranking N&W officials. This photograph shows a "train" built by the men at the Roanoke Shops for advertising purposes.

The station at Schooler, Virginia was operated by W.H. Cord (left). The small station operated from March 1883, when coal first began to move from Pocahontas to Norfolk, until 1900 when the station was bypassed by new track. The young man in the…

Locomotive No. 37 was used in 1871 when the South Side, Norfolk and Petersburg, and Virginia and Tennessee Railroads were consolidated, forming the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad. The AM&O was the forerunner of N&W.

Coal Pier 4 at Lamberts Point. The pier served N&W for nearly half a century.

This aerial view shows the N&W coal piers at Lamberts Point. Coal Pier 4 (center) was built in 1914. At the time of its initial construction, the pier was 1,200 feet long, 70 feet wide, and 90 feet above the water. It could empty 600 cars per day.…

At Coal Pier 4 at Norfolk, hoppers are dumped into pier cars which carry coal to the loading shutes. In the background is a portion of N&W's 12,000 car classification and storage yards.

Coal quickly became N&W's leading freight commodity. Here an employee loads an N&W hopper with coal.

N&W hoppers at a West Virginia coal tipple are loaded for their eastbound trip to Lamberts Point near Norfolk. In 1883, N&W moved nearly 106,000 tons of coal. A century later, N&W moved 75 million tons annually.

Engine No. 1200. As part of the Class A engines, No. 1200 was the first to be built by N&W between 1936 and 1950. Maximum horsepower was 6,300 at 45 miles per hour.

Front view of Engine No. 1200, a Class A built in 1936.

Engine No. 114 was a member of the K-1 Class of N&W locomotives. This class of engine, numbering 100 to 115, was built between 1916 and 1917. The Class K engines were built to pull more weight since new steel passenger cars were replacing those…

The sleek, Class K-2, Engine No. 118 was acquired by N&W in 1919. These engines, numbering 116 through 125, were rebuilt later and streamlined by N&W.

Engine No. 209.

The Class M Engine No. 1112 was built in 1910. Their purchase was almost solely in response to the increased demands for hauling coal.

Engine No. 37 was a Class N, as were all engines numbered 28 through 37. These engines, purchased by N&W, were made between 1887 and 1888. This photograph was taken at Wakefield, Ohio.

Engine No. 76 was a Class U engine. On the N&W line, these engines were numbered 71 through 85.

Engine No. 800 was an N&W Class W-6. These engines, numbered 800 through 814, were made between 1898 and 1899.

Engine No. 2023 was a Class Y-3 locomotive. This was one of 50 built between 1919 and 1923.

The Class Y-3A engines included No. 2058. These engines, numbering 2050 through 2079, were built in 1923. This photograph was taken in Cincinnati.

The Class Y-4 engines were developed by N&W in 1927. Only 10 were produced, with Engine No. 2087 among them.

In an effort to heavier freight, N&W developed the Y-6 locomotive. While retaining many of the design elements of the previous Y models, the Y-6 had a new steel frame, roller bearings, and mechanical lubrication at 213 points. A peak horsepower of…

Engine No. 2156

Between 1948 and 1952, 30 Class Y-6B engines were produced by N&W. Engine No. 2200, the last of the Y-6Bs, is shown here at Roanoke.

Engine No. 1438 was one of many Class Z-1A engines used by N&W. This particular engine was built in January 1916 in Schenectady, New York. These engines, numbered 1315 through 1438, were built between 1912 and 1917. A number of them were purchased…

To join the celebration of the nation's bicentennial, N&W painted this diesel locomotive red, white, and blue. The engine's number was appropriately 1776.

The Shenandoah Valley Railroad operated a 239-mile line from Hagerstown, Maryland to Roanoke, Virginia, which was completed in 1883. Norfolk & Western purchased the railroad in 1890. The Shenandoah Valley's president, Fredercik Kimball, would…

Union Local 440 entered this "Safety First" float in a Roanoke parade. It testifies to the cooperation by rail unions and officials to improve worker safety.

Safety became a paramount concern of the railroad. Pictured is the Eckman Shop Safety Committee on Engine No. 1343. In 1893, Congress passed the Railroad Safety Appliance Act and in 1916, rail employees won Congressional approval for an 8-hour work…

The shop gang of the Portsmouth (Ohio) Shop pose in front of Engine No. 600. In 1901, N&W purchased the Cincinnati, Portsmouth, and Virginia Railroad for $2.5 million. Portsmouth would become a major location in the future operations of N&W.

Some "cars" were used for necessary tests to properly maintain a railroad track. One example is the Scaletest Car in this photograph. The car was used to test the scales on the N&W system that weighed the rolling stock. Instructions on the car…

This N&W ambulance from the 1920s signifies the hazards of being a rail worker. In fact, N&W financed the hospital in Roanoke for its first two years of operation so rail families could get necessary medical services.

Passenger coaches went through numerous stages of development. From wood to steel construction, and from basic amenities to luxurious accomodations, the coach was designed for both comfort and safety. This is an early passenger coach used by N&W.

Henry Fink, president of N&W from 1895 until 1902, was the chief operating officer for Mahone's AM&O Railroad. A life-long bachelor, Fink had immigrated to the United States with his brother in 1851 and became a railroad engineer four years later. …

General William Mahone served as the president of the AM&O Railroad for its 10-year existence. Gen. Mahone first gained attention during the Civil War as a field commander, notorious for his unorthodox battle antics. Following the war, Mahone…

Electric engines were developed in 1914 so crews could safely navigate the tunnel at Coldale, West Virginia. Slow-moving steam engines choked the badly ventilated tunnel to the detriment of the crew's health. The electrified line ran between…

Diesel Engine No. 1633, photographed shortly after being built. Notice the railroad's last corporate logo, the more streamlined "NW". The white-on-black design was introduced by John Fishwick when he was the railroad's president in 1971.

Diesel engines could operate more efficiently than the steam engine and American railroads were quick to make the switch. Between 1941 and 1955, the number of diesel locomotives in use went from 1,200 to 20,000. Pictured is Engine No. 8511.

The diesel engine was developed in 1890 by Rudolph Diesel. The Central Railroad of New Jersey was the first to use a diesel locomotive in 1925. It was not until 1955 that N&W began to order diesel locomotives, primarily from American Locomotive…

After the first N&W office building burned in 1896, this building took its place. Constructed on the same location as the old, one section was completed in 1896 and the other in 1907. The building is now used for upscale apartments.

Passenger locomotive No. 29 pulls into the Winston-Salem yard in 1890. This train may have been operating on the former Roanoke and Southern track that was absorbed into the operations of N&W in 1892.

Engine No. 1100, a Class M-2, was one of a number of engines purchased by N&W in 1910. The Class M, as rebuilt, had a 4-8-0 wheel alignment, allowing it to meet the freight demands of the railroad.

Given the hazards of early railroading, even Mother Nature did not cooperate at times. This image shows a collapsed car shop in Roanoke, a result of a heavy snow storm in 1890.

A school group lines up to board the Powhatan Arrow. The name of the train was the result of a contest conducted by N&W, wherein 140,000 entries were submitted. The winner of the $500 first place prize was an N&W retiree, Leonard A. Scott.

Virginia and Tennessee Railroad named rather than numbered their locomotives. This locomotive was Roanoke. Chartered in 1849 and completed in 1856, the V&T ran from Lynchburg to Bristol and later merged with the AM&O.

The Powhatan Arrow boasted the finest passenger service amenities when introduced, including a tavern-lounge car. Here the Arrow moves from Roanoke to Bluefield and was photographed at Singer, Virginia. The round-end tavern car, No. 581, allowed…

Called a "vestibule car", this interior shot shows passenger seating in an 1892 coach. Notice the window shutters, ornate interior design, and fold-down seats. Despite its comfortable feel, early trains of this era were unsafe and not that pleasant…

Engine No. 475 steams out of Roanoke. In 1946, the year considered to be the beginning of N&W's modern passenger service, an average ridership per train was 118. By 1971, when N&W discontinued passenger trains, the number had dropped to less than…

The Pocahontas traveling along the New River. This route was the most spectacular and difficult. After leaving the New River Valley, The Arrow climbed abruptly to Bluefield and then downhill along the Tug River at Williamson.

This head-on collision occurred at Rippon, Virginia. Engine No. 481 is at left.

A closer view of the Thaxton wreck shows the debris pile. Engineer Pat Donovan's body was so badly mangled he was only identified by his clothing. The entire woodwork of the train was burned due to exploding gas lights in the coaches. Seven cars…

Engines No. 14 and No. 37 collided at Rural Retreat. Note the collapsed front half of the first baggage coach. While engines could often withstand collisions, the wood-constructed baggage and passenger coaches were extremely vulnerable.

One of the largest freight depots along the N&W line was in Roanoke. Today, the freight depot is home to the Virginia Museum of Transporation, wherein are housed many N&W artifacts and archival material, as well as some steam engines in the outdoor…

This view shows the early Roanoke passenger station (center),the N&W office building (center right), and the Hotel Roanoke (right).

"Roanoke Wheel Shop 1927" is stamped on the axel of the car wheel displayed by the men of the wheel shop. Individuals unidentified.

Engine No. 53 and her crew excavate for new track near Bluefield, West Virginia. N&W pioneered and financed early coal production in the mountains of West Virginia and carved the rail beds that allowed the "black gold" to move east.

The blacksmith gang at the Bluefield Shops. Blacksmithing was rugged and often dangerous work, but a necessary trade to make the railroad operate. Individuals unidentified.

Freight Engine No. 173 of the Radford Yard is depicted at a Radford pipe shop.

Employees of Roanoke Machine Works build a caboose. They are, left to right: W.E. Meadows, Ted Swain, William Patterson, R.L. Daddow, R.L. Funk, and T.S. Jones.

Diesel Engine No. 1590 passes through Buena Vista, Virginia. Notice the train order raised to be grabbed by the engineer as the train passes.

This is an unidentified station office. Pictured left to right are: C.E. Moore, C.C. McPherson, W.L. Bingham, Harvey Call, and W.G. Light.

An interior view of a sleeper car.

This image symbolizes the commercial ventures of N&W - a coal train enters the picture as a passenger train, the Powhatan Arrow, leaves. Engine No. 1213 is westbound out of Williamson, West Virginia, to deliver coal to the Great Lakes region. The…

Unidentified men work in a standard rail mail car. The United States Postal Service discontinued use of the railroad post office in 1967.

This photograph includes three types of modern, coal-burning steam locomotives designed and built by N&W. These represent the best elements of steam engine design: low initial investment, high utilization, low-cost operation and maintenence, and…

Passengers enjoy a ride on a N&W coach.

Engine No. 17 is surrounded by rail employees in this photograph taken near Elkton, West Virginia. On the ground at the extreme left is G.W. Pile; standing fourth from the left is H.S. Walker; standing second from the right is C.C. Edmondson; and…

One of the largest freight depots along the N&W line was in Roanoke. Today, the freight depot is home to the Virginia Museum of Transporation, wherein are housed many N&W artifacts and archival material, as well as some steam engines in the outdoor…

The station at Christiansburg, Virginia awaits freight and passengers. Note the mail and express carts to the right.

The N&W, like all major railroads, served its country well during World War II for the movement of troops and military freight. In fact, passenger service reached its zenith during wartime. While the exact location of this scene is unknown, it…

Employees repair an N&W locomotive at the Roanoke Shops.

An interior view of the erecting shop at Roanoke showing an engine's assembly in progress.

Taken from the Roanoke passenger station, this photograph shows the Birmingham Special in the background and the Pocahontas in the foreground..

Shown here is the back, lower level of the Roanoke passenger station three years before the Raymond Loewy renovation.

The N&W passenger station at Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

The N&W station at Bluefield, West Virginia.

The depot in Ivor, Virginia.

Two employees examine car wheels at the Roanoke Shops. C.G. Wiley is at right; the man at left is unidentified. Unfortunately, African American employees of the N&W could not be promoted beyond entry-level positions until the passage of the Civil…

The Dynamometer was pulled by locomotives to determine their actual horsepower and potential speeds. Such calculations were extremely important for effeciently moving freight over different grades and distances. The ability of the locomotive to do…

Here, a former N&W mail car is a museum display. Notice the period mail bag hanging from its post. As the train would pass, the mail clerk would position the hook, grab the bag, and then begin the sorting process inside the car.

The Powhatan Arrow on one of its runs. The Arrow traveled along a diverse scenic route through Virginia's Dismal Swamp, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Alleghanies, and into the West Virginia coal fields.

Aerial photograph of N&W freight docks at Lambert's Point near Norfolk.

Coal was not the only export transported by N&W. This image shows freight docks and a grain elevator at Sewall's Point at Norfolk. Pier A is in center foreground.

Engine No. 382 runs the steepest grade of all - a sustained three percent grade to the summit at White Top Station. This run, affectionately known as the "Virginia Creeper", ran between Abingdon, Virginia and West Jefferson, North Carolina. Here,…

A small coal yard in West Virginia. N&W pioneered and developed the state's coal industry.

When passenger services encompassed long distances, dining service was offered. While cooks had to operate in a relatively confined space, they prepared full-course meals as good as any fine restaurants.

The depot at Grundy, Virginia was reminiscent of many rural depots that lined the tracks of the N&W.

The "Wheel Rollers" of the Roanoke Shops include (front left): Earl Dunning, John Cantry, Charles Wiley, Monk Wiggins, and Thomas Campbell. The Wheel Rollers competed in wheel rolling competitions around the nation and always placed high.

The Norfolk and Western Male Chorus consisted of African American employees who toured and performed hundreds of concerts. Here, the chorus performs at Roanoke's Academy of Music. The chorus was of such a high caliber that one needed an audition to…

The old car record office at Portsmouth, Virginia. Shown from left are: Floyd Chabot (seated), Paul Jones, S.A. Highfield, H.H. Hester, and John Farley.

Car yardmen at Kimball, West Virginia. As the coal mines opened, the number of men employeed by N&W soared, bringing economic opportunity to many West Virginia families.

One of N&W's largest freight stations was in Roanoke. Depicted are unidentified freight station employees. The average annual wage for railroad workers in America at the turn of the century was $740, much higher than the average American wage.

The crew of Engine No. 19. This engine, like most of the engines used by N&W in its infancy, was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works.

An early example of freight locomotives used by N&W was Engine No. 264.

Class Q Engine No. 516 pulls into a depot at Nolan, West Virginia. The engine was originally put into service in April 1882. Crew members are servicing both passenger and express cars.

Shop employees and crew of Engine No. 205 in Roanoke, shortly after the locomotives construction.

Engine No. 54 with her crew (from left): Engineer E.H. Jones, Fireman Guy Emery, and Conductor Lloyd Pugh. The train was running between Sardinia and Hillsboro branch, and the main line of the Cincinnati, Portsmouth, and Virginia Railroad.

An aerial view of Bellevue Yard in Ohio, looking east. The classification yard is at left center and immediately to the right is the car repair facility. In the distance are the receiving and departure yards.

Wreck at Powhatan, West Virginia. Notice the double-tracking in the image. Unfortunately, the development of adequate rail safety technology was years from completion, making railroading a dangerous profession.

A postcard image of the N&W depot at Salem, Virginia. The depot still remains, although the shed at the tracks was dismantled many years ago. During the 1930s, depots like this dotted the lines of the N&W. Few remain today, either abandoned or in…

Interior view of a typical N&W lounge car.

Interior view of a typical N&W dining car.

Here is but one example of how mechanization assisted significantly in the maintenance of tracks. A machine removes cross ties for the crew.

To keep passenger coaches looking good, the railroad regularly sent them through a mechanical washing facility.

Freight cars line up outside a coal-cleaning and prep plant near Gary, West Virginia. The N&W relied heavily on many of the larger coal mines and facilities throughout West Virginia.

A hopper car loaded with coal coasts down the "hump" incline toward classification tracks at the Portsmouth, Ohio freight yard. This car is half-way through the master retarder. The scale house and assistant yard master's office are located in the…

The Bluefield Yard in 1888. In that year, the N&W organized

The Portsmouth Freight Office included (from left): L.M. Dory, Gus Kehrer, Fred Dressler, S.R. Crawford, T.M. O'Connor, and Theodore Doty.

This engine was a Class W-1, 2-8-0 type and was originally built by the Roanoke Shops in October 1900.

Engine No. 102 rolls out of assembly at the Roanoke Shops and employees pose for the customary photograph of the engine.

The "Jawn Henry" was the nickname for this combination steam-electric locomotive. It was N&W's last-ditch effort to give steam one last try. The engine had 12 traction motors, weighed in at 1.1 million pounds, and was 161 feet long. Delivered in…

Welch, West Virginia. The old N&W station is in the foreground; the courthouse is atop the hill and businesses are at left.

Passenger Engine No. 90 was an example of many engines purchased by N&W in its early years from Baldwin Locomotive Works. Engine No. 90 was a Class A engine.

Engine No. 72 is another example of a Class U locomotive built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1892. This passenger locomotive weighed in excess of 132,000 pounds and was later converted to simple cylinders.

Engine No. 93 was a small shifting engine used at Roanoke Machine Works. It was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1883.

The old Class M engine was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1883. N&W owned two of these engines, Nos. 94 and 95, as shown here.

Freight Locomotive No. 1203 rests on the turntable at Shaffer's Crossing in Roanoke.

A stock train rolls through the Virginia countryside. As a way to encourage agribusiness, N&W operated a working farm at Ivor, Virginia for some years around 1910-1915.

An interior view of an express car used by N&W. Express cars held all kinds of freight, from passenger baggage to commercial merchandise.

An interior view of a N&W passenger coach. Notice the oil lamps. Although beautiful design features, these lamps would often shatter during an accident, spilling their fuel into the car. Resultant fires sometimes killed more passengers than the…

Passenger coaches changed significantly over time. Once elaborate and finely appointed coaches evolved into more basic design, as seen in passenger coach No. 1650.

Passenger coach No. 1700.

This passenger train stops in Ivanhoe, Virginia. Passenger service would serve as a popular form of distance travel until the emergence of the automobile.

The Class J 600 is pulling a Southern Railway streamlined passenger train. The Class Js were built between 1941 and 1950.

This photograph shows one of the largest loads of coal cargo on a single ship at Lambert's Point. A total of 493 carloads were required.

Loaded coal cars await their turn at the car-dumping machine. Upwards of 400 cars of coal are required to fill the large colliers.

Norfolk & Western always kept a spare for every part necessary to cargo operations.

An interior view of a Pullman car after being made into a sleeper.

Frederick J. Kimball was one of the most forward-thinking of the early N&W presidents. He was so respected, the citizens of Big Lick voted to change its name to Kimball in his honor. He declined and suggested the location be called Roanoke, which…

Employees of the Roanoke freight office.

The Birmingham Special moves northbound, having detoured through Waynesboro, Virginia, on account of a washout on the Southern Railway's main line between Monroe, West Virginia and Charlottesville, Virginia. The Special was among a number of other…

An industrial hoist rests in the yard at Roanoke. Notice the huge pulleys hanging from the arm. Engine No. 131 is in the background.

Norfolk & Western's passenger service ceased in 1971. Here is the Pocahontas on her last run, traveling eastbound at Blue Ridge, Virginia. An estimated 100,000 spectators lined the route to catch a glimpse of a passing era.

This consist of coal includes some hoppers from the Virginia Railway, which had been acquired by N&W in 1959.

Engine No. 2146 pulls a load of coal. In the 1940s, N&W served the following seven coal districts: Kenova, Thacker, Tug River, Pocahontas, Clinch Valley 1 & 2, and Radford.

This is the view across the flat yard at Norfolk, Virginia. Hoppers would wait in the yard to be emptied.

Diesel Engine No. 322 pulls a consist of coal through Virginia. The switch to diesel was difficult for N&W given its commercial investment in coal.

Loaded coal cars awaiting shipment from an N&W coal tipple. Note the different grades of coal being loaded. During World War II, the United States Navy almost exclusively used N&W coal for its Atlantic fleet.

Two N&W locomotives prepare to pass one another heading to and from the West Virginia coal fields.

Annie Vest and Helen Williams in front of Oswald L. Williams' Store on Bent Mountain.

Group photo of Appalachian Power Company workers in Anawalt, West Virginia to install power lines. Arch Stockton holds rolled blue prints and reins of horse.

An unidentified man stands on the rock formation known as McAfee Knob. McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed places on the Appalachian Trail.

Dr. Paul Davis holds his daughter Pauline while on leave during World War I. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his service in French hospitals.

Paul, Edith, and Frangie Davis with Frank the horse at Davis home on Salem Avenue.

Dr. John Gibson Davis (2nd from right) with his sons Hal, Algie, Fred, John Jr., and Paul. Dr. Davis' sons also became doctors.

William Henry and Rosa Proffit Paine with children Helen and Robert Edward.

Ruth Mason (left) and Edith Davis Paine.

Zora and Dr. John G. Davis and children with longtime housekeeper, Vivvie.

Edith Davis Paine holds an air rifle at the Davis home on Salem Avenue.

Dr. John Gibson Davis.

Professor Charles Rowe and his Rhythm Boys perform for a Veterans of Foreign Wars banquet at the Hotel Roanoke.

Vest Furniture Company, formerly located at 109 Campbell Avenue SW. Sid Vest, owner, is pictured in white shirt.

Confederate veterans parade through Downtown in conjunction with reunion.

Confederate veterans parade through Downtown in conjunction with reunion.

Parade participants for Confederate veterans ride a float through Downtown in conjunction with reunion.

Check Room and Snack Stand in Mountain Park.

Popcorn stand at Mountain Park. Lillie Solleday on right.

Customers peruse the City Market.

Farmer in wagon pulled by oxen on Market Street.

Dance Pavilion and The Thriller roller coaster in Mountain Park.

Looking north from South Roanoke toward Downtown. Tinker Mountain is visible in the background.

Wagon pulled by oxen travels through an unidentified residential neighborhood.

Three unidentified men and a little girl pose with a Mitchell automobile.

Three unidentified men in a peach orchard,

Tags:

Two unidentified men in a park.

Photo of members of the Steele Family. Front row, 3rd from left: Carl Steele; Back row, 3rd from left John Steele, 4th from left Alma Steele. All others unidentified.

At left is Alma Beckner Steele with two unidentified women.

Family Photo: Front row, 6th from left Isabell Clingenpeel, 7th from left Carl Steele, 8th from left Helen Clingenpeel, 9th from left Lewis Clingenpeel; Back row, 11th from left John Beckner, 12th from left Jackson Beckner, and 13th from left Ann…

W.J. Rigney was Chief of Police for the City of Roanoke from 1919 through 1928. Rigney had been appointed Chief to fill the vacancy caused by the death of former Chief A.H. Griffin.

Shooting gallery, The Thriller roller coaster, and bowling alley at Mountain Park.

Crystal Spring reservoir and pump house. Crystal Spring was one of the city's earliest landscaped parks. It was designed and managed by Roanoke Gas and Water Works.

Presentation of an auto to Reverend W. E. Lee, of High Street Baptist Church for the church’s 41st anniversary.

Rockledge Inn on Mill Mountain.

Group photo of members of Enon Baptist Church.

Workers deliver ice for Roanoke Ice Corporation. Roanoke Ice Corportation began operations in 1913 after Consumer Ice Company and Griggs Packing Company.

Horse and buggy in Downtown Roanoke.

Tags:

Auto Tire Shop, formerly located at 501 2nd Street SW.

Eagles Band.

Norfolk & Western employees in front of Norfolk & Western offices.

Norfolk & Western baseball team.

Roanoke Railway & Electric streetcar conductors.

A busy day at the intersection of Campbell Avenue and Jefferson Street. The Terry Building is visible in the background.

J.E. Blackwell Grocery, formerly located at 4 Market Square.

Mr. and Mrs. Danmore at their home at 413 3rd Street NW.

Chief of Police W. J. Rigney (front passenger) with other unidentified police officers.

Ambulance in front of Burrell Memorial Hospital. Roanoke's first African-American hospital, Burrell Memorial, was founded in 1915 in a small cottage on Henry Street. It soon outgrew the Henry Street location and moved into the former Alleghany…

A streetcar travels along Campbell Avenue near the intersection with Jefferson Street. Terry Building visible at right.

Henry P. McGuire stands in a J.L. Dishong fruit and vegetable wagon.

Women on a Daughters of Liberty float, likely for a Liberty Bonds parade.

Roanoke College football team.

Roanoke College baseball team.

A fireworks explosion leveled the Junior Grocery located at 205 Franklin Road SW. Five people were injured in the explosion.

A large crowd gathers to view the damage after a fireworks explosion at the Junior Grocery on Franklin Road.

The Jackson Park Sandlot Football Team. Coach Sam Elliott on far right in back row.

A group of young men at home located at 926 (later 1100 block) 14th Street SE. Roy Minnix is in the back row, second from right.

As indicated by the caption, "a Southeast kiddie pool in the back yard with chickens" The child is Roy Minnix.

A section of the Southeast neighborhood. Jamison School visible in the background.

Houses along Dale Avenue SE.

Wanderers of the Wasteland musical group. Left to right: Roy Lemmon, Bob Pauley, Glenwood Howell, and Woody "Lucky" Mashburn.

Forbes-Hodges family reunion in Wirtz, Virginia.

An unidentified woman works with strands of silk at American Viscose.

An unidentified man in the reeling room at American Viscose.

An unidentified woman in the reeling room at American Viscose.

Hillcrest Hall was one of the dormitories for American Viscose employees.

Yellow Cab began offering limousine service on 20 July 1947, under contract with American and Eastern Airlines. Seen next to this Desoto limousine at Woodrum Field at Mae Williams (left) and Margaret Franklin (right).

A Mason-Dixon Airlines passenger plane at Woodrum Field.

A Civil Aviation Authority control tower on top of the Cannaday farmhouse at Woodrum Field.

A close-up view of the Civil Aviation Authority control tower on top of the Cannaday farmhouse.

Looking toward Tinker Mountain from Woodrum Field.

A Sikorsky helicopter hovers as spectators look on at Woodrum Field.

Woodrum Field's first crash truck was a 1939 Cadillac that was modified at the city's garage..

A Douglas C-47 takes off from Woodrum Field.

Runway construction at Woodrum Field. The airfield was expanded when it became classified as a national defense project.

Aerial view of Woodrum Field showing A-configuration of runways.

Woodrum Field terminal building.

Frantz Flying Service opened in 1948 at Woodrum Field. It was owned by T.E. "Boots" Frantz (right); Wes Hillman (left) was an employee.

A class of Navy pilot cadets pose in front of a Douglas C-47 at Woodrum Field. Ground school was conducted at Roanoke College.

The "funeral procession" for "Johnny Non-Voter" on Jefferson Street in route to the municipal building. The funeral was a promotion by the Roanoke Junior Chamber of Commerce as a means to get Roanokers to vote in the Democratic primaries for…

Famous aviator, Captain Eddie Rickenbacker (left foreground), who was president of Eastern Airlines, came to Roanoke for Eastern's inaugural flight to Woodrum Field. He was greeted by business leaders and others.

Members of the Vinton Fire Department.

Reverend William J. Simmons at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.

Photo postcard of Smartwear-Irving Saks to promote opening of remodeled store.

View of a flooded S. Jefferson Street. The Roanoke River crested at 21.6 feet in 1940. Roanoke City Mills is visible on left.

The Community Drug Store, formerly located on the corner of Henry Street and Centre Avenue NW.

Interior view of Community Drug Store on Henry Street. Dr. Beverly Adams was the pharmacist.

Dr. Harry T. Penn, dentist, in his office on Henry Street.

The Aristocrats were a popular local dance band. Seen here in the Morocco Club on Henry Street, they are, left to right: Ed Wright, Audrey Pitman, Shelton Ramey, Bill Harper, Raphael Jackson, James Morris, St. Paul Thomas, John J. Locklayer. …

Interior of Jennings-Shepherd, formerly located at 411 1st Street, SW.

Motorman Homer Turner poses with Car 45 under the Walnut Avenue Bridge. Car 45 served the Belmont/9th Street/West End line.

A streetcar coming from American Viscose turns left onto Jamison Avenue from 9th Street, SE, en route to West End.

Car 52 on Grandin Road near Westover Avenue, SW.

A Jeep, driven by David McClung, II is nearly driven in to Andrew Lewis High School.

Mary H. Brand and an unidentified student on the lawn of Andrew Lewis High School.

Intersection of College Avenue and Fourth Street in front of Andrew Lewis High School.

Boys on lawn at Andrew Lewis High School. Left to right: ? Young, Hunter Miller, David Minichan, Brewster Robertson, unidentified, George St. John.

Sea Scout Ship 50 annual banquet attendees at Longwood Community Center.

Ralph Koiner Baker (left) and Joe Hunter in France.

Tucker 48 Car #15 in A.L. Nelson Company showroom on Shenandoah Avenue.

Councilman Richard Edwards removes cover from a Tucker 48 car at A.L. Nelson Company. Far right to left: Bob Nelson, Dorothy Nelson, and Richard Nelson.

Tucker 48 Car #15 in A.L. Nelson Company showroom on Shenandoah Avenue.

Pyrofax gas truck in front on A.L. Nelson Truck Company on Shenandoah Avenue.

A.L. Nelson Truck Company on Shenandoah Avenue.

Employees of A.L. Nelson Company stand in front of a Tucker 48. Third from right: Mary Nelson (moving left) Richard Nelson, Dorothy Nelson, Mary Alice Nelson, and Bob Nelson. All others unidentified.

A.L. Nelson Company with Tucker car showroom on Shenandoah Avenue. Mr. Nelson spent $40,000 to house one Tucker 48 model based on Tucker Company guidelines.

A Tucker 48 car is displayed in Downtown Roanoke in front of Smartwear-Irving Saks.

A truck customized by A.L. Nelson Truck Company for United Cooperage of Virginia.

Jack Dempsey refereeing a wrestling match at Roanoke Auditorium.

A balloon float in the Roanoke Christmas parade.

Garst Brothers Dairy, formerly located at 14 W. Salem Avenue.

Plaza Tourist Court, formerly located at 3011 Williamson Road.

The Plaza Restaurant, formerly located at 3011 Williamson Road.

Lucy Addison High School opened in 1928. Located at 40 Douglass Avenue NW, the building now houses Roanoke City Public Schools Administrative Offices.

Postcard of Friendly Guest House, formerly located at 2606 Williamson Road. It was owned and operated by Blanche Myers and Addie Taylor.

Archie’s Lobster House, formerly located at Williamson Road and Peters Creek Road, was Roanoke’s first seafood restaurant when it opened in 1947. Until 1978, it was operated by Archie Parrish. It was razed in 1981.

Postcard of the Blue Jay Restaurant and Motel, formerly located on Route 11, 6 miles west of Salem.

A postcard for Silver Gable Tourist Court, formerly located on Route 11.

Big Lick in 1881. Location unknown.

Aerial view of American Viscose.

Postcard for Moonlight Tourist Camp, formerly located 2 miles south of Roanoke on Route 220.

Looking east on Campbell Avenue from intersection with Jefferson Street.

Hollins Inn Restaurant and Tourist Court, formerly located 5 miles north of Roanoke on Route 11.

M.J. Patsel Druggists, formerly located at 202 2nd Street SW.

Tom's Service Station, formerly located on the corner of Henry Street and Wells Avenue.

Little River Baptist Church, located on Route 221 in Floyd County.

Customers at the Coffee Pot on Brambleton Avenue. Bob Nelson (front left) and Dick Nelson (back left) are pictured. All others unidentified.

Mary Alice Nelson demonstrating the new after-hours deposit box at the Appalachian Power Company building front entrance.

First chapel and parsonage for Virginia Heights Baptist Church on Memorial Avenue.

First chapel of Virginia Heights Baptist Church (left), construction on second church (middle), and parsonage (right).

Grand opening of Ewald-Clark in Downtown Roanoke, formerly located at 17 Church Avenue.

WSLS TV filming a show inside Ewald-Clark store.

"Cousin" Irv Sharp in the studio of WDBJ Radio.

Tommy Magness and the Orange Blossom Boys was a popular Roanoke radio and dance band. Left to right: Slim Idaho, Warren Poindexter, Tommy Magness, Dexter Mills, Clayton Hall, and Saford Hall.

Looking north on S. Jefferson Street. Patrick Henry Hotel visible at left; Elmwood Diner visible at right.

Virginian Railway Engine No. 127 in Roanoke.

Postcard depicting High Street Baptist Church.

Children collection scrap metal in their neighborhood in order to assist with the war efforts for World War II.

Tinnell's Grocery, formerly located on Crystal Spring Avenue in South Roanoke.

Virginia Heights Lutheran Church, formerly located at what is now 1320 Grandin Road.

Members inside Virginia Heights Lutheran Church, formerly located at what is now 1320 Grandin Road.

Construction of Christ Lutheran Church at the corner of Grandin Road and Brandon Avenue.

Construction of Christ Lutheran Church at the corner of Grandin Road and Brandon Avenue.

Laying of cornerstone for Christ Lutheran Church.

Corner of Grandin Road and Brandon Avenue which would become the site of Christ Lutheran Church.

Ruins of Fort Lewis mansion after it was destroyed by fire on 25 July 1949.

First chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Salem.

Dr. Harry T. Penn. In addition to practicing dentistry, Dr. Penn was the first African American school board member for the City of Roanoke and a prominent civic and civil rights leader.

Military airplane at Woodrum Field. Left to right: Lawrence Hall, Buddy Wingfield, and Raymond Hall.

Home of William S. and Daisy Schley, located at 203 Gilmer Avenue NW.

The Blue Ridge Entertainers played regularly on local radio and played in the studio the day WROV went on the air. There was another group by the same name and this group was the "second unit". Back row, left to right: Rufus Hall, Hank Angle, Jay…

The "funeral procession" for "Johnny Non-Voter" on Jefferson Street in route to the municipal building. The funeral was a promotion by the Roanoke Junior Chamber of Commerce as a means to get Roanokers to vote in the Democratic primaries for…

Olympian Jesse Owens signs autographs at Carver School in Salem.

Viaud School was founded by Madame Viaud in 1926. The school was located at 105 Mountain Avenue SW when this photo was taken.

The "Young Roanoke Sings" Chorus was heard weekly on WSLS Radio.

William Fleming High School. This building would later become Breckinridge Middle School.

Coronation of first annual Snow Queen (Joanne Friend) at Jefferson High School during Christmas Dance.

Jefferson High School versus William Byrd High School in football.

Aerial view of Victory Stadium during a Jefferson High School football game.

Eddie Bennett stands beside his father's (Joseph Bennett) brand new 1949 Mercury. Photo was taken at the family home on 30th Street, NW.

Roanoke City Police Department, 3rd Platoon.

Looking west on Church Avenue near the Jefferson Street intersection.

Close-up of the Mill Mountain Star shortly after completion.

Gilmer Avenue NW. Reliable Service Grocers visible at left.

Rish Equipment Company, formerly located at 405 Centre Avenue, NW.

Intersection of 2nd Street and Salem Avenue SW. M.J. Patsel Druggists visible at right.

Soldiers march in a parade on Campbell Avenue at 3rd Street SW.

Washington Park pool.

Monroe Junior High School, formerly located at 1122 19th Street NW.

Looking west on Fleming Avenue from the intersection of Winsloe Avenue NE.

Looking east on Tazewell Avenue near the intersection with 8th Street SE.

W.P. Hunter Memorial at Hunter Viaduct. The inscription reads, "Hunter Memorial Bridge in grateful memorial of William Pearce Hunter; May 29, 1884 - March 13, 1956; first city manager, October 1, 1918 - December 31, 1947; member City Council,…

Unidentified employees of an Esso Station.

Looking north on 6th Street near Marshall Avenue SW.

The second Lucy Addison High School (now Lucy Addison Middle School) under construction.

Looking north on Grandin Road.

Looking south on Grandin Road.

Norfolk & Western passenger station.

Intersection of Franklin Road and Marshall Avenue SW.

Looking north on Franklin Road from the intersection with Elm Avenue SW.

Birds-eye view of Reserve Avenue with Victory Stadium on left. Virginian Railway operations at right.

Construction of Lansdowne Park.

Looking east on Kirk Avenue SW.

The Detective Division of Roanoke City Police Department gives an interview to WSLS, WDBJ, and WROV radio stations in connection with the Dana Marie Weaver murder investigation.

Norfolk & Western East End Shops.

Norfolk & Western Railway Band.

The Robertson Singers of Roanoke. Seated, left to right: J.H. Robertson, Mrs. J.H. Robertson; standing, left to right: J.W. Harris, Charles Wiley, and V. Guerrant.

Members of the Roanoke Gun Club on opening day. J.J. Barry was president.

Norfolk & Western members of the 23rd Battalion, US Marine Corps Reserve, 116th Infantry.

An aerial view looking east on the Norfolk & Western Shops.

Singer and actress Jeanette MacDonald arriving in Roanoke by train.

Jack Dempsey aboard the Pocahontas after refereeing a wrestling match at the Roanoke Auditorium. Dempsey was boxing heavyweight champ from 1919-1926.

Choirs of Bethel AME Church and Starkey Church.

Norfolk & Western Railway Veterans Association 10th Annual Meeting at the Roanoke Auditorium opens with "Stand By America", led vocally by Mrs. Ruth Thomas.

Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Hu Shih, shakes hands with Virginia Chamber of Commerce president J.S. Easley as George Dunglinson looks on.

The Norfolk & Western Machine Shop balcony served as a platform for speakers and musicians during a war savings bond rally that observed an 88% participation rate by N&W employees.

The USO Lounge at the Norfolk & Western Passenger Station formally opened on 13 May 1942.

W.C. Driscoll demonstrates his patented new outdoor bowling game, Sok-A-Blok. The game was manufactured by Whitescarver and Dyal and sold in local hardware stores.

Norfolk & Western Shops Noon-Day Chorus. The group rehearsed and sang each day at lunchtime.

US Secretary of the Treasury, Henry Morgenthau, Jr. speaks at a speakers platform at the Roanoke Auditorium.

Norfolk & Western Male Chorus singing, "I've Been Working on the Railroad", for a system-wide radio broadcast.

Radio production for Norfolk & Western broadcast heard on WSLS and other radio stations served by N&W. Left to right: J.L. Ramsey, material inspector; Ed Skotch, WSLS production manager; Tom Slater, WSLS announcer; Phillip Briggs, WSLS engineer.

Class J-1 Engine No. 605 rolls out of the Norfolk & Western Shops. War rationing meant no streamlined cowling or roller bearings on the rods.

Norfolk & Western Shops wheel rollers put on an exhibition at the Virginia Press Association convention for cameras from MGM, Paramount, Fox Movietone News, and the Roanoke Times. Participants were John Canty, Pleas Casey, Charles Wiley, and Thomas…

Norfolk & Western Freight Car Department employees line up to submit their membership applications to Edith Davis of Blue Cross. Note that health insurance premiums were five cents per day.

Lt. E.H. St. Clair of Roanoke is shown in the cockpit of his flying fortress, "The Roanoke Magician", in England. He was a veteran of over 30 combat attacks and a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Roanoke All-Stars semi-pro baseball team. Front row, left to right: S. Robinson, M. Williams, R.F. Rice, Babe Easley, G. Hampton, H. Petey, Edward Jones, manager; Back row, left to right: Scrappy Brown, F. Boyd, G. Brown, R.R. McAsee, R. Wood, and…

Marble shooter Larry Vinson with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl O. Vinson.

Monroe Junior High School Band.

Colored Division of the Norfolk & Western Veterans Association meeting in front of the Virginia Theatre.

James Pullen (center, in conductor's cap) assists Norfolk & Western Passenger Station employees with removal of a war veteran's remains from the baggage car of Train No. 23.

Roanoke Black Cardinals semi-pro baseball team. Front row, left to right: Palmer, Rice, Jones (manager), Dawson, Perry, Boyd; Back row, left to right: G. Brown, Craighead, C. Brown, and Williams.

Captain Julian S. Wise, with some equipment used by the Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew, gives a presentation to a civic group at the Hotel Roanoke.

Norfolk & Western Band in new uniforms. Kneeling at left is the director, L. Christensen.

Dr. Walter Claytor, DDS.

The first "control tower" at Woodrum Field, an 8-foot square shed built on top of the Cannaday home, could be accessed by going onto the roof.

The Cannaday home with the control tower on top.

Class of Navy aviation cadets in front of a C-47 at Woodrum Field.

Congressman Clifton Woodrum, Sr. stands in front of his Fairchild 24. Woodrum soloed in 1942

Woodrum Field with the Cannaday home and control tower.

The congregation of Mt. Zion AME Church.

Roy Kinsey, Jr., John Payne, and Bob Kinsey on the day the Mill Mountain Star was lit.

Roy Hall and his band with Roy Rogers. Left to right: Wayne Watson, Tommy Magness, Roy Hall, Roy Rogers, Woody Mashburn, Bill Brown, and Clayton Hall.

Lester Kelly in Engine 10, a 1940 Dodge fire truck at the Williamson Road Station. The Williamson Road Station was annexed into the city on 1 January 1949

Fireman drafted into military service at Fire Station No. 1.

Firemen at Fire Station No. 1. Left to right: Earl Hawkins, Charles Nolley, James Nichols, William Barker, Edward Barker, Ernest Buford, Daniel Sink, Leonard Black, Maynard Peters, Eslie Knowles, and Earnest Ferguson.

Starkey Baseball Team. Front row, left to right: Randolf Reed, Joe Starkey, Edgar Musgrove, A.R. Meador, Jr., Edward Burris; Back row, left to right: John Slovensky, Minnix, Earnest Arthur, Junior Haislip, Clifton Meador, and David Mitchell. Bat…

Charles Harris at his home on Westover Avenue SW.

A crowd gathers for the dedication of Woodrum Field. The plane in the background is an American Airlines DC-3.

Hostesses gather for a group photograph at the dedication of Woodrum Field. Front row, left to right: Jean Fishburn, Claudine Pendleton, Louise Frantz, Evelyn Correll, Dot Donahoe. Back row, left to right: Mae Williams, Marion Elliott, Jessie Mae…

Martha Woodrum and R.J. "Bob" Donahoe at Woodrum Field.

Crystal Spring Laundry and Cleaners, formerly located at 720 Franklin Road SW.

Crystal Spring Laundry and Cleaners, formerly located at 3008 Williamson Road NW.

Crystal Spring Laundry and Cleaners, formerly located at 2049 E. Main Street in Salem.

William Ruffner Middle School, formerly located at 3601 Ferncliff Avenue NW. The school opened in 1970 and closed in 2009. The building is used as an operations center by Roanoke City Public Schools.

An aerial view of Victory Stadium. Victory Stadium was built in 1942 and razed in 2006.

Ferris wheel and Scrambler at Lakeside Park

McNease Shoe Company, formerly located at 14 Campbell Avenue SE. At left is the owner, Wallace M. McNease. Others unidentified.

Home located at 528 Marshall Avenue SW.

Virginia Heights Elementary School is located at 1210 Amherst Street SW.

William H. Startzman
Date of Birth: January 6, 1830
Mayor, Town of Big Lick: July 1, 1878 to June 30, 1880
Date of Death: January 5, 1908

Marshall Waid
Date of Birth: 1841
Mayor, Town of Big Lick from July 1, 1880 to February 3, 1882, and Town of Roanoke, February 3, 1882 to June 30, 1882
Date of Death: March 7, 1887

Date of Birth: c. 1839
Mayor from July 1, 1884 to June 30, 1885
Date of Death: September 21, 1902

Date of Birth: January 26, 1828
Mayor from July 1, 1885 to June 30, 1886
Other offices held: Missouri State Legislature, 1860-1862
Date of Death: November 28, 1903

Date of Birth: February 17, 1829
Mayor from July 1, 1886 to April 20, 1890
Date of Death: April 20, 1890

Date of Birth: January 16, 1852
Mayor from July 1, 1890 to June 30, 1892
Date of Death: April 15, 1915

Date of Birth: October 15, 1841
Mayor from July 1, 1892 to June 30, 1894
Other offices held: Virginia House of Delegates, December 5, 1877 to December 3, 1879; Senator, Virginia's 4th District, December 5, 1883 to December 8, 1887; City Council,…

Date of Birth: February 1859
Mayor from July 1, 1894 to June 30, 1896
Date of Death: January 14, 1902

Date of Birth: 1834
Mayor from July 1, 1896 to November 2, 1896
Other offices held: City Council, 1891-1896
Date of Death: November 2, 1896.

Date of Birth: December 23, 1850
Mayor from November 2, 1896 to June 30, 1898
Other offices held: City Council, July 1, 1884 to July 1, 1890 and April 10, 1894 to November 2, 1896
Date of Death: March 22, 1931

Date of Birth: January 9, 1868
Mayor from July 1, 1900 to February 13, 1902
Date of Death: August 1, 1909

Date of Birth: October 5, 1850
Mayor from February 13, 1902 to June 30, 1902
Other offices held: City Council, July 1, 1887 to July 1, 1902
Date of Death: June 10, 1935

Date of Birth: February 2, 1846
Mayor from July 1, 1902 to April 9, 1912
Other offices held: City Council, July 1, 1898 to July 1, 1902
Date of Death: September 20, 1917

Date of Birth: September 2, 1869
Mayor from April 9, 1912 to June 30, 1912 and September 1, 1930 to August 31, 1934
Other offices held: City Council, July 1897 to 1914
Date of Death: October 11, 1943

Date of Birth: July 27, 1858
Mayor from July 1, 1912 to December 23, 1912
Other offices held: Virginia House of Delegates, 1889-1900
Date of Death: December 23, 1912

Date of Birth: October 23, 1849
Mayor from February 1, 1913 to October 18, 1915
Date of Death: October 18, 1915

Date of Birth: July 14, 1862
Ex-Officio Mayor from October 18, 1915 to August 31, 1918
Other offices held: City Council, September 1, 1912 to August 31, 1918
Date of Death: July 29, 1938

Date of Birth: July 17, 1861
Mayor from September 1, 1918 to August 31, 1922
Date of Death: January 12, 1940

Date of Birth: June 25, 1876
Mayor from September 1, 1922 to August 31, 1926
Other offices held: City Council, May 6, 1907 to September 1, 1918; Virginia House of Delegates, 1932-1936
Date of Death: June 13, 1962

Date of Birth: January 31, 1869
Mayor from September 1, 1926 to August 31, 1930
Other offices held: City Council, July 1, 1895 to July 1, 1899
Date of Death: August 3, 1942

Date of Birth: October 31, 1892
Mayor from September 1, 1934 to June 2, 1938
Date of Death: March 24, 1973

Date of Birth: March 12, 1896
Mayor from September 1, 1938 to October 15, 1943
Other offices held: City Council 1936-1938; Virginia House of Delegates, 1944-1945
Date of Death: January 14, 1977

Date of Birth: October 31, 1894
Mayor from October 15, 1943 to August 31, 1946
Date of Death: November 14, 1974

Date of Birth: January 3, 1893
Ex-Officio Mayor from September 1, 1949 to August 31, 1950 and September 1, 1951 to August 31, 1952
Other offices held: City Council, 1946-1954
Date of Death: March 6, 1962

Date of Birth: August 22, 1914
Ex-Officio Mayor from September 1, 1954 to August 31, 1956
Other offices held: City Council, July 28, 1952 to August 31, 1954
Date of Death: April 28, 2011

Date of Birth: July 20, 1901
Ex-Officio Mayor from September 1, 1956 to August 31, 1958
Other offices held: City Council, September 1, 1950 to November 9, 1964
Date of Death: July 1, 1973

Date of Birth: May 11, 1952
Mayor from July 1, 1992 to June 30, 2000 and July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2016

Date of Birth: July 19, 1942
Mayor from July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2004
Other offices held: Senator, Virginia 22nd District, 2008-2012; Senator, Virginia 19th District, 2012-2016

Cutting a cake celebrating Glenn-Minnich's Rub Jubilee or forty years in business are, left to right, Estelle Penn, Nancy P. Deyerle, LeCompte Glenn Deyerle, unidentified, and Mildred Glenn.

The Boy Scout Department after a recent remodel at Glenn-Minnich, formerly located 108 W. Campbell Avenue.

Amy Jo Glenn (left) and Vetty Beckwith Glenn cutting cake inside Glenn-Minnich on the occasion of the store's Ruby Jubilee or fortieth anniversary.

LeCompte Glenn in front of Glenn-Minnich, formerly located at 108 W. Campbell Avenue.

Window display of Glenn-Minnich after remodeling. The slogans of the store were, "The store with the friendly door." and "Clothes for men and men who stay young."

The original American Theatre building was located at 217 S. Jefferson Street. Built by the Young Men's Christian Association in 1902, it would later be sold to an investment group and converted into a theatre in 1913. This building was razed in…

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.

Julian Stanley Wise founded the Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew in 1928. Wise had witnessed a drowning in the Roanoke River as a child. This incident greatly impacted his life, resulting in the formation of the first volunteer rescue squad…

Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew equipment display, including the crew's first ambulance, a Cadillac donated by John M. Oakey and Sons Funeral Home.

Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew purchased it first ambulance in 1932, a Ford panel truck.

Some equipment, including an "iron lung" and 1947 Oldsmobile 78 emergency vehicle on display at Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew.

John M. Oakey and Sons garage, located at 321 Luck Avenue SW, provided the first ambulance and garage for Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew.

Thomas A. Kinsey home, formerly located at 1510 Franklin Road SW.

Thomas A. Kinsey home, formerly located at 1510 Franklin Road SW.

Thomas A. and Josephine Kinsey in front of their home at 1510 Franklin Road, SW.

The Thomas A. Kinsey family on front porch of the home at 1510 Franklin Road, SW.

Original A-frame chapel of Virginia Heights Baptist Church is being moved to make way for the construction of brick sanctuary.

The original A-frame chapel of Virginia Heights Baptist Church is being moved to make way for the construction of a new sanctuary.

Wooden chapel of Virginia Heights Baptist Church on what is now the 2000 block of Memorial Avenue, SW (then Virginia Avenue) near the intersection with Grandin Road.

Interior of the original wooden chapel of Virginia Heights Baptist Church.

Laying of the cornerstone for the new sanctuary of Virginia Heights Baptist Church.

The new sanctuary of Virginia Heights Baptist Church under construction on Memorial Avenue (then Virginia Avenue).

Looking west on Memorial Avenue (then Virginia Avenue) from Grandin Road at the original A-frame chapel of Virginia Heights Baptist Church (foreground) and construction of new brick sanctuary.

Attendees at the last worship service in the wooden A-frame chapel of Virginia Heights Baptist Church before moving worship to the new brick sanctuary.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

The Times-World Building on Campbell Avenue.

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.

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

Aerial view of Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

The Everly Brothers perform at Lakeside Amusement Park,

The Everly Brothers perform at Lakeside Amusement Park,

The Everly Brothers perform at Lakeside Amusement Park,

A view of the midway at Lakeside Amusement Park.

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

A montage of attractions at Lakeside Amusement Park.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The collection consists of four scrapbooks documenting Willis M. “Wick” Anderson’s political career from 1958 through 1969. The scrapbooks were comprised primarily of newspaper clippings glued to paper. One scrapbook was traditional in style; the…

The Roanoke Country Club was founded in 1899 as a golf and tennis club. Its first clubhouse was a repurposed home near where it rented land from the Crystal Spring Land Company for a golf course; tennis courts were also built on adjacent lots…

While its history can be traced back to the Big Lick Baptist Church founded in 1875, it was in 1929 that the congregation of First Baptist Church moved to its newly constructed church on Third Street between Franklin and Luck Avenues. The church…
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