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.

Browse Items (8429 total)

Woodrum Field terminal building.

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

Aerial view of Woodrum Field taken during its dedication weekend. The photographer was Lambert Martin of the Roanoke World-News.

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

A Douglas C-47 takes off from Woodrum Field.

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

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

Looking toward Tinker Mountain from Woodrum Field.

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

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

A Mason-Dixon Airlines passenger plane at Woodrum Field.

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).

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

An unidentified woman in the reeling room at American Viscose.

An unidentified man in the reeling room at American Viscose.

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

Forbes-Hodges family reunion in Wirtz, Virginia.

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

Houses along Dale Avenue SE.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

The Marsteller Corporation Records Collection contains acknowledgements of orders placed for grave markers. Orders in this collection begin in 1911 and continue through 1960; missing orders include the years 1915 and 1916, 1920-1924, 1938-1941…

Oral History Interview with Michael Blankenship
Interviewer: Monica Taft
Interviewee: Michael Blankenship
Date: 21 February 2020
Location: Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, 301 Patton Avenue, Roanoke, Virginia
Total Duration:…

Oral History Interview with Ashley Rhame
Interviewer: Julian Edwards
Interviewee: Ashley Rhame
Date: 23 February 2020
Location: Fintel Library, Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia
Total Duration: 66:45
Transcription prepared by: Julian Edwards,…

Oral History Interview with Joe Cobb
Interviewer: Eve Allen
Interviewee: Joe Cobb
Date: 21 February 2020
Location: Fintel Library, Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia
Total Duration: 82:58 (in four parts)
Transcription prepared by: Miranda…

Oral History Interview with Nathaniel Preston
Interviewer: Sebastian Harlow
Interviewee: Nathaniel Preston
Location: Fintel Library, Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia
Date: 22 February 2020
Total Duration: 64:59
Transcription prepared by: Cody…

Rev. Lylburn L. Downing of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.

Millie Paxton.

St. Gerard’s Catholic Church.

St. John’s AME Zion Church.

Group portrait

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Group of children participating in a pageant or play.

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Group of children sitting in a room.

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Geneva Ford, library staff member, at the Gainsboro Library.

Children posing in front of a Book Week display at the Gainsboro Library.

Children posing in front of a Book Week display at the Gainsboro Library.

Mother and infant at the Gainsboro Library.

Children working on a project at the Gainsboro Library.

Children reading books at the Gainsboro Library.

Young man reaching for a book at the Gainsboro Library

Gainsboro Library display with Virginia Y. Lee.

Library display at the Gainsboro Library.

Virginia Y. Lee at the Gainsboro Library.

Gainsboro Library, interior.

Gainsboro Library, interior.

Gainsboro Library, interior, child sitting at a table.

Gainsboro Library, interior, with children.

Gainsboro Library, interior, with children.

Gainsboro Library, interior, with children.

Gainsboro Library, interior. Virginia Y. Lee, center.

Gainsboro Library, interior, with a group of library patrons. YMCA location.

Group of children in front of the Gainsboro Library.

Children dressed in costume in front of the Gainsboro Library.

Gainsboro Library, exterior, with a children’s class.

Economy Shoe Repair on Henry Street.

Economy Shoe Repair on Henry Street. Shop owner Earnest O. Greene.

Unidentified group photograph of men at a table.

Unidentified group photograph of women.

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Unidentified group photograph at night.

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Group of women in formal attire in front of a stage with instruments.

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Gainsboro School First Grade Class 1946. Teacher Mattie Bell Morris (back row).

Teachers on an Appalachian Electric Power Company Tour. First from left, Hollis Williams (Carver High); fourth from left, unnamed but identified as a Home Economics teacher at Addison; first from right, Coach Cannanday (Carver High); third from…

Group portrait of teachers. Front row seated, second from left, Mattie Bell Morris; third from left, Sadie Lawson; front row seated, first on right, Marie Bailey; third from right, Ms. Hackley. Back row, fourth from left, Ms. Hackley.

Ella F. Bowden, First Librarian of the Gainsboro Library, 1921-1923.

Rev. Arthur L. James, First Baptist Church.

Burrell Memorial Hospital. Construction of the 1955 building.

Burrell Memorial Hospital. Construction of the 1955 building.

Burrell Memorial Hospital. Construction of the 1955 building.

Burrell Memorial Hospital. Construction of the 1955 building.

Burrell Memorial Hospital. Construction of the 1955 building.

Burrell Memorial Hospital. Construction of the 1955 building.

Burrell Memorial Hospital. Construction of the 1955 building.

Order of the Eastern Star group photograph.

Order of the Eastern Star group photograph in front of the Allegany-Dunbar Freemason’s Prince Hall.

Ebenezer A. M. E. Church.

Virginia Y. Lee at the Gainsboro Library.

Gainsboro Library when it was located in the old Odd Fellows/YMCA Building. “First persons to register at GB.” Right to Left: Mrs. Sally Lawson, C. C. Williams, J. L. Reid, Mrs. E. R. Dudley, Rev. A. L. James, Dr. E. R. Dudley and Mrs. Ida Closs

Gainsboro Library when it was located in the old Odd Fellows/YMCA Building. Gainsboro Reading Club

Virginia Y. Lee and unidentified woman in front of the Gainsboro Library.

Woman’s Professional & Business Club.

Unidentified group photograph in front of a transformer station.

Unidentified group photograph in front of a transformer station.

Unidentified man playing piano and unidentified woman singing. Far right: Mr. Dowe and third from right: Rev. Edwards.

Rev. Douglas and unidentified woman.

Bishop L. E. Willis and Shadrack Brown Jr.

Bishop L. E. Willis, Wilbert McNair, Shadrack Brown Jr., Samuel Wade, and Norton B. Wilder.

First Baptist Church of Gainsboro. Dr. Noel C. Taylor.

First Baptist Church Gainsboro. Rev. Charles Green.

First Baptist Church of Gainsboro. Roy Williams.

Dinner at the Hunton Branch YMCA, Gainsboro Road. Circa late 1930’s or Early 1940’s.

Group photograph.. Dr. Harry Penn, back row, first from left.

Large group at a long table. Dr. Harry Penn, second from right, back row, plaid suit.


Left to right: John Claytor III, Sandra Elizabeth Claytor Peery, John B. Claytor Jr., and Ruth Williams Claytor. “Easter 1969.”

Group photograph with Ruth Claytor (in light colored coat) in front of Canada’s Ice Cream on Henry Street.

Dr. Elwood D. Downing, front far left, and an unidentified group of men.

Dr. John B. Claytor Jr.

Virginia Y. Lee and unknown woman.

Group photograph with Atwood’s Capitol View Tours bus.

Girls’ athletics group and spectators.

Aladdin Temple #34 on parade, Patton Avenue in front of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church.. “Miss Bertha White, Ill. Commandress, Roanoke, VA.”

This is a guide to the Gainsboro Library Records Collection. The collection consists of items related to the history of the Gainsboro Branch Library of Roanoke Public Libraries. The collection dates from 1920 to 2009.

The collection consists of 1 box containing 12 folders. Included in the box are the original manuscript and photocopies of the typed 318 pages, photocopies of trolley photographs, and correspondence about the collection. The manuscript compilation…

The Ruffner Rock was the annual for William Ruffner Middle School

Oral History Interview with Myer S. Reed
Interviewer: G.S. Rosenthal
Date: 21 October 2019
Location: Roanoke Public Library
Duration: 1:13:49
Transcription prepared by: Megan Reynolds and Kierra Burda

Oral History Interview with Amanda Ervin
Interviewer: Vanessa Dotson and Miu Iwasaki
Date: 2 October 2019
Location: Salvation Army
Duration: 45:22
Transcription prepared by: Kierra Burda

Oral History Interview with Nicole
Interviewer: Shannon Baker
Date: 7 October 2019
Location: Salvation Army
Duration: 35:19
Transcription prepared by: Shannon Baker and Paul Martin

Oral History Interview with J
Interviewer: Samantha Meyer
Date: 25 October 2019
Location: Salvation Army
Duration: 40:42
Transcription prepared by: Liz Lee and Megan Reynolds

Oral History Interview with ShaNeika Mitchell-Peters
Interviewer: Grace Priddy
Date: 9 October 2019
Location: Williamson Road Branch Library
Duration: 56:05
Transcription prepared by: Garrett Channell, Grace Priddy, Rebecca Smith

Roanoke College baseball team.

Roanoke College football team.

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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

Roanoke Railway & Electric streetcar conductors.

Norfolk & Western baseball team.

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

Eagles Band.

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

Horse and buggy in Downtown Roanoke.

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

Group photo of members of Enon Baptist Church.

Rockledge Inn on Mill Mountain.

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

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.

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

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.

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…

At left is Alma Beckner Steele with two unidentified women.

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.

Two unidentified men in a park.

Three unidentified men in a peach orchard,

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

Wagon pulled by oxen travels through an unidentified residential neighborhood.

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

Dance Pavilion and The Thriller roller coaster in Mountain Park.

Farmer in wagon pulled by oxen on Market Street.

Customers peruse the City Market.

Popcorn stand at Mountain Park. Lillie Solleday on right.

Check Room and Snack Stand in Mountain Park.

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

Confederate veterans parade through Downtown in conjunction with reunion.

Confederate veterans parade through Downtown in conjunction with reunion.

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

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

Dr. John Gibson Davis.

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

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

Ruth Mason (left) and Edith Davis Paine.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

The Addisonian was the annual for Lucy Addison High School.

The Junior League of the Roanoke Valley (JLRV) Records Collection consists of materials generated by the League throughout its existence. Items include administrative documents, annual reports, new clippings, newsletters, information regarding JLRV…

The Virginia Cooper papers consist of records, publications and research notes pertaining to Revolutionary War patriot William Faris of Cumberland and Roanoke Counties, Virginia, son Benjamin Faris and their families. The collection includes…

This presentation was given as part of the Kegley Lecture Series at the Historical Society of Western Virginia by Dr. Reginald Shareef.

Freemasons

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Willaim Bernard Robertson (far right), Elsie Scott standing.

Unknown woman speaking. Elsie Scott standing

A. Byron Smith

William D. Coleman, principal of Loudon Elementary School.

Sallye Coleman

Debutante Ball

Dr. Walter S. Claytor and Nurse Daisy Schley pictured with a patient

Reverend Robert James Jr. and his family. His wife Bernice is pictured center with the Reverend to her right.

Tracy Broady is 5th girl from left.

Unknown assembly audience

First Baptist Church

Unknown makeup artist, possibly at the Booker T. Washington Trade School.

Pictured: Mr. J. Lovelle Taylor (Freemason)

Either Saint Paul United Methodist Church or First Baptist Church. Identified: Constance Johnson (first row, far right), Mary Jeffries? (front row, second from the left)

Unknown school play, possibly on American history

Downing family portrait. Dr. Ellwood Downing pictured center-right and his wife Della Downing pictured center-left

Della Downing pictured on the left side, second from the back

Church service.

Front row (left to right): Reginald Clark, Reverend Ulsa Broady, MiKenley Craighead, Mason. Middle row (left to right): Murall Yvall, Mitchell Hankis, Robert Scaks, Alex Hancock. Back row (left to right): Armstead, E.C. Preston, Abner Jones, Joe…

Ruth Lash pictured on the left, in front of Harrison School

Unknown group portrait outside a Piedmont Airlines plane, A. Byron Smith is man in middle.

Group portrait holding commemorative Booker T. Washington stamps at the Booker T. Washington Birthplace Memorial in Franklin County, VA. President Sidney J. Phillips third from left, Portia Washington Pittman, daughter of Booker T. Washington, is the…

Unknown female’s exchange of an envelope

Identified: Mary March (center), Samuel Williams (front row, far left), Charell (front row, second from left), Gilbert March (front row, second from right), and O.W. Jones (front row, far right)

High Street Baptist Church event. Man with white shirt and black bowtie is Dr. Frederick G. Sampson

Unknown audience, man in second row, middle, center, sitting alone is either Tony or Terry Atwater.

Possible debutante portrait. Envelope: Ms. Ida Kerne

Picture made at YMCA Gainsboro Rd. and Patton Ave. Heller Kindergarten.

Unknown banquet

Unknown group portrait

Esquire Club. From left to right: Jeremiah Robertson Sr., John Dillon, unidentified, Walter Allen, Jack Hilton, unidentified, Mose Lipscomb, Lilburn Hilton, William Johns, Alton Sharper, Joe, unidentified, unidentified, Thomas Robertson, George…

Classroom portrait. Ronnie Jordan (?) pictured top left by the door

Classroom portrait. Ruth Anderson identified top left by the tree. Ms. Taylor, the teacher, identified in the center of the second row

Unknown group portrait, possibly Sunday school or another church-related event

Alphas Sorority and Fraternity pictured in front of St. Andrews Catholic Church

Unknown textile factory workers

Debutante Ball

Debutante Ball

Heller Kindergarten portrait made behind the Gainsboro Library during the May Day festival

Unknown church service

Group portrait of the Dining Car Employees or The Moles on Henry St. Front row (left to right): Ruth Anderson, Hazel Hall, Hershey Steptoe (Mary Steptoe), James or Pete Woodliff, Irene or Estelle Woodliff. Back row (left to right): Gertrude Logan,…

Group portrait. Front row (left to right): first 2 unidentified, Mary Jeffries, Juanita Ford, unidentified, Mrs. Brown or B. Kasey. Back row: S. Ford (?), Bill Thompson, W. Jeffries (?), Al Holland Sr., unidentified

Group portrait. From left to right: first 2 unidentified, Dorothy Sheppeson (?) Greene, Odelle Mebane, Eunice Poindexter, unidentified, Alma Finney Tyree Robertson (?), unidentified, Nina Charlton, Bolden, Ed Green, Markhiem or Macklain

Same church as CS 136, possibly a pageant.

High Street Baptist Church event. February 1976. Deacon William Whitaker.

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Portrait of Joseph Fuller Jr

Group portrait. First row (left to right): Rev. Metz Coker, Patricia Waller Henry, Jack Watson, next 2 unidentified, McCarthy Woods. Second row: Leroy Campbell, next 4 unidentified, Valerie Lash. Third row: Ms. Woods, Mr. Williams, Mr. Meadows, next…

St. Paul’s Methodist Church. Far-right corner: Marionetta Sprauve Shaw (far left corner is unidentified). First row (left to right): Lillie Patterson, unidentified, Christine Payne or Arnesia Keeling Payne, unidentified, Fizer-Simmons. Second row…

Group portrait. From left to right: Patricia Waller, Ruth Anderson, Edna Prunty, Delia or Leila Bryant, unidentified, Fulford, unidentified, Maxine Thomas, unidentified, Mrs. Broady

Unknown group portrait, possibly a sorority

Debutante Ball

The Harrison Baseball Team. 1928-1930. Numerical order: 1. Crawford 2. Jim Jones 3. Bob Jefferson 4. Jess Smith 5. “Bubber” McAfee 6. Edward Calloway 7. Bobley Colson 8. Lee Calloway 9. Jack Calloway 10. Banks 11. Matthews 12. “Wildman” Coffer 13.…

Freemasons outside Prince Hall. Front row (left to right): Frank Broady, unidentified, J. Luvelle Taylor, unidentified, William Beane, unidentified. Middle row (left to right): unidentified, Billy Taborn, unidentified, Clifton Whitworth, William…

Front row (left to right)--A. Byron Smith, wife, Miriam, Lessie Polk, Raymond Polk

A. Byron Smith and wife, Miriam (from left, seated), Deacon Hanks (man standing to the right with gray hair).

Dr. J.H. Roberts and his wife pictured at Christmastime

Gathering for Hunton Crew INC.

Gathering for Hunton Crew INC.

Gathering for Hunton Crew INC. Far left corner--Richard Penly and Mrs. Shirlene Penly. Estelle McCadden is pictured 3rd from the right in the first row of chairs and Mr. Lewis Peery is pictured in the farthest row, 2nd from the left

Gathering for Hunton Crew INC.

Gathering for Hunton Crew INC.

Hunton Life Saving Crew

High Street Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir. Front row (left to right): Marilyn Curtis, next 2 unidentified, Frances Keene, Barbara Taylor, William Keene (Buster), Broady or Brown. Back row (left to right): unidentified, Rev. Ulas Broady, rest…

Unknown portrait of two working females, possibly waitresses

Envelope: Rev. Horatio Edwards

Award reception. Envelope: Mary Rayford, Audrey Wheaton’s Mom

Pictured: Far left: Elmer Thomas. Far right: Maxine Thomas, Carolyn Law and Curtis Parker center.

Debutante portrait

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Debutante portrait

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Debutante portrait

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Colonial Stores storefront

Unknown male walking in an aisle past an audience, possibly a debutante escort

Debutante ball

Freemasons. Herbert Shovley identified in the front row on the far lefthand side

Unknown group portrait

Unknown ceremony or an award reception

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Front row (left to right): Donna Lee, Elizabeth Thomas or Coltman, Carolyn Patterson (or Koger?), Nadine Davis Wheaton, Sadie B. Lawson. Middle row (left to right): Katy Wheaton? (or Butler), rest unidentified. Back row…

Group portrait not identified.

Group Portrait. St. Matthew Church of God, Abbot St. Front row (left to right): Florine Fulford or Fuller, Nona Harris, Dorothy Taylor or Walker. Back row (left to right): E. Hash or Nancy Hash, Prunty, Edna Nash (Temple of the Way Out Church?) or…

Unknown banquet. Located in the Ballroom of the Hotel Roanoke. Circa 1960s.

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Atwood’s capital view tour with unknown members of the Booker T. Washington Trade School

Unknown award recognition

Unknown award recognition

Unknown children’s meal, possibly at Hunton YMCA Daycare

Unknown children’s meal, possibly at Hunton YMCA Daycare

Group portrait. From left to right: Nona Harris, Bessie Coles, Helen or Halle or Hall, unidentified, unidentified, Becky Hale

Group portrait. Front row (left to right): Connie Johnson Hamlar, unidentified, unidentified, Gwendolyn Lawrence (Connie and Gwendolyn are sisters). Back row (left to right) : unidentified, Doris Elam, Nina Bolden, Baylice Cooper

Pictured: Front row (left to right)--Ruth Lash, unidentified, Mary Curtis Steptoe, Kitty McCain, Middle row (left to right)--Elizabeth Snyder, Edna Prunty, next two unidentified, Back row--Sister Hall Martin, Prunty

Group portrait

Shriners group portrait

Shriners group portrait. Envelope: Prints of groups made at Lodge Hall and YMCA

Shriners group portrait. Envelope: Prints of groups made at Lodge Hall and YMCA

Shriners group portrait. Envelope: Prints of groups made at Lodge Hall and YMCA

Dr. Noel C. Taylor pictured left, Dr. Maynard H. Law pictured center.

Dr. Maynard H. Law pictured left of the podium and Rev. Wright pictured at the podium.

Dr. Maynard H. Law pictured right.

Dr. Noel C. Taylor pictured.

Unknown children’s church choir performance

Interior of First Baptist Church. Envelope: Rev. Edwards

Interior of First Baptist Church.

Interior of First Baptist Church.

Interior of First Baptist Church.

Interior of First Baptist Church.

Interior of First Baptist Church. Noel C Taylor pictured

Unknown pageant. Interior of First Baptist Church.

Unknown pageant. Interior of First Baptist Church.

Unknown pageant. Interior of First Baptist Church.

Unknown pageant. Interior of First Baptist Church.

Unknown pageant. Interior of First Baptist Church.

Unknown banquet

Unknown banquet

Unknown assembly, possibly debutant

Unknown assembly, possibly debutant

Unknown classroom portrait

High Street Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir. Front row (left to right): Barbara Taylor, Francis Keene, Louise Prunty, next 5 unidentified, Nina Medley, Earl or Carl Woodlift Jr.. Middle row: Marilyn Curtis, unidentified, Helen Terry, Elise Scott,…

High Street Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir. Front row (left to right): Barbara Taylor, Francis Keene, Louise Prunty, unidentified, Elsie Scott, unidentified, unidentified, Nina Medley, Bonnie Terry, Earl or Carl Woodlift Jr. Middle Row (left to…

Freemasons group portrait. Front row (left to right): Matthew Banks, Melvin Anderson, James Stewart, unidentified, Paul Scott. Back row (left to right): O.W. Jone, Otho Wright, Elijah Williams, unidentified

Unknown banquet

Unknown banquet

Unknown banquet

Unknown banquet

Unknown banquet

Unknown conference

Unknown banquet

Unknown banquet

Left: George Harris, Center: unidentified, Right: Lawrence Hunter

Unknown banquet

Unknown banquet

Unknown banquet

Unknown school play or student performance

Unknown school choir performance

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Ceremony

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Unknown group portrait

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Ceremony

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Unknown group portrait

Unknown freemason portrait

Unknown freemason portrait

Unknown freemason portrait

Unknown event

Unknown event

Group portrait. From left to right: Dorothy Taylor or Mrs. Fulford, Delia or Leila Bryant, unknown, Maxine Thomas (Dr. Reginald Shareef’s Mother), Mrs. Broady

Harrison Elementary School faculty Halloween costume portrait

Harrison Elementary School costume party. Portrait of Sidney J. Phillips on top shelf.

Harrison Elementary School costume party

Harrison Elementary School. Left: Maxine Foutz Thomas (?). Center: Marionette Shaw Sprouve. Portrait of Sidney J. Phillips on top shelf.

Sorority event

Sorority event

Sorority group portrait. From left to right: Gloria Wingfield, Carolyn Kroger Patterson, Christine Logan Powell, Carolyn Murphy, Carolyn Law, Jean Whitten, Joyce Preston, Marilyn Spencer, Clara Boyo, Gloria Waddell, unknown, Juaniva Crowder, Clara…

Unknown banquet portrait

Unknown banquet portrait

Recognition ceremony at Burrell Hospital. Pictured: Dr. George Moore shaking Dr. Henry Penn's hand and Attorney Lawrence speaking at the podium

Recognition ceremony at Burell Hospital.

Downing family portrait

Group Portrait. From left to right front row : Evelyn Scott Pullen, Courtney (?) Neeley, Elaine Davis Stoval, Gloria Downing, Eloise Downing (or Law?), Baylese or Balise Spencer. From left to right back row: Constance Johnson Hamlar, Nina Charlton…

Unknown portrait of a woman. Clothed in Order of the Eastern Star apparel.

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Unknown portrait of a woman. Clothed in Order of the Eastern Star apparel.

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Unknown portrait of a woman. Clothed in Order of the Eastern Star apparel.

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Unknown neighborhood portrait

Salem Baptist Church service.

Teachers and Business Organization. 1957. Envelope: "Mrs. G. West Home Gertrude Preston West and Mrs. J Calloway Wells Ave. N.W."

Front Row: Hazel Hale (second from left ), Althea Calloway (third from left), ? Broady, teacher (fourth from left), …

Virginia Appalachian Notes was published quarterly by the Southwestern Virginia Genealogical Society.

Virginia Appalachian Notes was published quarterly by the Southwestern Virginia Genealogical Society.

Virginia Appalachian Notes was published quarterly by the Southwestern Virginia Genealogical Society.

Virginia Appalachian Notes was published quarterly by the Southwestern Virginia Genealogical Society.

Virginia Appalachian Notes was published quarterly by the Southwestern Virginia Genealogical Society.

Virginia Appalachian Notes was published quarterly by the Southwestern Virginia Genealogical Society.

Virginia Appalachian Notes was published quarterly by the Southwestern Virginia Genealogical Society.

Virginia Appalachian Notes was published quarterly by the Southwestern Virginia Genealogical Society.

Virginia Appalachian Notes was published quarterly by the Southwestern Virginia Genealogical Society.

The Glenna Garner Collection is arranged into two series: Series I contains research compiled by family groups arranged alphabetically by surname; Series II contains records arranged alphabetically by document type. Series I focuses on Glenna…

Greens and fairways at Roanoke Country Club. The clubhouse is just visible in the background.

The first observation tower on Mill Mountain was constructed in 1910 and destroyed by a violent wind storm in 1914. It was replaced shortly thereafter by another observation tower, which burned in 1936.

Mill Mountain’s Prospect Road, commonly called the Loop Road or Old Toll Road, still has the same basic design when it originated as a graded carriage road in 1891. Today, the road is part of the Roanoke Valley’s greenway system within Mill Mountain…

Melrose Athletic Club baseball team and mascot.

In the days before trucks were ubiquitous, farmers brought their goods to the City Market in buckboards, carts, and Conestoga wagons.

Roanoke Auditorium was located along Wells Avenue NE, between Williamson Road and 2nd Street. Built in 1916, it was purchased in 1947 by the American Legion and thence called the American Legion Auditorium. It served the city well as an all-purpose…

Buena Vista was contructed by Colonel George P. Tayloe around 1840.

Built in 1926, the Coulter Building is located at 601 S. Jefferson Street.

Jackson Ferry Shot Tower in Wythe County. The tower is 75 feet tall and was used for manufacturing lead shot. Construction began shortly after the American Revolution and was completed in 1802. The shot tower is now Shot Tower State Park.

The McGuire Building and Market Square.

People's Bank building located at 201 S. Pollard Street in Vinton.

The Shenandoah Building is located at 305 1st Street.

The Jefferson Apartments, formerly located at 820 S. Jefferson Street. This view looks west on Mountain Avenue.

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

Roanoke High School was built in 1898 on the northeast corner of Church Avenue and 3rd Street SW. It became the school administration building in 1924 after Jefferson High School opened. It was razed in 1968 for construction of the Municipal…

City Hotel was built in 1886 on the southeast corner of Jefferson Street and Salem Avenue.

Located at 30 Franklin Road, the Professional (or Medical) Arts Building was built in 1929.

The McBain building, located at 34 Campbell Avenue.

Roanoke High School was built in 1898 on the northeast corner of Church Avenue and 3rd Street SW. It became the school administration building in 1924 after Jefferson High School opened. It was razed in 1968 for construction of the Municipal…

Roanoke Auditorium was located along Wells Avenue NE, between Williamson Road and 2nd Street. Built in 1916, it was purchased in 1947 by the American Legion and thence called the American Legion Auditorium. It served the city well as an all-purpose…

Colonial National Bank building, located at 202 S. Jefferson Street.

Roanoke Lodge #197 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The lodge stood on the southeast corner of Jefferson Street and Franklin Road

Roanoke's second federally funded post office was constructed on the same site as the first, the corner of Church Avenue and 1st Street. It was built in 1914 and replaced in 1933.

Phelps & Armistead Furniture, formerly located at 312 2nd Street SW. The building would later be occupied by Grand Piano.

Hammond's Printing and Litho Works, formerly located on the southeast corner of Jefferson Street and Luck Avenue,

The McBain building, located at 34 Campbell Avenue.

Mill Mountain’s Prospect Road, commonly called the Loop Road or Old Toll Road, still has the same basic design when it originated as a graded carriage road in 1891. Today, the road is part of the Roanoke Valley’s greenway system within Mill Mountain…

The Municipal Building was built in 1915.

Athletic field and grandstands at Victory Stadium. The stadium was built in 1942 and razed in 2006.

Athletic field and grandstands at Victory Stadium. The stadium was built in 1942 and razed in 2006.

The Market Building appears largely unchanged today from when it was built in 1922.

The original Ponce de Leon Hotel located at 131 Campbell Avenue SW. The elegant verandas are gone by the time this photograph was taken. In December 1930, the building was totally destroyed by fire, killing one resident and injuring others. It was…

Roanoke Public Warehouse was located at 403 Salem Avenue.

Aerial viewing showing Main Street in Salem near the intersection with Union Street and Academy Street.

Roanoke Knitting Mills began operations in 1903 at 306 Elm Avenue SE. It closed by 1909.

Shown under construction are the Lorraine Apartments, located at 1221 S. Jefferson Street. This view shows the rear of the building from Maple Avenue SW.

Intersection showing the Williamson Building on the northwest corner of Church Avenue and Jefferson Street. At the time of this photo it was occupied by the Sportsman, Deb Fashions, Thom McCann Shoes. The building was razed in 1977.

Shown under construction are the Lorraine Apartments, located at 1221 S. Jefferson Street.

A view of Mill Mountain showing a relatively undeveloped foreground.

Built in 1905, the building located at 116 Campbell Avenue SW was home to two banks in its early years, Day & Night Bank in this photograph and State & City Bank.

Christ Episcopal Church, located at 1101 Franklin Road SW.

Looking north on Jefferson Street from the 300 block.

Looking south on Jefferson Street from Salem Avenue.

Lee Junior High School was built in 1912 at the intersection of Franklin Road and 2nd Street SW. It was razed in 1973 to clear the site for construction of the Richard H. Poff Federal Building.

Stone Printing Company began doing business at this location in 1891. The stone veneer was added to the building, located at 116 N. Jefferson Street, in 1907.

Jefferson Hospital, founded in 1907 by Dr. Hugh Trout, was the predecessor of Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital. Formerly located at 1313 Franklin Road SW, the hospital closed in 1967 and was later razed.

Parked in front of the city jail, is this blue and white, fifty horsepower Cadillac patrol wagon. It could carry as many as eight prisoners in its enclosed compartment, while the policeman had to ride exposed to the elements.

Blue Ridge Springs was one of a number of summer resorts in Southwestern Virginia. It boasted the healing powers of dyspepsia in its natural spring. Like many resorts of its kind, Blue Ridge Springs fell into disrepair during the Great Depression. …

Looking northeast on Grandin Road at the intersection with Shirley Avenue.

Aerial view of Norfolk & Western east end shops.

Looking west from the 1900 block of Maiden Lane. The neighborhood is still under development at the time of this photograph.

Looking east on the 2000 block of Maiden Lane SW. The neighborhood is still under development at the time this photograph was taken.

Looking east on the 2000 block of Westover Avenue SW. The neighborhood is still under development at the time of this photograph.

Looking south on Grandin Road from the 1700 block.

Onlookers in Ballyhack watch as the seated gentleman in this photograph is having a tooth extracted by the lady in front of him, while the one behind him holds his head still.

Looking west on Campbell Avenue.

Located at 213 1st Street SW, the Masonic temple was constructed in 1911. For many years, the first floor was occupied by various retail establishments, as evidenced in this photograph when Witten-Martin Furniture Company occupied the space.

Crockett Springs Resort, near Shawsville, was one of a number of summer resorts in Southwestern Virginia that boasted the healing powers of its spring waters. The resort opened in 1889 and closed shortly before 1940. The hotel was razed in 1966.

Canoers on Mountain Lake. The second Mountain Lake Lodge, built in 1875, can be seen in the distance. The current stone lodge replaced this structure in 1936.

Switchboard at Police headquarters. Sargeant Dick Arnold uses the phone as motorcycle officer John Lemon looks on.

The Virginia College for Young Women was located in the South Roanoke neighborhood at the end of Rosalind Avenue. The college closed in 1933.

Blue Ridge Springs was one of a number of summer resorts in Southwestern Virginia. It boasted the healing powers of dyspepsia in its natural spring. Like many resorts of its kind, Blue Ridge Springs fell into disrepair during the Great Depression. …

State & City Building, located at 102 Campbell Avenue SW.

Virginia's second commercial radio station, WDBJ-AM, had been broadcasting for twelve and a half years when it moved to its new quarters at 124 Kirk Avenue SW in January 1937.

"Terra Alta" located at 1348 Prospect Road SE.

The temporary quarters of Mountain Trust Bank, formerly located at 34 W. Church Avenue.

Roanoke Baseball Team. Front row, left to right: Dusty Coons, ? Wrigley, ? Lynch; middle row, L to R: unidentfied, unidentfied, Pop Tate (manager), G. McGann, ? Hill; back row, L to R: Ed McGinnis, unidentified, unidentified, and ? Williams.

Lyle's Drugstore occupied the right half of this building, located at 101 Campbell Avenue SW.

Fenton China and House Furniture, formerly located at 306 S. Jefferson Street.

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 Institute, a school for boys located at 611 McDowell…

Looking east from the 100 block of Campbell Avenue.

Looking south on Jefferson Street from the Colonial Bank building.

A scene in Elmwood Park.

Roanoke High School was built in 1898 on the northeast corner of Church Avenue and 3rd Street SW. It became the school administration building in 1924 after Jefferson High School opened. It was razed in 1968 for construction of the Municipal…

An interior view of Roanoke Photo Finishing Company with George Davis behind counter.

Completed in 1883 by the Shenandoah Valley Railroad, the general office building housed the offices for Norfolk & Western after they were moved from Lynchburg. The building was located on the northwest corner of Jefferson Street and Shenandoah…

Mountain View, a 40 room elegant turn-of-the-century mansion, was built in 1907 by Junius B. Fishburn. Mr. Fishburn donated Mountain View to the City in 1955 with the stipulation that it be used solely and exclusively for public recreation purposes.…

Built in 1920, Ole Monterey Golf Course is the second oldest golf course in the City of Roanoke.

Crystal Spring Laundry was located at 720 Franklin Road SW.

Roanoke Country Club, located at 3360 Old Country Club Road NW.

Wasena Elementary School is located at 1125 Sherwood Avenue SW.

Originally constructed in 1922, Jefferson High School was Roanoke's largest high school for half a century.

Built in 1905, the building located at 116 Campbell Avenue SW was home to two banks in its early years, State & City Bank in this photograph and Day & Night Bank.

Roanoke Hospital was built in 1893 with the aid of Norfolk & Western and the Roanoke Gas and Water Company. Carilion Roanoke Memorial now occupies the site of the old hospital.

Built in 1920, Highland Park Elementary School is located at 1212 5th Street SW.

Roanoke Printing Company occupies the Bolling Building, formerly located on the southwest corner of Church Avenue and 1st Street SW.

Stonewall Jackson Middle School located at 1004 Montrose Avenue SE. The school's name was changed to John P. Fishwick Middle School in 2018.

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

Jamison Elementary School was located on the southwest corner of Jamison Avenue and 14th Street SE. The school was built in 1916 and razed in 1975.

Stonewall Jackson Middle School located at 1004 Montrose Avenue SE shortly after completion. The school's name was changed to John P. Fishwick Middle School in 2018.

Morningside Elementary School, located at 1716 Wilson Street SE.

Boggs & Havnaer Laundry and Dry Cleaning supplies and equipment, formerly located at 912 3 1/2 Street SE.

The Morice (formerly Roanoke) Twine Mill in Norwich. Built to house the Norwich Lock Company in 1891, the lock company was a short-lived enterprise. In 1901, the Roanoke Cotton Mill moved into the abandoned building.

Entrance to Sherwood Forest subdivision, located at Yellow Mountain Road and Nottingham Road.

The Harrison School was completed in 1916. Two years later, the first high school classes for African American students began at Harrison School. Three students graduated in 1924, due largely to the persistence of Harrison's principal, Lucy…

Commerce Street School, also called First Ward School, was located at the corner of Church Avenue and 2nd (Commerce) Street. Built in 1890, it was razed in 1929 to make room for the post office.

The second Ponce de Leon Hotel located at 131 Campbell Avenue SW.

Belmont Elementary School was located on Dale Avenue in southeast Roanoke. The school was built in 1891 and remained in operation until 1974 when Fallon Park Elementary School was completed.

Norfolk & Western General Offices, located at 8 N. Jefferson Street, replaced the old General Offices after they were destroyed by fire in 1896. This building would be used in this capacity until 1932 when the new office building was completed.

Salvation Army Hotel, formerly located at 201 2nd Street SW.

Roanoke Country Club, located at 3360 Old Country Club Road NW, shortly after completion of the clubhouse.

First Presbyterian Church, located at 2101 Jefferson Street SW.

In the Coulter Building, the Hancock-Clay Company opened a department store in 1926. This interior view shows some of the dry goods and notions sold by Hancock-Clay. The firm became bankrupt in the early 1930s.

Spanish-American War United States Veterans, Company G, 2nd Virginia Volunteers, Dewey Mess. Pictured are : H.H. Zink, E.M. Carr, Pat Sullivan, A.T. Day, F.M. Moore, C.W. Rolen, J.T. Donnelly, G.D. Black, J.L. Bonavita, G.W. Misel, R.L. Tremain,…

Group portrait of Roanoke bankers in front of the Terry Building.

Natural Tunnel in Scott County. The massive naturally formed cave is so large, it is used as a railroad tunnel.

Groundbreaking for Pythian Castle Hall, Osceola Lodge No. 47 on Franklin Road. Shown are George Davis, Stuart A. Barbour, Frank N. Smith, and Charles D. Keffer.

The wreck of the "Old 97" was an American rail disaster involving the Southern Railway mail train, officially known as the Fast Mail, while en route from Monroe, Virginia, to Spencer, North Carolina, on September 27, 1903. Due to excessive speed in…

A view of Mill Mountain. Building in foreground was the Adams, Payne, Gleaves, Livery Stable No. 2. Abandoned by the time of this photograph, it is used to promote the purchase of war bonds.

Armistead Neal tavern and boarding house was located on Shenandoah Avenue. For many years, it served the town of Big Lick as a hotel.

Golf Course at Roanoke Country Club.

Hiawatha Tribe Number 66, Red Men's Band at Hotel Roanoke.

The wreck of the "Old 97" was an American rail disaster involving the Southern Railway mail train, officially known as the Fast Mail, while en route from Monroe, Virginia, to Spencer, North Carolina, on September 27, 1903. Due to excessive speed in…

Led by the Roanoke Machine Works band, the funeral procession of William Nolty winds slowly past "Brick Row" on E. Campbell Avenue. "Brick Row" was built as a low-rent housing area for mostly less skilled workers at Roanoke Machine Works. The…

The wreck of the "Old 97" was an American rail disaster involving the Southern Railway mail train, officially known as the Fast Mail, while en route from Monroe, Virginia, to Spencer, North Carolina, on September 27, 1903. Due to excessive speed in…

Webster Brick Company (now General Shale), located at 2351 Webster Road.

Calvin and Harriet Muse stand with their sons, George and Willie, after the family is reunited in 1927. George and Willie's story is detailed in 'Truevine: Two Brothers, a Kidnapping, and a Mother's Quest' by Beth Macy.

The original Natural Bridge Hotel. The hotel burned in 1963 and was replaced by the current hotel in 1964.

The Almshouse or "poor house" was built in 1925. The building is now part of Virginia Western Community College.

Waterfall at Carvins Cove.

Close-up view of Poage's Mill waterwheel on Back Creek.

Roanoke High School gymnasts. Caption reads, "Winners Intermediate Gym Contest, '07-'08".

Group portrait of students and faculty of the Alleghany Institute. Front row, left ot right: Ott Coleman, Jack Airheart, William ?; back row, left to right: B.S. Brooke, Eugene Turner, Ernest B. Fishburn, Billy Malone, D. Thomas Taylor, Romeo…

Jefferson Hospital, founded in 1907 by Dr. Hugh Trout, was the predecessor of Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital. Formerly located at 1313 Franklin Road SW, the hospital closed in 1967 and was later razed. The two-story porches no longer exist…

The second Ponce de Leon Hotel located at 131 Campbell Avenue SW.

The original Ponce de Leon Hotel located at 131 Campbell Avenue SW. The elegant verandas are gone by the time this photograph was taken. In December 1930, the building was totally destroyed by fire, killing one resident and injuring others. It was…

Greene Memorial United Methodist Church at the corner of Church Avenue and 2nd Street. In this photograph, a crowd is gathered to watch as the new La France Fire Engine was hauled to the corner to see if it could throw water as high as the steeple…

The second observation tower once atop Mill Mountain. The first observation tower was destroyed in a wind storm in 1914. This tower replaced it until 1936, when it was destroyed by fire. George Davis at left.

WDBJ station at its third location on the corner of Colonial Avenue and Brandon Avenue.

A view of Roanoke from Mill Mountain with the Riverland neighborhood in the foreground.

The original Natural Bridge Hotel. The hotel burned in 1963 and was replaced by the current hotel in 1964.

Spectators watch the highwire act, part of the Order of United Commercial Travelers of American carnival.

Crowds gather along Campbell Avenue to watch the Armistice Day Parade.

Looking north on 1st Street from Church Avenue.

Looking north on Jefferson Street from the Colonial National Bank building.

Lewis-Gale Hospital was built in 1909 as a partnership between Dr. Sparrell Gale and Dr. J.N. Lewis. The original hospital stood at the northwest corner of 3rd Street and Luck Avenue.

Th Dog Mouth Fountain stands on the northwest corner of Salem Avenue and Market Street. Legend has it that those who drink from the fountain will always return to Roanoke.

A view of Mill Mountain. Roanoke Hospital, the Mill Mountain Incline, and the observation tower are all visible.

Patrick Henry Hotel

Looking north on 1st Street from Church Avenue.

The First National Exchange Bank building is located at 201 S. Jefferson Street.

Roanoke's first Market Building. Built in 1886, it was replaced by the current Market Building in 1922.

Interior view of the Patrick Henry Hotel lobby.

The pond once in Elmwood Park.

Civil War veterans reunion at Hotel Roanoke.

The Almshouse or "poor house" was built in 1925. The building is now part of Virginia Western Community College.

Mill Mountain Incline.

Looking north on Jefferson Street.

Hotel Roanoke

Horton and Roberts Livery Stable stood on Henry Street (now 1st Street SW) just north of the northeast corner of Henry Street and Church Avenue.

In 1898, the Big Lick Livery Stable stood on Henry Street (1st Street SW) just north of Roanoke's first federally funded post office (located on the NE corner of Henry (1st) Street and Church Avenue) which can be seen in the background. In 1890 this…

Roanoke's second federally funded post office was constructed on the same site as the first, the corner of Church Avenue and 1st Street. It was built in 1914 and replaced in 1933.

Firemen pose on a ladder pulled by horses. The building in the background was on the corner of 1st Street and Church Avenue.

Title Guarantee Trust and Savings Bank, formerly located at 34 Church Avenue SW.

Looking south on Jefferson Street. American Theatre on right.

Formerly located on the southwest corner of Williamson Road and Salem Avenue, the Big Lick Hotel would go through several iterations, including a portion of the Shenandoah Hotel, the Lee Hotel and Hotel Earle. The building was gutted by fire in 1991…
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