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RVNH40400 Albert Taugora
January 1940
RVNH40316 Detective Interview
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.
RVNH40315 Kirk Avenue
Looking east on Kirk Avenue SW.
RVNH40314 Lansdowne
Construction of Lansdowne Park.
RVNH40313 Reserve Avenue
Birds-eye view of Reserve Avenue with Victory Stadium on left. Virginian Railway operations at right.
RVNH40312 Franklin Road
Looking north on Franklin Road from the intersection with Elm Avenue SW.
RVNH40311 Franklin Road
Intersection of Franklin Road and Marshall Avenue SW.
RVNH40310 Henry Street Bridge
A snowy birds-eye view of the Henry Street bridge.
RVNH40309 N&W Station
Norfolk & Western passenger station.
RVNH40308 Grandin Road
Looking south on Grandin Road.
RVNH40307 Grandin Road
Looking north on Grandin Road.
RVNH40306 Lucy Addison High
The second Lucy Addison High School (now Lucy Addison Middle School) under construction.
RVNH40305 6th Street
Looking north on 6th Street near Marshall Avenue SW.
RVNH40304 Esso Station
Unidentified employees of an Esso Station.
RVNH40303 Hunter Memorial
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,…
RVNH40302 Tazewell Avenue
Looking east on Tazewell Avenue near the intersection with 8th Street SE.
RVNH40301 Fleming Avenue
Looking west on Fleming Avenue from the intersection of Winsloe Avenue NE.
RVNH40300 Monroe Junior High
Monroe Junior High School, formerly located at 1122 19th Street NW.
RVNH40299 Washington Park
Washington Park pool.
RVNH40297 Parade
Soldiers march in a parade on Campbell Avenue at 3rd Street SW.
RVNH40296 Salem Avenue
Intersection of 2nd Street and Salem Avenue SW. M.J. Patsel Druggists visible at right.
RVNH40295 Rish Equipment
Rish Equipment Company, formerly located at 405 Centre Avenue, NW.
RVNH40294 Gilmer Avenue
Gilmer Avenue NW. Reliable Service Grocers visible at left.
RVNH40293 Mill Mountain Star
Close-up of the Mill Mountain Star shortly after completion.
RVNH40292 Church Avenue
Looking west on Church Avenue near the Jefferson Street intersection.
RVNH40291 Roanoke Police Department
Roanoke City Police Department, 3rd Platoon.
RVNH40288 Eddie Bennett
Eddie Bennett stands beside his father's (Joseph Bennett) brand new 1949 Mercury. Photo was taken at the family home on 30th Street, NW.
RVNH40287 Victory Stadium
Aerial view of Victory Stadium during a Jefferson High School football game.
RVNH40284 Jefferson vs. Byrd
Jefferson High School versus William Byrd High School in football.
RVNH40283 Snow Queen
Coronation of first annual Snow Queen (Joanne Friend) at Jefferson High School during Christmas Dance.
RVNH40282 William Fleming High
William Fleming High School. This building would later become Breckinridge Middle School.
RVNH40281 Young Roanoke Sings
The "Young Roanoke Sings" Chorus was heard weekly on WSLS Radio.
RVNH40280 Viaud School
Viaud School was founded by Madame Viaud in 1926. The school was located at 105 Mountain Avenue SW when this photo was taken.
RVNH40279 Jesse Owens
Olympian Jesse Owens signs autographs at Carver School in Salem.
RVNH40277 Johnny Non-Voter
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…
RVNH40276 Blue Ridge Entertainers
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…
RVNH40275 Schley Home
Home of William S. and Daisy Schley, located at 203 Gilmer Avenue NW.
RVNH40274 Military Aircraft
Military airplane at Woodrum Field. Left to right: Lawrence Hall, Buddy Wingfield, and Raymond Hall.
RVNH40269 Dr. Harry Penn
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.
RVNH40268 Our Lady of Perpetual Help
First chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Salem.
RVNH40267 Fort Lewis
Ruins of Fort Lewis mansion after it was destroyed by fire on 25 July 1949.
RVNH40264 Christ Lutheran
Corner of Grandin Road and Brandon Avenue which would become the site of Christ Lutheran Church.
RVNH40263 Christ Lutheran
Laying of cornerstone for Christ Lutheran Church.
RVNH40262 Christ Lutheran
Construction of Christ Lutheran Church at the corner of Grandin Road and Brandon Avenue.
RVNH40260 Christ Lutheran
Construction of Christ Lutheran Church at the corner of Grandin Road and Brandon Avenue.
RVNH40259 Virginia Heights Lutheran
Members inside Virginia Heights Lutheran Church, formerly located at what is now 1320 Grandin Road.
RVNH40258 Virginia Heights Lutheran
Virginia Heights Lutheran Church, formerly located at what is now 1320 Grandin Road.
RVNH40257 Tinnell's
Tinnell's Grocery, formerly located on Crystal Spring Avenue in South Roanoke.
RVNH40253 Scrap Drive
Children collection scrap metal in their neighborhood in order to assist with the war efforts for World War II.
RVNH40251 High Street Baptist
Postcard depicting High Street Baptist Church.
RVNH40250 Virginian Railway
Virginian Railway Engine No. 127 in Roanoke.
RVNH40249 Jefferson Street
Looking north on S. Jefferson Street. Patrick Henry Hotel visible at left; Elmwood Diner visible at right.
RVNH40248 Orange Blossom Boys
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.
RVNH40247 Irv Sharp
"Cousin" Irv Sharp in the studio of WDBJ Radio.
RVNH20246 WSLS TV
WSLS TV filming a show inside Ewald-Clark store.
RVNH40240 Ewald-Clark
Grand opening of Ewald-Clark in Downtown Roanoke, formerly located at 17 Church Avenue.
RVNH40228 Virginia Heights Baptist
First chapel of Virginia Heights Baptist Church (left), construction on second church (middle), and parsonage (right).
RVNH40227 Virginia Heights Baptist
First chapel and parsonage for Virginia Heights Baptist Church on Memorial Avenue.
RVNH40223 Appalachian Power
Mary Alice Nelson demonstrating the new after-hours deposit box at the Appalachian Power Company building front entrance.
RVNH40222 Coffee Pot
Customers at the Coffee Pot on Brambleton Avenue. Bob Nelson (front left) and Dick Nelson (back left) are pictured. All others unidentified.
RVNH40220 Little River Baptist
Little River Baptist Church, located on Route 221 in Floyd County.
RVNH40218 Tom's Service Station
Tom's Service Station, formerly located on the corner of Henry Street and Wells Avenue.
RVNH40218 MJ Patsel Druggists
M.J. Patsel Druggists, formerly located at 202 2nd Street SW.
RVNH40216 Hollins Inn
Hollins Inn Restaurant and Tourist Court, formerly located 5 miles north of Roanoke on Route 11.
RVNH40214 Campbell Avenue
Looking east on Campbell Avenue from intersection with Jefferson Street.
RVNH40213 Moonlight Tourist Camp
Postcard for Moonlight Tourist Camp, formerly located 2 miles south of Roanoke on Route 220.
RVNH40212 American Viscose
Aerial view of American Viscose.
RVNH40211 Big Lick
Big Lick in 1881. Location unknown.
RVNH40210 Silver Gable
A postcard for Silver Gable Tourist Court, formerly located on Route 11.
RVNH40208 Blue Jay Motel
Postcard of the Blue Jay Restaurant and Motel, formerly located on Route 11, 6 miles west of Salem.
RVNH40207 Archie's Lobster House
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.
RVNH40206 Friendly Guest House
Postcard of Friendly Guest House, formerly located at 2606 Williamson Road. It was owned and operated by Blanche Myers and Addie Taylor.
RVNH40204 Lucy Addison High
Lucy Addison High School opened in 1928. Located at 40 Douglass Avenue NW, the building now houses Roanoke City Public Schools Administrative Offices.
RVNH40203 Plaza Restaurant
The Plaza Restaurant, formerly located at 3011 Williamson Road.
RVNH40201 Plaza Tourist Court
Plaza Tourist Court, formerly located at 3011 Williamson Road.
RVNH40200 Garst Brothers Dairy
Garst Brothers Dairy, formerly located at 14 W. Salem Avenue.
RVNH40198 Roanoke Parade
A balloon float in the Roanoke Christmas parade.
RVNH40197 Jack Dempsey
Jack Dempsey refereeing a wrestling match at Roanoke Auditorium.
RVNH40196 United Cooperage Truck
A truck customized by A.L. Nelson Truck Company for United Cooperage of Virginia.
RVNH40195 Tucker 48
A Tucker 48 car is displayed in Downtown Roanoke in front of Smartwear-Irving Saks.
RVNH40194 A.L. Nelson Company
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.
RVNH40193 A.L. Nelson Company
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.
RVNH40190 A.L. Nelson Truck Company
A.L. Nelson Truck Company on Shenandoah Avenue.
RVNH40189 A.L. Nelson Truck Company
Pyrofax gas truck in front on A.L. Nelson Truck Company on Shenandoah Avenue.
RVNH40188 Tucker 48
Tucker 48 Car #15 in A.L. Nelson Company showroom on Shenandoah Avenue.
RVNH40187 Tucker 48
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.
RVNH40186 Tucker 48
Tucker 48 Car #15 in A.L. Nelson Company showroom on Shenandoah Avenue.
RVNH40153 Ralph Baker & Joe Hunter
Ralph Koiner Baker (left) and Joe Hunter in France.
RVNH40152 Sea Scouts
Sea Scout Ship 50 annual banquet attendees at Longwood Community Center.
RVNH40151 ALHS Students
Boys on lawn at Andrew Lewis High School. Left to right: ? Young, Hunter Miller, David Minichan, Brewster Robertson, unidentified, George St. John.
RVNH40150 College and Fourth
Intersection of College Avenue and Fourth Street in front of Andrew Lewis High School.
RVNH40149 Mary Brand
Mary H. Brand and an unidentified student on the lawn of Andrew Lewis High School.
RVNH40148 David McClung
A Jeep, driven by David McClung, II is nearly driven in to Andrew Lewis High School.
RVNH40125 Car 52
Car 52 on Grandin Road near Westover Avenue, SW.
RVNH40123 Car 42
A streetcar coming from American Viscose turns left onto Jamison Avenue from 9th Street, SE, en route to West End.
RVNH40122 Homer Turner
Motorman Homer Turner poses with Car 45 under the Walnut Avenue Bridge. Car 45 served the Belmont/9th Street/West End line.
RVNH40121 Jennings-Shepherd
Interior of Jennings-Shepherd, formerly located at 411 1st Street, SW.
RVNH40120 The Aristocrats
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. …
RVNH40119 Dr. Harry Penn
Dr. Harry T. Penn, dentist, in his office on Henry Street.
RVNH40118 Community Drug Store
Interior view of Community Drug Store on Henry Street. Dr. Beverly Adams was the pharmacist.
RVNH40117 Community Drug Store
The Community Drug Store, formerly located on the corner of Henry Street and Centre Avenue NW.
RVNH40116 Jefferson Street
View of a flooded S. Jefferson Street. The Roanoke River crested at 21.6 feet in 1940. Roanoke City Mills is visible on left.
RVNH40115 Smartwear Irving-Saks
Photo postcard of Smartwear-Irving Saks to promote opening of remodeled store.
RVNH40113 Rev. William Simmons
Reverend William J. Simmons at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.
RVNH4048 Vinton Fire Department
Members of the Vinton Fire Department.
RVNH4047 Eddie Rickenbacker
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.
RVNH4046 Johnny Non-Voter
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…
RVNH4043 Navy Pilot Cadets
A class of Navy pilot cadets pose in front of a Douglas C-47 at Woodrum Field. Ground school was conducted at Roanoke College.
RVNH4042 Frantz Flying Service
Frantz Flying Service opened in 1948 at Woodrum Field. It was owned by T.E. "Boots" Frantz (right); Wes Hillman (left) was an employee.
RVNH4041 Woodrum Field
Woodrum Field terminal building.
RVNH4036 Woodrum Field
Aerial view of Woodrum Field showing A-configuration of runways.
RVNH4034 Woodrum Field
Runway construction at Woodrum Field. The airfield was expanded when it became classified as a national defense project.
RVNH4033 C-47
A Douglas C-47 takes off from Woodrum Field.
RVNH4032 Crash Truck
Woodrum Field's first crash truck was a 1939 Cadillac that was modified at the city's garage..
RVNH4031 Sikorsky
A Sikorsky helicopter hovers as spectators look on at Woodrum Field.
RVNH4029 Woodrum Field
Looking toward Tinker Mountain from Woodrum Field.
RVNH4028 CAA Tower
A close-up view of the Civil Aviation Authority control tower on top of the Cannaday farmhouse.
RVNH4027 CAA Tower
A Civil Aviation Authority control tower on top of the Cannaday farmhouse at Woodrum Field.
RVNH4026 Mason-Dixon Airlines
A Mason-Dixon Airlines passenger plane at Woodrum Field.
RVNH4024 Yellow Cab
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).
RVNH4023 Hillcrest House
Hillcrest Hall was one of the dormitories for American Viscose employees.
RVNH4022 American Viscose
An unidentified woman in the reeling room at American Viscose.
RVNH4021 American Viscose
An unidentified man in the reeling room at American Viscose.
RVNH4020 American Viscose
An unidentified woman works with strands of silk at American Viscose.
RVNH4009 Forbes-Hodges Reunion
Forbes-Hodges family reunion in Wirtz, Virginia.
RVNH4008 Wanderers of the Wasteland
Wanderers of the Wasteland musical group. Left to right: Roy Lemmon, Bob Pauley, Glenwood Howell, and Woody "Lucky" Mashburn.
RVNH4007 Dale Avenue
Houses along Dale Avenue SE.
RVNH4006 Southeast
A section of the Southeast neighborhood. Jamison School visible in the background.
RVNH4005 Kiddie Pool
As indicated by the caption, "a Southeast kiddie pool in the back yard with chickens" The child is Roy Minnix.
RVNH4004 Young Men
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.
RVNH4003 JP Sandlot Football Team
The Jackson Park Sandlot Football Team. Coach Sam Elliott on far right in back row.
RVNH4002 Junior Grocery
A large crowd gathers to view the damage after a fireworks explosion at the Junior Grocery on Franklin Road.
RVNH4001 Junior Grocery
A fireworks explosion leveled the Junior Grocery located at 205 Franklin Road SW. Five people were injured in the explosion.
RNRV54 RC Baseball
Roanoke College baseball team.
RNRV53 RC Football
Roanoke College football team.
RNRV52 Daughters of Liberty
Women on a Daughters of Liberty float, likely for a Liberty Bonds parade.
RNRV51 Henry McGuire
Henry P. McGuire stands in a J.L. Dishong fruit and vegetable wagon.
RNRV50 Campbell Avenue
A streetcar travels along Campbell Avenue near the intersection with Jefferson Street. Terry Building visible at right.
RNRV49 Burrell Memorial
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…
RNRV48 Police Officers
Chief of Police W. J. Rigney (front passenger) with other unidentified police officers.
RNRV47 Danmore Family
Mr. and Mrs. Danmore at their home at 413 3rd Street NW.
RNRV46 Blackwell Grocery
J.E. Blackwell Grocery, formerly located at 4 Market Square.
RNRV45 Campbell and Jefferson
A busy day at the intersection of Campbell Avenue and Jefferson Street. The Terry Building is visible in the background.
RNRV44 Streetcar Conductors
Roanoke Railway & Electric streetcar conductors.
RNRV42 N&W Baseball Team
Norfolk & Western baseball team.
RNRV41 N&W Employees
Norfolk & Western employees in front of Norfolk & Western offices.
RNRV40 Eagles Band
Eagles Band.
RNRV39 Auto Tire Shop
Auto Tire Shop, formerly located at 501 2nd Street SW.
RNRV38 Horse and Buggy
Horse and buggy in Downtown Roanoke.
RNRV37 Roanoke Ice
Workers deliver ice for Roanoke Ice Corporation. Roanoke Ice Corportation began operations in 1913 after Consumer Ice Company and Griggs Packing Company.
RNRV36 Enon Baptist
Group photo of members of Enon Baptist Church.
RNRV35 Rockledge Inn
Rockledge Inn on Mill Mountain.
RNRV34 High Street Baptist
Presentation of an auto to Reverend W. E. Lee, of High Street Baptist Church for the church’s 41st anniversary.
RNRV33 Crystal Spring
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.
RNRV32 Mountain Park
Shooting gallery, The Thriller rollercoaster, and bowling alley at Mountain Park.
RNRV31 W.J. Rigney
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.
RNRV30 Beckner Family
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…
RNRV29 Alma Steele
At left is Alma Beckner Steele with two unidentified women.
RNRV28 Steele Family
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.
RNRV27 Men in Park
Two unidentified men in a park.
RNRV26 Peach Orchard
Three unidentified men in a peach orchard,
RNRV25 Country Drive
Three unidentified men and a little girl pose with a Mitchell automobile.
RNRV24 Wagon
Wagon pulled by oxen travels through an unidentified residential neighborhood.
RNRV23 Views
Looking north from South Roanoke toward Downtown. Tinker Mountain is visible in the background.
RNRV22 Mountain Park
Dance Pavilion and The Thriller rollercoaster in Mountain Park.
RNRV21 Market Street
Farmer in wagon pulled by oxen on Market Street.
RNRV20 City Market
Customers peruse the City Market.
RNRV19 Mountain Park
Popcorn stand at Mountain Park. Lillie Solleday on right.
RNRV18 Mountain Park
Check Room and Snack Stand in Mountain Park.
RNRV17 Confederate Veterans
Parade participants for Confederate veterans ride a float through Downtown in conjunction with reunion.
RNRV16 Confederate Veterans
Confederate veterans parade through Downtown in conjunction with reunion.
RNRV15 Confederate Veterans
Confederate veterans parade through Downtown in conjunction with reunion.
RNRV14 Vest Furniture
Vest Furniture Company, formerly located at 109 Campbell Avenue SW. Sid Vest, owner, is pictured in white shirt.
RNRV13 VFW Banquet
Professor Charles Rowe and his Rhythm Boys perform for a Veterans of Foreign Wars banquet at the Hotel Roanoke.
RNRV12 John Gibson Davis
Dr. John Gibson Davis.
RNRV11 Edith Paine
Edith Davis Paine holds an air rifle at the Davis home on Salem Avenue.
RNRV10 Davis Family
Zora and Dr. John G. Davis and children with longtime housekeeper, Vivvie.
RNRV9 Ruth and Edith
Ruth Mason (left) and Edith Davis Paine.
RNRV8 Paine Family
William Henry and Rosa Proffit Paine with children Helen and Robert Edward.
RNRV6 Davis Men
Dr. John Gibson Davis (2nd from right) with his sons Hal, Algie, Fred, John Jr., and Paul. Dr. Davis' sons also became doctors.
RNRV5 Davis Children
Paul, Edith, and Frangie Davis with Frank the horse at Davis home on Salem Avenue.
RNRV4 Paul Davis
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.
RNRV2 McAfee Knob
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.
RNRV1 Appalachian Power
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.
BM382
Annie Vest and Helen Williams in front of Oswald L. Williams' Store on Bent Mountain.
HNWR202
Two N&W locomotives prepare to pass one another heading to and from the West Virginia coal fields.
HNWR199
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.
HNWR198
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.
HNWR197
This is the view across the flat yard at Norfolk, Virginia. Hoppers would wait in the yard to be emptied.
HNWR196
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.
HNWR195
This consist of coal includes some hoppers from the Virginia Railway, which had been acquired by N&W in 1959.
HNWR194
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.
HNWR193
An industrial hoist rests in the yard at Roanoke. Notice the huge pulleys hanging from the arm. Engine No. 131 is in the background.
HNWR192
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…
HNWR190
Employees of the Roanoke freight office.
HNWR188
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…
HNWR187
An interior view of a Pullman car after being made into a sleeper.
HNWR186
Norfolk & Western always kept a spare for every part necessary to cargo operations.
HNWR185
Loaded coal cars await their turn at the car-dumping machine. Upwards of 400 cars of coal are required to fill the large colliers.
HNWR184
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.
HNWR183
The Class J 600 is pulling a Southern Railway streamlined passenger train. The Class Js were built between 1941 and 1950.
HNWR182
This passenger train stops in Ivanhoe, Virginia. Passenger service would serve as a popular form of distance travel until the emergence of the automobile.
HNWR181
Passenger coach No. 1700.
HNWR180
Passenger coaches changed significantly over time. Once elaborate and finely appointed coaches evolved into more basic design, as seen in passenger coach No. 1650.
HNWR179
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…
HNWR178
An interior view of an express car used by N&W. Express cars held all kinds of freight, from passenger baggage to commercial merchandise.
HNWR177
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.
HNWR176
Freight Locomotive No. 1203 rests on the turntable at Shaffer's Crossing in Roanoke.
HNWR175
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.
HNWR174
Engine No. 93 was a small shifting engine used at Roanoke Machine Works. It was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1883.
HNWR173
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.
HNWR172
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.
HNWR170
Welch, West Virginia. The old N&W station is in the foreground; the courthouse is atop the hill and businesses are at left.
HNWR168
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…
HNWR167
Engine No. 102 rolls out of assembly at the Roanoke Shops and employees pose for the customary photograph of the engine.
HNWR166
This engine was a Class W-1, 2-8-0 type and was originally built by the Roanoke Shops in October 1900.
HNWR165
The Portsmouth Freight Office included (from left): L.M. Dory, Gus Kehrer, Fred Dressler, S.R. Crawford, T.M. O'Connor, and Theodore Doty.
HNWR164
The Bluefield Yard in 1888. In that year, the N&W organized
HNWR163
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…
HNWR162
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.
HNWR161
To keep passenger coaches looking good, the railroad regularly sent them through a mechanical washing facility.
HNWR160
Here is but one example of how mechanization assisted significantly in the maintenance of tracks. A machine removes cross ties for the crew.
HNWR159
Interior view of a typical N&W dining car.
HNWR158
Interior view of a typical N&W lounge car.
HNWR155
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…
HNWR154
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.
HNWR153
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.
HNWR152
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.
HNWR151
Shop employees and crew of Engine No. 205 in Roanoke, shortly after the locomotives construction.
HNWR150
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.
HNWR149
An early example of freight locomotives used by N&W was Engine No. 264.
HNWR148
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.
HNWR147
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.
HNWR146
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.
HNWR145
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.
HNWR144
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…
HNWR143
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.
HNWR142
The depot at Grundy, Virginia was reminiscent of many rural depots that lined the tracks of the N&W.
HNWR141
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.
HNWR140
A small coal yard in West Virginia. N&W pioneered and developed the state's coal industry.
HNWR139
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,…
HNWR138
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.
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Aerial photograph of N&W freight docks at Lambert's Point near Norfolk.
HNWR136
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.
HNWR135
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.
HNWR134
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…
HNWR133
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…
HNWR132
The depot in Ivor, Virginia.
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The N&W station at Portsmouth, Ohio.
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The N&W station at Bluefield, West Virginia.
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The N&W passenger station at Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
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Shown here is the back, lower level of the Roanoke passenger station three years before the Raymond Loewy renovation.
HNWR126
Taken from the Roanoke passenger station, this photograph shows the Birmingham Special in the background and the Pocahontas in the foreground..
HNWR125
An interior view of the erecting shop at Roanoke showing an engine's assembly in progress.
HNWR124
Employees repair an N&W locomotive at the Roanoke Shops.
HNWR123
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…
HNWR122
The station at Christiansburg, Virginia awaits freight and passengers. Note the mail and express carts to the right.
HNWR121
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…
HNWR120
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…
HNWR119
Passengers enjoy a ride on a N&W coach.
HNWR116
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…
HNWR115
Unidentified men work in a standard rail mail car. The United States Postal Service discontinued use of the railroad post office in 1967.
HNWR114
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…
HNWR113
An interior view of a sleeper car.
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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.
HNWR111
Diesel Engine No. 1590 passes through Buena Vista, Virginia. Notice the train order raised to be grabbed by the engineer as the train passes.
HNWR110
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.
HNWR109
Freight Engine No. 173 of the Radford Yard is depicted at a Radford pipe shop.
HNWR108
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.
HNWR107
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.
HNWR105
"Roanoke Wheel Shop 1927" is stamped on the axel of the car wheel displayed by the men of the wheel shop. Individuals unidentified.
HNWR104
This view shows the early Roanoke passenger station (center),the N&W office building (center right), and the Hotel Roanoke (right).
HNWR102
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…
HNWR101
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.
HNWR100
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…
HNWR099
This head-on collision occurred at Rippon, Virginia. Engine No. 481 is at left.
HNWR098
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.
HNWR097
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…
HNWR096
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…
HNWR095
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…
HNWR094
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.
HNWR093
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.
HNWR091
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.
HNWR090
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.
HNWR089
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.
HNWR088
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.
HNWR087
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…
HNWR086
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.
HNWR085
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.
HNWR084
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…
HNWR082
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…
HNWR081
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. …
HNWR080
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.
HNWR079
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.
HNWR078
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…
HNWR077
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.
HNWR076
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…
HNWR075
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.
HNWR074
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…
HNWr073
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.
HNWR072
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…
HNWR071
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.
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Engine No. 2156
HNWR069
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…
HNWR068
The Class Y-4 engines were developed by N&W in 1927. Only 10 were produced, with Engine No. 2087 among them.
HNWR067
The Class Y-3A engines included No. 2058. These engines, numbering 2050 through 2079, were built in 1923. This photograph was taken in Cincinnati.
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Engine No. 2023 was a Class Y-3 locomotive. This was one of 50 built between 1919 and 1923.
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Engine No. 800 was an N&W Class W-6. These engines, numbered 800 through 814, were made between 1898 and 1899.
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Engine No. 76 was a Class U engine. On the N&W line, these engines were numbered 71 through 85.
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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.
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The Class M Engine No. 1112 was built in 1910. Their purchase was almost solely in response to the increased demands for hauling coal.
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Engine No. 209.
HNWR059
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.
HNWR058
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…
HNWR057
Front view of Engine No. 1200, a Class A built in 1936.
HNWR056
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.
HNWR055
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.
HNWR054
Coal quickly became N&W's leading freight commodity. Here an employee loads an N&W hopper with coal.
HNWR053
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.
HNWR052
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.…
HNWR051
Coal Pier 4 at Lamberts Point. The pier served N&W for nearly half a century.
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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.
HNWR049
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…
HNWR048
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.
HNWR046
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.
HNWR045
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. …
HNWR044
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…
HNWR043
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.
HNWR042
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…
HNWR041
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,…
HNWR040
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…
HNWR039
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.
HNWR038
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…
HNWR037
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. …
HNWR036
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…
HNWR035
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.
HNWR034
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…
HNWR033
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…
HNWR032
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,…
HNWR031
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.
HNWR030
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…
HNWR026
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…
HNWR025
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…
HNWR024
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.
HNWR023
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…
HNWR022
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…
HNWR021
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…
HNWR020
Rail workers watch a safety film inside the N&W's motion picture car.
HNWR019
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.
HNWR016
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.
HNWR014
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.
HNWR013
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…
HNWR012
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".
HNWR011
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…
HNWR010
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…
HNWR009
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…
HNWR008
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,…
HNWR007
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…
HNWR006
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.
HNWR005
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.…
HNWR004
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.
HNWR003
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.
HNWR002
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. …
SF001 Church Avenue Bus Depot
Bus depot, formerly located at 16 West Church Avenue.
PGCC01 Piney Grove Christian Church
Piney Grove Christian Church.The church was located in Roanoke County and was razed in the early 1970s due to the creation/expansion of Route 419. The church was located where the on-ramp is located from 419 to 220 South, near Tanglewood Mall. The…
FC014 Willis High School
Willis High School. The agricultural building is at right.
FC013 Mountain Normal School
Mountain Normal School students posing in front of the dormitory building.
FC012 Floyd Esso
Floyd Esso Service Center in Floyd County.
FC011 Rollie Phillips Store
Rollie N. Phillips store and gas station, located in the Indian Valley area of Floyd County. Phillips opened his service station in 1927.
FC010 Willis Elementary School
Willis Elementary School.
FC008 Willis High School
Willis High School after the addition was completed.
FC007 Willis High School
Willis High School shortly after opening.
FC005 WHS Cornerstone
The cornerstone of Willis High School.
FC004 Willis High School
Willis High School under construction.
FC003 Old Mountain Normal
The long abandoned old Mountain Normal School at Willis in Floyd County, VA. The Normal School opened in 1893.
FC002 Mountain Normal School
Mountain Normal School dormitory at Willis in Floyd County, VA.
FC001 Willis High School
Willis High School in Floyd County, VA. The school closed after the 1961-62 school year.
SHH024 Heironimus Shoppers
Throngs of Christmas shoppers at Heironimus.
SHH020 McGregor Displays
Floor displays at Heironimus for McGregor Menswear
SHH007 Heironimus Float
Heironimus Christmas parade float encouraging children to "Go on the air with Santa" on WSLS.
SHH004 Hara-Kiri Display
Window display at Heironimus for Hara-Kiri robes. Sign reads, "Newest, most popular in Hon. Japanese fashion apparel...authentic ceremonial Hara-robe."
MP 60.2 Peaks of Otter Lodge
Peaks of Otter Lodge
MP 60.1 Peaks of Otter Lodge
Peaks of Otter Lodge in the latter part of construction.
SR190 Bell Telephone
The Bell Telephone Company began service in Roanoke on May 19, 1884. In 1895, Bell Telephone introduced long-distance service. That year Roanokers could call Bedford, Lynchburg and Danville.
SR187 Mountain Stroll
This view shows strollers atop Mill Mountain. The top of the mountain had park grounds and trails and was a popular destination with the incline and the watch tower.
SR186 Martha Washington Candies
This interior view of the Martha Washington Candies store shows what the company considered its “Southern Factory.” Martha Washington Candies Roanoke franchise was started by W.G. Baldwin at 310 S. Jefferson Street in 1914. Mr. Baldwin was of the…
SR184 Scottie's Tavern
Scottie’s Tavern was three miles north of Roanoke on Route 11 and specialized in country ham, chicken and steak dinners. It even offered curb service. J.S. Scott was the manager.
SR183 Keister Home
Sanatoriums were popular at the turn of the last century in the care and treatment of tuberculosis patients. Often doctors or others in the healthcare profession would establish homes and other institutions with such a purpose. Tuberculosis often…
SR180 Memphis Special
“Memphis Special” made its debut through the Roanoke Valley on June 20th, 1909, running between Memphis, Tennessee, and New York City. The Memphis Special remained for years a popular passenger train, being the fastest and most direct route to New…
SR179 Parkway Motel
The Parkway Motel was located on Route 220, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, three miles south of Roanoke. The card promoted the motel as having “room telephone, air conditioning, all tile baths, hot water heat, air foam mattresses.” The motel was…
SR170 Roanoke College
The Class of 1933 contributed funds for the landscaping and drive that made the “High Street Gateway.” The entrance and subsequent drive were made necessary at the time by the large number of students possessing automobiles as well as increasing…
SR168 Roanoke College
The gymnasium shown here was built in 1930 for a total cost of $138,354. The gym was but one component of a large master plan to expand the college’s facilities. Unfortunately, only the gymnasium was completed on time as the Depression stopped…
SR167 Roanoke College
Smith Hall, named for a past president of the college, was erected in 1941. Designed by the firm of Eubank and Caldwell in Roanoke, the structure (originally a residence hall for forty women) was built and equipped for a total cost of $50,174.
SR162 Bittle Library
Bittle Memorial Library was named for Roanoke College’s early president, Dr. David Bittle. Bittle led the college through its move to Salem and during the Civil War. Bittle was one of three Salem leaders who officially surrendered Salem to the…
SR155 Farmers National Bank
The Farmers National Bank was organized May 8, 1871, with capital of $75,000. Through the leadership of Salem’s prominent businessmen, the bank weathered successfully economic turbulence that put other banks under during the latter part of the 18th…
SR154 Salem Civic Center
Dedicated in 1967 and financed through the sale of bond proceeds, the Salem-Roanoke Valley Civic Center opened as a recreational and cultural center for Salem. Noted historian Norwood Middleton termed this as “the single most talked-about project in…
SR153 Salem Filtration Plant
The filtration plant was an early element in Salem’s water supply infrastructure, but the water supply system itself dated to the 18th century. In 1874, the first concept for a water supply system was advanced to the town council, and in 1875 Salem…
SR152 Municipal Field
The land on which Municipal Field was located had originally been designed for use as an elementary school site. Further study, however, prompted Salem’s leaders to appreciate its use more for athletics. Thus, in the spring of 1932, Municipal Field…
SR150 Andrew Lewis Monument
One of the most notable citizens in the region’s early history was General Andrew Lewis. Though Lewis died before the town of Salem was officially plotted by James Simpson, his life was spent in its general vicinity. This monument was erected in…
SR149 Pierponts Brick Works
Pierpont's Brick Works was owned and operated by Salem businessman George E. Pierpont. In 1908, Pierpont was named as one of the privileged few in Salem to own an automobile.
SR148 Post Office
The construction of a "new" Federal post office on Main Street was a saga of many years. Land purchased by the government in 1917 went undeveloped until 1922 when construction finally commenced. The post office officially opened in June of 1923.
SR147 Hotel Fort Lewis
In 1927, Salem businessman Henry A. Oakey purchased the former Hotel Salem and changed its name to Hotel Fort Lewis. The structure was demolished in 1974 .
SR146 J.J. Newberry
One of the more contemporary establishments was J.J. Newberry Company. The card boasts, “Completely air-conditioned on two large selling floors, approximately ¾ mile counter space carrying over 30,000 separate items of merchandise. A modern…
SR145 Glass Plant
In 1911, the Piedmont Glass Company purchased and resurrected the old glass plant. During the early years, the plant employed some 125 workers who produced glass bottles for a variety of uses. The plant was closed for two months each summer due to…
SR144 Sherwood Burial Park
The Sherwood Burial Park, named for the old “Sherwood” estate that was near the property, was developed on a 35-acre tract in 1928 by C.B. Strickler.
SR137 Lake Spring
The purchaser of this card sent the following message to his brothers: “Your letter received this morning…Father is working for the Virginian R.R. at present…I expect to take an examination for a R.R. mail clerk sometime this fall.” His brothers…
SR136 Homestead Hotel
The Homestead Hotel has a long history. Built by David Wade in 1802, it was formerly known as the Old Globe Tavern with five huge fireplaces and 27-inch thick walls. At the time this card was published, it was the only original stage coach tavern…
SR135 Methodist Episcopal South
This was the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church congregation from 1904 until 1953. It was located on the northeast corner of College and Clay Avenues.
SR134 Pentecostal Holiness
The congregation of Pentecostal Holiness Church was organized in 1915. Their present sanctuary, shown here, on North Bruffey Street was dedicated in April 1953.
SR133 College Lutheran
College Lutheran Church – This collage shows the various structures associated with College Lutheran. The congregation first met in the Roanoke College chapel (top left) from 1852 until 1858; then they built their first sanctuary (top right) which…
SR132 First Presbyterian
While termed “First” church here, the sanctuary is known as home to the Salem Presbyterian Church located on Main Street. Salem Presbyterian was organized in 1831 and dedicated this sanctuary in 1852. Additions were made in 1914 and 1958.
SR131 Central Methodist
Known originally as the First Methodist Episcopal Church when organized in 1908, the congregation later was called Second Methodist (1939) and then Central Methodist (1954). The sanctuary shown here was consecrated on June 26, 1955.
SR130 Bethel Methodist Episcopal
The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church was started in 1870 and at the date of this card’s printing (1912), it stood on the corner of Water Street and Calhoun.
SR128 St. Pauls Episcopal
St. Paul's Episcopal congregation was organized around 1867. The congregation moved a few times before erecting this sanctuary on Main Street in 1911 There have since been numerous acquisitions and additions to the facility.
SR127 Baptist Church
The Salem Baptist Church was organized in 1870 and dedicated their sanctuary at the corner of North Broad Street and College Avenue in 1873. An educational building was added in 1952. The new sanctuary seen today was erected in 1967.
SR126 G.W. Carver
– The George Washington Carver School was opened in the fall of 1940. The construction cost was $125,000. This new school was in response to the deterioration of the Water Street school
SR124 Graded School A
– The “Graded School A” was erected on Water Street as a six-room frame school in 1890-91 (the same year the Academy Street School opened for white students). By 1895, the school had an enrollment of 258 under the principal John Duckwilder.
SR122 Salem High School
The architectural drawing gracing this card was done by G.R. Ragan. The new high school, built on Broad Street, opened in 1912, relieving the overcrowded Academy Street school. Additions followed in 1920 and 1923, but the school was heavily damaged…
SR122 Salem High School
What is now known as the Academy Street School served Salem’s students for many years. The building on the right was constructed in 1890 with an addition (left) coming in 1895. The original portion served the lower grades and the addition became…
SR121 Mount Regis
Tuberculosis sanatoriums were numerous in the first half of the last century. By the late 1960s, tuberculosis was controllable and facilities, such as Mount Regis, were converted to other uses usually health related.
SR120 Mount Regis
Mount Regis was built on Development Hill in South Salem. Mount Regis closed its doors as a sanitorium in 1939. The building was then taken over by the Youth Administration to provide housing for nurses aids in hospitals. After World War II, the…
SR119 Salem
In 1952, residents of South Salem started a petition drive to incorporate a new town, Mount Regis. This was countered by residents desiring annexation into Salem. With some legal maneuverings and posturing, the “Mount Regis” citizens settled down,…
SR117 Fort Lewis
The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution erected in 1927 a monument marking the location of Fort Lewis which had been built by General Andrew Lewis.
SR115 Longwood
The Victorian mansion, known as “Longwood,” was built by Thomas Henry Cooper around 1904. Unfortunately, this majestic structure was destroyed by fire on November 19, 1968.
SR114 Crawford Hotel
This hotel stood on Main Street and was erected by W.D.F. Duval in 1871. It contained 40 to 50 rooms with bath tubs and running water. For a few years, the hotel was owned by the Chapman family and renamed the Lucerne.
SR113 N&W Passenger Station
For many years, Salem had also benefited from passenger service provided by the Virginian Railroad. Virginian passenger service in Salem ended in 1954, five years prior to its merger with the N&W.
SR112 N&W Passenger Station
Passenger service at the Salem depot ended on April 30, 1965. On that day, YWCA kindergartners boarded the Powhatan Arrow for a trip to Christiansburg. That same year, the N&W donated the station to the town of Salem.
SR111 N&W Passenger Station
The N&W Railway donated and created a park near the passenger station in 1933 at College Avenue and 8th Street. The park was one of several that were developed in Salem during that time period.
SR110 N&W Passenger Station
The passenger station hosted a prominent visitor on October 19, 1934, when President Franklin Roosevelt came to dedicate the new Veterans’ Hospital. After the ceremony, the President came to Salem where he was escorted by Salem’s mayor and a cadre…
SR109 Strouse Home
The impressive home of Salem lawyer Demetrius B. Strouse on Broad Street was built around the turn of the last century. Strouse was involved in numerous civic and religious projects in the Roanoke Valley.
SR108 Ridgewood Farm
The Ridgewood farm land is today a developed retail corridor, known as the Ridgewood Village Center. The center opened in 1985 with a variety of stores and restaurants. The home, shown here, remains.
SR107 Monterey
Monterey was the pre-Civil War home of the Chapman family. In later years, the home at the corner of High and Clay served as a hotel, hosting visitors by providing a truly residential flavor.
SR105 Women's Club
The Roanoke County Women’s Club was formed on June 7, 1923, by 28 women. In May of 1929, the club formally dedicated their clubhouse. On year later, the Junior Club added a wing to the main clubhouse and started a library. This effort laid the…
SR104 Lutheran Orphanage
The Lutheran Orphanage sold much of its land holdings in the 1960s to Salem for the purpose of erecting what is now the Salem Civic Center. The buildings were sold in 1985 to Roanoke College.
SR102 Lutheran Orphanage
The Lutheran Orphanage arrived in Salem in May of 1896, occupying a brick home on five acres at the corner of present-day Florida Avenue and Boulevard. The orphanage eventually bought the former Hotel Salem on College Avenue (shown here), which it…
SR101 Baptist Orphanage
Life at the orphanage often paralleled the events within Salem. Some of those were not positive. In 1918, a severe outbreak of the Spanish flu closed Salem’s schools, churches, and businesses for over a month. Sixty children at the Baptist…
SR100 Baptist Orphanage
The residence for the superintendent was constructed within the first decade of the orphanage’s operation. The residence allowed the superintendent to not only live on the campus but to host visitors and families.
SR099 Baptist Orphanage
This second cottage to be built for the orphanage was named for the institution’s first superintendent, the Reverend George J. Hobday, who served from 1891 until 1906.
SR098 Baptist Orphanage
The original 16 acres on which the orphanage sat was donated by businessman John M. Evans. The very first cottage to be built, which was completed on July 1, 1892, was named for the philanthropist.
SR097 Baptist Orphanage
By 1905, the Baptist Orphanage, which was just a decade old, was caring for 165 orphans. Some were placed in the institution’s care due to loss of parents, while others came to live because their families were impoverished. All needs of the…
SR096 Baptist Orphanage
The hill-top Baptist Orphanage prided itself on being self-sustaining in its early years. A generous donation of an additional 87 acres in 1897 allowed the orphanage to even operate a full-scale farm and dairy herd.
SR095 Baptist Orphanage
The cornerstone on the Administration Building was laid on July 4, 1901, becoming occupied in 1902. It’s red-brick castle-like structure was an imposing piece of architecture on the campus. The Administration Building was razed in 1965.
SR094 Baptist Orphanage
Before the advent of modern medicine, quarantine was often the best strategy to avoid the spread of disease. Salem, like all communities, had to impose its fair share of them. In 1905, the Baptist Orphanage was quarantined for two weeks due to an…
SR093 Baptist Orphanage
As a measure of Salem’s hospitality, many of the local churches, regardless of denomination, became involved with both the Baptist and Lutheran orphanages. In fact, Roanoke College offered free tuition to qualified students from both orphanages.
SR092 Baptist Orphanage
The Baptist Orphanage often brought visiting Baptists from around the state to Salem, who, according to the early Salem newspapers, would bring the children into town for entertainment and recreation.
SR090 Courthouse
Judge William Moffett convened the first session of Circuit Court in the new court room on April 1, 1910, and dedicated the day “for the hearing of matters and reading of papers of local historical interest.”
SR088 Courthouse
This photo postcard shows the old county courthouse. The structure was built in 1841 on a lot purchased by Roanoke County from John Gray of Missouri for $400. The courthouse was constructed by Salem hotelier William C. Williams. During the Civil…
SR086 Broad Street
Business leaders in Salem and Roanoke sought to promote their respective communities through a variety of promotional pamphlets. Scenes, such as the one above, were often included to demonstrate progress and prosperity. Salem was labeled as the…
SR085 The Boulevard
For a few years, Salem’s residential streets were segregated. In 1913, Salem created racially segregated residential districts which were permitted by state law. District No. 1 (centered around Water Street) was for blacks, and District No. 2 was…
SR084 College Avenue
Good streets have always been one of the basic services provided by any municipality to its citizens. In 1909, a Salem newspaper headline read, “Good Streets Coming.” The editor was congratulating Salem leaders for applying crushed limestone to the…
SR083 High Street
Salem’s first major population and economic boom occurred between 1880 and 1890 with the development of the railroad. The population during that decade nearly doubled. The Roanoke Collegian reported in 1891, “Building continues, High Street is…
SR081 East Main
After much discussion, Salem’s city fathers agreed to a streetcar route on Main Street (the tracks can be seen in this card) in 1894. The system served Salem and connected riders to the Roanoke line that crossed over Masons Creek. The streetcars…
SR080 East Main
On the back of this postcard was written the following message: “Dear Mama – Does this look like home? Not much, I guess you would like it down here because people are so easy going and don’t believe in working all the time…” Home, by the way, was…
SR079 Main Street
Prominent on the left is a sign for W.B. Dillard Drug Co., Prescription Druggists, Soda and Mineral Waters. Watts Dillard was a prominent Salem business man involved in numerous civic projects. His drugstore, at the corner of Main and College, got…
SR075 Main Street
Dirt streets and horse carriages marked town living one hundred years ago. In the foreground, one can see the outline of a crosswalk, probably brick, that allowed pedestrians to maneuver across streets avoiding ankle-deep mud that often plagued…
SR073 Water Street
Water Street, later South Broad Street, was one of the earliest streets laid out in the 1802 plot of Salem. Water Street became the dominant center for Salem’s African-American community.
SR072 Pennsylvania Avenue
This early street scene illustrates the stately residential developments that marked Salem’s development at the turn of the last century.
SR071 Salem
This century-old view of Salem showed the development of the town since its inception in 1802 by James Simpson when he created 40 lots on 16 acres. The lots fronted one main road which Simpson named “Roanoke Street.” The lots were two sizes,…
SR069 Lakeside
Lakeside survived for over six decades, but the competition brought on by other more major theme parks took its toll. By 1983, the park was in financial trouble. Bought by Charles Fox in 1984, the park was struck by the Flood of 1985. The flood…
SR068 Lakeside
Aunt Katherine wrote her nephew in Salisbury, Maryland, using this card, the following: “How would you like to go in bathing here? Uncle Frank and the boys are in now. It is fresh water. They have slides and swings and acting bars and every kind…
SR067 Lakeside
Lakeside was for many decades the most popular draw for Valley residents and tourists in the region. Offering rides, amusements, recreation, and concerts, Lakeside was complimented by Dixie Caverns, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and being at the…
SR066 Lakeside
This card shows how much the park had developed under the ownership of the Roberts family. This card advertises, “South’s Finest Swimming Pool, Joy Rides for Children and Adults, Beautiful Picnic Grounds.”
SR065 Lakeside
Like most public venues in the South, Lakeside was not integrated until 1964. At about this same time, park owners closed the pool, filled it over, and the park expanded.
SR064 Lakeside
Lakeside survived the Depression by offering low admission prices and cheap entertainment. During World War II, the USO provided servicemen complimentary tickets. There was even a movement in 1958 by nearby residents to constitute themselves as the…
SR062 Lakeside
In 1936, Lakeside was purchased by H.L. Roberts, and his family owned and operated Lakeside for the next fifty years. When the amusement park opened it was described as “the largest pool anyone had ever seen,” complimented by a beach of imported…
SR061 Lakeside
Lakeside was opened in 1920 by Robert Lynn, Sr., and featured a public swimming pool, roller coaster and one additional ride. The original 50-acre tract on which Lakeside was built was an orchard owned by John Bower.
SR059 Camp Powhatan
Camp Powhatan was located in the Natural Bridge National Forest Reserve. Scouting, having reached the States in 1910, has a long history in Roanoke County. The Blue Ridge Mountains Council, No. 599, is headquartered in Roanoke County, having merged…
SR058 Traveltown
The vast majority of tourist homes, motor courts, motels and other tourist-related businesses dried up after the emergence of President Eisenhower’s interstate highway system. Small towns were bypassed, and routes, such as Route 11, were no longer…
SR057 Traveltown
Traveltown, located on Route 11 in Cloverdale, advertised “Every cottage heated with Private Bath.” In the mid-1920s, Route 11 became a link in the Washington-to-San Diego Lee Highway, making it a part of the transcontinental highway system.
SR056 Hanging Rock
The name “Hanging Rock” was given due to the rock formation’s appearance as projecting from the mountainside. In the area of Hanging Rock occurred one of only two Civil War engagements within the bounds of Roanoke County.
SR055 Methodist Church
This Methodist Church was an early sanctuary of the present-day Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church. The present sanctuary was built in 1963. The church was named for Paul and Sallie Thrasher, pioneer Methodists in the Roanoke Valley. The…
SR054 JC Cook Home
This fine residence belonged to prominent businessman, J.C. Cook originally of Bonsack. Cook later moved to the Vinton area and owned the land on which the Vinton War Memorial was built.
SR053 Vinton War Memorial
The Vinton War Memorial is a tribute to the 29 men of Vinton who gave their lives in military service during World War II and Vietnam. The building, seen here, was dedicated in 1948 as a community center and remains such today.
SR051 Vinton Baptist
Vinton Baptist Church began in 1892. The building shown in this postcard rendering is one constructed in 1924, replacing the original sanctuary of 1894.
SR050 Vinton Roller Mill
Vinton Roller Mills, along Glade Creek, grew out of mills originally built by David Gish that pre-dated the Civil War. By the Twentieth Century, the remaining mill was owned and operated by James Bowie and produced three kinds of flour. By 1924,…
SR047 Ward Haven Camp
This camp was originally constructed in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1941, it became an Army mechanical training camp. From 1943 until 1946, the camp housed 150 German POWs who worked in nearby orchards. Today, the camp is owned and…
SR046 High Cliffs
The official arrival of the Norfolk and Western Railroad (later Railway) into the Roanoke Valley occurred on June 18, 1882, when an N&W locomotive steamed into the newly-named Town of Roanoke. With the coming of the railroad, the population and…
SR045 Twelve O'Clock Knob
Exactly what road this might be cannot be determined. Historic records, however, show that interest in building a road from Salem across Twelve O’Clock Knob to Back Creek and then up Bent Mountain dated back to 1840.
SR044 Twelve O'Clock Knob
One of the most prominent geographical features in the Roanoke Valley is Twelve O’Clock Knob with an altitude of 2,707 feet. According to local tradition, the mountain received its name prior to the Civil War when slaves, working west of Salem,…
SR043 Enon Baptist
Enon Baptist Church is one of the oldest Baptist churches in the Roanoke Valley. Built in 1855 across from the entrance of present-day Hollins University, the church was established by Charles Cocke, president of Hollins Institute.
SR042 Catawba Sanatorium
This view of the women’s quarters shows the west end of the lean-to with lounging room in the center. Catawba ceased accepting tuberculosis patients on January 1, 1972. When it did, records indicated that some 25,000 tuberculosis patients had…
SR041 Catawba Sanatorium
Catawba Sanatorium developed its own nursing school to train healthcare professionals in the treatment of tuberculosis. Between 1912 and 1954, Catawba School of Nursing graduated 258 Certified Tuberculosis Nurses.
SR039 Catawba Sanatorium
Catawba Sanatorium became in many ways a self-sustaining community. For many years, the sanatorium operated its own dairy farm. The number of patients and employees were such that the area soon had its own post office, school, chapel, and other…
SR038 Catawba Sanatorium
By 1937, Catawba Sanatorium was serving some 340 patients and the grounds totaled over 1100 acres, almost double the acreage contained in the original purchase. The many pavilions, such as the one above, were named for Virginia governors.
SR037 Catawba Sanatorium
When Catawba Sanatorium opened in 1909, it consisted of 42 beds located primarily in the old hotel that served the sulphur springs resort area. The sanatorium would expand in both buildings and number of patients significantly over the next few…
SR036 Catawba Sanatorium
The Virginia Building of Catawba Sanatorium was constructed in 1913, four years after the Catawba Sanatorium opened. The original property for the sanatorium had been the Red Sulphur Springs.
SR035 Hollins College
The infirmary, constructed in 1910, was named for Susanna Cocke. Utilizing Georgian and Federal architecture, the infirmary was actually the first building included in part of new quadrangle on the southeast section of the campus.
SR034 Hollins College
The Bradley Chapel was built in 1883 but not named until the 1930s for Joshua Bradley. The chapel served as the center for campus religious activities. During the early years, Hollins students were expected to attend chapel services daily after…
SR033 Hollins College
Presser Hall was erected in 1925, a gift of Theodore Presser, music publisher. Presser was a music professor at Hollins from 1880 until 1883. Unfortunately, Presser died before the building was completed. At the time of its dedication, the…
SR032 Hollins College
Construction on East Building began in 1856 and was completed two years later. The East Building, complimenting Main and West, completed the quadrangle courtyard. According to early Hollins historians, East was designed to imitate in appearance the…
SR031 Hollins College
The Little Theater was created largely through the spirited giving of Hollins students who, in the 1920s, raised $45,000 toward the total cost of $65,000 for the structure. The theater was built in 1924, replacing an old auditorium that was in the…
SR028 Hollins College
The West Building was totally rebuilt in 1890. The left wing contained the infirmary, doctor’s office and faculty living quarters, and the right wing contained two large halls for Hollins’ two early literary societies. The portico, completed in…
SR027 Hollins College
The 1920s saw the emergence of student leadership in the affairs of the college. In 1920 a student forum was organized for the purpose of providing input on a variety of issues. One reoccurring issue was dress. Could students wear short skirts,…
SR025 Hollins College
The Main Building is one of the oldest structures on the campus. The building was erected in between 1861 and 1863. The day the building was started was the same day Virginia seceded from the Union. With the onslaught of the Civil War,…
SR023 Hollins College
When this postcard was sent, Hollins students were on a reinvigorated academic schedule that covered six days. Students could no longer attend for two years and get an “Academic Certificate.” They now must complete all four years. These academic…
SR022 Hollins College
The sulphur spring on the Hollins campus was discovered in the early 1800s in the bed of Carvins Creek. The message on this card boasted, “Its water has wonderful curative powers, and many prominent men, among them President Andrew Jackson and…
SR021 Hollins College
Early in Hollins’ history, social life for the students was very structured and limited. For example, in 1925 students could receive “gentlemen callers” only on weekend nights and Sunday afternoons. Dates off campus required a chaperone and…
SR020 Hollins College
The “new” bridge shown here was built in 1908, replacing an older one. The bridge was part of an extensive landscape plan developed for the campus at the time that consisted of gardens, boardwalks, bridges and recreational areas.
SR016 Hollins College
The history of Hollins University actually begins in New York with Joshua Bradley, a Baptist minister. Bradley purchased the property of the defunct Roanoke Female Seminary in 1842 for the purpose of forming an education union to “conduct an…
SR015 Falls Near Hollins
Elva wrote to Albert Reinhold on the back of this card the following: “Received your postal from Washington, thank you so very much. Tell your dear mother that I will write to her tomorrow. This is a perfectly grand day to take a walk. Wish you…