History

The Vagabonds

Heads turned in August 1918 when Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone arrived unexpectedly for lunch at Hotel Roanoke.

Strange Days of Roanoke: Reveille in South Roanoke

In the early 1930s, a military academy for boys in South Roanoke attracted students from across the United States.

Any Way the Water Flows

Century-old tunnels hide a secret beneath the city.

A Lost Gem

Strange Days of Roanoke: A Boy Named Mark

In 1960, Mark was a first-grader at Crystal Spring Elementary School. In 1980, he became an assassin.

“Miss Mary”

Mary Garber, the South’s first full-time female sportswriter, forged a pioneering career from Hollins College to decades on the sports page, opening doors for generations of women in journalism.

Then and Now: A Downtown Original

For almost a century, this Roanoke structure has evolved from warehouse to headquarters while remaining a constant along I-581.

Then and Now: Roanoker Motor Lodge

In the 1950s, the Roanoker Motor Lodge was a popular Williamson Road motel.

Strange Days of Roanoke: The Man Who Launched a Movement

At only 9 years old, Julian Stanley Wise watched two men drown in the Roanoke River, a scene he never forgot.

Then and Now: Fire Station One

A former downtown firehouse now houses a popular restaurant, as well as a boutique hotel and furniture showroom.

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The Vegabonds

The Vagabonds

Heads turned in August 1918 when Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone arrived unexpectedly for lunch at Hotel Roanoke.
Cadets line up for formation on the front walk of the Harris Military Institute. ©Courtesy of Nelson Harris

Strange Days of Roanoke: Reveille in South Roanoke

In the early 1930s, a military academy for boys in South Roanoke attracted students from across the United States.
Courtesy of City of Roanoke

Any Way the Water Flows

Century-old tunnels hide a secret beneath the city.
Lakeside Amusement Park was built in 1920 on Mason's Creek., Courtesy of Roanoke Public Libraries.

A Lost Gem

The lawn of First Presbyterian Church was a place of solace for Mark, who was made “guardian” of the church’s grounds by the pastor.

Strange Days of Roanoke: A Boy Named Mark

In 1960, Mark was a first-grader at Crystal Spring Elementary School. In 1980, he became an assassin.
Mary Garber featured in the The Spinster 1938 Hollins College (now University) yearbook.

“Miss Mary”

Mary Garber, the South’s first full-time female sportswriter, forged a pioneering career from Hollins College to decades on the sports page, opening doors for generations of women in journalism.
A hand holds a vintage sepia postcard of the Nelson Hardware Company building over a modern street.

Then and Now: A Downtown Original

For almost a century, this Roanoke structure has evolved from warehouse to headquarters while remaining a constant along I-581.
A hand holding a vintage black-and-white print over a modern color view of a busy roadside street.

Then and Now: Roanoker Motor Lodge

In the 1950s, the Roanoker Motor Lodge was a popular Williamson Road motel.
Circa 1930 image shows the original members of the Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew.

Strange Days of Roanoke: The Man Who Launched a Movement

At only 9 years old, Julian Stanley Wise watched two men drown in the Roanoke River, a scene he never forgot.
Modern downtown street with an inset historic black-and-white view of a bunting-draped brick building.

Then and Now: Fire Station One

A former downtown firehouse now houses a popular restaurant, as well as a boutique hotel and furniture showroom.
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