History

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Lutheran Orphanage

The site for Andrew Lewis Middle School was once home to Salem’s historic Lutheran Orphanage, serving children for over a century.
The staff of the Grandin Theatre poses in front of the cinema in 1938.

The Grandin’s Opening Night

Roanoke’s Junior Woman’s Club held a gala in 1932 to formally open the historic theatre.
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By the Decades

Our editor-in-chief reflects on five decades of local storytelling and cheerleading beloved people and businesses.
As late the early 1980s, the Roanoke City Market Building still carried the ghosts of butchers past, as the names of some still hung above the meat lockers in a largely abandoned and rundown space.

Market Building Long Ago

A nostalgic journey through the bustling Roanoke City Market Building recalls the vibrant butcher stalls and community spirit of yesteryear.
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The Poff Building

In 1975, Roanoke welcomed a monumental addition to its skyline — the Richard H. Poff Federal Building, a landmark in both size and significance.
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The Royal Flush

A Roanoke novelty company once caused an international stir with the House of Windsor.
The Roanoker staff in the late 1970s. Front row: Brenda McDaniel, Jon Iott, Marty Snortum. Second row: Susan Bowling, Patti Phillips, Sara Boggs Bemiller. Back row: 
Jay Rowe, Richard Wells.

Golden Oldies

Our first editor traces our magazine’s journey from humble beginnings to a beloved local institution.
Mrs. Woo (seated, front left) and the Woos’ five children (front row) with the Chinese Sunday School class at Trinity Methodist Church, Roanoke, in 1926

Mr. Woo and the Celestial Palace

A century ago Roanoke’s first Chinese restaurant opened, but more remarkable was the man who opened it.
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Belmont Elementary

The former elementary school has a new identity in Fallon Park Elementary School.
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J.J. Newberry Co.

Who remembers this once-iconic storefront?

Departments

Departments

A Quiet, Happy Life for Darlene Burcham

The hard-driving town manager and doting grandmother eschews publicity to the point of declining to discuss the “good things” she’s

Bill Meador, Owner of Bill Meador Insurance
Platinum Winner, Best Local Insurance Agency and Best Local Insurance Agent
Departments

Not Just a Policy Number

Bill Meador celebrates six years of platinum wins, thanks to his “dream team” and supportive clientele.

Our Someday Farms
Departments

Healing Hearts (& Hooves)

At Our Someday Farms, rescued animals and people alike find comfort, care and a sense of belonging.