Interests

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Roanoke’s First Auditorium

Once a bustling hub for music, speeches and gatherings—including a visit from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt—Roanoke’s historic auditorium lives on in memories, its former site now a quiet parking lot.
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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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The House on the Hill

Stewardship of the signature structure on the city side of Mill Mountain is in the very conscientious hands of Drs.