Be Our Valentine!
In February 1962, Roanoke’s quirky, 600-pound valentine made global headlines when it was delivered to astronaut John Glenn’s front yard, signed by over 3,000 locals.
The Grandin’s Opening Night
Roanoke’s Junior Woman’s Club held a gala in 1932 to formally open the historic theatre.
The Royal Flush
A Roanoke novelty company once caused an international stir with the House of Windsor.
Mr. Woo and the Celestial Palace
A century ago Roanoke’s first Chinese restaurant opened, but more remarkable was the man who opened it.
A Beacon on Mill Mountain
Before the Roanoke Star, there was another lighted structure that captured Roanoke’s attention and imagination.
Reagan in Roanoke
In 1957, General Electric brought the future President to the Roanoke Valley.
The Midnight Ride of Thomas & Moomaw
Was a Botetourt County farmer responsible for creating Roanoke?
Let’s Do a Zoo!
One man, a civic club and a bold idea changed Mill Mountain forever.
‘Thy Kingdom Come’
For three summers in the 1950s, the Roanoke Valley was home to the nation’s only outdoor religious drama.
The Search for Flight 349
In 1959, a Piedmont Airlines flight bound for Roanoke disappeared from radar. The doomed plane was found 36 hours later.