Bøger af Nelson Harris

Drag racing at Starkey, the debut of television, mass polio vaccinations, college football games at Victory Stadium, Roanoke's Diamond Jubilee, Salem's Sesquicentennial, and Vinton's Dogwood Festival. American Viscose closed, the N&W Railway switched to diesel and the General Electric plant opened. The Roanoke Valley welcomed the Children's Zoo on Mill Mountain and the Miss Virginia Pageant to Hotel Roanoke. From a new terminal at Woodrum Field to the erection of Cave Spring High School, municipal projects reflected the economic boom times. Sears Town, Miller & Rhoads, the viaduct, and a new main library altered downtown Roanoke. WDBJ and WSLS television stations went on the air, premiering local programs such as Saturday Session, Top O' the Mornin', and Uncle Looney. The nation's top entertainers performed at the American Theatre, Lakeside, and the American Legion Auditorium. The valley's arts scene produced the Roanoke Fine Arts Center, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, and Showtimers. Minor league baseball teams played to large crowds in the stands at Maher Field, Municipal Field and Springwood Park. Black leaders campaigned for equal pay, desegregation, and neighborhood equity.

From simple beginnings as a small neighborhood in 1907, Greater Raleigh Court has grown into one of Roanoke, Virginia's most prestigious and valued enclaves--a thriving community filled with historic architecture, bustling shops and an energetic sense of place. Although the town's appearance has changed with the decades, the character of the community has not. Mayor and author Nelson Harris tells the story of this neighborhood through an exploration of its old residential streets, its historic bridges and buildings--including the renowned Grandin Theater--and brings to life each era of a history that is marked by both controversy and pride.