Related Records

1. Charles D. Fox - A black and white photograph of Charles D. Fox, the mayor of Roanoke from September 1, 1926 to August 31, 1930.

   1975.8.27

   Record Type: Photo

   
2. Memorial Bridge Dedication, August 30, 1926 - A black and white photograph of the dedication of Memorial Bridge on August 30, 1926. This bridge replaced the Woodrum Bridge which was constructed in the early 1890s. City Council for the City of Roanoke named the new bridge the "Memorial Bridge" in honor of the Roanoke service men who died in World War I. A bronze plaque inscribed with the names of those died can be seen on the column in the background. The inscription on the reverse of the photograph indicates that Charles D. Fox is the gentleman with a note in his hand. Councilman Fox dedicated the structure and the bronze plaques were unveiled by the Boy Scouts who carried large American flags. The inscription also identifies the gentleman wearing the bow tie and standing next to Fox as Mayor Blair J. Fishburn. Mayor Fishburn introduced the speakers, and later in the ceremony, delivered an eloquent oration. The man seated in front of Fishburn wearing the light-colored suit is Clifton A. Woodrum, who had been elected to Congress in 1922. City Manager W. P. Hunter recounted a brief history of the bridge. The bridge features five plaques - four placed on the ornamental pylons at each end of the bridge, and a smaller one containing the names of city officials and the contractor. The four larger plaques feature quotations selected by city council from notable historic figures -- Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Robert E. Lee, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. One of the plaques has the inscription "They have crossed the river, now they rest in the shade of the trees" with the names of fifty-two soldiers from Roanoke who died in World War I. Other famous quotes on the plaques include: Thomas Jefferson - "All men are created free and equal and are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights" George Washington -"May ample justice be done them here and may the choicest of heaven's favors both here and hereafter, attend those with under the divine auspices have acquired innumerable blessings for others" Patrick Henry - "Give me liberty or give me death" Stonewall Jackson - "Let us pass over the river and rest under the shade of the trees." Robert E. Lee - "Duty is the sublimest word in all language" Theodore Roosevelt - "We believe that the trend of the modern spirit is ever stronger toward peace, not war, toward friendship, not hostility" Woodrow Wilson - "In a righteous cause they have won immortal glory and have nobly served their nation in serving mankind" Virginia Avenue was renamed to Memorial Avenue. The Memorial Bridge was re-dedicated on Veterans Day 1991, sixty-five years after its original dedication, following needed restoration. A complete restoration was initiated in April 2002 - removing streetcar track, reinforcing the concrete, and patching asphalt - for a total cost of $1.4 million. (See Raymond Barnes' "History of the City of Roanoke" at pages 656 and 660)

   1980.4.6

   Record Type: Photo

   
3. Rajah Temple No. 195 D.O.K.K. (Dramatic Order of the Knight of Khorassan) - 1925

   A 1925 program book for the week long meeting of the Rajah Temple No. 195. of Roanoke, Virginia. The Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan is related to the Knights of Pythias, a philanthropic fraternal lodge.

   Record Type: Archive

   
4. Y.M.C.A. Dedication, 1926 - A black and white photograph of the Y.W.C.A. dedication with Charles D. Fox holding shovel in Roanoke, Virginia. On page 667 of The History of Roanoke, author Raymond P. Barnes writes "Impressive ceremonies were held Sunday, Oct. 17th [1926] to break ground for the new Y.W.C.A. to be built on the southwest corner of Franklin Road at First Street, S.W." Charles D. Fox served two successive terms as the mayor of Roanoke, from September 1, 1926 to August 31, 1930.

   1980.4.2

   Record Type: Photo