Comments on: Thursday’s column: Tour celebrates Roanoke’s black history

By: Elena

Elena — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:02:30 +0000

Thanks MikeC!

By: Warren

Warren — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 04:00:33 +0000

Among the other sites that should be added to the Black history map of Roanoke is the 100 block of Wells Ave. Although it has been reconfigured for the fountain, a hundred years ago it was the location of the black Elks lodge, which besides staging many worthy fraternal community projects was also a social hub that figured in the musical life of Roanoke.

By: wayne goodman

wayne goodman — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 21:14:10 +0000

Great column. Mignon-Chubb Hale has been a jewel in the crown of the RCPS for all of her life. And the Gainsboro Library has accumulated an outstanding collection of material on Black History that is a fountain of information for serious researchers. I too was a 1961 public school graduate in the Roanoke valley and started a teaching career immediately
after college. Living through the time period of school desegregation in the Roanoke Valley and observing the changes that were long overdue in our community was an unforgettable time. I was privileged to work on a group for the Roanoke County Schools that initially integrated black history which had long been ignored into the curriculum. The Gainsboro Library with its resources and especially its periodicals collection was a valuable resource in that work.Roanoke has a rich heritage here that needs to continue to be cultivated.

By: MikeC

MikeC — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 20:01:06 +0000

Elena – Center in the Square is slated to re-open in May of this year. I would suggest contacting Center’s main office at 540-342-5700. Perhaps they can put you in touch with the Harrison staff!

Dan – Lovely column!

By: Debbie

Debbie — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:02:35 +0000

I enjoyed the column, Dan, especially about the librarian.

By: Elena

Elena — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 16:10:32 +0000

Perfect timing for this column! I’ve been conducting research on slaves and freedmen during the Civil War in Roanoke and am surprised by the lack of information that’s out there. I was hoping the Harrison Museum would be able to help and was disappointed to find they’re not open. Do you know when they’ll be up and running again? If I can alter my plans on the 26th I plan to attend this tour. Thanks for the info.