Roanoke in ’50s lecture topic for May 28

Former mayor and local historian Nelson Harris has followed up his work of the 1940s with an investigation into the area’s history in the 1950s, which he will share as the final speaker before the Kegley Lecture Series’ summer hiatus. The book, which is not officially released until July, has more 700 pages and 300 fascinating pictures to tell of life in the Valley at mid-century.

The event begins at 7 p.m. May 28, a Tuesday, at Christ Lutheran Church in Grandin Court. Admission is $5, free for HSWV members.

Harris is a past president of the Historical Society and current board member. He also is pastor at Heights Community Church.

The 1950s was the era of 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 boon of the 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 at Maher Field, Municipal Field and Springwood Park to crowded stands.

Black leaders campaigned for equal pay, desegregation, and neighborhood equity. The Commonwealth Project began, which would eventually eliminate much of northeast Roanoke.

The book has more than 300 archival images.