tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34190603231342951022024-03-13T10:49:29.488-04:00That 70's BlacksburgThis is just a fun nostalgia page for those of us who came to Blacksburg VA around 1970 (more or less)and for those that have been around even longer. Click on the photos to enlarge and enjoy.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-64447380864846308142018-03-08T14:36:00.000-05:002018-03-08T14:36:18.464-05:00The Marriott<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I first set foot in Blacksburg in 1970 this hotel sat out on Prices Fork Lane mostly by itself. The road was just a regular old 2 lane road and there was no other commercialism (that I recall) in the immediate vicinity. The hotel was across from the Tech golf course.<br />
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The Marriott got to be a hangout for many of us, especially when we were of legal drinking age. Their lounge was called Jacob's Lantern and their famous house drink was the Jumpin' Jack Flash. The cocktail menu suggested you book a room if you had more than 3 ..... can't remember the different liquors that went into that concoction!<br />
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At some point in time I remember going to the seafood buffet they had every week, but mostly we went there to get hammered on something other than beer.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-85745450396798430142017-11-09T14:00:00.000-05:002017-11-09T14:09:29.793-05:00Tech Territory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here's a cheesy little film made on campus around 1970. If you're old enough to remember waiting in lines at the War Memorial Gym to register for classes, then you might even recognize a friend or two in this film.<br />
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Seems odd that the beginning and ending credits didn't include a date, but the cars, haircuts, and clothing styles seem about right for 1970. At one point in the film some students are dancing to the Rolling Stones "Jumpin Jack Flash" which was released in 1969.<br />
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If you figure out a way to better pinpoint the date of this flick, please let me know!<br />
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Here's the link: <a href="https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/VPIFilmVault/E%20190"> https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/VPIFilmVault/E%20190</a>Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-43984069425223250312017-08-09T11:55:00.000-04:002017-08-09T11:55:22.977-04:00Poco in concert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richie Furay</td></tr>
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A million thanks to Gary Adkins for sending these photos. You could tell that Gary was already a professional grade photographer by the quality of these pictures.<br />
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This is the band Poco in concert at Cassell Coliseum in 1971. My roommate had turned me on to these guys only months before they came to play at Virginia Tech. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rusty Young</td></tr>
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It was such a great show, the crowd was pumped and rowdy. At one point the "authorities" stopped the music, turned on the overhead lights, and told the crowd to get off the basketball floor or the show would not go on. When we returned to our seats the show commenced. What a great night.<br />
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The first album I bought was simply entitled POCO and consisted of band members Rusty Young, Richie Furay, Jim Messina, Timothy B. Schmit, and George Grantham.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowd groovin' to Poco</td></tr>
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Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-89824152699295142602017-08-09T11:12:00.002-04:002017-08-09T11:18:53.376-04:00Gables Shopping Center revisited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A nice picture here of the old Gables Shopping center in the 1970's.. It's hard to make out in this photo but I think at the far left end was Mick-or-Mack and then the Sears catalogue store (with some merchandise in the store). Leggett was the center anchor store and near the far right (not in the photo) was High's Ice Cream .... went there a lot in the summertime.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-21928230048630383702016-06-22T15:34:00.000-04:002016-06-24T07:54:02.692-04:00Books - From Woodstock To Eternity / White Cat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just got an email from John D. Cooper who was a singer with the popular band Andromeda. John has written a book entitled "From Woodstock To Eternity" and it is for sale through Amazon.<br />
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If you want to wait to get an autographed copy, John will be doing a book signing at Gillies during this year's Steppin' Out festival on August 5 and 6.<br />
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I have not read this book but it seems to have very good reviews.<br />
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Also, an old acquaintance of mine wrote a fantastic book about his life (somewhat fictionalized as he changed the names of people and places) in Blacksburg and beyond. The old-timers around town might have known this author as Tom Thumb, but his real name is Will Sarvis. The book is "White Cat" and is also available on Amazon. A big part of the enjoyment (for me) was figuring out what individuals he was talking about. A very gut-wrenching part of the book dealt with the tragic loss of a friend who was run down and killed while riding his motorcycle. All-in-all it is extremely well written and I enjoyed it so much I was sorry when the book ended .... I wanted more!<br />
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Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-47201355775156286142015-01-14T13:55:00.000-05:002015-01-14T14:02:50.991-05:00The Water Closet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I kept hoping to find a good street scene photo of this place but never could. <b>The Water Closet</b> came along sometime in the mid-70s and was located to the right of Little Doc's on College Avenue. It was a pretty cool store that sold water beds (all the rage back then .... and yes, I had one).<br />
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They also sold beanbag chairs, "head" gear, and black lights. There was an upstairs and a downstairs section and carried some stereo equipment as well.<br />
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Looking at this ad I wondered what constituted a true Bong emergency, but I don't doubt that it might have happened from time to time. I assume the Collegiate Times wouldn't be able to post an ad like this today!</div>
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A blog reader sent me this photo of his ash tray some time ago. At least someone still has a souvenir of the joint. Anyone else have a memory of <b>The Water Closet</b>?</div>
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<br />Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-56315481688634102302014-10-07T15:27:00.000-04:002014-11-25T10:04:24.991-05:00117 South Main (South Main Cafe)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">117 South Main - Photo courtesy of Linda Ruth Schwab</td></tr>
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Not long after this former church building housed the New River Trading Company, it transformed into what many people consider to be the best bar and music venue Blacksburg ever had.<br />
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If I have the story right, three business fellows (Bob "Bullwinkle" Summerell, Al Freeman, and Fred Blake) shifted from Levi's to Budweisers around 1973, and over the next couple of years the partnerships changed to include Steve McBroom and most importantly Mike Schwab.<br />
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By 1975 or 76, Mike Schwab became the sole owner of the establishment which eventually included wife Linda Ruth. They enjoyed a 20-year run, and the number of little known and well known musical acts that graced the stage is countless. In the latter years (1984 to 1995) the joint was known as South Main Cafe, but everyone I knew just called it "117".<br />
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If you're too young to remember this place, that's a shame because it was definitely the primary gathering place for cowboys, hippies, and everything in between. I remember the long neck Buds, pinball machines, pool tables, and a balcony above. It was rustic, but that's the way we liked it. Today it is home to Cabo Fish Taco.<br />
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I know this post is going to fill up with comments. Looking forward to the reader's own memories of drunkenness, debauchery, and ass-kicking music.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com65tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-52494195453332676942014-05-21T09:07:00.000-04:002014-05-21T09:07:22.677-04:00Hardees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o27wGLE8WU8/U3yknFiqBHI/AAAAAAAAAcI/JGAkVd5nOeI/s1600/hardees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o27wGLE8WU8/U3yknFiqBHI/AAAAAAAAAcI/JGAkVd5nOeI/s1600/hardees.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is a nice old picture of Hardees when it was up next to the old high school on South Main. Thanks to Brian MacInnis for sending.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-92138411828566648262014-01-23T16:27:00.000-05:002014-01-23T16:27:25.522-05:00Odds & EndsHere's a few items from the archives, and from several of you readers (thanks for sending these).<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2JGdzHhb3j0/UuGF72B25LI/AAAAAAAAAas/yrAaOO_2XzA/s1600/Andromeda_Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2JGdzHhb3j0/UuGF72B25LI/AAAAAAAAAas/yrAaOO_2XzA/s1600/Andromeda_Card.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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A business card from the local band Andromeda.<br />
I remember hearing them play a lot in the Squires Ballrooms, along with another popular local band called Happy.<br />
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Playing foozball in the back of Mr. Fooz. This is me and "Old Man" taking on some unknown opponent.<br />
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A schedule of events for Deadwood Days 1979.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTKqaszG-Uo/UuGF8uZNHnI/AAAAAAAAAbA/APlg6fmOL3Y/s1600/Peoples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTKqaszG-Uo/UuGF8uZNHnI/AAAAAAAAAbA/APlg6fmOL3Y/s1600/Peoples.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
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A night shot of Peoples Drug Store, in the early days of the University Mall.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIJT-zhuAXo/UuGF9Hh3DcI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/mEzEffIUXLo/s1600/Spankys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIJT-zhuAXo/UuGF9Hh3DcI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/mEzEffIUXLo/s1600/Spankys.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Inside the bar called Spankys, located above what is now D.P. Dough on Main Street. The spot was also home to the Campus Club, and then later (and the last thing to be there) the Ton 80 club.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osDUyJBSxJ0/UuGF9IujoEI/AAAAAAAAAbU/wrFQq3uT40Y/s1600/Water_Closet_1974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osDUyJBSxJ0/UuGF9IujoEI/AAAAAAAAAbU/wrFQq3uT40Y/s1600/Water_Closet_1974.jpg" height="400" width="301" /></a></div>
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A poster advertising a really cool place at 209 College Avenue called the Water Closet.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1A1qdOVLZUk/UuGF8-UrqZI/AAAAAAAAAbg/-F3Uy21GoDs/s1600/Johns_Camera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1A1qdOVLZUk/UuGF8-UrqZI/AAAAAAAAAbg/-F3Uy21GoDs/s1600/Johns_Camera.jpg" height="217" width="400" /></a></div>
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John's Camera Corner on Draper Road. Even though we're in the digital age, John is still alive and well and still has a camera shop on Draper.<br />
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Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-61150553514435134862013-12-20T17:07:00.000-05:002013-12-20T17:07:09.774-05:00Fringe Benefit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKjJ087iQm4/UrS-0rNii7I/AAAAAAAAAYM/dinsyP5FtVE/s1600/Fringe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKjJ087iQm4/UrS-0rNii7I/AAAAAAAAAYM/dinsyP5FtVE/s400/Fringe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In 1972 local entrepreneur Bev Patterson started a new business upstairs in the old Mill building, later to move it down to street-front at 217 College Avenue. She named it <b>Fringe Benefit</b>.<br />
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This very successful women's clothing and accessories shop was there for more than two decades. Personally I remember Bev's two white dogs hanging around the shop a lot. <br />
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<b>Fringe Benefit</b> was eventually bought by Nancyne Willoughby, and about 9 years ago moved to the old spot where Davidson's men's clothing shop was on Main Street. <b>Fringe Benefit</b> is still going strong, and is one of the nicest retail shops in downtown Blacksburg.<br />
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The picture above is of the original store on College Avenue (sorry it's not a better photo).Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-71195131186261444252013-11-21T16:14:00.000-05:002013-11-21T16:16:47.084-05:00The Hokie House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-pKr81j4DQ/Uo52sXCCdVI/AAAAAAAAAX4/gftc9z6AAEU/s1600/Hokie+House+1969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-pKr81j4DQ/Uo52sXCCdVI/AAAAAAAAAX4/gftc9z6AAEU/s400/Hokie+House+1969.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's another place that has been around for decades. Started in 1966 by George Willard, the building was the original bus station which moved to the adjacent corner. The photo above was taken around 1967. The <strong>Hokie House</strong> started life as a luncheonette with about 10 stools lining the counter. The photo below is more how we remember the place.<br />
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The <strong>Hokie House</strong> was famous for the Hokie Burger, a delicious fresh ground burger served on buttered Texas toast. At the time I think it was the best burger in town. Their other specialties included homemade chili beans, vegetable soup, and BBQ.<br />
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Julie Willard told me that one of their cooks, a woman named Dolly, was there for 32 years.<br />
Sometime in the 1970's George Willard put on a side addition, and in the rear was pool tables and pinball machines. I remember shooting pool there and man did it get crowded as twosomes would slap their quarters on the table to challenge the winners.<br />
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George sold the business in 1993, but it's still going strong ... now with an upper level.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcEBGTag6DM/Uo52sCXFJGI/AAAAAAAAAX8/zKHcQgovj94/s1600/H-house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcEBGTag6DM/Uo52sCXFJGI/AAAAAAAAAX8/zKHcQgovj94/s400/H-house.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-38843439971518967192013-11-20T14:25:00.001-05:002013-11-20T14:25:49.986-05:00Lendy's<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcvfVi7UQSI/Uo0LIqqBiOI/AAAAAAAAAXc/8WnIiIMa1zY/s1600/Lendys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcvfVi7UQSI/Uo0LIqqBiOI/AAAAAAAAAXc/8WnIiIMa1zY/s400/Lendys.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lendy's Family Restaurant - Home of the Buddy Boy Hamburger</td></tr>
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(Thanks to Twig Gravely for sending these photos)<br />
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I mentioned this place in an earlier post. <strong>Lendy's</strong> was a great diner located in front of the Gables Shopping Center right on South Main. There was also a "Buddy Boy" statue outside that this photo doesn't show.<br />
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My friends and I frequented this place a lot, especially in the late evenings when we were in "need" of food. If we didn't get a full meal, then certainly we ordered the Hot Fudge Sundae along with coffee.<br />
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The rear entrance took you to a counter where you could get Kentucky Fried Chicken to go. Yum.<br />
Other menu treats were their hamburgers, fried shrimp and steak dinners, and <strong>Lendy's</strong> famous Strawberry Pie made with fresh berries year round.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jIOhPjugl4s/Uo0L6W2mQgI/AAAAAAAAAXk/WKDipT7-VWk/s1600/Lendys2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="321" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jIOhPjugl4s/Uo0L6W2mQgI/AAAAAAAAAXk/WKDipT7-VWk/s400/Lendys2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wait staff at Lendy's (I presume)</td></tr>
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Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-39618100455512941372013-08-01T10:10:00.000-04:002013-08-02T08:19:35.314-04:00Street ScenesMany thanks to a new acquaintance named Richard Cobb for these great street scene photos.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uN9CBesJeL8/Ufpo-Trbk-I/AAAAAAAAAW4/U6zUNGHzUmE/s1600/MainStreet1979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uN9CBesJeL8/Ufpo-Trbk-I/AAAAAAAAAW4/U6zUNGHzUmE/s400/MainStreet1979.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This was taken standing in front of Heavener Chevrolet (to the left) and looking north. I don't remember the name of the Shell station, but if you look real hard the sign on the brick building says Blue Grass Market (click on photos to enlarge). The butcher there was often kind enough to give me scraps to take back to my beagle dog. Just to the left of that the sign says "Pizza". Had Backstreets opened by 1979?.... or was this another pizza joint I've forgotten about.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54ITNs_Y8bU/UfpqCOvrpTI/AAAAAAAAAXE/3dRL4qqEyL8/s1600/MainStreetWinter1980_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54ITNs_Y8bU/UfpqCOvrpTI/AAAAAAAAAXE/3dRL4qqEyL8/s400/MainStreetWinter1980_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zloSRB_dVKs/UfpqGinOUuI/AAAAAAAAAXM/QN5QOQAGa0k/s1600/MainStreetWinter1980_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zloSRB_dVKs/UfpqGinOUuI/AAAAAAAAAXM/QN5QOQAGa0k/s400/MainStreetWinter1980_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The winter scenes above give a good look at the different businesses that were downtown.</div>
Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-66195813901546016682013-04-19T16:17:00.000-04:002013-04-20T13:21:20.462-04:00The Sewer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8xOXmRUF57k/UXGiFj0_KRI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/gSvjLp3LaTE/s1600/sewerDoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8xOXmRUF57k/UXGiFj0_KRI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/gSvjLp3LaTE/s400/sewerDoor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you passed by Book Strings & Things and hung a left into the alley you'd find a door leading to a unique sub shop with an unlikely name ...... <b>The Sewer</b>. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor T. Marshall Hahn, always getting harassed</td></tr>
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<b>The Sewer</b> was the brainchild of a guy named Garth, along with his merry band of hippie friends who lived commune style out in the Ellett Valley area. Garth scraped together $350 and proposed opening this place that would stay open way into the night, quite often up until 3 a.m. At the time nothing else in town was open this late.<br />
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Sitting around in the living room of the old farmhouse they kicked around names. Fellow flower-child Ken suggested "Ditch Works", but when the name "Sewer" was suggested it was instantly accepted. After all, there was a near constant stream of water running across the floor. Remember, Stroubles Creek flows under those buildings.<br />
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So in December of 1971 <b>The Sewer</b> opened it's doors. For a mere $1.50 you could get a beast of a hoagie with turkey, ham, salami, roast beef, bologna, american and swiss cheeses, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, onion, Italian dressing, salt, pepper, and mustard. Enough for two meals, easily.<br />
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Thanks to the tireless work of Garth, Doug, Ken, Paul, Bill, Joe, Anita and Barbara, there was no such thing as insatiable munchies in the early 70's in downtown Blacksburg.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZoPbtQCulA/UXGlgdKo-OI/AAAAAAAAAVg/nnQMiRNWGuQ/s1600/IMG_0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZoPbtQCulA/UXGlgdKo-OI/AAAAAAAAAVg/nnQMiRNWGuQ/s400/IMG_0377.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only surviving mural left at The Sewer</td></tr>
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<br />Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-2007049871339234522013-04-01T13:24:00.000-04:002013-04-01T13:24:00.928-04:00The Blue Bug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ear5bDH-ec0/UVnCEaHzXBI/AAAAAAAAAVA/KTAOLfZhKO8/s1600/Police_VW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ear5bDH-ec0/UVnCEaHzXBI/AAAAAAAAAVA/KTAOLfZhKO8/s400/Police_VW.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is just an update to the June 2012 post about our police force's addition to their fleet of vehicles. Probably should have been called Herbie the Love Police (or even Herbie the Love Fuzz). Anyway, after stumbling onto this picture today we now know when this thing was puttering around town ..... it was the Spring of 1972.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-54000819946577195412013-03-27T16:11:00.000-04:002013-03-27T16:11:23.101-04:00Scotty's Radio and TV<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K6n_mAbn3f8/UVNRLCDS7OI/AAAAAAAAAUo/W0-k5LrrXwk/s1600/lafayetteA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K6n_mAbn3f8/UVNRLCDS7OI/AAAAAAAAAUo/W0-k5LrrXwk/s400/lafayetteA.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scotty's Radio & TV 3615 South Main Street</td></tr>
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At the far south end of town was a popular place for starting or adding on to your hi-fi stereo equipment, or to purchase a tv set, or indulge in other electronic hobbies. Scotty's was an authorized Lafayette dealer (I think I bought a Fisher amp there) as well as a Zenith TV dealer. They also sold compact units that housed the turntable, receiver, and sometimes 8-track player all in one.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1ymT_6S5Kc/UVNR6iLZfiI/AAAAAAAAAUw/wEsp9j0pcIA/s1600/lafayetteB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1ymT_6S5Kc/UVNR6iLZfiI/AAAAAAAAAUw/wEsp9j0pcIA/s400/lafayetteB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This place probably had the best selection in town for a variety of electronic equipment. The kids here showing off the Sony display are listed as (from left to right) Carol, Courtney, Cliff, Margaret, Dan, and Martha. Anyone you know?<br />
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<br />Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-79929013118654624472013-03-04T09:30:00.000-05:002013-03-04T09:30:08.845-05:00Blacksburg High School<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0yQe4OC_r0/UTStnhEZKiI/AAAAAAAAAUM/TPv2Y2Xctzk/s1600/Bburg.H.S..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0yQe4OC_r0/UTStnhEZKiI/AAAAAAAAAUM/TPv2Y2Xctzk/s400/Bburg.H.S..jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old Blacksburg High School on South Main</td></tr>
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It was out with the old and in with the new for students at Blacksburg High School about mid-decade when they moved from their long time home on South Main Street to the new, modern facility on Patrick Henry Drive. The vacated building then became known as Blacksburg Middle School for quite a long stretch until being leveled to make way for new development.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRIgmjsPpAk/UTSu1kZvFjI/AAAAAAAAAUY/ZYgnQugB3bc/s1600/BHS79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRIgmjsPpAk/UTSu1kZvFjI/AAAAAAAAAUY/ZYgnQugB3bc/s400/BHS79.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new high school on Patrick Henry Drive</td></tr>
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The new high school was much larger and more modern, and served the community for more than 30 years before a heavy snowfall collapsed the gym roof and closed the school forever.<br />
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I'm hoping that a lot of you old BHS Indians who knew both schools will chime in and give us your reflections of the move from old to new in the 1970's.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-30433542567325170302012-11-28T17:05:00.001-05:002012-11-28T17:05:42.040-05:00Tech Drug Store<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MPFJs8SmKfM/ULaKNZFOIuI/AAAAAAAAAT4/LGKfnFO4Y4I/s1600/99220018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MPFJs8SmKfM/ULaKNZFOIuI/AAAAAAAAAT4/LGKfnFO4Y4I/s400/99220018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pay no attention to that hippie in the foreground.<br />
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As mentioned earlier in a post about Corner Drug, the <b>Tech Drug</b> store was one of three located in the heart of downtown Blacksburg. I can't say for sure, but I think <b>Tech Drug</b> may have been the smaller of the three. The other one was Center Drug located across the street in the old Sharky's building.<br />
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<b>Tech Drug</b> was at 213 N Main Street where the right hand side of the College Emporium now resides. The set-up was the same as the others ..... typical drug store items, a pharmacy, and a "soda shop" of sorts where you could grab a stool at the counter and order some lunch. <br />
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<b>Tech Drug</b> faded away and eventually became Partyrama, and the Center Drug became Dave's Hot Dogs.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-22326027537460747982012-10-01T11:53:00.000-04:002012-10-01T11:53:03.143-04:00College Inn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-neUzhK7p2vA/UGm7T6N9HuI/AAAAAAAAATk/HbG25tqgvb0/s1600/collegeInn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-neUzhK7p2vA/UGm7T6N9HuI/AAAAAAAAATk/HbG25tqgvb0/s400/collegeInn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A nice picture of the <b>College Inn Restaurant</b> (with the Coca-Cola sign) that I recently acquired. See the original post on this classic eating establishment at "June 2011". Don't know the exact year this was taken but I'm sure it was in the 70's based on who shared this photo with me.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-87272898878109060582012-09-24T16:26:00.000-04:002012-09-24T16:26:14.030-04:00Snowflake Gold & Silver Works<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o16wko6RJo8/UGDAYe5ZvuI/AAAAAAAAATI/1nABKpc4C8g/s1600/Fooz_goldsmith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o16wko6RJo8/UGDAYe5ZvuI/AAAAAAAAATI/1nABKpc4C8g/s400/Fooz_goldsmith.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos courtesy of Bob Moon - (click to enlarge)</td></tr>
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Throughout most of the 1970’s there was a fellow
in town that made quite a name for himself in the art of jewelry making, and as a silversmith and goldsmith. </div>
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Bob Moon started his apprenticeship with Joe
Calloway (<b>Joe’s Jail</b>, see posting in October 2011) but felt the need to
keep growing as an artist. He went on to take jewelry
classes in Radford, and afterward set up shop with a leather worker in Myrtle Beach for a while. After two summers
there he came back to finish his last year at Virginia Tech and shared
space in a downtown business known as <b>The
Craftsman</b>.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQY7uSujPT4/UGDAmxH4RNI/AAAAAAAAATQ/mNkGUCIWe1E/s1600/Snowflake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQY7uSujPT4/UGDAmxH4RNI/AAAAAAAAATQ/mNkGUCIWe1E/s320/Snowflake.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
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In the mid 70’s, Kathy Barfield, an
herbalist who had rented a space in The Craftsman as well, <span style="color: red;"> </span>and Bob, took a space behind Argabrite’s <span style="font-size: 12pt;">(now Sharkeys) and named it</span><b style="font-size: 12pt;"> Silver and Spice</b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. A
few years later, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bob broke out
on his own and </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">eventually began to really
excel in the shop above Mr. Fooz seen in the </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">photo above,
and called </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">it</span><b style="font-size: 12pt;"> Snowflake Gold & Silver Works</b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. He worked with other silversmiths and goldsmiths,
giving them </span>consignment space there.</div>
<br />
<div style="color: black;">
Bob
says he remembers as many as ten different silver and goldsmiths working in
Blacksburg during
the 70s. For me personally it was shops like these that made our little town
such a cool place
to live back then.</div>
<br />
<div style="color: black;">
Bob left the area in the mid 80s and still has a
shop, located in a little mall outside of Chicago, IL.</div>
Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-2149438133446726822012-08-22T12:55:00.000-04:002012-08-23T08:08:56.530-04:00Deli & Music Shop<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4eSmqJf7oGw/UDUOKsePzQI/AAAAAAAAAS0/U93FjMzWOME/s1600/MusicShop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4eSmqJf7oGw/UDUOKsePzQI/AAAAAAAAAS0/U93FjMzWOME/s400/MusicShop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This picture should be from about 1976.<br />
<br />
On the left is the <b><i>Campus Club</i></b> (upstairs) and the <b><i>Downtowner Deli</i></b> (downstairs).<br />
To the right is <b><i>The Music Shop</i></b> at 217 N. Main Street, currently the home to Hokie Hair.<br />
<br />
The <b><i>Downtowner Deli</i></b> was started by Ray Johnson (of Mr. Fooz fame) just after the amusement center called Flipper McCoy went out. I actually helped Ray get this diner off the ground and made the cheesecakes in the kitchen of our Draper's Meadow West apartment to carry back to the restaurant.<br />
<br />
<b><i>The Music Shop</i></b> sold good name brand musical instruments, did service and repairs, and also had guitar instruction.<br />
<br />
I think that is Ray's BMW motorcycle parked in the alley. Click on the photo to get a better view.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-48668190986251404342012-06-13T08:25:00.000-04:002012-06-13T08:25:46.913-04:00In Hot Pursuit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ml-v8NDPElk/T9iGbkzlZSI/AAAAAAAAASo/csTb4edIdLI/s1600/Policebug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ml-v8NDPElk/T9iGbkzlZSI/AAAAAAAAASo/csTb4edIdLI/s400/Policebug.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometime in the early 1970's, the Blacksburg Police Department experimented with the use of VW Beetles in their fleet of vehicles. Needless to say, it wasn't much of a threat in a high speed chase (not that that was a very common occurrence in this small town). Still, the little dark blue Bugs with the Blacksburg town logo on the side tended to make you smile.<br />
<br />
I've asked the folks on the current police force about this bit of history, but there doesn't seem to be anyone around who remembers..... and as I recall it didn't last long.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-31194520955115798782012-06-13T08:02:00.000-04:002012-06-13T08:08:33.699-04:00Main Street<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EGgykyXGP3E/T9iA8fpz2BI/AAAAAAAAASc/uXaPBUh9_L4/s1600/Barnetts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EGgykyXGP3E/T9iA8fpz2BI/AAAAAAAAASc/uXaPBUh9_L4/s400/Barnetts.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barnett's Dress Shop 201 North Main Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A motorist brushes off the heavy snowfall in the winter of 1974 in this shot.<br />
<br />
He is parked in front of <b><i>Barnett's Dress Shop</i></b> at the corner of Main and Jackson. Sorry, but I can't tell you a thing about this clothing store ..... don't remember ever setting foot in there. <br />
<br />
This building is currently the site of Poor Billy's Seafood restaurant.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-45428654400666059322012-04-26T14:57:00.000-04:002012-04-26T14:57:39.259-04:00Stompin' 76<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HzsmbVqfHBE/T5mZZxeztaI/AAAAAAAAAR4/thV_20N_uVM/s1600/Stompin_bus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HzsmbVqfHBE/T5mZZxeztaI/AAAAAAAAAR4/thV_20N_uVM/s400/Stompin_bus2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Although this summertime festival didn't actually happen in Blacksburg, I know a that a heck of a lot of us where there! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tF8v2DBEf2s/T5mZ47A8nCI/AAAAAAAAASI/o6gkQI6wBSk/s1600/stompin_tents2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tF8v2DBEf2s/T5mZ47A8nCI/AAAAAAAAASI/o6gkQI6wBSk/s320/stompin_tents2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Stompin' 76</b> happened 7 years after that little music gathering they had up in New York, and in a lot of ways it looked the same. Skinny long-haired youth swarmed Lawson's farm in Carroll County, just north of Galax, for 3 days of music, fun, and freedom. Some folks parked as much as 11 miles away and walked to the site.<br />
<br />
One of my personal memories of being there was watching a blitzed hippie fall into a roaring campfire and rolled on out of it seemingly unscathed. There was so much music that I doubt all of us got to see all the acts that showed up. Those that did show up were:<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ftk270y9ZpM/T5maBUcXFYI/AAAAAAAAASQ/aRqXm3xRGvs/s1600/stompin_cycles2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ftk270y9ZpM/T5maBUcXFYI/AAAAAAAAASQ/aRqXm3xRGvs/s320/stompin_cycles2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <strong>Bonnie
Raitt, Earl Scruggs, Lester Flatt, Vassar Clements, Ry Cooder, John Hartford,
Osborne Brothers, The Rowans, John Prine, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Doc &
Merle Watson, The Dillards, Hickory Wind, New Grass Revival, David Bromberg,
Red, White and Bluegrass, Nashville Bluegrass Band, Papa John Creach, Eric
Weisberg and Deliverance, Star Spangled Washboard Band, Grass On The Rocks, Good
Ol' Boys and Joe and Bing. </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>3 Days of Fun and Music, all 23 bands for only
$12.00</strong></span><strong>! </strong>Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419060323134295102.post-4157042450045559762012-04-12T12:37:00.000-04:002012-04-12T12:37:07.428-04:00Welcome Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrGcEFCJQ7Y/T4cEX0gQNrI/AAAAAAAAARg/8tuime-ghr4/s1600/Welcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrGcEFCJQ7Y/T4cEX0gQNrI/AAAAAAAAARg/8tuime-ghr4/s400/Welcome.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
If you were heading west toward town, and passed the hospital and Scotty's, you could continue on the bypass or veer to the right to go downtown ..... in which case this simple wooden sign was there to greet you.<br />
<br />
I really miss seeing this sign. It always made me feel like I was coming home.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17891247963294265269noreply@blogger.com2