Monday, March 15, 2010
What happened to Roanoke's 'almost rock star'?
Tom Angleberger
The New River Valley-based reporter answers your questions Mondays in his column, What's on Your Mind?
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Welcome to the spring edition of Ask The Readers.
We've got a great lineup of questions here and if you've got answers to any, I'd like to hear them. As always I'm looking for more than just the answer. I'd like to hear your memories, opinions, advice and stories, plus any pictures or other memorabilia you can dig up.
Q: I saw Billy Barnette mentioned in an article on the rock 'n' roll exhibit at the Blue Ridge Institute in Ferrum. He was Roanoke's own "almost rock star," with a local hit record called "Marlene" back in 1961. The record was produced by WROV disc jockey Ron Sunshine. Could you ask in your column if anyone remembers him and if anyone knows whatever happened to him?
-- Michael Blankenship
Q: Does anyone remember looking back into the foliage in the center of Crossroads Mall area and seeing little rock statues (a little like Easter Island but in miniature) and if so where are those little guys now? Ornaments for someone's lawn?
-- Kathy Watts, Tunnel Hill, Ga.
Q: I have a question for local bicycle riders from the 1970s and '80s.
I own two Ross bicycles that are some of the last Ross bicycles made in the USA and are at the Transportation Museum in Roanoke. They were originally purchased at "True Spokin" Bicycle Shop. I was told it was in the Crossroads Mall. Any information about the bike shop would be appreciated.
-- Byron Ruble, Roanoke
Q: The Roanoke Times recently had an item under "100 years ago" stating that "The big auto sent by the New York Herald to place signposts along the proposed highway from New York to Roanoke arrived in the city Saturday evening." Does anyone have an idea where those posts were planted?
-- Fred Kopser, Bent Mountain
Q: Where can I find an orange mimosa tree?
-- Marilyn Radder, Moneta
Q: In the book "Jubal Early's Raid on Washington 1864" by B.F. Cooling, I found a reference to a "prewar spa for the rich and famous" called Botetourt Springs.
Further clues include a reference to Early's men flirting with "local belles at a girls seminary." Most of the people I have asked think the girls seminary was likely what is now Hollins.
The next day Early's men are reported to have crossed the James River at Buchanan.
No one seems to have heard of Botetourt Springs. Can you find out anything about this resort?
-- Alan Eadline, Roanoke
Q: I saw a picture of the Valley View Hospital in Radford. Where was it located?
-- Kathleen Roop, Blacksburg
Q: There is a two-story, gray stone building located off Memorial Avenue, adjacent to Black Dog Salvage. Do you know anything about this building? Since it is still there, it must have some historical significance.
-- J.S. Perry, Roanoke
Q: Can your readers suggest restaurants in the Roanoke Valley that offer a variety of truly vegetarian menu items and are open on Sunday?
-- Jim Lynn, Salem
Q: The original NASCAR drivers used to hang out at Dick's Filling Station on Grandin Road right near the tennis courts near Patrick Henry High School. Can anyone help me find a picture of the place?
-- Ed Webber, Roanoke
Q: Like many other Roanokers, I enjoyed going to Howards Soup Kitchen for lunch in downtown Roanoke before it closed a few years ago. I am particularly interested in the recipes for the chicken and rice soup, chicken noodle soup and chicken and dumplings that they served.
-- Donna Tobey, Troutville
Got a question? Got an answer? Call Tom Angleberger at 777-6476 or send an e-mail to woym@roanoke.com. Don't forget to provide your full name, its proper spelling and your hometown. Look for Tom Angleberger's column on Mondays.
