Author Archives: Bee

Black Family of Blacksburg

According to Virginia and Virginians – Eminent Virginians, Montgomery County, 1606-1888, by Dr. R.A. Brock, Society of the Virginia Historical Society Harvey Black, M.D. Birth: 27 August 1827, Blacksburg, Va Parents: Alexander and Elizabeth (McDonald) Black Marriage: Mary Irby Kent of Blacksburg, on 15 September 1852. She was born in Rockford, Illinois on 27 AprilContinue reading “Black Family of Blacksburg”

Barnett Family of Blacksburg 1888

According to Virginia and Virginians – Eminent Virginians, Montgomery County, 1606-1888, by Dr. R.A. Brock, Society of the Virginia Historical Society Henry C. Barnett Birth: 25 Feb 1843, Big Spring, Va Parents: James and Mary A (Wade) Barnett, of Montgomery Co Marriage: Virginia B Micon, daughter of Thomas W and Fannie (McClanahan) Micon of EssexContinue reading “Barnett Family of Blacksburg 1888”

Baker Family of Blacksburg 1888

According to Virginia and Virginians – Eminent Virginians, Montgomery County, 1606-1888, by Dr. R.A. Brock, Society of the Virginia Historical Society Edward Baker Birth: 23 July 1820, Halifax, Va Parents: Thompson and Elizabeth (Blaylock) Baker Siblings: John, Henry, Thompson Baker (All soldiers in Civil War) Marriage: Catharine Lucas of Montgomery County, daughter of Charles BContinue reading “Baker Family of Blacksburg 1888”

German Settlement of Southwest Virginia

The German Middle Settlement—spanning present-day Pulaski, Giles, and Montgomery Counties—has a rich, well-documented history. This page gathers books and resources that highlight the families, traditions, and stories that shaped the community and its lasting impact on Southwest Virginia.

Leadership at Virginia Tech and Its Impact on Blacksburg’s History

The history of the Town of Blacksburg, Virginia, is deeply connected to the evolution of Virginia’s land-grant university. Founded as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (VAMC), the institution later became Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University—now known simply as Virginia Tech. A school of many abbreviations: VPI, VPI&SU and now VT). The university’s growth,Continue reading “Leadership at Virginia Tech and Its Impact on Blacksburg’s History”

Beauty Shops of Blacksburg

List of business collected from Telephone Directories 1963 & 1964 phone directories: Betty Ann Beauty Shop, Prices Fork Rd; Blacksburg Beauty Shoppe, 714 North Main St; Fashionette Beauty Salon, Jackson St, Ruth Harmon & Judy Hodges; Laura’s Beauty Salon, 803 Progess St; Marsay Beauty Shoppe, 106 Faculty; Stylette Beauty Salon, Bessie S. Sanderson, 300 EastContinue reading “Beauty Shops of Blacksburg”

Shopping in Blacksburg: Western Auto Store

The Western Auto Store in Blacksburg stood on the east side of North Main Street, between College Avenue and Jackson Street, with another location in Christiansburg. After World War II, it became a vital resource for the community, much like the Sears Catalog store. Each year before Christmas, children excitedly studied the toy catalog, theirContinue reading “Shopping in Blacksburg: Western Auto Store”

Maddie Lamb Tucker & Spout Spring House

Mrs Tucker owned the Spout Spring House, this early Blacksburg home stood above a spring that once provided water for the community and the young Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Its construction reflects early log-building traditions later concealed by weatherboarding. “Memories – Mattie Lamb Tucker” booklet (searchable pdf) contains a wealth of local Blacksburg History. Copies canContinue reading “Maddie Lamb Tucker & Spout Spring House”