From the archives: The 1970s in the Lynchburg area
From the The Decades Series: Photos of the Lynchburg area from the '50s, '60s, '70s and more series
Construction and demolition marked the 1970s in the Lynchburg area as seen through the rich photo archives of The News & Advance. The 20-story Fidelity National Bank building went up downtown, the city’s tallest building, after the razing of several old buildings near 9th and Main streets. Annexation brought a new high school to the city, Heritage. The decade also saw the razing of the former Dunbar High School, in many ways the heartbeat of the city’s black community. Lynchburg Baptist College broke ground at the old Montview Farm off Candlers Mountain Road. Fires took out some downtown buildings, and cost the lives of two city firefighters. The decade also saw the beginning of the Virginia 10 Miler; the homecoming of POW David Harker, which brought thousands to Lynchburg’s airport to greet him; and at least two celebrities to the area – Bob Hope and Liz Taylor.
Jan. 11, 1970 - Sanctuary-auditorium - Thomas Road Baptist Church's new $890,000 sanctuary-auditorium nears completion. Octagonal-shaped building will be city's largest auditorium.
Jan. 12, 1970 - Water erupted from a hole at Pittman Plaza Sunday and sprayed J.C. Penney Co. store after front wheel of city fire engine sank through asphalt covering separated water main. Area was cordoned off and ice formed over the pavement before break was repaired. Fire truck was damaged and towed from the scene. Water flowed for over three hours and underground channel caused heavy damage to basement level of store. Front of building was not damaged by spray.
Feb. 17, 1970 - Flashback to Depression days - Mrs. Geneva Barton's eighth-grade American history class at Sandusky Junior High School made their own props for this simulated broadcast of the stock market collapse, which occurred in 1929. The pupils shown here are, from left, Jimmy Lowe, cameraman; Kevin Wade, moderator; Greg Pugh, moderator; and Doug Light, master of ceremonies.
May 9, 1970 - Original text: In a few years maybe -- Seven-year-old Mike Coffee tries on the boots and helmet of a city fireman H. Wilmer Carwile at the Grace Street Station today as part of the department's city-wide open house activities in conjunction with the national "Fire Service Recognition Day." The first grader said the protective equipment is still a little large, but he might fill out this phase of the job requirements in the future.
May 13, 1970 - Original text: Wreckers rolling on bank site -- The M&M Wrecking Co. of Richmond swung into action Tuesday on the demolition of the former Lynch building at Main and Ninth streets to make way for an 18-story Fidelity National headquarters that will be constructed there by Transamerica Virginia Corp. Several other adjoining buildings are also slated for demolition in what may be a record-breaking, six-week period. The Richmond company is using heavy equipment that is not normally employed in city demolition projects.
June 15, 1970 - Original text: Debris dumped at old quarry -- Workmen have been dumping the debris from the buildings being demolished at Ninth and Main streets in the old Virginia Greenstone Co. quarry off Warren Avenue. The quarry was abandoned on June 30, 1969. Several buildings at Ninth and Main streets are being demolished by the M&M Wrecking Co. of Richmond to clear the way for an 18-story building, which will serve as headquarters for Fidelity National Bank. Demolition work is virtually completed now and the new structure will be constructed on the site by Transamerican Virginia Corp.
July 25, 1970 - Original Text: Head start on rising temperatures -- Mary Anne Kerr, at left, seems to be shouting "wait for me" to her playmates as they jump into the swimming pool at the Sandusky subdivision today. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Kerr of 1425 Brookville Lane knew one way to greet hot weekend weather that began moving into the city area today. (The pool was located at what is now Sandusky Park.)
July 29, 1970 - Original Text: Smog Hovers Above James River Area -- An annoying and unhealthy smog can be seen over much of Lynchburg today, with the worst of the haze noted in the James River area.
Aug. 5, 1970 - Original text: Seeding grass at school landfill site -- Tractor operator Willie Moore Jr. prepares the Dunbar athletic field for grass seed for another school year. The site was once used for sanitary landfill to bring the low-lying ground up to usable height. The Riverside Nurseries is landscaping and seeding the area, shown here looking at the rear of the high school toward 12th Street.
Aug. 18, 1970 - Original text: Relocating railway track -- This photograph shows where Southern Railway is relocating its main-line track from the center of Jefferson Street. The detour is being constructed from Washington Street, across property of the Chesapeake and Ohio and Norfolk and Western Railway properties, and then across the dead end of Ninth Street to the present Southern Railway freight depot. The Swift & Co. building in background is on Ninth Street. When the old main-line tracks are removed from Jefferson Street, the tunnel under Ninth Street will be blocked up from both ends.
August 19, 1970 - College Landmark Razed - Historic Westover Hall at Lynchburg College is being torn down by Campbell Brothers Wrecking Co. of Lynchburg. The rambling frame structure was built in the 1890s as a resort hotel, but has been used by the college for nearly 80 years. Demolition of the building is scheduled to be completed by Sept. 5.
Aug. 31, 1970 Original text: Buses at Dunbar -- This photo, taken from the rooftop of Dunbar High School, shows three busloads of pupils arriving today for their first day of class at the newly integrated, previously all-negro Dunbar High School. Lt. J.D. Witt, head of the Lynchburg Police Department's traffic bureau, looks on. Altogether, 14 buses were slated to unload at the rear of the school today, avoiding a traffic jam on 12th Street. Nearly 1,200 school patrons met at Dunbar over the weekend for open house and briefing on transportation flow.
Aug. 31, 1970 - Original text: First Day of School, Busing and Mixing -- Mrs. James O. Burns of 1907 Second St. peeks anxiously through one of two shuttle buses at the Dearington School this morning to see that her five-year-old Lisa gets off to her first day of kindergarten. For two other Burns children it was their first day of busing and court-ordered racial mixing.
Sept. 1, 1970 - Original text: Beginning of routine -- Students waiting to attend first day of classes in front of Kizer Elementary School, boarded shuttle bus for Dearington Elementary School. Students who will be attending paired schools can board buses at Kizer at 8:05 a.m. to travel to Dearington. Buses will leave Dearington to 8:15 a.m. to take other students to Kizer. Four buses will pick up children at 2:30 p.m. at both schools. Shuttle between paired schools is free for students. Those students attending paired schools who live in the Sussex-Thomas Road areas can board buses at corners of Thomas Road and McCausland, Newland and Stafford, and Richmond and Verenon to reach shuttle at Kizer. Kindergarten through second graders attend Kizer and third through sixth graders attend Dearington.
Sept. 11, 1970 - Marquee comes down -- Marquee on old Academy Theater on Main Street has been torn down in effort to beautify downtown area.
Sept. 11, 1970 - Original text: Inspects Job -- Relocation of Southern Railway Co.'s tracks in lower basin [Jefferson Street] is inspected by O.H. Butcher of Huntington, W.Va. Butcher is job superintendent for Bankhead Railway Engineering Co. of Atlanta.
September 29, 1970 - Flag presented to ROTC unit - This five-by-eight foot American flag was presented today to the E.C. Glass High School Air Force Jr. ROTC by Woodmen of the World. Shown here during the ceremony, are, from left to right: John Williams, field representative for the Woodmen of the World; cadets Larry Rose and Dan Hodnett; Jon Sims, cadet commander at Glass; Col.Robert Thompson, and Sgt. Robert Mayne, who supervise the cadet program, and Edward James, a cadet.
Nov. 26, 1970 - Original text: Track relocation almost completed -- Workmen for Bankhead Railway Engineers of Atlanta are shown relocating a short portion of the Southern Railway's service track beside buildings on Jefferson Street near Horseford Road. The old Southern main-line tracks have been removed from center of Jefferson Street and street repaved to serve vehicular traffic. The relocated main track begins at Washington Street and cuts across property of the Chesapeake & Ohio and Norfolk & Western railways and then across the end of Ninth Street to the present Southern freight depot service track. The service track will be served from Washington Street.
Dec. 3, 1970 - Original text: Christmas parade moves down Main Street under sparkling lights.
Dec. 28, 1970 - Original text: Two downtown bridges seen from air -- This aerial photograph of a portion of downtown Lynchburg and the James River shows the Carter Glass Memorial Bridge across the James in the foreground and Williams Viaduct across the river in background. Lynchburg Foundry Co. and Mead Corp. buildings can be seen to front of Carter Glass structure. Present plans call for two additional lanes to be built beside the Carter Glass Memorial Bridge in the next five years at cost of about $1 million. Williams Viaduct is scheduled to be replaced after work is started on the Carter Glass addition.
Dec. 28, 1970 - City Police Traffic Sgt. C.E. Tuggle demonstrates new "alcolyser" for breath analysis for motorists suspected of being intoxicated while driving. Police will begin using devices officially Jan. 1. However, evidence from device will not be admissible in court, police say.
No information was found with this photo, but it shows from left, President Gerald Ford, Sen. Harry F. Byrd, Rev. Jerry Falwell, Macel Falwell, Calvin Falwell and Doris Falwell. The exact date is not known, but Gerald Ford served from the resignation of Richard Nixon in August of 1974 until 1977.
This undated file photo probably from the late 1970s shows the entrance to the Mini Mall on the lower level of the Plaza.
Jan. 10, 1971 - Original text: 75th Anniversary -- Rivermont Avenue Baptist Church today will hold its 75th Anniversary/Homecoming Day Services. Rev. Albert E. Simms, pastor, will deliver anniversary sermon at 11 a.m. worship service. Congregational dinner will be held at noon in fellowship hall. Dr. Phillip Landgrave, professor in School of Music at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville Ky., will present concert of sacred music at 1:45 p.m. Founded as Cabell Street Baptist on on Jan. 12, 1896, church was moved to present location with name change in January 1911.
Jan. 22, 1971 - Original Text: Demolition Continues -- Workmen are razing buildings on north side of 600 block of Main Street to make way for parking lot. Part of falling debris spilled into Main Street Thursday and knocked down barricade. Police were called to direct traffic while rubble was cleared. Property is owned by First Colony Life Insurance Co.
April 29, 1971 - 'Petting' zoo popular - Six-year-old Randy Higgins of Amherst was one of many area youngsters who were on hand at Pittman Plaza shopping center today to see the "traveling petting zoo" on display there as a part of the Plaza's 10th anniversary celebration. Lambs being petted by Randy are part of the Spruce Hill Farms Safari Petting Zoo animal collection, which can be seen at the Plaza through Saturday.
May 18, 1971 -- Original text: Building new bank -- A large boom is being used by W.R.G. Construction Co., Inc., of Tulsa, Okla., in building of Fidelity National Bank's new $4 million, 18-story headquarters structure at Ninth and Main streets. Watching the boom at work are Mrs. Patrick Tocornal and her daughter, Caroline, 4. Construction of the building, which will be the tallest in Lynchburg, is expected to take about two years.
May 25, 1971 - Original text: Old photograph -- Mrs. William P. Harris, right, vice president of Lynchburg Historical Society, shows Mrs. John Orth photograph of Miller-Claytor House as it looked when structure stood at corner of Eighth and Church Streets in late '20s and early '30s. Mrs. Orth assisted at annual tea and garden party of Society Sunday at Miller-Claytor House in Riverside Park, where it was moved about 40 years ago.
June 21, 1971 - First Flag Corps - Neil Haworth, at left, who is band director at E.C. Glass High School, has organized flag corps at high school. First for school, 18 coeds were chosen to perform with marching band at football games and parades and will twirl flags and rifles and perform fancy marching steps. Shown with Haworth are new members Polly Wick, Pattie Dudley, Peggy and Pearl Wilson.
Aug. 26, 1971 - Original Text: Trial bus runs today - City elementary school children and their parents had their first opportunity to ride the new public school buses, which took scheduled routes today to registration procedures at the city's 15 elementary schools. These children are unloading at the Bedford Hill Elementary School after traveling from one of the eight inner-city districts in the adjustment zone. School officials say today's trial run will give them a chance to iron out the kinks in the busing system before Aug. 30, when 3,500 children will be bused to school in keeping with federal court orders requiring racial balancing of all city schools.
Aug. 30, 1971 - Original text: ... This year the Lynchburg public schools are operating under a revised integration plan that racially balances elementary schools in addition to balancing in the junior and senior high schools during the 1970-71 school year.
Oct. 11, 1971 - View Excursion - Several hundred people turned out Saturday to view "Great Washington and Southwestern Vestibule Limited" excursion special as it passed through Kemper Street Station on its way from Alexandria to Atlanta. "Vestibule" ran from New York to New Orleans from 1891 to 1925.
Oct. 17, 1971 - Original text: Enthusiastic Shriner -- Leading cheers during Saturday's 20th annual Game Parade here is E.A. Edmondson, Lynchburg Shriner. Downtown parade was prior to Saturday night's Shrine football game at City Stadium, which will benefit Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children in Greenville, S.C. Main and Church streets were lined with hundreds of parade-lovers.
Nov. 15, 1971 - Play Day at CVCC - "Gettin' Together", first intercollegiate activity day sponsored by Virginia Community College System, was held at Central Virginia Community College Saturday. Students from state community colleges participated in variety of afternoon activities, including archery contest shown here. Also part of program was Mae West and W.C. Fields film festival.
Nov. 16, 1971 - Hills Department Store opened its new 97,000-square-foot store at 2110 Wards Road. The new Hills is the 28th store in the firm's chain and will employ 150 people initially.
Nov. 26, 1971 - Mrs. Santa arrives - Christine Howell, left, age 4, and Kimberly Nicholas, age 6, were among hundreds of youngsters who greeted Mrs. Santa Claus upon her arrival today at Pittman Plaza for the annual "Toys for Tots" Christmas Show. Mrs. Santa will be greeting children at the Christmas Cottage at the shopping center until 9 p.m. today and on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from now until Christmas.
December 10, 1971 - Glass-Dunbar Concert - Students at E.C. Glass and Dunbar high schools practiced today for the first combined concert ever held by the two schools slated for 3 p.m. Sunday in the Glass Auditorium. Students, from left, include, Gary Rosser, Debbie Bryant and Deborah Younger. The performance will include two choirs from each school and will last about an hour and a half with 230 pupils participating altogether.
Dec. 11, 1971 - Original caption: The 100-voice Old Time Gospel Hour choir and the 20-voice Lynchburg Baptist College Choral put the life into the "Living Christmas Tree" that will be presented at Thomas Road Baptist Church at 7:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday. The 5-ton, tiered steel "tree" is decorated with 1,500 pounds of juniper boughs and numerous lights. There is a stairway up the side of the structure for the singers to get to their places.
Dec. 15, 1971 - Original text: Pitcher propped at last -- The old pitcher that used to grace the city reservoir on College Hill finally is being erected for a display at the City Water Department. James G. Jones, Water Department director, said he has been intending to restore the pitcher for several years but has had to wait until men were available for job. City employees, from left, Lawrence Gilbert, and Edward Hamlett in front, prop the pitcher into position as Donald E. Lee, water department engineer and James R. Higginbotham, chief distributive maintenance look on.
1972 - Dedication ceremony for the new Fidelity bank building.
Feb 2, 1972 - Renovation Continues - George W. Ford, workman for Virginia Primoid Inc., which specializes in renovation of old buildings, prepares mortar as work on 150-year-old Point of Honor estate on Daniels Hill continues. Project is being sponsored by Historic Lynchburg Foundation. Cost of work is estimated at $108,000.
March 16, 1972 - Students Perform - Students from fourth, fifth, and sixth grades at Unit IV at Sandusky Elementary School perform dance from program, "America, International Symphony," presented at school PTA meeting Monday. They are, from left, Stephanie Wade, Laura Overstreet, Dena Lewis and Pam Dodd.
March 24, 1972 - Equipment Donated - Equipment that will enable Lynchburg College to set up a microwave laboratory for instruction in microwave principles and techniques was presented to the college Thursday by the General Electric Co.'s Telecommunications Products Department. Participating in the formal transferral at the Carroll Avenue office are Dr. Julius A Sigler, professor of physics at college; Dr. Harry J. Peppiatt, consulting engineer with the General Electric Telecommunications Products Department; Dr. Otward Mueller, advance circuits electrical engineers with department; and Robert D. Floyd, Jr., assistant professor of physics.
April 12, 1972 - Original text: Addition to skyline -- Skeleton of new Fidelity Bank building at Ninth and Main streets gives city new look from eastern end of Main. Photo taken from top of Ramada Inn, also shows Allied Arts building at left, which will be second in height to 18-story bank building. Contractor on project is W.R.G. Construction Co. of Tulsa. Okla.
May 14, 1972 - Change apparent -- Aerial view of downtown Lynchburg is dominated by new Fidelity National Bank building nearing completion. Old Fidelity Bank with done at left is dwarfed by new structure.
June 2, 1972 - Zoo Contest winner - Brenda Trent, 11-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Trent of 1011 Brook St. and a fifth grader at Payne School, receives a $5 check from Mrs. William R. Cardwell, vice chairman of the "Name the Zoo" project of the Lynchburg Junior Woman's Club for her winning entry - Miller Park Animal Farm. Looking on is Dr. Ben D. Quinn, superintendent of schools. Approximately 450 names for the zoo were suggested by 150 students in the 3rd through 6th grades in the city public schools. The club is sponsoring the zoo now under construction in Miller Park.
June 5, 1972 - Original text: Uncle Billy Day -- Swarms of sellers, prospective buyers and just curious jam lot at Altavista Saturday for Uncle Billy Day held on first Saturday of June. Many items exchanged hands at open marketplace during annual event.
June 8, 1972 - Animal Barn - Workmen for Montgomery Construction Co. of Lynchburg are building this 20-by-30-foot barn, with loft, which will house most of the animals at the new Children's Zoo when it opens at Miller Park in late June or early July. The zoo, sponsored by the Lynchburg Junior Woman's Club, will initially contain cows, horses, sheep, goats, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens and ducks. The barn is being built at the site of the old swimming pool and is costing $10,600.
July 21, 1972 - Presents check for zoo - "Little Miss Lynchburg-America 1972," Rhonda Michelle Wright, presents a check from the pageant that was held in May to Mrs. Frederick Rowe of the Junior Woman's Club of Lynchburg. The check will be used for the club's farm animal zoo, which is scheduled to officially open July 29 at Miller Park. Animals will be delivered to the zoo Monday, and the public will be allowed to visit the site throughout the week. Rhonda is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Wright of 5635 Golf Park Drive.
June 22, 1972 - Hurricane Agnes - A closer view of the Glamorgan Pipe & Foundry Co. shows railroad cars loaded with coal partially submerged in the facility's rail yard. At this point the James River was at 25 feet, or seven feet above flood stage.
June 22, 1972 - Agnes leaves her mark on city - Floodwaters on Concord Road in the Lower Basin caused many firms, including Lynchburg Foundry, to suspend business until the water subsides and cleanup operations can begin. Although the James is holding steady at 25 feet - seven feet above normal - officials fear it may rise to 30 feet before cresting.
June 22, 1972 - Not Venice, but Jefferson Street - Flooding from the rain-swollen James River today made Jefferson Street look more like a canal in Venice. The river covered the street after rising seven feet above flood stage from the rains brought into the area by Hurricane Agnes. Although the James was holding steady at 25 feet at noon, the Weather Service said it may rise to 30 feet before cresting. Because of the submerged conditions along Jefferson Street and throughout the Upper and Lower basins, many firms suspended business until waters subside and cleanup operations can begin.
June 23, 1972 - Glamorgan Pipe & Foundry Co. workers waded into the task of cleaning the mud and debris that clogged the river basin site as flood waters of the James River continued to subside. Industry leaders say damage in the basin won't be as great as that in the Aug. 20, 1969 passing of Hurricane Camille.
June 26, 1972 - (Original text) - Approximately 19,000 people - one of the largest church gatherings in Virginia - attended the Anniversary-Homecoming Day activities at Thomas Road Baptist Church held Sunday at Lynchburg Municipal Stadium.
July 29, 1972 - And a moo to you too - This cow at the children's zoo, which was formally dedicated today at Miller Park, greeted her first visitors with a hearty moo when she realized that she was in her "hay" day. Mrs. Fred Rowe, project chairman for the Lynchburg Junior Woman's Club, which is sponsoring the zoo, extended a handful of tasty food to the cow while Floyd A. McKenna, director of parks and beautification for the city, gave a helping hand to her son, Ricky, 3. The yet unnamed cow is among the farm animals at the zoo, which is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Sept. 4, 1972 - Original Text: Property Purchased -- Most of this property off Rt. 29 South, just outside the city in Campbell County, has been purchased by Thomas Road Baptist Church through the Old Time Gospel Hour, Inc., as the site for a $15 million development of the church and the Lynchburg Baptist College and Lynchburg Christian Academy, both operated by the church. Much of the property seen here is that of Montview Farm -- former home of the late U.S. Sen. Carter Glass. In all, about 200 acres of land have been purchased so far, including 104 acres of the former Glass property, but not including the homeplace marked by an arrow. Construction work at the site it expected to begin within 60 days.
Nov. 3, 1972 - Original text: Fighting air pollution -- Checking the Allied Arts Building furnace, which was recently converted from coal to oil at a cost of about $18,000 to see that it is operating efficiently and not producing black smoke as in the past, are, left to right, Terrell E. Moseley, president of Terrell E. Moseley, Inc., Lynchburg firm that made the necessary changes to furnace, and City Air Pollution inspector Howard O. Anderson, Allied Arts Building Corp., owners of the building, were under orders from the Board of Air Pollution Appeals to bring the furnace equipment up to date so it would not be in violation of air pollution regulations. The furnace, which has been using oil for some time now, appears to be operating all right, Anderson said.
Nov. 21, 1972 - Williams Viaduct
Dec. 13, 1972 - A fire ravaged the Old Dominion Box Co. warehouse at Ninth and Jefferson streets for over three hours.
Dec. 14, 1972 - Walls pose threat to safety -- The fire-ravaged walls of the Old Dominion Box Co. warehouse at Ninth and Jefferson streets give mute testimony to the intensity of the flames that raged for over three hours Wednesday morning. Today, Fire Chief W.W. Jennings said the walls are a "public hazard" and he will recommend they be knocked down as soon as possible. One engine crew that remains at the scene is continuing to pour streams of water into the smouldering contents of the warehouse.
Dec. 16, 1972 - Original Text: Rehearse for pageant -- Members of the First Christian Church rehearse for a pageant which they will present at the 11 a.m. service Sunday. They are, from left, Ann Joyce, an angel; Sarah Cheverton, Mary; Lisa Proffitt, another angel, and Craig Harris, drummer boy. The pageant, which will tell the Christmas Story, will be presented by members of the church and the church choir.
Dec. 21, 1972Â (Original caption) - Five men help turn the first shovelful of earth at groundbreaking ceremonies Wednesday at Montview Farm on Rt. 29 south of Lynchburg. Site of about 200 acres will house Thomas Road Baptist Church's new religious and educational complex of church sanctuary, Lynchburg Baptist College and part of Lynchburg Christian Academy. It is estimated to be $15 million project. Shown are from left, Forest Bailey, architect with firm of Lyles, Bisett, Carlisle and Woff Associates; Perry Hall, chairman of church board of deacons; Dr. Jerry Falwell, church pastor; Dr. Elmer Towns, college vice president; and Sam Pate, business manager for organization. College dormitory construction begins immediately.
March 19, 1973 - Original text: Greets Crowd – S. Sgt. David N. Harker waves to crowd of approximately 10,000 Lynchburg-area residents who came to Lynchburg Municipal Airport Sunday to welcome him home. The crowd includes friends, relatives, former classmates and others who came to pay tribute to Harker, who spent more than 5 years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
June 7, 1973 - Old Forest Road looking west from the intersection with Link Road. On the right, Forest Hill Pharmacy is approximately where CVS is today, and McDonald's occupies the spot were the 7-Eleven is. If you look carefully to the right of center between the west-bound truck and the eastbound car you can see the top of a Kentucky Fried Chicken; that is now a Subway.
July 7, 1973 - Original Text: They can't wait -- Hot weather brings out fun in this bunch of boys as they anticipate cool splash of water a split-second away in escape from Friday's Sweltering heat. Scene is the former Blue Ridge Farms pool, located where Peaks View Park is today.
July 15, 1973. One of six clean air discharge stacks is lowered into position on the roof of Lynchburg Foundry's new Archer Creek plant.
July 16, 1973 - Earl Hamner Jr., native of Nelson County, creator of "The Waltons" television series, holds the plaque naming him Virginian of the Year for 1973. The Award was presented to him by the Virginia Press Association. Beside him is his mother, Mrs. Earl Hamner. Behind them are other family members, all natives of Nelson County.Â
October 1, 1973 - First car across the bridge - The first car to cross the still- incomplete $3 million-plus Rivermont Bridge is shown here as it exited from the structure at the Rivermont end shortly after 10 a.m. today. The car was driven by Mrs. Ruth Bryant Burgess of 1013 Pierce St. Two of the bridges four lanes are now open to vehicular traffic and appropriate signs have been put up to direct motorists. The 850-foot-long structure, which will replace the old, deteriorating Rivermont Bridge, is expected to be completed in 1974.
October 19, 1973 - Painting bridges for last time - Two well-known Lynchburg artists, Ethel P. Ferell, left, and Mrs. Howard Hovda, take advantage of a clear, crisp fall day to paint pictures of the two Rivermont bridges. The old bridge, at left, is now being dismantled. Vehicular traffic began moving across two of the four lanes of the new bridge on Oct. 1. The new structure is scheduled for completion in early 1974. The two artists are painting their pictures from the Rivermont end of the structures. Buildings in downtown business district can be seen in background.
Nov. 9, 1973 - Original text: Dynamiting old bridge -- Workmen demolishing the old Rivermont Bridge, at left, have been using dynamite on portions of the structure, especially the concrete and steel spans and girders. The cloud of dust on the left rose from the old bridge during a dynamite blast. The new four-lane bridge, costing more than $3 million, can be seen at right.
Nov. 26, 1973 - Original text: Sunday morning -- Light traffic on Park Avenue Sunday may get even lighter as gas stations face possibility of being closed from 9 p.m. Saturday until midnight Sunday in wake of current energy crisis. President Nixon announced move in televised address Sunday night calling for voluntary closings beginning Saturday.
December 3, 1973 - Old bridge come tumbling down - This series of photos by Aubrey Wiley, photographer for The News and The Daily Advance, shows actual demolition work under way on portion of Rivermont Bridge as well as scenes before and after. The photo at left pictures the old bridge as it was before workmen for demolition contractors set off charge of dynamite near Rivermont end of the bridge. The second photo shows the dust beginning to rise from the blast while the third photo shows debris from the blast flying through the air. At top right the dust is beginning to settle and a bottom right the bridge as it looked after all the dust and debris had settled to the ground. Demolition costs for the old bridge will be about $275,000 if entire structure is demolished and somewhat less if two spans at the downtown end of the bridge are preserved for an overlook. The old bridge is being replaced by a new $3 million plus, four-lane bridge.
Lacey Putney, the "lion of Bedford County," served in the House of Delegates for 52 years. This photo of Putney was taken in 1974.
The start of the very first Virginia 10 Miler race in 1974.
Frank Shorter and Bill Rodgers cross the finish line together at the Virginia 10 Miler in 1975.
Jan. 20, 1974 - Study Viking - Students at Sandusky Junior High School last week participated in science seminar on "Space Program with Emphasis on the Viking Project." Robert Wright, technical assistant for Viking Project Management, Langley AFB, Hampton, talked to students about vehicle that will start journey to Mars in mid-1975. Studying model of project are Margaret Grigg and Greg Brew.Â
Feb. 6, 1974 - Original text: Reduced Price? -- Willie Harris has not started to pump bargain gasoline at Palmer's Exxon Service Station on Boonsboro Road. The meters on old pumps at several area service stations simply cannot record the full sale price for gasoline costing more than 49.9 cents per gallon. Computers have been adjusted to record half-gallon readings for a total price on just half of the sale.
Feb. 21, 1974 - Original text: No Child's Game -- Sign in front of service station at Rt. 29 North and Amelon Road expresses owner William Carrico's displeasure over Nixon administration handling of current gas situation. "Simple Simon" referred to is Energy Chief Williams Simon -- not childhood character. With sign is Steve Lloyd, station attendant.
March 1974 - The cupola is lifted by crane to its perch atop the The News & Advance's building on Wyndale Drive in 1974.
March 4, 1974 - Original Text: Sure sign of spring -- Randolph-Macon students took to the tennis courts Sunday when the temperatures climbed into the low 70s. With the rising temperatures and the promise that spring is not far behind, residents shed their heavy clothes and headed for the bright out-of-doors. The partially completed $2 million academic building - which will house classrooms, art studios and professionally equipped permanent theater - is shown in the background.
June 5, 1974 - City's first policewoman - Mrs. Bradley Ford of Rustburg, stands next to Assistant Chief Henry R. Carwile as she is sworn in as the city's first police patrol woman by Mrs. Neil Whitten, today.
June 27, 1974 - Gov. Mills E. Godwin, left, tours Lynchburg Foundry's new $24 million Archer Creek plant with W.E. Masencup Jr., foundry president, and J.W. McSwiney, Mead Corp. chairman, during official opening of the plant.
Sept. 30, 1974 - Original Text: Open House Held -- Large crowd was on hand Sunday for open house at Academy of Music Theatre on Main Street. Sponsored by Friends of the Academy, proceeds will be used for restoration of building, constructed in 1905, and one of few remaining legitimate theatres of early 20th century. On stage is William F.S. Gresham, who served as master of ceremonies for number of local performers. Those present had to stand since seats in main section were removed when plans were made to tear down building.
Nov. 7, 1974 - Downtown Silhouette - Large crane is used to place protective cage over new 10th Street pedestrian walkway, which connects Lynchburg Public Library property with parking lot at rear of United Virginia Bank. Work is being done by F.L. Showalter, Inc. Placing of cage marked completion of walkway, which cost $13,000. Of this amount, Central Lynchburg, Inc., paid $6,000. Cage was made by Currier Steel of Lynchburg.
Nov. 26, 1974 - Original text: Balcony Falls Dam comes down -- Plastic explosives Monday ripped apart the old Virginia Electric and Power Co. hydroelectric dam, left, spanning the James River near Glasgow. Only the lower portion of the dam and powerhouse were left following the 3:30 p.m. blast.
Nov. 30, 1974 - Eleven-year-old David Keesee, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jessee Keesee of Evington, helps his grandfather, L.T. Langford of Forest, unload a truckful of dark-fired tobacco today at the New Farmers Warehouse on U.S. 460 east of Lynchburg.
Feb. 26, 1975. Firefighters battle a blaze on Main Street that killed two firefighters when one of the buildings exploded.
February 1975 - People look over the damaged buildings where two firefighters were killed trying to battle the blaze on Main Street.
1975 - Firefighters gather for a service in honor of the two firefighters killed in a blaze on Main Street.
1975. Firefighters gather for a service in honor of two firefighters killed in a blaze on Main Street.
Lynchburg Rangers general manager Frank Cappiello (left) laughs at relief pitcher Ed Nottle's joke in the City Stadium outfield, May 1, 1975.
May 4, 1975 - Performance Set - Among members of Jefferson Forest Spanish Singers and Dancers to perform during "Fiesta Mexicans and Variety Show" at 7:30 p.m. Friday in school auditorium are, from left, Kim Fain, Steve Calloway, Tom Bell and Teresa McFall.
May 18, 1975 - Original Text: Reactor Model Viewed -- Gov. Mills E. Godwin Jr., left, views model of nuclear reactor unit designed for marine use at recent Babcock & Wilcox Co. dedication ceremonies of company's Old Forest Road facilities. With Godwin, from left, are John H. MacMillan, vice president, nuclear power generation division and George G. Zipf, president and chairman of board, B&W Model was on display as part of tour of $4.5 million addition to building.
June 4, 1975 - Original Text: T. Gibson Hobbs Jr., left, explains procedure for producing lime in a kiln. With him is Bernard Herman photographing 1850 structure in Mt. Athos area.
Nov. 7, 1975 Original text: Bridge worried firemen -- Firemen responding to the fire at Liberty Baptist College dormitory Wednesday night, were worried whether this bridge connecting Treasure Island with the south bank of the James River could bear the weight of firefighting apparatus. First unit to test the span's weight capacity was a Lynchburg Life Saving Crew light crash truck loaded with firemen. All fire trucks safely crossed the bridge. (The bridge later collapsed in the flood of 1985, cutting off access to the island, which has sat unused since.)
Nov. 19, 1975 - Original text: Lynchburg's Main Street is taking on the look of a virtual fairyland as workers in the Building Maintenance Bureau of the City Central Services Division put up newly purchased Christmas decorations. The decorations were purchased by Central Lynchburg, Inc., and are being placed on poles along either side of Main Street from Fifth to 12 streets. The Christmas lights are scheduled to be cut on for the first time this year the night of the Jaycees-sponsored Christmas parage on Dec. 3.
March 9, 1976 - Newspapers roll off the press at The News and The Daily Advance's offices on Wyndale Drive.
March 25, 1976 - Program Rehearsal - Rehearsing for Bicentennial program to be presented at 7:30 p.m. today in cafetorium at Sandusky Junior High School are, from left, Jackie Wynn, Phillip Spangler, and Keith Edwards. Program is to be presented at PTA meeting.
May 30, 1976 - Ever Ready Unit - Five members of Police Department's Tactical Unit demonstrate some of the equipment and uniforms they utilize in emergency situations. From left are Cmdr. Ronald E. Coleman, head of special volunteer force; Police Officers James R. White; Richard W. Williams; George L. Tomlin, second in command Carroll L. Baker.
June 30, 1976 - Dispatching is our business - Jan McNeely and Cpl. H. Wayne Allen [of the Lynchburg Police Department] take care of the radio dispatches and telephone calls during a relatively quiet period.
The Heritage High School Band shows off new uniforms during the Lynchburg Classic Parade on Memorial Avenue on Oct. 10, 1976. Note the sign for Pittman Plaza on the left.
1977 - Just a smattering of buildings stood on the campus of Liberty Baptist College at the base of Candlers Mountain in 1977. The road intersecting Wards Road in the center of the photograph is Atlanta Avenue, and the railroad tracks can be seen running parallel to Wards Road.
Jan. 19, 1977 - Lynchburg Foundry - Phyllis Evers, core department foreman, discusses cores on the assembly line with Ida Willis.
March 29, 1977 - Heritage High School juniors take to the grass and mild temperatures on for a class in social studies. Their teacher Mark Storm, left, decided that confining his class would be too much with bright sunshine outside.
May 13, 1977 - Original Text: Airport Fire Test -- City Fireman extinguish blaze set in old car at Lynchburg Municipal Airport Thursday to test rescue and firefighting equipment in airplane crash. Special firefighting truck, purchased by city in 1968-69, sprays burning car with powder chemical "Purple K" which quickly puts out aviation fuel fires. Test was made to insure that equipment is ready if needed.
May 15, 1977 - Community College Play Day - Tug-of-war team members put their weight behind effort to win contest, one of many recreational activities held Saturday afternoon at Central Virginia Community College. Teams from 19 of 23 state community colleges were invited to participate in annual Play Day.
May 18, 1977 - Original text: 'Giant Flea' Market -- This giant flea will be chasing the dog during Peakland United Methodist Church's Flea Market Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church. Dressed in costumes are Beth Stilling, the flea, and Russell Chamberlain. The event will feature a bake sale and bazaar offering household wares toys, quilts and crochet items, books and decoupage plaques. The market is open to anyone wishing to set up his own display booth and donate saleable rummage.
May 23, 1977 - Strikers picket the Lynchburg Foundry Co.'s Lower Basin Plant in a contract dispute.
July 24, 1977 - With the exception of farmers and gardeners who have grown to appreciate the rain, these youngsters probably have lots of sympathizers who take a dim view of another rainy day. Shawn, 3, and Danny, 5, peer through rain-streaked window in car while their mom was running an errand. They are sons of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Overstreet of 305 Wyndale Drive.
June 28, 1977 - Original Text: Fire Cmdr. James H. Bomar inventories rations at city Civil Defense shelter. The food has been declared unfit for human consumption.
Sept. 14, 1977 - Original Text: Comedian Bob Hope uses a golf club to conduct Jefferson Forest High School Band. Hope and band were at Ivy Hill Golf Club for Virginia PGA Open Tournament today.
Nov. 4, 1977 - C.P. Knight, a Coffee Road tobacco farmer, sits a spell, resting weary bones from the chore of stoking the smoke fires used to fire-cure fall tobacco. The smoke prevents mildew from forming on the profitable leaves in a process dating back to colonial America. Knight's four-footed country companion, Rock, throws a doleful look at the photographer intruding on their patient, two-week vigil.
Nov. 9, 1977 - Original text: Prepare crafts for bazaar -- Three members of the Loyal Sons and Daughters Class at Fairview Christian Church make wreathes and other holiday items for sale at the church bazaar Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. From left are Mrs. Robert Gentry, Mrs. Robert Ashworth and Mrs. Stanley Rose. The Bazaar will feature Christmas shop, white elephant items, bake shop, flea market. Hamburgers, hot dogs, beans, drinks and desserts will be served.
Nov. 14, 1977 - Getting Ready for Mrs. Claus - C.J. Loprete and his sister Ronna, right, help Barbara Aruch, representing J.C. Penney Co. and Pittman Plaza Association, paint Mrs. Santa Claus' cottage. The cottage at the Plaza will be ready for Mrs. Claus' arrival Nov. 25. Santa's wife will be here to talk with children about their Christmas holiday hopes and plans.
Dec. 20, 1977 - Original text: No more reading and writing -- Ruffner School, where many Lynchburg residents spent hours reading, writing and doing arithmetic, is being town down by Lynchburg Area Association for Retarded Citizens, honoring agreement that were building not used it would be demolished. Old School and additional facilities on property were purchased by LAARC from Centenary United Methodist Church.
Actress Elizabeth Taylor was still one of the most famous women in the world when she married John Warner, and came to Central Virginia with him to help campaign for his first term in the U.S. Senate in 1978. Warner's grandparents were from Amherst County, and the couple made several campaign visits to the area that summer and fall. One of their more memorable visits to the area was this stop at the Elon Ruritan Club, where the later Rex Pixley of Amherst, then chairman of the local Republican Party, sprayed Taylor's leg with insecticide to keep the mid-summer bugs away.
Flo Traywick (right), a local Republican activist, was among the Central Virginia people helping then-candidate for U.S. Senate John Warner and actress Elizabeth Taylor campaign in Central Virginia in 1978.
1978 - Elizabeth Taylor (right) poses with her husband, then-candidate for U.S. Senate John Warner (center) and local folk artist Queena Stovall, of Elon.
March 4, 1978 - Original text: Getting away from it all -- Students from Virginia Episcopal and Seven Hills schools amuse themselves Friday morning while waiting on bus that will take them to Washington. From there some students will go to Vermont to ski and others will spend spring break in Italy, touring Rome, Tivoli and Naples.
June 26, 1978 - Aviation museum tour guide Kenneth Robert (right) learns to fly at Falwell Aviation, starting his engine as his instructor Lawrence Falwell looks on.
Calvin Falwell (left to right), Terry Falwell and T.C. Cochran prepare the 1978 4th of July fireworks show at City Stadium.
July 17, 1978 - Original Text: History rolls through area -- With clouds of smoke pouring out, one of the largest and most powerful remaining operational steam locomotives in the world rolls through the area Sunday over Southern Railway tracks during a special excursion from Lynchburg to Alexandria. One observer said thousands watched this relic from the past as it made its stops in the area. The train stopped at the Kemper Street Station to pick up passengers and again in Monroe to take on water.
July 26, 1978 - Safety devices are installed at the railroad tracks adjacent to the Lynchburg Foundry in the city's lower basin.
Sept. 9, 1978 - Looking toward Park Avenue, traffic moves easily through New Kemper Street Interchange with Twelfth Street running left to right.
Sep. 18, 1978 - Officially Open - Point of Honor, Lynchburg's historic mansion at point of Blackwater Creek and James River, officially opened to public during ceremonies Sunday marking completion of much of its restoration. Open house was part of Kaleidoscope Festival '78. Ceremonies were sponsored by Lynchburg Museum System.
Sept. 23, 1978 - Original Text: Day in the Park at Miller Park has been one of the most popular events at Kaleidoscope. Here, parents and children gather for magic show, one of a variety of activities at the park today.
Sep. 28, 1978 - Terrell Woodford practices 'Timeless Ritual', which refers to the generations-old process of curing dark-fired tobacco, or smoke tobacco as it was sometimes called.
Oct. 24, 1978 - Original Text: Blaze Razes Country Store -- Fire that swept through Moore's Country Store on Route 460 East of Lynchburg Monday night left inside of building and contents destroyed. Structure was considered total loss by firefighters.
Nov. 7, 1978 - Original text: 'Vote? I'm not registered' -- "Cub," a Chesapeake Bay retriever, turned out with his master, Martin Tinsley, for an early vote in today's elections at the Courthouse Precinct in Amherst. Although probably a registered canine, "Cub" is definitely not a registered voter.
Dec. 3, 1978 - SHIPMAN -- Rescue workers cut through tangled mass of wreckage of Southern Railroad's Crescent passenger train that derailed in Nelson County Sunday, killing at least five persons.
Dec. 4, 1978 - Rescuers begin to cut away stainless steel Crescent car.
Members of Heritage High School Marching Band practice despite the rain in the parking lot of Fort Hill Village on March 11, 1979.
March 14, 1979 - Chuck Clifton, left, and Kevin Martin rehearse in preparation for annual Booster Club show to be presented in Brookville High School auditorium Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Performances will begin each evening at 9 p.m.
Members of the Heritage High School choir were busy at school on April 1, 1979, a Saturday, making signs for the Spring Thing fund-raising event to be held in the school's cafeteria. Proceeds were used to send the choir to Atlanta for a choral competition. From left, Deanna Blankenship, Debbie Weeks, Paula Lea and Dave Bryan.
April 12, 1979 - The Heritage High School Student Cooperative Association buries a time capsule designed to show students of the 21st Century what life at the school was like in its first two years. Al Echols (left), a Heritage English teacher, watches SCA members Rudy Beverly (from left), Linda Nixon, Susan Smith and Steve Rupert bury the capsule. Officials have been unable to locate the time capsule now that the new Heritage High School is completed.
May 17, 1979 - Original text: Drugs go up in smoke -- City police and other authorities burned drugs with a street value of $65,660 today at the police firing range off Leesville Road. Included in the burning were 55 kilograms of marijuana and large quantities of LSD, cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines and illegally-obtained prescription drugs seized during investigations over the last two years. The drugs were destroyed under a court order. Thomas O. Gordon, right, chief magistrate of the 24th Judicial District, feeds one of the fires.
Preparing for Men's Day at Court Street Baptist Church are from left Jacob R. Robinson, Daniel W. Davis, M.W. Thornhill Jr., Dr. Donald W. Johnson, pastor and J.W. Stroud, chairman of the deacon board. This photo ran in The Daily Advance on May 25, 1979. Thornhill was elected to city council in 1976 and became vice mayor in 1978. He was sworn in as Lynchburg's first black mayor in 1990 and retired in 1992 due to health concerns.Â
May 25, 1979 - Original text: Firm renovates old Fidelity building -- The Rev. Phillip Elliott of State Legal Aid Society stocks shelves in vault at former Fidelity Bank building Renovation of building at 901 Main St. is first project using funds from downtown revitalization loan pool.
June 18, 1979 - Steel goes up on new bridge span - Steel is going up at rapid pace for the new parallel span to the existing two-lane Carter Glass Bridge across the James River at Lynchburg. A $1,876,141 contract for the new structure was awarded by the State Highway Commission in December, 1972, to J. Lawson Jones Co. of Clarksville. Scheduled completion date of the new span is Nov. 1, 1974. When completed the new span will appear to be a part of the existing bridge and is expected to relieve traffic hazards which currently are caused by funneling of dual lanes into single lanes across the river.
June 26, 1979 - Lynchburg Police officers take time for a coffee break during a work action at the Lynchburg Foundry's Lower Basin plant.
June 28, 1979 - A carnival on Old Forest Road kept children entertained in the summer of 1979.
July 3, 1979 - Demolition Under Way - Workmen from Richmond firm of S.B. Cox begin demolishing original Dunbar High School. Project was delayed year by objections from Lynchburg Vice Mayor M.W. Thornhill, who called it an affront to to black people, and balk by City Council over $40,000 price tag.
July 14, 1979 - Stairway to the past - Debris clutters what remains of the entrance to the original Dunbar High School building adjacent to Dunbar Middle School on 12th Street. Many city residents were taught in the 56-year-old structure that has become mostly rubble as S.B. Cox Inc. of Richmond fulfills its $26,881 contract with the Lynchburg School Board to demolish the old structure, regarded as a fire and safety hazard. Plans are not firm on how the site will be used.
Aug. 27, 1979 - Eager and ready for classes - Smiling and equipped with name tags, school bus identification numbers, lunch boxes and book bags, theses eager youngsters line up at Sandusky Elementary to begin the first day of classes for the new term.
Aug. 31, 1979 - Wreckage of Navy A6 Intruder jet lies scattered in mountainous terrain near Montebello. Two crewmen were killed.
Oct. 14, 1979 - The Appomattox Railroad Festival
Dec. 27, 1979 - Original text: From shoes to shambles -- A pile of rubble is all that is left of the old Southland Shoe Co. building in the 1300 block of Jefferson Street. Now being torn down to make room for a more modern structure, the turn-of-the-century edifice was also once occupied by Strother Drug Co., now in more up-to-date quarters, too.
Take at a look at this selection of photos from our archives, one decade at a time.