Noke Novelties are interesting aspects, picturesque moments, and other quaint nuances of or about the Roanoke area.

On the way to work, or in routine travels around the entire Roanoke area, it’s nearly impossible to avoid crossing a set of railroad tracks at one time or another.

The railroad system in Roanoke as seen from a bridge on 10 Street SW

Even more likely, and at the very least, the rumbling of a passing train, or its accompanying whistle can be heard in the background from just about any spot in Roanoke.

This is certainly true for me, as I frequently hear an evening train off in the distance from my home in the southwest part of the City.

Some kind of interaction with the train system is inevitable.

A passing train crosses a railroad bridge near the intersection of Wiley Drive and Crystal Spring Avenue in Roanoke

And over the years each of my encounters with the railroad, whether by sight or sound or both, has become less and less viewed as a hindrance. And more and more viewed as something that I’ve come to pleasantly expect as an important part of Roanoke.

The railroad is very much like the mountains to me, I think I’d be lost without them.

(Roanoke’s Railroad History as well as general railroad operation is quite extensive and wonderfully showcased downtown at the Railwalk.)

Noke Novelties are interesting aspects, picturesque moments, and other quaint nuances of or about the Roanoke area.

When traveling south on I-581, there are a couple exits you could take in order to reach the downtown Roanoke area. One of them is Exit #5, typically referred to as the Hotel Roanoke exit. Because either the left or right lane on the ramp can take you to the main entrance to Roanoke’s historic hotel.

However, the left lane route offers a bit more scenery.

Going this way merges to Williamson Road, and it’s right here that you can see a fountain off in the near distance. Especially for tourists or other first-time visitors, it’s the first notable thing seen as you approach downtown from this direction. Moving closer brings into better view the upper sections of two of the more promiment buildings, the Hotel Roanoke and Wachovia Tower, which reside off in the background.

Welcome to downtown Roanoke.

The Fountain as Seen from a Sidewalk along Williamson Road, Near the Entrance to the Hotel Roanoke

Around the perimeter of the fountain is a basin comprised of a circular array of irregular stone flooring. The entire area is open and easily accessible via connecting sidewalks.

I know it’s just a fountain. But, I think it’s the relatively simple things like this that spruce up what could otherwise be just a plain patch of grassland.

Noke Novelties are interesting aspects, picturesque moments, and other quaint nuances of or about the Roanoke area.

The Unmistakable Tanglewood Mall Sign Along Electric Road

Ever since I can remember the local landmark of the Tanglewood Mall sign has stood in the parking lot of southwest Roanoke County’s premier shopping location. And I think that aside from some relatively minor cosmetic updates to do with the logo, the overall structure has changed very little over the years.

I first remember seeing it as a child, the sign was definitely overwhelming in it’s stately shape and, well, just really cool to watch. The continuously changing messages on display, though paltry by today’s technology, seemed futuristic some 15 years ago.

I best associate the sign with the Brendle’s store that used to be located in the southern corner of the mall. My family would often go there to shop and I remember the diamond that acted as the apostrophe in the store name.

I suppose that, arguably, Valley View is Roanoke’s biggest and most populated mall, but I’ve always been a little bit more partial to Tanglewood. And I think the nostalgia of this sign influences my thoughts.

Noke Novelties are interesting aspects, picturesque moments, and other quaint nuances of or about the Roanoke area.

A couple weeks ago, I wrote about a historic stone marker that was placed along Ferdinand Avenue. I had seen that particular marker on numerous occasions but never bothered to check it out. I travel this route heading to work nearly everyday and have for a couple years.

Historic Stone Marker at the Intersection of Ferdinand Avenue and Riverland Blvd

But, I had missed, and never even noticed until the other day, another stone marker that is placed in a median at the intersection of Ferdinand Avenue and Riverside Blvd.

If you travel this road even occasionally, perhaps you have overlooked this rather distinct historic marker also.

Well, that’s why Noke News is here! Let’s check it out:

This stone reads:

THIS TABLET MARKS AN INDIAN TRAIL FROM A TORTERAS VILLAGE IN THE FORK OF ROANOKE RIVER AND TINKER CREEK, JOINING THE INDIAN WARRIOR’S TRAIL, THE GREAT PATH, WHICH PASSED THROUGH BUFORD’S GAP, THE BIG LICK, NOW A PART OF ROANOKE CITY, AND ON WESTWARD THROUGH CUMBERLAND GAP

Once again, I’m at a loss for words. However, I can’t help but on some level take comfort in the history that is Roanoke.

On a lighter note, the tablet reminds me of a short story…

I was in elementary school at Penn Forest and as part of a history lesson we were taught about Roanoke’s previous informal name, Big Lick. And for fun as an entire grade we voted whether or not we would prefer the name of this city to remain Roanoke, or be changed back to Big Lick. Well, yours truly was one I think of only two or three students total to vote for Big Lick!

I was just a kid then, but sometimes it really doesn’t seem like all that long ago.

Noke Novelties are interesting aspects, picturesque moments, and other quaint nuances of or about the Roanoke area.

The Stone and Tree on Ferdinand Avenue in Roanoke City (3/13/08)

You have probably seen it before.

I frequently travel along Ferdinand Avenue in Roanoke City and on occasion have noticed a stone on the side of the road. It’s located on the same side of the train tracks and opposite the intersection with 10th Street.

There’s also a tree directly behind the stone that was seemingly planted to act as a marker. Even as driving past I could tell the stone was inscribed with some kind of writing. But I never bothered to stop and find out why on earth it’s there. Or more importantly, what it says.

Until now.

The apparent reason the stone’s existence is to mark an old tract of land dating back to the late 1700s.

The writing on the stone says:

“THIS TREE MARKED THE BOUNDARY LINE OF A 150 ACRE TRACT OF LAND CONVEYED TO JAMES ALEXANDER FOR FIFTEEN SHILLINGS BY GEORGE III, KING OF ENGLAND. AUGUST 3, 1771.”

Hmm, interesting, and I’m really at a loss for words here. But, if you’re in the mood for a bit of Roanoke area historic nostalgia then stop by and check it out in person.