Carroll County Chronicles Fall 2020

The Carroll News - October 25, 1928

Thousands attended the Big Road Celebration Here the 19th.

On last Friday, Oct. 19th, our little town was filled with people of this county, Southwestern Virginia and North-Western North Carolina. It has been estimated that between fifteen and twenty five thousand people witnessed the opening of the Fancy Gap Road. A huge motorcade from this county met the North Carolina motorcade at the top of the Blue Ridge where a Boone Trail Marker was unveiled by a niece of Judge Bolen's, Miss Edith Bolen. Then the longest motorcade in the world, led by Carroll's cars, proceeded to Hillsville where another Boone Trail Marker was unveiled by the high schools of this section, on Hillsville High grounds. Next was the pageant, "Fall," put on by the Radford College girls, which was very attractive. They also rendered several musical numbers. This, with quite a number of the other features, was viewed by the motion picture men. The welcome address was made by our young attorney, J. L. Tompkins, who spoke briefly but effectively. Judge Bolen, "The Grand Old Man of Carroll," was then introduced and made one of those historical talks which is always longed for by his attentive audiences. Mr. Powell Chapman, the speaker, introduced the subject of a bridge across Jackson's Ferry and every speaker who followed him made this the central topic of his own talk. Highway commissioner Massie said he had no doubt that the subject of this bridge would be laid prominently before the Commission this year. Mr. Carter of Mt. Airy spoke feelingly of the ties between his own state and Virginia and introduced Lt. Gov. Malone, who stirred the audience with a brief but interesting talk on road building. One of the most interesting and attractive features of the day was the Galax High School Circus parade. It was cheered by thousands and enjoyed by all.

16