The original Woodruff-Miles store-post office building is now an auction house.

Cherry Lane Community and the post office got the name from the cherry trees that grew along the narrow country road on which the old original building was first built. The post office and store, owned by Mr. Alex Woodruff and Mr. J.T. Miles, were in the same building.
Mr. Miles was the postmaster and remained so for many years. After Highway 21 was built, he moved over to the new highway and remained postmaster for several years until he retired. Then Mrs. John Norman was postmistress until the office was discontinued. Currently, the building is used as an auction house, Crouse Auctions, and is operated by Mr. Clarence Roby Crouse.
The old Crouse School stood near Cherry Lane. It was a one room structure that sported a belfry and a pot-bellied stove for heat. There were long benches with a desk built behind each seat. Early records indicate a teacher in 1906 was paid $22 a month. 
On August 28, 1932, the school building burned. It was later rebuilt in a different location and renamed Cherry Lane School. On November 24, 1945, this structure burned and that ended the history of the Cherry Lane School.

Ennice, a small community in the Glade Creek Township about ten miles east of Sparta, obtained its name when a post office was established at the home of E.R. McMillan in 1884. His wife Ennice was named postmistress. 
The first church in the community was the Crab Fork Primitive Baptist Church. 

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It was organized in 1835 and stood near the home of Hiram Higgins, now the McCammet Higgins farm. The pastor was Elder Calvin Jones. The church was moved to Grayson County, Va. in 1847. The Crab Greek Primitive Baptist Church was organized in 1875 and is still active.
The first school in the community was the Cox School, established about 1880. In 1885 a school was established at Ennice and was called Crab Creek, but there was never a schoolhouse built there. The upstairs of the general store was was moved in 1904 to a new schoolhouse on the Mart Higgins farm to be known later as the Higgins School.
Merchants in the community were, Steve Hale, Clark Higgins, E.R. McMillan, Kell McKnight, Tom Harris, Steve Spurlin, Hort Spurlin, Fred Hudson, and Leonard Spurlin.

Glade Valley got its name by the fact the first building of the community, the Glade Valley Presbyterian Church, was built on a hill overlooking the valley of Glade Creek, hence the name Glade Valley.
The Glade Valley School was established 

Constructed in the early 1900s, the Glade Valley store building stands empty today.

near the church and began operation in 1911 as a private institution, It was the first school in the county to offer a high school education and was operated by Orange Presbytery of North Carolina. Later Orange Presbytery was divided and Winston-Salem Presbytery formed and the two sponsored the school. The school closed in the late 1980s.
Shortly after the school opened its doors to students a post office was established adjoining the campus. The postmaster was Mr. Robinson.
Officially, the old store building in Glade Valley has had many proprietors, reflected in the official store names -- A.B. Gentry and Sons, Joe McBride Store, Todd and Fender, R.C. Todd and Co., C.C. Thompson and Son, J. Rush Thompson, Ted Wyatt and Kirby Phillips -- but folks generally knew it as the Glade Valley Store. It has stood empty for a number of years.
Post offices were located in the stores mentioned above until a separate station was established.
Jubal Coke Marion operated a ham processing plant in the community. The business had begun in Surry County in 1949 and moved to Roaring Gap two years later. In 1954, he moved it again to Glade Valley where it operated until partially destroyed by fire in 1980. Marion's Ham House continued on a limited basis for several years thereafter.
Some of the early settlers in the Glade Valley Community were: Andrew Bryan, Henderson Creed, Lee Fender, A.B. Gentry, Gilmore Harris, Hence Harris, Walter Harris, Fayte Hackler, Clarence Thompson, Frank Thompson, and Alex Woodruff.

Laurel Springs got its name from springs that ran from underneath the laurels and rhododendron that are native of this area.
Some early settlers in the community were Stampers, Longs, Osbornes, Millers, Woodies, Reeveses, Doughtons, Weavers, and Richardsons. Many of their descendants still live here. The oldest post office in the county is thought to be in this community. Laurel Springs Post Office was established on August 30, 1839 (then a part of Ashe County).
The first industry in the community was a combination 

Laurel Springs country store and post office in 1911.

of a roller, grist and saw mill owned and operated by Jacob Miller. It was located on Meadow Fork Creek, a very short distance from the springs which bears the name of Laurel Springs. The power was provided by a large water wheel. It was washed away during the 1916 flood.
The Laurel Springs Academy was built in 1875 of pine logs which were dragged up the hill by oxen and shaped into lumber by an old-fashioned sash saw. The original three-room school house served the community for 62 years. The Rev. A.P. Tyler, a graduate of Trinity College, was the first teacher. Governor R.A. Doughton, in 1876, succeeded him.
Other teachers who taught the students In Laurel Springs included Joe Thomas, E. Leff Wagoner, J.B. Hands, R.L. Doughton, W.R. Gentry, Tom Lacy, T.J. Carson, W.M. Kirl, W.R. Jones, and J.L. Critcher. A modern brick structure was built in 1937 with the aid of W.P.A. funds. The same bell that signaled the beginning of school in 1875 was used until the school was consolidated with Sparta Schools in 1967. Many distinguished public servants were educated at Laurel Springs and have gone out to take their places all over the United States.
The Blue Ridge Parkway was built in 1937 through the efforts of Congressman R.L. Doughton and for whom the Doughton Park was named. The beautiful scenic road has brought untold number of tourists to this area. It has also provided employment to several citizens for numbers of years.

Artifacts found here, show that this tiny bowl-shaped valley located on the banks of a sleepy creek fed by various springs, must have been first a trading and hunting center for various Indian tribes. It was named Piney Creek from the pines, fir and spruce growing on its banks.
The first person other than the Indians to come was probably a hunter from the Cox Fort in Grayson county. 

An old picture of the Piney Creek Masonic Lodge which is still in use today.

During or directly after the Revolutionary War the First William Halsey, who fought in the Revolution from New Jersey, settled north of Piney Creek. Two Parsons brothers, Solomon and Caleb came to this county from England and settled on a king's land grant near Mrs. Cleo McMillan farm. The Hills and the Brown settled the north side of Baker's Ridge before, during or just after the Revolutionary War.
The first Sturgill settled around 1770 on a large grant of land down on the river near the Big Rock.
The first church in the settlement stood near where the present Primitive Baptist Church stands. The present Church was completed in 1878. Five churches serve the community, Primitive Baptist, Methodist, Regular Baptist, Free Will Baptist, and Baker's Ridge Mission.
In 1850's Ore Knob Mines were at peak production and since Piney Creek was on the direct wagon route to Marion, Va. it became a thriving little village. At this time there were at least two stores (where Pugh's Grocery is now), a tin shop, a smithy. a mill, and a brick kiln.
Just north of the stores -- about 100 yards -- the first school, a log structure, was built. It was later replaced by a two-room structure in 1910. It became the Piney Creek Academy around 1920. 
In 1919-20 a co-operative built a cheese factory in Piney Creek which offered a cash crop to its citizens. This co-operative was under the guidance of F.R. Farnham of N.C. State College.
Family names from 1825 include the Blacks, Senters, Delps, VanHoys, Williams, Jones, Pughs, Phipp', Carters, Dixons, Hamptons and Miles.

The potential of what is now known as Roaring Gap was first recognized by Hugh Gwyn Chatham in the early 1890's. The son of James Alexander Chatham, Hugh Chatham discovered the beauty of Roaring Gap as he rode horseback through the mountains to buy wool for his father's mill. He persuaded friends to join him in forming the Roaring Gap Summer Resort Company (RGSRC). The company was formed by William A. Blair, Hugh G. Chatham, A.H. Eller, and W.T. Vogler. Chatham served as president, and Eller as secretary.
From "Historical Sketch of Alleghany County", Centennial 1859-1959, we learn that in 1894 Thomas Gwyn and William Harris deeded land to the company and were, themselves, the first to buy lots. Others among the early buyers were: Chatham Manufacturing Company, H.E. Fries, H.W. Fries, G.T. Roth, T.J. Dillard, T.L. Gwyn. W.T. Vogler, J.S. Kelly and M.L. Henderson.
During 1893, W.T. "Uncle Billy" Vogler left his jewelry business in Winston-Salem in the care of his son, Henry, and lived at Charlie Smith's (where High Meadows is now located) and supervised the buildings of the Roaring Gap Hotel, which burned in 1914.
The hotel opened in 1894 and the Voglers were among the first guests. Early proprietors of the hotel were Dr. D.W.C. Benbow and W.A. Foil. Early advertisements indicate that the hotel was named 'Roaring Gap' and was located in the community of 'Laurel Branch.' In fact, the first post office was called Laurel Branch and was located in the area that is now Lake Louise. By 1899, Roaring Gap Hotel was described as follows:
"Roaring Gap Hotel, the ideal summer home for tourists, has established for itself a name that is known from ocean to ocean. Its situation is equaled by few and excelled by none. Its cuisine this year will be under the personal direction of an experienced caterer. An abundance of ice 

The Graystone Inn opened in 1926.

was harvested during the winter and was stored at Hotel. The house has been thoroughly renovated and nicely painted. Many conveniences have been added of modern style. A telephone line is now in operation. This gives you connection with Elkin, N.C., station on the Southern, and Marion, Va., on the Norfolk and Western. Fine livery accommodations can be had at Hotel.
"The building is three stories, with a capacity of more than two hundred. The rooms are well furnished and equipped with fire places, using wood as fuel, broad commodious piazzas and balconies. Magnificent grounds for tennis, basketball, cycling and other sports. An elegant drive-way has been surveyed. An up-to-date Bowling Alley has just been completed. The table supplied daily with the best the country can afford, with pure milk and butter from the Hotel Farm. Trout fishing near Hotel is elaborate."
In 1911 trips to Roaring Gap were made easier with the opening of the Elkin-Alleghany Railroad from Elkin to Thurmond.
In 1914 the hotel burned. Interest in building cottages at Roaring Gap almost ceased until Roaring Gap, Incorporated, was formed January 3, 1925. Present at the organization meeting were J.K. Nor fleet, chairman; James G. Hones; and Thurmond Chatham, secretary.
In July, 1926, the Graystone Inn opened. Worship services were first held in the Roaring Gap Church in the summer of 1927. Original trustees of the church were James A. Gray, Thurmond Chatham, R.C. Nor fleet, C.T. Leinbach, and R.E. Laster. James A. Gray served as chairman from 1927 until his death in 1952.
On February 28, 1935, ownership of Roaring Gap was transferred to the Roaring Gap Company. And today it operates as Roaring Gap Club, one of few resorts in the country today that remains largely unchanged and unspoiled. Much can be said about Roaring Gap -- the quiet beauty and splendor that has been preserved by the families who have blended their lives with this Alleghany County resort -- but after all is said and reported, the words of W.W. Wood, So., from his letter of June 27, 1894, about Roaring Gap are appropriate:
"Writers, orators and artists with pen, tongue and brush may come and drink from this expansive store of the beautiful and grand and be filled to the utmost, but none will be able to tell the story complete to others."

A post office was established at Scottsville on Aug. 3, 1855, a community on what would become the Alleghany/Ashe county line.
Upon the establishment of the post office, the name Scottsville was chosen in honor of the Scott family who already owned the store where the post office was located. Ironically, there never has been agreement on a common spelling for the community. The post office is spelled Scottsville, the Department of Transportation spells it Scottville on maps and road signs, and other sources spell in Scotville.
Beginning around 1898, the store was operated for many years by Adolphus and Dora Dancy and served as a meeting place in the community as well as a center of trade. They continued at the store until the 1940s.

Scottsville Academy was constructed in 1901 and used as a school house until 1933 and then as Scottsville Baptist Church until 1972.

In 1937, Charlie and Anyce Shepherd opened a store about 2 miles east of the county line and the Scottsville store named "Rambler's Rest." Anyce had read about a grill by the same name on the coast operated by a crippled girl and took a liking to the name. The following year, Charlie, a county deputy, was shot and killed, widowing Anyce with six youngsters. Charlie's killer became the first Alleghanian to receive the death penalty.
Despite the hardship, Anyce Shepherd raised six children and ran the store. Except for three years it closed due to strict rationing during World War II, she operated Rambler's Rest until her death at 93 in 1990. Today, the store has been renovated and is the home of her grandson.
Dr. B.C. Waddell was born in this community on Feb. 24, 1870 and died Aug. 29, 1946. He lived here until 1919 when he moved to Grassy Creek, N.C. He will always be remembered as a doctor who ministered the rich and poor alike. During his early practice he rode horseback through rain, sleet and snow to make rounds. His charge was usually $3.00 per call. He did not use a car very much until he moved to Grassy Creek, N.C.
Scottsville Academy was built in 1901 and was established as a County-Line school. However it was always under the supervision of Alleghany County. The first teachers were Prof. Brown and his daughter Miss Hattie Brown. Schools were taught here until 1933, when Prof. Hurt influenced Scottsville to be consolidated with Nathan's Creek in Ashe County. When the building was left empty, it was used for several years as a church.

Twin Oaks, a community about three miles northwest of Sparta, obtained it name from a pair of large oak trees that stood near where the abandoned Twin Oaks Drive-In Theater now stands. This was known as the James Parks place, and later the Sidney Thomas home.
At the present time there are four churches in the community. The first to be organized was the Shiloh Methodist Church in 1838, (the first courts were held in this church). The next church was the White Plains Church organized in 1884, New Haven Church of the Brethren organized in 1926, The New River Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1939.
The first school in the community was the Dog Creek School. It stood near where Floyd Reeves now lives and it was established in 1885. It was later moved to near the Robert Lee Crouse home and the name changed to Tolliver School. The Nile School was organized in 1889, it was on New River near where Edwin Maines now lives.
Post offices in the community were: Doughtons, est. 1878, dis. 1879; Anna, est. 1890 dis. 1921; Delphia, located near where the New River Church now stands, est. 1898, dis. 1915; Nile, est. 1899 dis. 1915.
Merchants in the community were; Allen Gentry, who had a store near the Shiloh Church; Sidney Thomas, who built the 

Carl Irwin's rental cabins once stood across from today's Twin Oaks General Store.

store at the intersection of the Golf Course Road and Highway 21 in 1928. Others to operate this store were W.H. Handy and Lester Fender. Other stores in the vicinity were Mack Atwood's, Leff Reeves', Hampton's General Store and Tom Thumb's Service Station.
In 1915, a cheese factory was built by Sidney Thomas where the Twin Oaks Drive-in screen now stands and was operated for a few years. In 1929 M.A. Goodman built a lumber plant and produced finished lumber that was sold in N.C. and Va. and W.Va.. The plant was operated by Joe Bare. At this time Greens Ready Mix cement plant and Hamptons Packing Co. is in operation.
In 1926-28 W. Carl Irwin built the three story hotel and garage at the intersection of Highway 21 and 221. This one-stop business included a garage, general store, cafe and rental cabins (across the road). He and his wife, Mallie, operated the store until 1961. The building was not razed until 1994. Carl's grandson, Bobby, operates a convenience store across from the original store's location.
In 1961 a nine hole golf course was built on the Charles Castevens farm and now sports 18 holes. Twin Oaks also has a licensed veterinarian and animal hospital. Del Reeves, the Grand Ole Opry country music star, was born at Twin Oaks.
Some early settlers in the community were: John Tolliver, C.H. Doughton, Allen Gentry, William Maines, Enoch Reeves, James Parks, Allen Tolliver, Levi Sexton, David Evans, Wm. A.J. Fowlkes, F.S. Doughton, Allen Edwards, J. Douglas, Thomas Jarvis, Melvin Toliver, Chesley Edwards, John Maines.
Until 1928, the only road from Twin Oaks to Independence, Va. was a dirt road by way of the present golf course and across New River by the Reeves Ferry Boat. In 1927-28 U.S. 21 and U.S. 221 were built and the New River Bridge was completed the same year. Twin Oaks is proud of the fact that it has the only intersection of two U.S. Highways in Alleghany County.

Whitehead, a small community about three miles southwest of Sparta, was named for Daniel Whitehead who was an early settler and had one of the first grist mills in the community.
At the present time there are four churches in the community, the first to be organized was the Union Primitive Baptist Church in 1834, followed by the Landmark Union Baptist Church in 1867, then Liberty Missionary Baptist Church in 1886, and the Whitehead Union Baptist Church in 1938.
One of the first schools in the community was the Mill Creek School, established around 1873. The name was changed to Whitehead School in 1896. It was later replaced by Whitehead Academy. Mountain School, established before 1885, was renamed Air Bellows in 1898. 

The former Whitehead School is now a community building.

In 1914 the Whitehead Academy was replaced one of four state-designed schoolhouses erected in Alleghany County, where grades one through seven were taught until school consolidation in 1951.
In 1955, the building was put up for sale by the county. Whitehead citizens Eddie Hoppers, Will Pugh, and Lonnie Edwards appealed to the Alleghany County Commissioners to sell the property to the community. It was finally agreed that one hundred dollars would be paid and the county would use the building as a polling place. Ten men contributed $10.00 each to make the purchase from the Board of Education
On December 15, 1957, the Whitehead Community Club, Inc. was formed, and the long process of renovation begun. It still serves the community today.
Whitehead Post Office was established in 1883 at the home of Rev. Lindolp Hoppers. It was operating out of Hubert Joines Store when it closed in the early 1990s.
Other Post Offices in the community were: Air bellows, established in 1891 in the store of James F. and Elvira Caudill and discontinued in 1914; Montland, established in 1892 at the home of John A. Caudill and discontinued in 1904.
In 1870 John Plear operated a grist mill and carding mill, both run by water, that was owned by Daniel Whitehead. Later the mills were sold and moved away. Soon another grist mill was put in and operated until the late 1940's. In the late 1920's and early 30's Will Reeves, Will Joines and Mark Poole manufactured washing machines at Whitehead.
The first merchant in the community was Joe Copland, others to operate stores in the vicinity were: John Crouse, Edwards, Cheek and Co., Lendolph Hoppers,. Tom Fender, Eddie Hoppers, Carl Edwards, the Joines Brothers, F.A. Wagner:
It may come as a surprise that Whitehead at one time had a newspaper. Mr. E.L. Wagoner installed equipment and started a newspaper, "The Rattler". The office was in a small building at a point on Highway 18, near the entrance of the Lonnie Edwards Road. in addition to local and county news the publisher and editor stressed political events with some bias.
Some early family names in the community were, Whitehead, Caudill, Hoppers, Crouse, Wagoner, Joines, Edwards, Douglas, Maxwell, Fender, Richardson, Pugh, Cheek, Rector, Reeves, Hamm, Billings, Mitchell, Andrews.