Clifton Forge ABC Store Celebrates 75th Anniversary
Nestled in the Allegheny Highlands, Clifton Forge ABC Store #123 made news headlines this past June when the store celebrated its 75th anniversary. Opened on June 25, 1934, six months after the repeal of Prohibition, the Clifton Forge store holds a unique place in ABC history as the only store to remain in its original location for 75 years.
To commemorate this milestone, Virginia ABC held an open house at the historic store, and the town was invited. ABC board members and directors made speeches and donated a commemorative plaque in honor of the ABC landmark. A 75th anniversary cake was served to the fifty-some people who attended, including the town mayor, town manager and town council members. News stories marking the historic event ran statewide.
The event was part of a year-long commemoration of Virginia ABC's 75th Anniversary.
ABC Commissioners Susan R. Swecker (left), Franklin P. Hall (center), and Wholesale/Retail Director Virginia Adams (right) hosted the 75th anniversary celebration.
Clifton Forge Town Mayor Don Carter (left), Acting Store Manager Tammy Hannah (center) and ABC Commissioner Franklin P. Hall admire the commemorative plaque.
Commemorative Plaque:
75th Anniversary Commemoration
Opened on June 25, 1934, six months after the repeal of Prohibition, Virginia ABC Store #123 at 531 Main Street in Clifton Forge holds a unique place in ABC history as the only store to remain in its original location for 75 years.
While much has changed in 75 years, Virginia ABC remains committed to retail excellence and enhancing public safety.
Presented June 24, 2009
An ABC 75th anniversary cake marked the occasion. Pictured from left are: Clifton Forge Town Mayor Don Carter, Clifton Forge Town Manager Tracey Shiflett, Clifton Forge Town Councilwoman Johnette Roberts, ABC Bureau of Law Enforcement Deputy Director Shawn Walker and ABC Chief Operating Officer Curtis Coleburn. In the background, third from left, ABC Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Painter.
ABC Commissioners Susan R. Swecker (left) and Franklin P. Hall honor Clifton Forge ABC Store #123 on its 75th anniversary.
Time Capsule - 1934 Covington Virginian News Stories
News stories from the 1934 Covington Virginian newspaper circulated through the crowd. Detailed descriptions of the excitement generated by the store opening in 1934 provided a literary time capsule, transporting guests back 75 years and encouraging them to share their oldest ABC store memories.
View or listen to statewide media coverage of the June 24 Clifton Forge Open House:
- Roanoke Times (PDF download)
- Richmond Times Dispatch (PDF download)
- Covington Virginian Review (PDF download)
- WVTF Public Radio (Roanoke) (Link to audio clip)
- WSLS 10 TV (Roanoke) (Link to video clip)