Eight Fun Things to Know About Galax

Think you know everything about Galax? Here are eight delightful nuggets most residents don’t even know. They’re sure to make you smile. Enjoy!

1. There Was A Secret Silver Mine and Covert Counterfeiting

In the early 20th century, Galax had its own version of a hidden treasure story involving two brothers who were blacksmiths and bell-makers by day. These enterprising siblings discovered an untapped silver mine near the Bedsaul Branch of Chestnut Creek. Under cover of night—they didn’t want to draw attention to their discovery—they mined the silver and crafted counterfeit coins in their shop. Their operation ran smoothly until government agents grew suspicious. As the authorities closed in, the brothers buried their coin molds and fled town, never to return. Despite numerous attempts to locate the silver mine, it remains lost. No one can identify the mine because the banks of Chestnut Creek and the Bedsaul Branch shift constantly.

2. Galax’s 2012 Guinness World Record

Picture this: It’s 2012 at the Galax Old Fiddlers’ Convention, and 389 mandolin players gather in the Felts Park grandstand to strum in harmony. They set a Guinness World Record for the largest mandolin ensemble. Imagine the sound of nearly 400 mandolins playing “Old Joe Clark” together—it’s like an Old-Time Music tsunami! Tara Linhardt and her team of mando-marshals made this musical feat possible. The title, once held by a group in Germany, now resides with Galax, where it rightfully belongs.

3. Galax’s Miss America 1979

Galax boasts a proud connection to Kylene Barker, who won the Miss America title in 1979. Her triumph brought national attention to Galax. Barker’s path to the crown began with local pageants in Virginia, showcasing her poise, talent, and determination. Her success is a significant point of pride for Galax, demonstrating how this town can foster remarkable talent. Barker’s legacy inspires young women in Galax and beyond, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations confidently and gracefully.

4. The Thriving Black Market for Galax Leaves

Who knew that a simple plant could spark an underground economy? The galax leaf, known for its shiny, heart-shaped foliage, is a hot commodity in the floral industry. It’s so hot, in fact, that it’s created a thriving black market. The payoff for galax leaf poachers can be significant. Traditionally, pickers earned between 1 and 5 cents per leaf, but recent increases in wholesale prices suggest higher earnings. In winter, prices can rise sharply when supply is low and leaves turn purple. Some web-based floral supply companies sell galax leaves for 80 cents to $1.70 each. A picker can collect thousands of leaves daily, making it a lucrative plant to poach. It’s like a botanical gold rush, but instead of panning for gold, they’re stuffing duffle bags with greenery.

But poaching is risky. In a recent year, over 60 people were arrested by the U.S. Forest Service for poaching galax leaves. This included dismantling an organized poaching ring, with its leaders charged with conspiracy and sentenced to jail time. Despite these arrests and the risk of fines of up to $5,000, authorities acknowledge that these efforts may not be sufficient to significantly reduce the number of poachers.

5. Galax: An Industrial Powerhouse in the 1960s

In the 1960s, Galax was an industrial boomtown. It was home to six furniture factories, a mirror factory, four textile companies, two department stores, a lumber company, Carnation Milk, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, and Clover Creamery. Imagine the hum of machinery, the clink of glass bottles, and the sweet smell of fresh cream. Downtown was the center of commercial activity. In fact, it was so busy that there was (heaven forbid!) metered parking.

6. The Kazoo Championship at the Fiddler’s Convention

Move over fiddles and banjos—there’s another instrument in town. For nearly 30 years, the kazoo was in the spotlight at the Galax Old Fiddlers’ Convention. The Old Fiddler’s Convention Soup Kitchen—led by Hillsville resident Edna Thompson—sponsored the event. Thompson and her team handed out kazoos for decades and led the fun competition. It was a joyful, slightly absurd celebration of this humble instrument. Imagine a sea of kazooists, each buzzing out a tune, creating a whimsical symphony of nasal twangs.Sadly, Ms. Thompson passed away in 2021, and the event has been discontinued. Let’s hope someone steps forward to restart this event.

7. Dr. Who’s Tardis on South Main Street

Even if you’re not a sci-fi fan, you’ll get a kick out of this one. On South Main Street in Galax, there’s a replica of Dr. Who’s Tardis. For the uninitiated, the Tardis is the iconic time machine and spacecraft from the long-running BBC show. It’s like stumbling upon a piece of London right in Galax. Whovians (what Dr. Who fans call themselves) and curious onlookers alike can’t resist snapping a selfie with this unexpected piece of British pop culture. Update, August 2024: The Tardis is being rebuilt and will reappear in September 2024. At least, that’s what their Facebook page says. Personally, I think the Doctor is off on another adventure in time and space.

8. Galax Agricultural Fair: An Early 20th Century Extravaganza

In the early 1900s, the Galax Agricultural Fair was the place to be. This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill county fair; it boasted a circus carnival, a racetrack, and enough attractions to rival the state fair. Mustachioed men wearing Bowler hats, women in long dresses carrying parasols, and children in knickers and bows flocked to see horse races, gawk at lions and exotic animals, and enjoy the carnival rides. There were hot air balloon rides, airplane acrobatics, livestock auctions, and prizes for the best animals, crafts, and produce. The fairgrounds buzzed with excitement. It was like the Disneyland of its day, right in Galax. Today, we know the Fairgrounds as Felts Park, and the former racetrack is still clearly visible.

More Than Old-Time Music

So, there you have eight fun and fascinating things about Galax, VA. From setting world records to being an industrial powerhouse, Galax is a town full of surprises. Whether you’re strumming a mandolin, hunting galax leaves, or taking a selfie with the Tardis, there’s always something interesting happening in this Blue Ridge gem. Next time you’re in the area, take a moment to explore these quirky bits of Galax’s rich history. You never know what fun fact you’ll discover next!

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Wayne Jordan is a Galax-based writer and storyteller. His Scots-Irish ancestors settled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1760, and he has deep roots there. The author of four books, Wayne is a retired Senior Editor for WorthPoint Corporation, a long-time columnist for Kovels Antique Trader Magazine, and a contributor to regional newspapers and travel publications. He blogs at BlueRidgeTales.com.