There are now more than 20 historical roadside signs in Roanoke, honoring those who have made their mark – and made a difference – in the Star City. The latest was dedicated this morning to honor the late Arthur Taubman, who moved to Roanoke in 1932 and purchased three auto parts stores that eventually became became Advance Auto Parts. Advance was based in Roanoke for decades and was a major employer. Taubman family members traveled from as far away as Colorado to attend the ceremony; the Arthur Taubman historical marker is located on McClanahan Street near the Sweet Donkey coffee shop.
Taubman helped found the predecessor to the local United Way and was an early supporter of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. During World War Two Arthur Taubman signed hundreds of visa affidavits as part of an effort to help Jews flee Europe as Hitler and the Nazis looked to purge them from the continent. His son Nicholas and wife Jenny Taubman have became major philanthropists in their own right. Former Mayor Nelson Harris applied for the Arthur Taubman Historical marker and did the research:
