"O" is for the Odell Memorial Building on the campus of Greensboro College in Downtown Greensboro. The building was constructed in 1922 with the "munificent" gift of local merchant J.A. Odell. $100,000 is a generous donation by 2010 standards; imagine its impact in the early 20th century. The façade of the brick and concrete building remains as it was when it was built; the interior underwent renovations in the 1990's. Odell Memorial is the nucleus of Greensboro College's fine performing arts program (reference here). For years, it was the meeting place for The Book Club of North Carolina's Town Meeting on Books.
If you are interested in the history of Greensboro College, you may know about the Odell Famliy. They were actively involved in the running of the college and female family members were schooled there. J.A. Odell was a local merchant who, in 1884 was elected president of the Durham Cotton Mill. Additionally, Mr. Odell mentored and raised a young man by the name of William H. Branson. Mr. Branson went on to be a prominent businessman. You can learn more about Mr. Odell and Mr. Branson by reading Mr. Branson's genealogy (here) and in another article (here). They both lived by the work ethic of their day: "Men rule best who have served most faithfully in every sphere to be ruled."
If you want to support the performing arts at Greensboro College and see the Odell in all its glory, we suggest attending this weekend's performance of the musical, "Little Shop of Horrors." (336-217-7220 for tickets). If a romantic musical about a man eating plant is not your cup of tea, we're sure the theater program would accept your donation to be used for theater scholarships.
A big thank you to ABC Wednesday for inspiring to find an "O" with historical significance in Greensboro. A heartfelt thanks to the faithful readers of Greensboro Daily Photo!
It's a handsome building. And you got a nice reflection as a bonus.
Posted by: Dina | Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 05:44 AM
100k was huge in those days; nice bldg
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Posted by: Roger Green | Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 06:52 AM
You had a very nice symmetry to this photo - that is not easy! Probably fitting the subject too.
Posted by: RuneE | Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 07:15 AM
'Ossome'!!!!
Posted by: magiceye | Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 07:18 AM
The reflection in the windows/doors is really nice too.
Posted by: Halcyon | Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 10:25 AM
It looks like a fine site!
Posted by: Tumblewords | Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 06:14 PM
Again, a great use for a beautiful, old building!
Re your comment on Ocala DP: I'm not sure of any "spirit" houses (except for the Seven Sisters Inn - which is, by the way, back in business!), but Ocala did conduct a "Ghost Walk" the other evening, walking from downtown to older buildings that are said to be "haunted."
Posted by: Jacob | Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 04:09 PM
What a gorgeous old building. Love the reflection in its windows!
Posted by: Bev | Friday, October 29, 2010 at 09:54 PM
My mother went to Greensboro College. She didn't have to go far. She just walked over from her house on McGee St. She majored in art and worked for an ad agency for a time. I remember thinking she and her GC friends thought of themselves as "a cut above" the girls who went down the street to WC (Women's College), now UNCG. I ride past her house sometimes on McGee St. I want to stop in and look around to see if that custom-made left hand ironing board of my grandmother's is still there. The present owners showed her the house about 15 years ago. I'm glad she got to do that. I wish I'd been with her.
Posted by: Emily | Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 12:04 AM
http://www.nicebagshop.org
a good online store
high quality, reasonable price
worth to have a look
Posted by: S573317134 | Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 05:34 AM