The above photo features the foyer of the Cone Export and Commission Company building. Built in the early 1920's in the Elizabethan Revival style, the 33,000 square foot building at 330 South Greene Street housed the executive offices of Cone Export. The commodity exchanges for the Cones' business were made here, as opposed to in New York City's Wall Street or Chicago's Commodities Exchange. In 1945, the building was purchased by Southern Life Insurance Company. W.L. Carter Sr. and T.C. Collins Sr. headquartered their thriving insurance business here-- in post-war Greensboro. The building was sold in 1986 (reference and read more great information here).
Today, in addition to the Cemala Foundation (featured yesterday on GDP), the Community Foundation makes its home in this building. The latter non-profit "help(s) individuals, families and organizations establish charitable funds and make annual gifts from the earnings to support worthy causes." Through their website, you can learn how to give financially to Greensboro; how to receive a grant or scholarship; and you can hear what great initiatives and events are happening through the community foundation. An attitude of "giving back" permeates so many facets of the Greensboro community, and Cemala and the Community Foundation are two fine examples.
The walnut paneling, checkerboard floor, historic photos, flowers and touch of chinoiserie make this entrance grande. Visiting children love to stand in the center, look overhead at the rotunda, listen to their voices echo and ponder echolocation.
I can't believe no one commented on this lovely domed entry. I guess you had to be there!!
Posted by: Jane Mitchell | Friday, August 05, 2011 at 09:15 AM
Yes, Jane, we were a little disappointed, too. Perhaps we've been hitting a little heavy on posts about philanthropy! How many times can we say, "Greensboro is wonderful, filled with people who are generous..........wonderful, and generous"?
Posted by: Janis | Friday, August 05, 2011 at 09:46 AM