V is for Vanstory

Today is ABC Wednesday and for our People of Greensboro series, we are featuring the Vanstory family, whose family name is more fully appreciated when looking across generations. The Vanstory legacy in Greensboro in the early 20th century begins with Cornelius M. Vanstory, Sr. who opened the Vanstory Clothing Company on Elm Street in 1900. The store was known for high quality merchandise, expert tailoring, and commitment to serving customers. Mr. and Mrs. Vanstory, Sr. raised six children in Greensboro, one of whom was Corneilus, Jr. (“Neil”), featured in the portrait above. 

Mr. Vanstory, Jr., born in Greensboro in 1901, served as a city councilman four times and as mayor. As with his family members before him, he was extremely active in civic and charitable organizations throughout his lifetime. While he had a law degree, he worked in the banking industry for most of his life. In addition to a career in banking, politics and civic involvement, Mr. Vanstory belonged to several civic clubs, too numerous to mention. Also, he was president of the Greensboro Country Club from 1939-1941. He chaired Greensboro’s Sesquicentennial Commission in 1958 and served on the Guilford County Bicentennial Committee in 1970-1971. Mr. Vanstory, Jr. was the impetus for the opening of the Central Carolina Convalescent (Polio) Hospital and served as president and trustee from May 1947-1959. Mr. Vanstory served on the Board of Trustees of NCA&T University, where a residence hall is named in his honor. While he was known for his tenacity in the business world and for getting things accomplished, Mr. Vanstory is remembered fondly by family members as having a softer side. As one example, almost daily, he called his daughter-in-law to inquire about her teaching day and to share with her an after-school snack.

Above, we see Mr. Peter Vanstory seated, with wife Harriet, in front of a portrait of his father Cornelius Vanstory, Jr.  Peter Vanstory has the same commitment to community and strong work ethic as his relatives in earlier generations. Now retired from insurance and banking, Peter Vanstory continues to work full time for many local and national organizations. When a Vanstory talks about involvement with an organization, the involvement spans decades and at the level of not only leadership but also with people at the very core of the organizations. While he has served on the board of the Salvation Army for 35 years, Peter Vanstory still stands outside and rings the bell on cold winter days. A former marine, Mr. (Peter) Vanstory has served as ombudsman for nearly three decades, ensuring that employers comply with the law regarding job security for reserves and active duty military. Mr. Vanstory is truly a Southern gentleman who works tirelessly for the city he loves. We are inspired by this living legacy and his commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Greensboro. Today is ABC Wednesday and V is for Vanstory!

Comments

[Jane Mitchell]

I like the civic commitment through the generations. Nice coverage once again, GDP. Chapeau!

[Oakland Daily Photo]

Wonderful post. The current Mr. Vanstory sounds like a huge asset to your community and a role model for the involved citizen.

[Roger Green]

the Vanstory story is impressive

ROG, ABC Wednesday team