Greensboro Daily Photo

S is for Starmount

Today's photo takes us to Madison Avenue in the heart of Starmount Forest. The scene evokes the feeling that.... all paths lead to home. Every house should have a proper entrance making it clear to the visitor where one enters and exits. There is no question about this charming cottage. Walk between the split in the stone fence, between the rose bushes, along the slate path, through the hinged, white picket fence, up to the wreathed door. Welcome! This house is so inviting and characterizes the charm of Sreensboro's Starmount Forest neighborhood. 

The Starmount Forest neighborhood bordered by West Friendly Avenue to the North and West Market Street to the South. It flows from West Wendover Avenue to Hamilton Lakes. One of its key features is the 150 acre Starmount Forest Country Club, located in the southwest quadrant of the neighborhood. The acerage is nearly 2 square miles, with a population of approximately 3,500 people. While some homes were built pre-1930's and and post-1950's; however, the bulk of the homes were constructed in the 1950's.

Starmount is the Americanization of the name Stern (star) berger (mountain). The Sternbergers were early citizens of Greensboro and responsible for many of Greensboros fine properties. While our lovely home today is in Starmount Forest, and not in Starmount Farms, this article provides some interesting insight into the philanthropy of the Sternberger family. Today is ABC Wednesday. This round, we're featuring neighborhoods of Greensboro and S is for Starmount Forest.

I LOVE NC

Vanity tags, like bumper stickers and slogans on t-shirts, get at the core of who we are. Deep in the heart of North Carolina is a driver who LOVES Texas. Perhaps we should have followed the shopper into Pier One at Friendly Center* to ask why one would purchase a vanity tag proclaiming love for another state. Do you think there is someone driving around in Texas with a license plate that reads, I LUV NC? To be sure, there is an interesting story here.

As you drive around on the roads this holiday, don't forget to play the license game. There is nothing better for entertaining children in an educational way while on the road. Then again, that was the last generation. This generation has text messaging, internet access, and great movies in the car. Still, if you see a fun license tag, especially one in Greensboro, point it out to the people in the car with you and let us know here! Stop back tomorrow for our ABC Neighborhood post. And, by the way, WE LUV NC (in North Carolina). Think that tag is taken?

*This photo was taken last winter which is why you see snow on the bumper.

 

Triad Tapestry Children's Chorus

Yesterday afternoon, the Piedmont Interfaith Council held their 30th annual Ecumenical Thanksgivng Celebration, "Giving Thanks for the Borough of Green." How fabulous to have the Abrahamic religions, and MORE, all on the stage at the same time. The event was even more special thanks to the involvement of the Triad Tapestry Children's Chorus, under the direction of Melissa Burris. The children, representing an array of Greensboro's 20+ religions, twirled ribbons and wove their way to the stage of Dana Auditorium to delight us with songs.

The Triad Tapestry Children's Chorus, with members of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds, has been in existence for 20 years now. They meet at First Baptist Church each Tuesday. If you have a child age 7-11, we're not sure if they are still taking members this year, but you can learn more here. As for us, we've added this November gathering to our "must attend" list and will consider it our kick-off event for the end-of-year, holiday season.

Look at the above photo (under the stars and stripes of Old Glory) long and hard. These are Greensboro's future leaders! And to be fair to the chorus, this photo caught them between songs, when they were not in full concert position.

Remembering Little Marissa Nicole Shelton

Thanksgiving week, Americans log more road miles, traveling to be with loved ones, than any other week of the year. If you are among those traveling, please remember to drive defensively and responsibly. The above photo is a reminder of the grief one suffers with the unexpected traffic death of a loved one.*

The pink floral cross is located on Highway 29 north between Cone Boulevard and Hicone Road. Marissa Nicole Shelton, an eight year old girl who lived nearby, was struck and killed on her bicycle in a hit and run accident an July 21st, 2011. Her grieving family maintains the memorial. The little sign of Santa says "Santa, please stop here." We hope that the family's Christian faith community has been helping them get through these very difficult first few holidays without Marissa. Since today is Sunday, we like to share something religious, spiritual, or a message that helps us reflect on the beauty of life before us. Here's to a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving for us all. As we say in the South, "Have a blessed day."

*As of this week, the roadside memorial was still standing. If you are interested, read more about roadside memorials here. Some people say the markers are a remembrance and remind us all to be safe. Others say they are unsafe and distracting. What is your perspective on this tradition?

'Twas the Weekend Before Thanksgiving When...

It is the Saturday before Thanksgiving and this is a view from 4720 Hicone Road, at Chinaberry Place, in northeast Greensboro. This house is so festive with its Thanksgiving yard display. And the fall foliage adds so much to the scene. We bet this house is like the one on Holden Road, diligently celebrating every holiday with yard ornaments. This blue house with the red door has had an especially challenging fall season as they are widening Hicone Road to accomodate the increased traffic in this part of town. A panoramic view of the above house would reveal many orange highway cones and barrels; construction workers, and a mess of asphalt. Not a pretty sight; however, construction appears to be almost completed.

If you have a neighbor who brings great joy to the children by decorating for Thanksgiving, consider thanking them. It is hard work and Thansgiving does not always get top billing in the yard ornament department!  

On another note, tomorrow is the Ecumenical Celebration of Thanksgiving for the Piedmont Interfaith Council. We are honored to say that they are using our some of our inventory of Sacred Sunday photos for their program. We are so proud to provide photos for this multi-ethnic group. Stop by their program at 4 pm at Dana Auditorium on the campus of Guilford College--  if you love being a part of Greensboro's ethnically diverse community.

The Old South

The last couple of days, we've focused on new buildings. Today, we take you to the remains of an old motel, near the Wings of Healing Tabernacle, on the east side of Highway 29 between Cone Boulevard and Hicone Road. All that remains of this once thriving roadside motel is the brick exterior and stoops leading to hollow rooms filled with shrubs, trees, and weeds. 

Motor hotels, shortened to motels, became increasingly popular in the United States after World War II. As the highway system grew and long distance journeys were more commonplace, motels sprang up everywhere. They peaked in popularity in the 1960's, and in the following decades, the interstate system took motorists around cities and towns.* It is easy to see why we no longer find motels useful and opt for the brimming-with-amenities hotels. It is harder, however, to figure out which current cultural icons will be abandoned later in this century. We'll ponder that question as we traipse around Greensboro this weekend, looking for places (new and old) to feature for you. Happy weekend, dear readers.

By the way, do you know why North Carolina is considered part of the Old South, moreso than the Deep South? Do you know why the term has fallen out of favor? If not, the answer is a click away.

 P.S. If you live in an "S" neighborhood, we'll probably be driving by for our ABC Wednesday photo!

*reference and additional information here.

Reedy Fork Elementary

Reedy Fork Elementary is located in the heart of the Reedy Fork Ranch neighborhood, off of the Reedy Fork Parkway exit of Highway 29- just north of Hicone Road. The above photo of of the school was taken on Veterans Day, just as the rains transitioned from a drizzle to a downpour. The school is not only new and modern, it has many environmentally friendly and useful features.  Here are some examples of green solutions that are innovative and educational:

* a daylight lighting design system unique to Guilford County;

* rainwater used for toilet flushing;

* energy efficient exterior and solar reflective roofs;

* underfloor air distribution system;

* 3D experimental learning centers.

With the completion of this project as well as several other new schools, the Guilford County School system has established itself as a leader in green design They encourage architects and engineers to incorporate not only eco-sensible, but also curriculum-relevant features into the design.

Our favorite feature is a giant sundial located on the outside of the school (see below). Everywhere you look in this school, you are surrounded by somthing of interest; from bio-swales to wetlands, every minute outside is potentially a teachable moment. Read here for more details about this fabulous structure.

  

R is for Reedy Fork Ranch

Greensboro has a Reedy Fork Trail, that parallels Reedy Fork Creek that is not too far from Reedy Fork Ranch. Reedy Fork Ranch is part of a 1,300 acre tract of land that was annexed by the City of Greensboro in the year 2000. A drive around the northeast Greensboro neighborhood reveals beautiful houses, like the one above, surrounded by several lots yet to have been sold. Nevertheless with a Community clubhouse built, city water and sewage, and a fabulous new elementary school in the heart of the neighborhood, it is likely that as the economy improves, so will the construction in Reedy Fork. To date, only 636 of the 3,000 plus houses have been built and they seem to be a tremendous money value.

The motto for the community is "The Way Life's Supposed to Be."  Unfortunately, Starmount, the development company behind Reedy Fork, has had to put much of it up on the auction block. Starmount also donated the land for the elementary school. If you are local and near Bryan Park, you should stop out yourself and see this community.

Today is our neighborhoods of Greensboro series for ABC Wednesday, and R is for Reedy Fork Ranch.

Veteran Cone at the History of the American Soldier Event

Veteran Cone, standing to the left of the flag with 48 stars, fought in the Korean War and in the Vietnam War. In the Korean War, he earned a purple heart for being wounded in combat. He recovered, stayed in the military and went on to serve in Vietnam. The Army taught him enough Vietnamese to interpret at military briefings. He said he did just fine unless the conversation turned to something personal. On Saturday, soldiers and historical interpreters were very generous with their time, answering questions for visitors to the History of the American Soldier Event, held at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. Wars with American invovlement, dating back to the Revolutionary War, were represented. The event is held annually, the Saturday right before Veterans Day. It is a wonderful way to learn about history, war, weaponry, and the life of a soldier.

Hats off to Grimsley High School for sending so many students to photograph and interview the volunteers. Speaking to the soldiers from the later wars was extremely meaningful as most of them had served. We think we'll make attend this event annually. After spending a couple of hours talking to Soldiers Church, Cone, Smith, and the likes, you start to feel like you know them personally. Today we are extending a heartfelt thank you to all these veterans for serving, then, and sharing their stories, now.

Field of Honor 2012

Today we are celebrating Veterans Day 2012, a day when we honor all Americans who have served in the U.S. military. The above photo takes us back to the campus of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro on the west lawn of the Elliot University Center. Last Thursday, a flag was placed on the lawn for each U.S. soldier who lost his or her life on active duty since September 11th, 2001. We are in the twelfth year since that event and over 6,500 soldiers have died. That is a lot of flags; that is a lot of lives.

Many of UNCG's Veterans Day events have passed; however, today, they will be one of 200 campuses participating in the National roll call of all 6,500 men and women who have given their life in service. A minute of silence will be observed nationally at 2:00 pm. Hopefully, you will be in a position to do so, too. At 2:01, taps will be played and the UNCG Remembrance Day Ceremony will begin at 2:02 p.m. A moment of silence is a meaningful gesture, especially for the families who are left with an emptiness, a void, and eternal silence of a loved one who left this earth prematurely.

In the background of the above photo, we see a young man repositioning a recent purchase and a young couple walking to class. They are as dynamic as the flags are still, representing those for whom... day is done.......

State Street Church of God

    Today's photo takes us to the State Street Church of God, located at 200 State Street, on the end near Mark Holder's jewelry store and Irving Park. Church of God is a title used by many denominations of Christians, most of which are part of the Pentecostal, Holiness, or Adventist traditions (see here). Five values that dominate the Pentecostal faith are (according to Russell P. Spittler): Spirituality, orality, spontaneity, asceticism (other-worldliness), and biblical authority. Unfortunately, the above church appears to be one of those without a website, so we can't really tell you about its history. They do have a Facebook page; however, if you are interrested in learning more about the congregation.

    

    Recently, we featured State Street and this house around the corner from the Church of God. We're not so sure this church has always been a Church of God. We do, however, bet that the building was around back in the days when State Street and McAdoo Heights were one of the more "spirited" sides of Greensboro. Thinking of the bawdy, Saturday night adventures that were reported to have taken place on State Street of yesteryear, likely, the churches were full on Sunday morning where people could sing, pray and reflect on their past actions. If you like church music, here's a nice hymn recorded in Salem, Virginia; sung a'capella and from the heart. Greensboro churches, temples, synagogues, and other places of worship, get your music on You Tube and we'll start linking to YOU! Happy Sunday folks.

Remember to do something for Veteran's Day tomorrow.

Heart of Campus

The above photo of the campus of University of North Carolina at Greensboro was taken from the rose garden behind the Mossman Administration Building. It was a crisp, sunny, fall day; shadows were long and encroaching. The building to the left is part of the Jackson Library. It resembles an open book; however, do not be fooled. Inside the library you can find everything from great art to memorable books to a computer lab. At the lab, the digital world is only a click away. While not readily apparent from the photo, the library and the Harriet Elliot Student Union are connected by a covered hallway. You can research in the stacks and then go have a cup of coffee without going outside. Fabulous...

Milling around, it seemed as if we were at the heart of campus. The administration building is where giant decisions get handed down. The union building is where students purchase textbooks, spirit wear, and snacks. Many fabulous activities are hosted there. The library is the source of great knowledge. The roses envelop one in natural beauty. Surely, this is the heart of campus.

Night Sky over Greensboro

The night sky just keeps getting longer and longer this time of year. This photo was taken along Dolley Madison Road, under the sapphire sky of late twilight with what appears to be a planet in the night sky. The road, Dolley Madison, is named after the wife of America's fouth president. Her family moved to Guilford County, to the community of New Garden. She was raised in the Quaker faith and although she only lived here the first year of her life, Greensboro can claim her as one of our own.

Locally, we respect our connections to our early history. While the scene above is modern, it does remind us of something one might have seen when rounding a corner 100- 200 years ago in the era of Ms. Madison. Here's to a great weekend. We hope you get out for some adventures in our fine community.

Colonial Materials, Inc.

The above photo is a view of Colonial Materials, Inc. the largest distributor of drywall in North Carolina. The Pleasant Garden Yard opened in 1992 and is located on Hunt Road. We stumbled on it when we were driving along country roads in southeastern Guilford County in search of a little splash of color on an otherwise drab day. When we rounded the corner, just south of Pleasant Garden, and saw this riot of secondary color (orange, green, purple), it was just what we were seeking. If you are from elsewhere, does your community have a drywall business this bright and cheerful?  We like the way the fallow field in the foreground adds to a touch of nature to the scene.

The scene looks like a place Swedish artist Michael Johansson could have fun organizing. We'd like to see Andreas Gursky, who took the world's most expensive photograph, come photograph this Guilford County scene. (To our artist and non-artist readers alike, if you click through these last two links, your appreciation of this post will be enhanced).

Q is for Quaker Run

The above home, located at 3326 Quaker Run Road is a representative view of fall in Greensboro- porch lights on at dusk; a pile of leaves waiting to be jumped in and hauled away; hardwood trees without leaves; clusters of mums; a seasonal wreath; pumpkins on the porch; and gourds scattered all around. We can almost smell the mulled cider and cinnamon candles in the kitchen. The above home was built in 1990 during Greensboro's housing boom and during the time when construction in the Quaker Run neighborhood was well under way.

Quaker Run is a neighborhood filled with street names relevant to religions getting their start in the 1600-1700's : Friendsview Drive, Meeting House Drive, Shaker Drive, and Puritan Drive. The neighborhood, located between Horse Pen Creek and Battleground at the point where it dips to about its lowest elevation. It is a cozy neighborhood of largely college-educated folks who work hard to keep the neighborhood nice. On the average, homes in this neighborhood are about the size of this gray-green beauty with colonial red shutters.

Today is ABC Wednesday and Q is for Quaker Run. Most people playing Scrabble or alphabet games dread the letter Q; in Greensboro, we love it. We've got the largest enclave of Quakers outside of New England.  Quakers were some of the first settlers in North Carolina as our state had established religious freedom in the late 1600's (reference). We also have the only Quaker-founded college in the Southeast United States. We also have the Quaker Acres neighborhood off of Friendly Avenue not too far from the Friends' Meeting House at New Garden and Friendly. Quaker history abounds in our area. The neigborhoods don't have a religious affiliation, but they do remind us of our Quaker heritage. And they do start with Q! Have a quiet, quality, post-election day.

See A-P in our neighborhood series here.

Election Day 2012: Have you Voted?

You are here; you have been here; or you need to be 'here.' In case your forgot, today is election day in the United States. Please vote and vote wisely. Government offices and most public schools are closed today so that you can go vote. According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, as of 11/05/ 2012, North Carolina has a total of 6,647,246 voters; 2,869,679 are registered Democattic; 2,051,796 Republican; 19,276 Libertarian; 1,706,495 Unaffiliated. It will be interesting to see how many of us vote and how we vote.

The above photo was taken at the First Lutheran Church on Friendly Avenue, a place committed to being as open as possible for the public at large. From 12 step meetings to voting, something is always going on at First Luthern. Today they will have their doors open to voters in their precinct. As for today's election, regardless of who wins, let's try our hardest to be respectful and civil. To be civilized, a society must be civil. 

The Seat Belt Chair

The Greensboro/High Point area is known for furniture making. The above photo shows some creative furniture currently on display at the north gates at the Piedmont-Triad Airport. The white chair (with the wire figure) and the black chairs in back are seat belt chairs- as seen in the Hunger Games. They were designed by the High Point-based Phillips Collection who are known as manufacturers of some pretty fabulous accent furniture. With other countries able to mass produce furniture cheaper, America's niche is creative design. Hats off to North Carolina-based Margaret Hungerford for getting these chairs used in the mass-market movie.

Unfortunately, you have to be traveling to get behind airport security to see this display. Fortunately, we had time to enjoy it during our travels this weekend- and remembered to snap a photo to share. We hope this little peek will entice you to have a look at even more furniture made in the Piedmont-Triad Area. Here's to a great work week, dear readers. And, next time you need furniture, come on down!

Pleasant Garden Baptist

Pleasant Garden Baptist Church is one of the giant churches flanking Pleasant Garden Elementary School- highly visible from the school's parking lot. Located at Neelley Road, Pleasant Garden Baptist is one of the anchor churches in the community.  It is a place where many locals have all of their life celebrations from cradle to grave.

The angled main entrance adds visual interest to the architecture from the outside. On the inside, the stained glass windows are fabulous. The church extends with additional wings and buildings for a good country block. We wish it had a history published on its website so we could tell you more about PGBC's history.

If you are a regular reader of GDP, you will know that we feature a religious post every Sunday. Knowing of our collection four years of Sunday posts, the Piedmont Interfaith Council is using out photos for their presentation on Sunday, November 18th, 2012, to be held at Dana Auditorium on the Campus of Guilford College. It is their 30th annual community-wide "Ecumenical Celebration of Thanksgiving" from 4-5 pm. We hope to see you there. In the meantime, happy Sunday, regardless of where you are and what you are doing.

Last Bloom on the Flower

        This photo was taken last weekend, before the winds from Hurricane Sandy blew across Greensboro and shook many of the leaves and flowers to the ground. We were on location along Highway 220 where road construction has been ongoing in 2012. This flower was peeking out of dirt that had been pushed to the edge for the widening of the road. We were taking the photo along the property of Long Asphalt Paving and Trucking between North Greensboro and Summerfield. While taking the photo, Ms. Long pulled up in her golf cart. Since it was Sunday afternoon and her business was closed, we were waiting for her to ask us what we were doing lingering between this highway and her fence. Instead, she asked if we needed her to open the gate to get a better photo. We declined the very nice offer.

   

     As it turns out, Mrs. Long's family has owned the paving business and watched the changes along 220 for three generations. Most recently, their old homeplace was torn down to make way for a wider road. Fortunately, a new house was built on the property back from the road. This was one of many positive encounters we have had while taking photos for Greensboro Daily Photo. Meeting great people along the way, hearing their stories, and learning about Greensboro is what makes this effort so rewarding. Happy Friday (First Friday) folks. This weekend, we're headed out to find that last leaf on the tree and meet some great people while we're at it.

Randall Jarrell

Randall Jarrell (1914-1965) was a highly-regarded, mid-20th century poet and critic. A native of Nashville, TN, Jarrell lived and taught in Greensboro, at UNCG, from 1947-1965. He sojourned in Washington, D.C. from 1956 to 1958, serving in a position that would come to be known as national poet laureate. Jarrell's great lament was that poetry had such a small audience. In 2009, the Beltway Poetry Quarterly published an extremely informative article about Jarrell, a must-read for those interested in this literary scholar (read here).

Today's photo is a portrait of Jarrell, painted by Greensboro's own Betty Watson. Mrs. Watson and her husband were family friends of the Jarrells as both men worked at UNCG. The above photo has been brought out of storage and now hangs on the second floor of Jackson Library at UNCG. The photo does not do justice to the brilliant colors of the portrait. If you are local and appreciate fine art, you must go see it in person. A carpeted area, with a grouping of chairs, invites visitors to sit and enjoy this fine work of art. It would be lovely to sit there while reading Jarrell's poems.

Mrs. Watson has been in the news recently because her other portarit of Jarrell is currently on display at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery (reference).  While the Jarrells and her husband are long gone, Mrs. Watson, at age 85, continues to paint in her Greensboro studio. How wonderful that she has lived to see how much the public appreciates her fine art.

See two more GDP features of Jarrell here and here. 

P for Pleasant Garden

Today is ABC Wednesday and Pleasant Garden was chosen for the letter P. It is a 15-square mile town just southeast of Greensboro, located off of Highway 421 and just north of Hagan Stone Park. What is known as Pleasant Garden today got its start in 1786 when northerners established a Methodist Episcopal church there. This original church remains and, today, is known as Pleasant Garden United Methodist Church. Pleasant Garden is a town that thrives because of its many volunteers, one of whom has posted an informative history on the town's website.

The above farm, land and outbuildings, is located on Pleasant Garden Road, at the intersection of Davis Mill Road- a little north of Pleasant Garden's town limits. While Pleasant Garden has plenty of modern homes, this farm evokes the feel of the traditional way of life the community saught to protect when incorporating in 1997. If you want to experience this sense of community, you have two opportunities this week. On Saturday, November 3rd, they are having a holiday craft fair at the Town Hall Picnic Pavilion, located at 4920 Alliance Church Road. A Veterans Appreciation Day Event will be held on Sunday, November 11th at 2pm, at the Pleasant Garden Fire Department. With a population of just under 5,000, you can bet that you will see a majority at these upcoming events. And, if you visit in spring, you will have the opportunity to see some pretty serious community baseball events.

If you are following Greensboro neighborhoods series, see A-O here.

Happy 85th Birthday, Carolina Theatre

Last night, hundreds of people braved the winds of Hurricane Sandy to watch and celebrate the premiere of Paula Damasceno's documentary film about the Carolina Theatre. Carolina 85 features the glamourous as well as the rocky history of the theater. At the time it opened on October 31st, 1927, the 2,200-seat Carolina Theatre was the showcase of the Carolinas. In the documentary, one patron called it, a "palace for the poor." People could go and bask in the "light of the dark" to enjoy a movie. Damasceno documents the theater's transformation from a seggreated venue to one one that embraces diversity. The film documents the theater's many other obstacles, including surviving the decline of downtown Greensboro, financial struggles, structural setbacks, and extensive fire damage. 

The above photo features the reception and partaking of the birthday cake onstage, at the conclusion of the documentary. All were invited to the afterparty, a befitting gesture appropriate for Damasceno's humble demeanor. She made it clear that, for her, "The community, who support this theater, make it beautiful." Thank you, Paula Damasceno, and all involved, for documenting the history of one of Greensboro's cultural treasures. In the above photo, Damasceno, second from the left, has her right arm extended in conversation with an attendee (quite possibly the youngest) who was extremely interested in film.

                                                                    

Pets in Halloween Costumes

Greensboro is head over heels in love with contests for pets in Halloween costumes. This weekend was full of such contests, one of which was held by Greensboro's own News & Record. Featured in our photo today is Taco the Chihuahua who is sporting an outfit hand made by the man he is pulling around on a leash- Tony. Taco has his master Tony wrapped around his little paw. Actually, watching the duo in action, it is obvious that the affection is mutual. Taco loves hanging out with his owner almost as much as he likes the attention he gets for his costumes. 

Taco took Best of Show yesterday at the doggie costume contest sponsored by Golden Antiques on Highway 220 in Summerfield. His owner made the costume out of leather purses purchased from a Goodwill Store. For a great detail, he added the saddle blanket, and, in the saddle pouches you will find miniature candy bananas. Many dogs had great costumes; however, the level of detail in Taco's costume, combined with the confidence with which Taco wore his costume, made him the undisputed winner.  Halloween in Greensboro has so much to offer for humans and pets alike.

(If we by chance don't post this week, you will know we are without power due to the storm. We'll try to work ahead. We already have our neighborhood photos, but still need to upload them. Keep your fingers crossed. Hoping everyone is safe).

Martin Avenue Baptist Church

Today's Sacred Sunday church is Martin Avenue Baptist Church in northeast Greensboro. It is a typical country church alongside a windy country road. The bright white wooden exterior just glistens on a sunny day. These Baptist churches have a common architectural style; the steeple, the cross, the triangular roofline, the building that extends to the back and has been added on-to at the side. Sometimes they are wooden and sometimes brick. Always, they are no-frills and take their worshiping seriously.

The country scene extends along the perimeter of Martin Avenue Baptist. Nearby, there are small, country homes, one of which has a 1950's Ford pickup truck parked in the church parking lot. It seems like the type of neighborhood where people come together in time of need. Likely, many neighbors belong to the church. Martin Avenue continues to the west until it intersects with Rankin Road. Martin itself continues down to McKnight Mill Road. To the east, it extends almost all the way to North O. Henry Blvd. As for the church, unfortunately, it doesn't have a website so we can't tell you about the history. We did learn from the marquee that Dr. James Talbert is the pastor of this beautiful church.

Sailing on Oak Hollow Lake

    We wonder how we've lived in the Greensboro area for nearly two decades and never known about the local sailing and boating scene. We've spent a great deal of time around Greensboro's Lakes Higgins, Townsend, Brandt, and Jeanette; however, somhow we haven't spent much time on the water near High Point. Last week, we were at Oak Hollow Lake just marveling at all of the people on the water with sailboats. The sight was breathtaking and a photographer's dream. 

    

    The 850 acre lake is next to a 1,500 acre park with a marina that has been open to the public since 1972. There is golf, a picnic area, fishing, sailing classes, and so much more.  The Oak Hollow Yacht Club is a public club and they hold regatta's the third weekend of every month. We must have been in the midst of the boat launching for the regatta when all of these beautiful sail boats (above) started dotting the shoreline. The yacht club held their first annual "Soak at the Oak" Regatta this past may. Perhaps we can all train and be ready for the one next spring. There is even a local radio control and model yacht sailing club that uses Oak Hollow Lake. If you are local, you will want to head down to Skeet Club Road and take advantage of this great, public recreation facility. 

    For our language loving friends, we found an A-Z dictionary (actually A-Y) of sailing/yachting terms. Why don't you click through and see just how many you know....... abaft, coaming, gunwale, lazarette, nautical mile, thwartships, tiller... tempted yet?

Diamond Bingo Hall

The game of B-I-N-G-O can be traced to an Italian lottery game in the 1500's. Modern Bingo, as we know it, dates to 1929.*  Bingo night in parrish halls has been a revenue-generating, Catholic tradition for a long time. Even network TV has featured Bingo from time to time. Bingo seems to be fading from churches and other venues, somewhat attributed to the no-smoking regulations. However, virtual Bingo is a big hit to the game-playing, Facebook crowd. 

Greensboro's own Diamond Bingo Hall, featured above, is located at the corner of Summit Avenue and Rankin Road in northeast Greensboro. Diamond Bingo doesn't have a website, so we have no idea of what it is like in side, how much it costs, what you can win. A google search reveals 19 bingo halls in Greensboro and the surrounding area; so, at least some people in the Greensboro area must enjoy playing bingo. Children love the learning versions in school. Civic Organizations and non-profits host Bingo games for fundrasiers, too. Guilford Green's bingo events have brought tens of thousands of dollars to the Greensboro community. 

Well, the weekend is here. Let us know if you're out playing BINGO and, if you are, here is some Bingo trivia to share with fellow gamers. Happy Friday folks. Please do something fun, even if it isn't Bingo.

 

* reference.

View from Revolution Cotton Mill Hill

A couple of weeks ago, we featured Palm Street Christian Church in McAdoo Heights and mentioned that it overlooked Revolution Mill. Here we see a view of Palm Street Christian from Yanceville Street. The photo was taken with a telephoto lens zooming from Revolution Mill, across Church Street and up on Palm near State Street. With the two, modest mill houses to the left of the church, you have an idea of just how compact one's path was early in the 20th century. From home, to church, to shops, to work, to recreation all on foot, if necessary. There is a lot to be said for that type of lifestyle.

Revolution Cotton Mills, a 2-million-square-foot complex, was built in 1899. At one time, it was the world's largest flannel production facility. This whole part of town played an important role in Greensboro's early history. We hate that Revolution is no longer a mill; however, we are happy that the structure is there for us to explore, photograph, and share. The brick shell is proof positive that Greensboro played a role in the Industrial Revolution.

 

O is for O. Henry Oaks

Today is ABC Wednesday and O is for O. Henry Oaks. If you are local, you likely know that short story writer O. Henry is from Greensboro. The August edition of O. Henry magazine dedicated several pages to all things, locally, named in his honor. As the article points out, there is an O. Henry subdivision on Sidney Porter Drive, as well as an O. Henry Blvd. Additionally, there is a neighborhood named O. Henry Oaks.  

O. Henry Oaks is located from 16th Street to Cone Boulevard to Spry Street between N. O. Henry Blvd. and Yanceyville St. Page High School is near O. Henry Oaks. The neighborhood is one of the most racially balanced in Greensboro. Approximately 40% of the neighborhood is white; 40% black, 10% Asian, 7% Hispanic, 3% other.* Today's post takes us to 3419 Yanceville Street, the upper northwest corner of O. Henry Oaks, where a plane tail permanently dive bombs into the lawn in the front yard. Surely, were O. Henry alive today, he would write an interesting short story with one of his famous smile-with-tears endings. How did the plane land in the yard? Why is it still there? What story does it have to tell? Today is ABC Wednesday and O is for O. (gotta have the dot) Henry!

(see Greensboro's A-N  neighborhoods here)

 

*http://www.city-data.com/neighborhood/O.Henry-Oaks-Greensboro-NC.html

Autumn Leaves on Horse Pen Creek

Seeing this view alongside Horse Pen Creek Road, just south of Greensboro Country Club's Farm Course, reminds us of Emily Dickinson's poem, The name- of it- is "Autumn".* While the meaning of her complex poem is  believed to reference the Civil War,** for us, it evokes the image of veins and arteries as we see orange, scarlet, and vermillion leaves on trees, completely sheared of limbs on one side. In Greensboro, Duke Energy performs this tree cutting, near power lines, because they are certified to do so and can preform the task safely. Agressive pruning is an evil necessity since so many of our power lines are above ground.

Here is Dickinson's poem:

        The name- of It- is "Autumn".

        The hue- of it- is Blood.

        An Artery- upon the Hill-

        A Vein- along the Road-

        Great Globules- in the Alleys-

        And oh, the Shower of Stain-

        When Winds- upset the Basin-

        And spill the Scarlet Rain-

        It sprinkles Bonnets- far below-

        It gathers ruddy Pools-

        Then- eddys like a Rose away- away-

        Upon Vermillion Wheels.

 

Before you know it, the wind will blow and the time will be upon us to get leaves hauled away. In the meantime, we'll just enjoy the great globules of colorful leaves as they cling to the arteries and veins of the trees. Should you see trees near power lines that need work, read what the city can and can't do to help (read here). Happy Monday to all!

 

*http://www.americanpoems.com/poets/emilydickinson/10608

** http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/edj/summary/v012/12.1cody.html

Fish... and the Bible

Fish is referenced in the King James version of the Bible 35 times. The first place it appears is Genesis 1:26 from which point on it is found numerous times in the Old and New Testaments alike.  We could not help but think of all the Biblical references to fish, last night, while dining at Greensboro's newest Egyptian restaurant, Samir. The fresh fish, grilled by Chef Samir himself was, indeed, heavenly. As seen above, it arrives at your table the old fashioned way, head and all. Not to worry, Chef Samir will help if you are unsure of how to eat it. Samir's Egyptian restaurant is filled with not only authentic cuisine but also artwork and images from Ancient Egypt.

The meal  brought to mind the following Bible verse: We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic (Num 11:5). The fish was an early symbol of Christianity and several of Jesus' Apostles were fishermen. It seems that the closer to the earth and sea one eats, the more spiritual the eating event becomes. Somehow we don't think these Biblical thoughts would have come to mind while driving through the window of a fast food restaurant.

Happy Sunday to all and may Chef Samir's restaurant, a mere 4 1/2 months old, be around to inspire us for years to come!

Dance Center of State Street

We lament the "passing" of the Saltbox, a Greensboro store that closed earlier this year after thirty eight years in business. Their specialty candles and folk art collection were fabulous. We will be especially nostalgic for their fall and winter treasures and events.

Fortunately, the Dance Center of Greensboro has moved into their building, bringing positive energy and movement back to that little corner of State Street (at Golden Gate). State Street is starting to develop a niche market in wellness and rejuvenation. From plastic surgery to massage, to the magic, spells, and potions offered at Eclectic by Nature, there is a little something for everyone on this charming little street. The Dance Center should be a perfect fit. State Street, their second Greensboro location, is situated in the heart of McAdoo Heights. Let's hope we see dancers coming and going from this building for a very long time.

Let's also keep our fingers crossed that Nancy Moore (owner of the gone-but-not-forgotten Saltbox) finds a little place to work her retail magic. 

An Afternoon in the Life of the Brown Building

UNGC's Brown Building, in the above photo, has been featured on Greensboro Daily Photo on more than one occassion. Since it was built in 1927, the Brown Music Building has served as one of the eastern-most buildings on campus and has been the subject of many postcards. It is nice to know that 85 years later, even though a newer music building has been built, The Brown Building remains a vibrant place for students to congregate both inside and out. Theater students keep the building brimming with life just about 7 days a week and the Brown Building Theater holds some amazing performances. Up next in the theater is Polaroid Stories. UNCG's radio station also broadcasts out of this building. Tune in to WUAG 103.1 FM to get the full college broadcasting experience. 

This photo was taken a few weeks ago at the Tate Street Festival when so many students were out enjoying the afternoon. After yesterday's rain in Greensboro, it will probably be a little soggy to sit on the grass today. Since the sun is supposed to shine, we just may get to walk along Tate Street and admire UNCG's stunning buildings.

Autumn is Upon Us

Fall is upon us in North Carolina. In the mountains, the leaves are moving into peak season, a little past at the highest elevations. Greensboro is not quite at peak; however, this weekend would be a great one to take a day trip and enjoy the season. Appalachian State University's biology department maintains a fall color report to help estimate the timing of fall color peaks for the various NC regions.

Above, you see the native persimmon, diospyros virginiana, nicknamed the possom apple. In North Carolina, the Scotch-Irish families have been enjoying persimmon pudding and other dishes since moving into the state in the 1700's and the Native Americans were eating the sticky, glue-like pulp long before colonial times. Fullsteam Brewery in Durham puts a different spin on the fruit, making it into beer. They will even pay $3 a pound for fruit, as long as it is picked at peak readiness and they don't have an overabundant supply. 

With the loss of farmland in the Piedmont area around Greensboro, the native persimmon is not readily abundant. Consider planting a few trees on your property if you are in the position to do so. Unfortunately, the native persimmon doesn't like to be crowded and it takes a male and female tree to get fruit. As fussy as nature can be, it is hard to believe that these these used to be everywhere.

Sorry for the late post. Time Warner Cable is coming out a second time today to see why we don't have internet access at our house.( Thanks to wi-fi at a local coffee shop, we're able to post). If the TWC worker gets our internet fixed, we just may fix him a 'simmon puddin.'

just waiting to be made into persimmon pudding, lest they be devoured by birds.

N is for NEW Irving Park

Modeled after Pinehurst, NC, Irving Park is a Greensboro neighborhood that was built in the 1920's. The neighborhood's showcase facility is the Greensboro Country Club, where prominent families of Greensboro have been golfing, swimming, playing tennis, dining, and socializing for decades. As Irving Park became fully built up and somewhat landlocked, it was only natural for this wonderful place to be somewhat replicated and extended. New Irving Park begins at Cone Boulevard and, to the west of Elm Street, continues to Pisgah Church Road with streets named St. Andrews and St. Regis radiating off of Willoughby Boulevard. To the east of of Elm Street, New Irving Park extends to Abbotswood Senior Living Facility. 

The above house is located on the corner of Loch Ridge and Hillwind Street on the northeast corner of New Irving Park.  It is representative of the homes in the Provincetown section of the neighborhood: two-story, brick homes with modest, well-landscaped lots.  We decided to take advantage of the fact that the above  lawn was being re-landscaped and a clear view of the house was available. We were thrilled that a father-daughter running team came along as we were on the photo shoot as New Irving Park is a place where families spend time together enjoying each other's company. 

Today is ABC Wednesday and we're getting close to half way through our A-Z neighborhoods of Greensboro series. See A-M photos here.

High Point Rowing Club's First Regatta

The High Point Rowing Club is not yet a month old, but this past weekend, they participated in their first regatta. The event was held in Wake Forest, North Caroina on Falls Lake. The regatta, hosted by UNC Men's Crew, gave crews a chance to get their times before November's big rowing event, Head of the Hooch in Chattanooga, TN.  Head of the Hooch is the second largest regatta in the USA. The HPRC team is ready and plans to participate. This is a wonderful opportunity for the team. In the above photo, High Point's two crews are seen getting ready for this past Saturday's race.

While this blog is Greensboro Daily Photo, we're glad High Point rowing has brought the sport of crew to the Triad. Currently, the team practices on Oak Hollow Lake. It would be wonderful if Coach Gene Kininmonth also started a rowing program on Lake Brandt or Lake Townsend. Greensboro has lots of young ladies (and even a crew of parents) ready to row. Maybe they could even get Greensboro's own Caroline Lind, gold medal Olympic rower, to come home and give the girls a few tips.

That would be simply OAR-some!

Osage Oranges (Not So Orange)

Tis the season of maclura pomifera-  also knows as osage oranges, hedge-apples, horse-apples, bois d'arc, bodark and bodack* The brainlike texture of this fruit looks like something that should be decorating a house at Halloween. Although we've always called this grapefruit-sized, inedible fruit an Osage orange, it is more closely related to the mulberry than an orange. The dense, heavy orbs are filled with a sticky sap that, as old-timey lore has it, repels spiders and insects. Scientific studies show there is some evidence for their effectiveness as an insecticide.

Some refer to the trees and fruit as bois d'arc because early French settlers noticed that Native Americans used the strong, flexible wood in bowmaking. In early America, the trees were planted to serve as natural barbed wire fences as the branches are quite thorny. We think this is a photo of the "orange tree" wood in the Greensboro Arboretum; that would explain the spikes. Recently, we found several Osage oranges on a walking tour of Greensboro's Westerwood neighborhood. It takes a brave person to allow these trees to fruit on one's street; because, if they fall off and hit your car, they leave a pretty serious dent. The Osage orange has some interesting history, some of which is linked to US presidents! Why don't you head out for a nature walk and try to find some, and ...... watch out for that THUMP!

 

* see this reference where we got the general information for this wonder of nature!

Palm Street Christian

We close out the week with a church, located in McAdoo Heights. Palm Street Christian Church was first organized in 1905. Since Moses Cone built Proximity Cotton Mills in Greensboro in 1895*, Palm Street would have served residents of the surrounding mill community. The original building is no longer there and the current, red-brick structure was built in 1950. Palm Street doesn't appear to have a website or Facebook page so church history is not readily available.

If you stand in the church parking lot across the street, you can look to the east and get a great view of Revolution Mills. Three years ago we took this photo from Palm Street's parking lot. In this photo, we are actually at Revolution Mills, and, if you stood at the top of the red water tower, you could see Palm Street. Many of these neighborhood churches struggle for membership. We hope Palm Street will be around for years to come and that someone will make its history readily available digitally. For sure the church has provenance.

* reference.

Fat Cat of McAdoo Heights

The domestic cat is the most popular pet in the world. In the United States, over 73 million cats are owned and three out of ten households own at least one cat* The Greensboro feline, in the above photo, was last seen in the State Street Community Garden on Golden Gate Drive. He roams near the McAdoo Heights houses we featured earlier in the week. He loves to hang out among the raised-bed, garden plots that are mostly empy and fallow for the winter. While a few tomatoes remain, Fat Cat, is not in the garden for the tomatoes. He is in search of little mice and other small rodents. Quite possibly, he is convinced that all the world is a litter pan. He navigates this common area like a deer through a plowed cornfield, running the perimeter knowing exactly where he is going.

With his blue eyes and seal-gray coloring, Fat Cat appears to be part Siamese; with his shiny coat, he appears to be well cared for. We doubt Fat Cat is a feral cat; however, if you have any in your neighborhood, Greensboro has a Feral Assistance Program and there is always an abundance of cats in the Animal Shelter. Join one of the 35 million households and let a feline adopt you today! If you are lucky, your cat will be as pretty as the one featured today.

*reference and the history of laws relating to cats here.

Halloween on Hillside Drive

Last weekend, as we were traipsing the Westerwood Neighborhood for the "Art and Sole" Walking Art Tour, we stumbled upon 312 Hillside Drive. The simplicity of this Halloween-themed door impressed us. A little duct tape, paper plates, plastic fringe and, taaa daaaaa, you've got a festive door. The yellow tabby who owns this house was non-plussed about the fact that his fur was not exactly what the black fur that Halloween holiday expects.

Shotgun House

We're back in McAdoo Heights today to show you a little piece of history. The above home, located at 1918 Golden Gate Drive is significant because, it is said to be the last remaining shotgun house in all of Greensboro that is still used as a house (reference).  This red shingled shotgun, with the white addition in the front, perched above a cement retaining wall, is easily unnoticed as one drives down Golden Gate Drive. 

Shotgun houses were the most popular type of house in the southern states of the USA from the time of the Civil War until the 1920's. Shotgun houses are houses that are usually 12' or less wide and the rooms are built one behind the other without and hallway. Typically, you go from the front porch to the living room to a bedroom (or two) to a back room/kitchen to the back porch.*  They were called shotgun houses because if you fired a gun through the front door, the bullet would go all the way out the back door without hitting anything. This once prevalent model of housing fell out of favor in the 1940's, and, after WWII, was considered substandard. In Greensboro, many houses of this style were torn down during the redevelopment of east Greensboro in the 1960's (reference). 

With that addition in front, it looks like the above home has changed its orientation from front to back to side to side. Shotgun houses are efficient because no space is wasted on hallways; however, they are pretty inconvenient when someone has to walk through your bedroom in the middle of the night to get to the bathroom. Being the last of something, we think the neighborhood (or the city..... or HGTV..) should treat this 644 square foot,  two-bedroom, 1935 home to a restoration-makeover..... landscape and all. It is part of our mill town's history.

 

*reference.... Perhaps the most famous person to have been born in one was Elvis Presley.