Greensboro Daily Photo

Winter Sky Over Greensboro

    We close out the week in the back yard of Deep Roots Market. The above property is located at the corner of Brevard St. and Merritt Drive, back where Merritt dead ends into Wendover Avenue.  Likely, this house would have been old farmland or even part of John Van Lindley's nursery at the end of the 1800's. This area was part of the Pamona Cotton Mill community that was prospering at the beginning of the 20th century. You know a house is old when standing beside it is a tree three times the size.

    On down the street from this scene, at 2:00 today, the First Moravian Church will open their Candle Tea which will continue tomorrow, too. Also on December 1st, the Jaycee's 76th Christmas Parade in Downtown Greensboro will be held as will Candlefest will be held in the Arboretum tomorrow night. The Advent season is upon us and Greensboro will be busy celebrating up a storm. So much tradition for all who are interested in winter holidays. Next Friday will be First Friday downtown as well as the Festival of Lights. And, while you are out driving from venue to venue, take time to look at scenes, like the one above, reflecting on the way life was in simpler times- back before blog, website, wireless, and touchscreen were even words. Enjoy seeing the expansive, bare tree branches and the little houses beside them. Pace yourself!

(Almost) Full Moon

    Wednesday's pre-dawn moon was almost a full moon. The actual full moon rose on Wednesday evening. It is known as the known as the Full Frost Moon as, by this time of year, there has been a hard frost. Alternatively, November's full moon is called the Full Beaver Moon, stemming from when traps were set for beavers who are busily preparing for winter. Traps are set before swamps freeze. Such is the lore of the North Carolina mountains. Here in Greensboro, we don't do as much bever pelt gathering. In the middle of the last century, beavers were rare in North Caroina. Restocking efforts took place through the 1950's and now, quantity has increase, range has expanded, and beavers are not rare. Beaver trapping is open, statewide, from November 1st- March 31st.

    The last time we shared a moon shot on Greensboro Daily Photo, Mr. Preston Earle posted a comment with us about how to get good moon shots. He was an engineer, which is evident in his comment. Mr. Earle departed earth on January 2nd, 2012 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Local journalist Ed Cone said it best: "Preston Earle had the rare ability to disagree without being disagreeable" (Cone). What a legacy..... to be able to disagree without being disagreeable. The world could use a little more of that trait. Let's dedicate today's moon shot to Mr. Earle, a man who shared a love of Greensboro as well as taking the- ever elusive- perfect moon photo.

* a great article here. 

T is for Tamannary Forest

Tamannary Forest is a neighborhood that is almost a peninsula, with Lakes Townsend and Jeanette wrapping around it. Tamannary Forest is located directly across the street from Air Harbor Airport off of Air Harbor Road. One could land a plane and walk home in no time if living on the above property. This view characterizes the neighborhood.  Homes, built from the mid 1980's to mid 1990's, are graciously large.  Lots are nearly an acre in size and wooded, making the houses difficult to see from the road when leaves are on the trees. This time of year, however, views are memorable. Tree trunks and limbs cast long, reaching shadows over the forest floor- a place where fairytales look as if they could come to life.

Technically, Tamannary Forest is not within the city limits so residents escape paying city taxes on these homes, which cost upwards of half a million dollars. Tamannary must fly under the radar, literally (airport) and figuratively, as virtually nothing is published about the neighborhood and not even the origin of the word Tamannary is not clear and there doesn't appear to be a neighborhood website. Regardless, it is lovely; today is ABC Wednesday and T is for Tamannary Forest. (Quickly scroll through A-S Greensboro here).

Duane at Chartreuse

Duane is a freelance artist who turns old factory carts into coffee tables. He takes parts of farm and mill equipment, mostly wooden, and transforms them into lighting. In short, he restores and preserves iconic pieces of Greensboro's history. Above, we see him working away in back of cHARTreUSE, an artist/antique center on Merritt Drive. Duane's whole family is artistically gifted. He and his son have performed in CTG's Wizzard of Oz together. His wife is creative, too. How wonderful when family members have so much in common.

With the building of the nearby Spring Place, a community of student housing, on land that once held Pomona Cotton Mill, Duane's creations are coming full circle- without leaving the neighborhood- from mill, to Duane's hands, back to the nearby apartments. 

This scene is right around the corner from our favorite little red mill house and Deep Roots Market; a little neighborhood that is developing tremendous character. It would be great if Deep Roots Westside would not have to close when Deep Roots Eastside opens! For now, stop by and marvel at Duane's woodworking skills and then head to Deep Roots for a giant tahini cookie! Better yet, treat Duane to one!

Deep Roots Market

Today's post-Thanksgiving-feasting photo showcases Deep Roots Market, Greensboro's only healthfood cooperative store. The seed for the co-op was sewn in a dorm room at Guilford College in the 1960's*;  the retail store has been in its present location since 1990- with a different location in between. This little treasure, on Spring Garden at Wendover, boasts the largest sales per retail square foot of any grocery store in town (reference). Deep Roots Cooperative has a board of directors, by-laws, policy governance, and member owners; however, if you are in search of good-for-you-food in a pleasant atmosphere, you can shop here without a membership.

Construction is underway for the new Deep Roots store to be located North Eugene Street, providing downtown Greensboro with a full-service grocery store of more than 10,000 square feet. That's almost ten times larger than the current location. So far, more than 100 owners have loaned the store over $400,000 to help with this initiative. Here's to a successful transition to their expanded location and to providing downtown residents with a much-needed grocery store. Here's to having enough residents in Greensboro, who value eating healthy food, to support Deep Roots, Earthfare, and Whole Foods. Deep Roots will be on the greenway. Let's hope they install a LARGE bike rack! 

* read the history here.

Piedmont Interfaith Council

Last Sunday, we attended the 30th Annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Celebration of the Piedmont Interfaith Council. Initially, we attended because the council asked permission to use our photos for their visual display of the blessings of Greensboro. The event was so meaningful and heartwarming; it was an honor to play a small part in this large celebration. On the stage above, you see leaders from five different faith groups all coming together to encourage Greensboro to dwell in unity. The leaders and their affiliations are, from left to right: Tangela Stanley, Bahá'i Faith; Rev. David Bills, Society of Friends; Monsignor Anthony J. Marcaccio, Catholic; Imam Shaher Sayed, Muslim; and Rabbi Eliezer Havivi, Jewish. These leaders represent only five of the over twenty religions in Greensboro.

Every Sunday, for nearly four years now, we've been featuring something religious or spiritual on Greensboro Daily Photo. From the contacts we've made through the Piedmont Interfaith Council, it appears that we'll have plenty to share each week-- for years to come. A good thing Dr. James E. Hull did for Greensboro thirty years ago, founding an organization dedicated to building bridges of understanding between cultural and faith groups. 

TAG, You're It!

Today, we're back in High Point at 220 East Commerce Avenue at Theatre Art Galleries, also known as TAG. TAG combines performance art with visual art. The main gallery, shown above, is currently featuring an exhibit entitled "No Boundaries: Two Generations Face to Face. Artists Lucy Davis Phillips and Harriet Marshall Goode are a perfect pair to share gallery space. Both are figurative artists who like to show a great deal of emotion and construct narrative in their work. Harriet does the larger pieces which show women full-length and face forward, often doing something really unusual, like carrying a chicken. Seeing the figures, painted with some details merely suggested, makes one wonder if they are fading from view or coming into focus. To be sure, one does not feel alone when in a room with the work of these two Carolina gals. Harriet is from Rock Hill, South Carolina and Lucy from High Point.

High Point Theatre is located in the furniture district of High Point. Starting December 6th, the North Carolina Shakespeare will begin performing Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" there. If the performance is as good as it was last year, we may have to go twice!

Stop back by Greensboro Daily Photo, tomorrow. We'll be back in Greensboro. And, if we are lucky, Time Warner Cable will get our internet working and we'll be finished coffee shop hopping to use the internet.

Nanci Griffith at High Point Theatre

Last weekend we were enjoying the folkabilly music of Nanci Griffith at the High Point Theatre. Nanci is one of those great musicians whose sound was nurtured by the great music scene in Austin, Texas. As suggested by the above set, Nanci's stage presence is that of a friend playing for you and telling fun stories in your living room. She tours with the Kennedys, seen seated to her left. Singer/songwriter Nanci Griffith is a survivor of breast and thyroid cancer and her songs reflect her gratitude for being here to celebrate life with each and every one of us.

Since there is not yet a High Point Daily Photo (hint, hint), we like to share post from down that way every once in a while. The High Point Theatre, located at 220 East Commerce Avenue, is billed as being one of the finest stage and gallery spaces in the southeast. From grand, elaborate performances like the Nutcracker ballet to fireside music events like Nanci Griffith, we have enjoyed every single event we have seen there. Here's to a great weekend for all of us and finding a little spot that makes us feel cozy.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving, dear readers. We are thankful for yet another year of being able to share photos of the people and places of the borough of Greene with you. We are approaching our fourth year of posting, daily. To quote Mr. GDP, "Daily comes around rather quickly." Currently, our laptop is in the shop, Time-Warner cable is out at the house and we are posting from a coffee shop on a borrowed computer. So, please bear with us if posts are late, poorly edited, or abbreviated. Please say yes if we knock on your door and ask to use your computer!

Today's photo takes us back to the early years of Greensboro via the recent living history of America's soldiers and wars; the event was held in Guilford Courthouse Military Park. The above scene is of civil war soldiers resting at their encampment. Today, we are thankful that our fifty states are at relative peace with one another now that the elections are behind us. We are thankful that slowly, the east coast is getting back to normal after the destructive weather event dubbed "Sandy." We are thankful to be with family and friends. In an odd way, we are thankful to be without Internet connectivity and television so that we can focus on fellowship. Maybe we will even play a game of checkers. Let us know what you are up to!

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.

Pomona Foundry, Inc.

Today's  photo of a sand-cast, ferrous-metal manhole cover on the Tate Street side of the UNCG campus in Greensboro. Pomona is a neighborhood west of Greensboro near Market and Spring Garden Streets. It is the community where John Van Lindley built his commercial greenhouses in 1889.* A google search for Pomona Foundry, Inc. answers some questions, but poses others about the Pomona Foundry and the neighborhood.

Pomona Foundry is a company acquired by Acme Castings, Inc. of Huntington, CA, in 1969. Thanks to the very fine online history of Acme Castings, we know that at the time it was acquired, Pomona Foundry was located 32 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. However, at the time of production, this Pamona Foundry manhole cover was molded in Pomona, NC, the community just west of Greensboro. Finding out when and why Pomona Foundry was moved to California in the first place is a question we have. Secondly, an adjacent Pomona manhole cover is stamped 'Greensboro, NC.' When did Pomona get incorporated into Greensboro. Perhaps one of our readers can help us piece together this puzzle. At any rate, it lets us get a fuller picture of the once thriving Pomona community, worthy of being cast into metal as the name of a Guilford County community. We're wondering if anybody in California knows about J. Van Lindley, the Pomona greenhouses, Pomona Cotton Mill, Dillard Paper, the terra cotta tiles made in Pomona, the Boar & Castle, and all those Pomona area places, most of which remain only as memories.

 

* reference.

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.