Well, today is Friday and, although it isn't First Friday, walking with family and loved ones along Elm Street is always fun. The above photo was taken just south of the railroad tracks, in front of the Cascade Saloon, that is being restored. The building is structurally unsound and will require complicated feats of engineering to make it safe. Dating to 1896, it will be a Greensboro treasure when restored to honor the look of the late 19th century. The structure is such a complicated restoration process that the Christman Company will move their headquarters there to bring clients downtown and to showcase their construction and engineering talents.
The building is also known because The Wileys, an African-American husband and wife team, ran an "eating house" here in 1907. Notably, they ran the establishment on the main street in town, at a very prominent intersection and beside white-owned businesses, at a time when with strict segregation laws.* The above family put a smile on our face as they traipsed across the railroad tracks and past this historic building. They were so joyful. If we knew who they were, we'd love to recreate this photo in about ten years, when the children are teenagers and Christman has the building open and shining like brand new.
* read more and see reference, here.
It sounds like a lot of work. Your idea's a good one, if only you knew!
Posted by: William Kendall | Friday, August 19, 2016 at 03:06 PM