Greensboro Daily Photo

Augustino Gusto European Bakery

If you like fresh meats, produce, pastries, and more, the local farmers markets are a great place to shop. The above photo was taken at the Yanceyville Curb Market. At the southeast end of the room (Aisle F Tables 144 & 145), you can find the Augustino Gusto European Bakery. Adriana Hasiu operates the bakery and makes sure that fresh, local ingredients are used in the baked goods. The selection is so great; if you are a lover of pastries and quiche, you will feel like a kid in the candy store! Hope to see you there.

Church Garden

Revolution Mill Bridge

We'll show one more day of Revolution Mill this week. The above photo shows the bridge on the south side of the mill complex. If you look on the round, brick stack in the middle, you see the letters that spell "REVOLUTION." The above visitors have just enjoyed a meal at Natty Greene's restaurant on site. It is called the Kitchen + Market. Their restaurant has indoor as well as outdoor seating and it is so relaxing on a warm summer night to sit out side as the sun is setting. 

The above guests are looking down at the water where ducks and geese are swimming. The developers and the community have worked very hard to reclaim the stream, North Buffalo Creek, flowing through the area. The flora at the creek is attracting more fauna. We're betting fish and frogs are returning, too. Additionally, a greenway is being built along the creek. If you want more information on the project, read Susan Ladd's article, here.

Cone Mill History

Cone: The Fabric of Memory: The Cone Mill Villages. Greensboro is teeming with textile mill history. The city and its residents have so many ties to the mills. The textile mills helped establish Greensboro's prominence as one of the south's manufacturing centers. The mill owners were good about seeing that their employees had housing, schools, a place to worship, and entertainment, like baseball teams and parks.

If you want to learn more about mill village life, visit the exhibit in Revolution Mill to view this exhibit. It is so important for a community to honor and remember its past, while looking to the future. Revolution Mill is trying very hard to do just that!

(Not Your Grandparent's) Revolution Mill

The above photo was taken from the Yanceyville Street side of Revolution Mill. This facility was the first flannel mill in the south. Construction on this historic, cotton mill complex began in the early 20th century and continued for decades. The complex consists of 12 buildings and two structures. The once vibrant mill ceased operation in 1982 and fell in disrepair. While there were earlier efforts to gentrify the facility, in 2013 the upgrades and improvements really started falling into place. Now, the facility is full of offices, meeting spaces, art galleries, small businesses and non-profits, restaurants, apartments, and so much more. Even the water that runs through the property has gotten a facelift! Throughout the next few weeks, more views of Revolution Mill will be shared on GDP. If you get a chance, stop by and see Revolution Mill for yourself and take advantage of the many areas that are open to the public. If not, stop back and see the photos here (or both)!

House at the Corner of Cypress and Yanceyville

The above house is located at the corner of Cypress and Yanceyville Streets. It is located in Dunleath, formerly know as Aycock Historic District. It is a good example of the restoration that takes place in these historic districts. The house has great bones and a fabulous porch. Some of the wood needed to be replaced, the windows need work, and once a couple of coats of paint get added, this house will be restored to its former glory, and then some.

The families that live in Dunleath have played quite a leadership role in historic preservation in Greensboro. If you get a chance this summer, drive through the neighborhood. There are some real gems that have been restored. Also, there are some houses that could use some TLC and you would have quite a community of neighbors with advice, skills, and muscle-power to help you with your own historic preservation efforts.

Duke Energy Changing Meters

Gone are the days when the meter reader came to the house to see how much electricity had been used. Also going away is the method of being able to drive by at 35 miles an hour and reading the meter on the go. With the new digital meters being installed in Greensboro, all information is transmitted to Charlotte without the need for any humans. Duke Energy, one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States with almost 8 million customers in six states, will know if your power goes out in Greensboro, before you have time to call!

The above photo features one of Greensboro's two remaining meter experts who has over forty years experience installing, reading, and servicing meters. He is shown in the process of changing out the old electromechanical meter with the spinning wheel for a digital one. From knocking on the door to let the homeowner know what was about to happen, to explaining why the change was being made, to exuding pride about his long career at Duke Energy, he was a professional in every way. While digital technology may be efficient, there is something to be said for seeing people on the job working hard and taking pride in seeing that the job is well done. By the way, even if you remove that exterior cap, service is not interrupted. If you are not home, you might not even realize your meter has been changed out.

Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit- Inside

Last week, the exterior of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit was featured. This week, we take you inside to see the simple beauty of this small church on north Yanceyville Street. Some people seek the mega-church experience, and others, want to be part of a tiny congregation where every member plays an integral role in maintaining the house of worship. If you look long enough, you can imagine those vintage, white, plastic chairs full and it is likely that people like to take the same seat every week. They would love to add a seat or two and have you join them. Established in 1983, they are a diverse, multi-ethnic faith community. Visit their website, here, and you will get an idea of not only the diversity, but of their community involvement.

Antique Marketplace

The above photo was taken at the Antique Marketplace on Burnt Poplar Road in Greensboro. It reminds us that even if we can't get to the beach this summer, we can bring the beach to ourselves. These light and airy colors, the fresh fish sign, and the white furniture, is a seen that could be seen at any of North Carolina's beach areas. 

It also reminds us that, in addition to shopping at the 45,000 sq. ft. indoor space, if you really want to make a day of it, you can head over to Chartreuse in Thomasville will be having a tent sale with their two barns full and many additional vendors outside today. If you get your antiquing in early, you will still have time to hurry back to attend Summer Solstice in the Greensboro Arboretum. Rain or shine, there is plenty to do on the weekends of summer in Greensboro. Wonder if we brought lemonade for everyone if Rhonda, Mike, and the crew at Antique Marketplace would let us sit a spell at that lovely table!

14th Annual Summer Solstice Event

The above poster, in Scuppernong's window display, is a reminder that tomorrow is Greensboro's annual summer solstice event at the Greensboro Arboretum from 2-10pm. This is event has been taking place since 2005. This is bar none, the most colorful event of the season, intended to bring out the playful, fairy-like spirit in all of us. You are advised to come dressed in your most colorful clothing and wearing a crown of ribbon and flowers. Not unlike the Easter parade along New York's Fifth Avenue, people watching and audience participation of the 9,000+ attendees of this event are a big part of the show.

To some, the event is simply a colorful stroll in the park. To others, it is a time of great spirituality and a chance to worship nature and be one with the universe in celebration marking the onset of summer, the longest day of the year. From the colorful acts and artists, great vendors, painted bodies to the concluding fire finale at dark, truly there is something for everybody.  There is a $5 admission fee to people over 12, so that the artists can be compensated for their hard work above and beyond their tiny tip buckets. Hope to see you there.

Laurelyn Dossett at Joymongers

Laurelyn Dossett, Scott Manring, and Alex McKinney gave a fabulous (and free) two hour performance on Tuesday night at Joymongers Brewing Company. With Scott playing guitar and banjo, Laurelyn's singing, and Alex on dobro, this trio's performance was fabulous. Their sets ranged from a Hank Williams song to many that Laurelyn has written herself. She even performed a couple acoustic solos, not only hitting the high notes, but reminding the audience that there are many issues related to the environment and social justice that we cannot ignore.

Every Tuesday night Joymongers, at 576 North Eugene Street, hosts a live music residency for North Carolina artists. Laurelyn commented that she felt like she'd been a neighbor to everyone in the room at some point in her life. Being at Joymongers on a hot summer night, with so many people walking from Fisher Park and the surrounding apartments to hear live music, it does feel like you are sitting around with friends at a house party in your neighborhood. 

 

 

Grimsley High School Graduation 2018

Guilford County Schools are now closed for the summer and high schools have bid farewell to their graduating seniors. The above photo was taken this past Sunday at the Greensboro Coliseum, when 403 Grimsley High School students graduated. Featured in the photo are Student Body President Alex Anton and Senior Class President Georgia Little. They are leading the graduates in singing the alma mater. Herbert Hazelman, Grimsley's band director for 40 years, wrote the alma mater in 1949. When singing, students point up and to the right, in reference to their optimism toward the future. 

Alex, a third generation Grimsley graduate, and Georgia, are all smiles. It has been a great year for them and they are confident that their four rigorous years at Grimsley have prepared them for college. Shall we join Alex and Georgia in one final singing of the alma mater? All hail to thee, Our alma mater strong, We'll sing thy praise through all the days, with triumphant song. All hail to thee, And as the days go by, We'll pledge our faith and love and loyalty, Greensboro Grimsley High. Congratulations to not only the Grimsley grads, but to all of the graduating seniors in the Guilford County Schools.

(photo credit: Polly Anton, used with permission)

Happy Juneteenth 2018!

June 19th is a very important day in the United States. June 19th, 1865, was the day news of the Emancipation Proclamation was at last delivered in Galveston, Texas by Union Army Major General Granger. While slavery had been abolished in the United States in 1863, in the pre-telephone/internet era of the 1800s, it took over two years for word to make it all the way to Texas. Juneteenth is observed in some way in 45 of the 50 US States. The holiday reminds America, when we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, not all people living in this country in the mid-19th century were free. 

In the above photo, the two African American women, walking along South Elm Street in their lovely dresses, are free to come and go as they please, and on their own terms. A few blocks north of where these women are walking, the International Civil Rights Center and Museum will host a Juneteenth event, called the Color of Commerce: A Celebration of Black Owned Businesses in the Triad. The event is free and open to the public, but you are encouraged to get tickets, here, in case there is a crowd that exceeds seating capacity. The event will help aspiring, new, and established business owners take their business to the next level. It will be held on June 25th from 6-8pm. Happy Juneteenth!

 

Produce Stands and the Flavors of Summer

Produce stands are a summer tradition in the South and they are plentiful in Greensboro this time of year. These side-of-the-road pop ups are a great place to stop and chat a while, unless of course vendors are super busy. By talking to the vendor, you can tell how the growing season has been, what is in season and what is not, and maybe even get some suggestions for recipes. Recently, the above stand has been at the Spears YMCA on Horse Pen Creek Road. Until this past week, they have had strawberries, but strawberries are out of season now. Blueberries and peaches are plentiful. 

The above produce was from Candor (Johnson Peaches if we remember correctly) which is located in Montgomery County. According to the 2010 census, the town of Candor only has 840 residents. However, come the third Saturday in July, which is July 21st this year, all of Candor will be celebrating the peach festival and peach EVERYTHING will be for sale. Until then, in Greensboro, we can all enjoy Candor/Sandhills peaches from the farmers markets and produce stands. Maybe we can even sneak off to Yum Yum to get some ice cream to go with those fresh peaches. By shopping locally, we are reminded that different foods have a season. Oh, the flavors of summer. 

Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit

Today's Sacred Sunday shot is of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit on Yanceville Street, just south of Lee's Chapel Road. The church is small and humble, but they are doing great things. Just beyond the church is a community garden with raised beds that are thriving. Next Saturday (June 23rd) from 12-3pm, they will offer free health screenings. You can get blood pressure and blood sugar screening and some other services. 

Today, faith groups are playing a major role is seeing that congregants, and other community members in need, take important steps towards staying healthy. Screenings and good produce are two such examples. You are also encouraged to nurture your spiritual self while at it. Happy Sunday! Happy healthy!

Kona Ice Truck

Summer is upon us and shaved ice and ice cream trucks will be getting lots of business this weekend. The above photo features the Kona ice truck that was parked at the Bur Mil swimming pool the other night. The franchise prides itself on clean trucks, friendly staff, good flavors with an effort to be health conscious. Kona started with one truck in Kentucky in 2007 and is up to nearly 1,000 today. They have even started making their flavors in-house. It would be interesting for them to team up with Greensboro's Mother Murphy's Flavoring Company, in case the need a few thousand more flavors. If you want to channel the inner child in you, try the  FLAVORWAVE with a little bit of all ten flavors.

Enjoy your weekend, with or without shaved ice!

 

 

Bur-Mil Marlins Host Friendly Frogs

One of Greensboro's great summer traditions is the dual swim meets. Twenty three teams with over 2,000 swimmers participate in the Community Swim Associations summer meets. For five weeks of summer, children ages 5 to 18 will spend hours practicing and competing. Parents will help with snacks, judging, scoring, looking after kids and anything else needed to make the experience memorable for all involved.

Last night, the Bur-Mil Marlins hosted the Friendly Frogs at their pool at Owl's Roost. Swimmers were working hard as were parents. A Swim-for-Cancer bake sale was underway. Siblings sat around the pool playing games, talking, and getting a little cell phone time. The Marlins are one of the newest teams in the community swim program. They placed 6th overall last year and the Friendly Frogs were 4th. Both teams were giving it their all last night. The best aspect of CSA is that all team members have the opportunity to participate, not just the elite swimmers. Go Marlins! Go Frogs!

Airplanes Over Greensboro

Public school is out in Greensboro. Families will be leaving town for their beach and mountain vacations. Others will travel by air to start their summer adventures. The above airplane is in the landing pattern for Piedmont Triad International Airport. For those who aren't in a position to take out-of-town vacations this summer, great staycations can be arranged in Greensboro, centered around plane watching in and around the airport.

This photo was taken at Bur-Mil Park.  On many days, Bur-Mil is right in the landing pattern and the planes do seem really close, especially if you have your head in the clouds, dreaming about your summer fun. Speaking of summer fun, tonight the Bur-Mil swim team will host the Friendly Frogs in a dual swim meet. If possible, we will post a photo of the meet tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Cabbage White Butterfly on White Echinacea

Summertime is Greensboro is such a great time to enjoy the local flora and fauna. As the summer solstice approaches and the hours of daylight are almost at peak for the year, there is so much to see and appreciate. In the above photo, a butterfly was settling in for the night, trying to blend in with the white cone flower. To the right of this scene is a cabbage patch and the larva of these butterflies are a serious pest to cabbage. Fortunately, the growing season for cabbage is over and we were able to harvest all of the cabbage before the invasion of the cabbage butterfly.

Insect-plant interaction is fascinating. Sometimes it is a good thing. For example, magnolia trees are pollinated by beetles. So, if you have a magnolia tree in your yard, you may notice beetles also. Sometimes, the relationship is not so great, as is the case with cabbage butterfly that comes to invade the cabbage patch. If you are sitting with your friends and family glued to their phones, have them investigate the flora and fauna and the dynamic interaction of the two. With all of the rain this spring, Greensboro is especially green and rich in vegetation.

Another Amazing Midtown Mural!

The Guilford Green Community Center is one of the latest buildings in Greensboro to get a new mural. The mural extends around the building and onto the parking lot. The community center is located at the corner of Grecade and West Bessemer, on the eastern edge of Midtown. You can see the scope of the project by looking at the door in the middle and noticing the two floors of windows.

The muralist, Adnate, from Australia and Luxembourg graffiti artist Eric Mangen are painting the above two-story office building owned by Greensboro developer, Marty Kotis. They have used a fire engine, filled with a mixture of paint and water, and eight fire extinguishers to spray this building. They work quickly and precisely. Greensboro is getting a lot of social media attention for these murals done by some of the best muralist/graffiti artists in the world.*  Follow this process on Facebook@ Eric Mangen Worx, or drive back behind the Midtown Sheetz to see this building transforming before your eyes. They will still be working on it today.

*Reference and more information, here.

 

Salvation Army Store

The State Street/North Elm area, on the edge of Irving Park, has seen a lot of change over the years. Congressman Howard Coble, whose office was to the left of this Salvation Army Family Store, is no longer with us. The barber on this corner is no longer with us. The above store, formerly a drug store, became this thrift store several years ago. Currently, they are holding a 50% off sale. Since their lease is not being renewed, the thrift store will be closing. This location was so convenient for the Irving Park, Kirkwood, St. Pius X, Page High School, area folks to donate items. It was not uncommon to find name brand clothing in good condition at this store. It will be interesting to see what this location will become in its next iteration and to see if the Salvation Army will find a new location.

In the meantime, the 24-hour BP Gas Station and Brown Gardiner Fountain across the street are still going strong and new businesses continue to pop up on State Street. The business world is dynamic and ever changing. Hopefully, the service/retail trends reflect the needs of the local people and, people in this community will find a convenient place to donate items. Remember, reduce, reuse, and recycle. The Salvation Army was extremely convenient as donation drop offs were drive-through on the side of the pharmacy window. Do you have a favorite business or employee you think should be featured here? Let us know. Happy Monday!

Rainbow Over the Golf Course

Today's photo was taken at the golf course of the Greensboro Country Club along Carlson Dairy Road. While the farm course is extra thirsty due to having extensive landscaping done, most golf courses require generous amounts of water. The photo reminds us that when there is water, and the sun is angled just right, a rainbow forms. Rainbows can appear in unexpected places at unanticipated times. Let's all help each other find the rainbows even when the clouds loom large. Happy Sunday.

Hydrangeas Galore at 133 Paisley St.

In Greensboro, this has been an especially good spring for hydrangeas. The weather has been a bit cooler and sufficiently wet to make these beauties spring to life. Every year, this property at 133 Paisley Street, on the northwest edge of downtown has the most beautiful hydrangeas. The green shingled house appears to be rental property, but the landlord is diligent about mowing the lawn and keeping up with the landscaping. We keep hoping to see someone working outside, so we can ask about these beautiful hydrangeas. Does someone water and fertilize them. Or, do they magically find a way to care for themselves?

Here's to a weekend of admiring the beautiful plants that are blooming around Greensboro and to admiring all of the beautiful yards. If you are near Smith Street Diner, walk around the corner and have a look at these beautiful flowers. Happy Saturday, dear readers!

McDonald's at the Corner of Holden Road and Gate City Boulevard

McDonald's is an international chain and not something usually featured on Greensboro Daily Photo. However, the above McDonald's has been a fixture at the corner of Holden Road and Gate City Boulevard for years. When Border's Bookstore used to be in this plaza, people would combine a trip to Borders with a McDonald's visit. It is also popular with nearby Smith High School students and staff. Currently, covered in plywood and surrounded by barriers, this McDonald's looks like it is closed, but actually, the drive-through is open for business (and quite busy).

Currently, McDonald's is giving 4,000 of its stores a facelift. Changes will include more self-ordering kiosks (already big in Europe), digital ordering, home delivery, a return to dollar menu options, fresh (not previously-frozen) quarter pounder beef,  mobile order & pay and curbside pick up are some of the new features McDonald's will roll out. It will be interesting to see which ones will be picked up for the above McDonald's. We're betting that the "AYPLACE" [sic] will be bigger and better when the renovation is complete. Honk if you love Happy Meals!

(Formerly) Southside Hardware on South Elm Street

Yesterday's post about the alley off of Lewis Street resulted in a wonderfully informative comment from Nollie W. Neill, Jr. whose family had a business in that alley. His family's foundry was Glascock which moved to West Lee Street (Glascock Stove & Manufacturing Co.). He also wrote that a tornado on April 2, 1936 damaged and destroyed many of the buildings in the Lewis Street/South Elm area. 

We'll try our luck today and post a photo of the Southside Hardware Company buildings from the back, the MLK, Jr. Drive side. The other side of the buildings faces South Elm Street, a block up from yesterday's post. For now, we can only show the signage as Google searches aren't resulting in any information. There is a Southside Hardware in High Point. Does anyone know if they are related?

Alley Paralleling South Elm Street

It is always nice to find a little area in Greensboro that has gone unnoticed. The above alley is one such place. It is located just off of Lewis Street, paralleling the east side of South Elm Street. The side of the featured building is Boxcar Arcade. With the brick, river rock, and landscaping, the scene evokes a little slice of Europe. This alley doesn't even have a street sign, or a name on Google maps. It goes behind many Elm Street shope, leading to Barnhardt Street. 

The alley continues to the south, behind Elsewhere Museum, where it is put to good use. If you have a little time, consider exploring these "off the beaten path" places of Greensboro. This scene is an example of how Greensboro looks "green" even in the heart of downtown. If you are counting your steps, they will add up before you know it. And if you time your walks just right, you can avoid the sun!

RED Cinema & RBG

Greensboro is lucky to have a theater like RED Cinema that shows movies and documentaries that are not always mainstream. Out of 15 movies, many are top moneymakers; others are more typical of small arthouses.  Years ago, Greensboro had the Janus Theatre in Irving Park. Now, RED Cinema, in nearby Midtown,  fulfills that role. As an example, this week, they are featuring the movie about the life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG).

Last night, there were 15 people at the 7:15 showing (not bad for a Monday night). Eleven out of the moviegoers were in their 30's or younger. It is nice to see the younger generation taking a real interest in this iconic political figure. The above photo features the south side of the theatre with a dramatic mural by Dan Kitchener. Marty Kotis has done a great job of branding this part of town and seeing that Greensboro has its share of great murals. Betsy West and Julie Cohen have done a fantastic job of directing and producing a fabulous film on the life and career of Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It should be in town for at least a few more days.

Norfolk Southern

All during First Friday, the train tracks at Hamburger Square on South Elm Street were having problems. The arms kept going down and the lights flashing, yet, no train was coming. Cars waited and waited, and then the arms would go back up, with no sign of a train. The same thing was happening on Saturday. Then, Saturday afternoon, here came the Norfolk Southern 9411 chugging down the track. A downtown local commented, "This is like the boy who cried wolf. This time, it really is a train." Hopefully, the problem was fixed and the arms are only coming down when needed. Fortunately drivers and pedestrians alike always have the option of using the underpass.

Seeing a train roll through town is, indeed, a beautiful sight. You can see the water tower at Bennett College in the background, clearly situating the photo in downtown Greensboro. Trains have been such a part of Greensboro's history and the very reason we are nicknamed the Gate City. Gateway city, transporting textiles, jeans, necessities and luxury items to where they are needed. If you ever get a chance, take a day trip on our passenger trains.

Evangel Fellowship Word Ministries

The above photo was taken in downtown Greensboro in Governmental Plaza on First Friday. Members of the Evangel Fellowship Church of Greensboro were doing sound checks, getting ready for Christian Anderson to sing at a benefit concert,  which was a fundraiser for East Greensboro tornado victims. Ms. Anderson was scheduled to sing at 6:30 and, hopefully, she got to perform before the wind and rain disrupted many First Friday events. 

Evangel Fellowship is a dynamic congregation that worships at 2207 East Cone Boulevard. Otis Lockett, Jr. is pastor. The biblical-based congregation has been together for 35 years, moving from Freeman Mill Road to East Cone Boulevard. Christian Anderson is a local Christian musician who spreads the word of God through her voice. Sometimes, a powerful song can move a person spiritually even more than just plain talking; although, congregants sing the praises of Pastor Lockett and his wife. Happy Sunday!

Crafted, the Art of the Taco

Crafted, the Art of the Taco, was established in 2012, in a long skinny space on the east side of Elm Street. The new Crafted, photographed above, is located across the street, in the south 200 block in the  building formerly housing Mack and Mack clothing designers. Kris Fuller takes great pride in serving high quality food in this upscale "taco joint." The move has doubled capacity and provides a great space to eat both inside or almost-inside, at the open windows-  protected from the elements. 

Last night, at First Friday, being protected from the elements was pretty important. At first it was sunny, too hot, at 91 degrees. Then, between six and seven pm, the skies darkened, lightening started; soon,  the rains came. The above photo was taken around 8pm, when the rains subsided, twilight gave downtown a warm glow, and people both inside and outside enjoyed the beauty of an almost-summer evening.

Mango Chili Paleta Anyone?

If you are looking for something to do with family or friends this weekend, consider heading over to Gate City Boulevard to the Michoacana Store for a frozen fruit bars at the "heladería y paletería". Michoacan is a state in Mexico, just west of Mexico City. While most know of the area because of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, it is also well knows for frozen fruit bars, perhaps even the original home of them.

When you find this store tucked-away in Greensboro, you will not be disappointed. It is located across from the Habitat for Humanity Restore, behind the Latino Credit Union, beside K-Pop Nail Salon. La Michoacana, and the surrounding area, is like a little taste of Mexico right here in Greensboro. There is even a man selling fresh coconuts out of a shopping cart in the parking lot. The popsicles are $2.49 each and there must be at least 100 flavors, made on site. As an example, the above flavor is mango and chili pepper. It is not sweet at all, but savory, spicy and filled with real chunks of mango. The first bite tastes like real fruit and real food, not sugar. Other flavors include tamarind, kiwi strawberry, cherry, chocolate, and coconut. They do have more playful, candy flavors and some that are milk based. You could try a different flavor a day and probably have not exhausted the choices by the end of the summer. A nice option is to cut off chunks so that everyone can try more than one.

Indeed, it is time for summer fun!