Greensboro Daily Photo

Women of Greensboro: Michelle Jarrett

We'll close out Women's History Month with a photo of  the super creative, loads-of-fun, Greensboro artist, Michelle Jarrett. Michelle's business is FUNKY BY NATURE. We met up with her on Monday afternoon in her Greensboro studio.Just look at that heartfelt smile!  Michelle's talent is taking random scraps and repurposing them into fabulous works of art. She is currently working on metal yard flowers for an upcoming virtual art show (#southerncharmatthefarm). 

Michelle, originally from Philadelphia, has been in Greensboro for decades. She worked as a chef and caterer for 30 years before working another decade in jewelry making. Now, she has formed her own business, truly turning trash into treasure. Visiting Michelle's studio is like stepping into the pages of a Somerset Magazine feature on an artist's studio. Michelle is super organized; you can ask for anything from shards of stained glass to brass crimp beads to wire cutters and she can put her hands on the item within seconds. Currently, she is working on a pink poodle lamp with a shade made of pink plastic hair rollers. Fun, fun, fun! Design and creativity merge when Michelle is in the house. Follow her Funky by Nature Facebook page to learn more about her unique, upcycled, and unconventional decor.

If you want an opportunity to purchase Michelle's art, you can also contact her at 336-707- 7794.

Oden Brewing Company: The Façade

Yesterday's view on GDP was the back yard of Oden Brewing, the part behind the houses on the west side of the building. Today, we share the facade of Oden Brewing, located at 802 West Gate City Boulevard. If you are local, likely, you have noticed this this brick structure- vacant for years. The building has one of those fee- good stories of the younger generation preserving a little bit of the past. This story is even sweeter given the Oden family, brothers Bill and John, and their families, have resorted the building that once housed their great grandfather's bottling plant. According to their website, "William L. "Fate" Oden operated his soft drink bottling plant in the towering industrial building formerly known as Buffalo Rock Bottling Plant." 

At the height of the bottling of soft drinks, in the late 40s early 50s, there were ten bottling plants in Greensboro (read the 1998 News & Record article, here). It also appears that Buffalo Rock actually dates back to 1901 in Birmingham, Alabama, and that the above building would have been part of the network of Buffalo Rock bottlers and distributers. While plastic has long since beat out glass in the soft drink bottling industry, beer is still bottled in glass (or cans) and the Bill and John Oden family bottling beer in the very site that their great grandfather built a bottling business. Somehow, that story just seems for fitting in spring- the key season for rebirth and renewal.

Oden Brewing Company Where the Past Steps into the Future!

West Gate City Boulevard was hopping on Saturday night. Oden Brewing Company, located at 802 W. Gate City Boulevard, is part of the change happening to the Gate City Boulevard area.  The Oden building is a large garage-type brick structure used as a brewery (not photographed here).  Odom also owns the two houses photographed above and the property surrounding them. The houses date to the early 20th century and are being renovated to their original charm. Saturday  afternoon and into the evening, people gathered here to listen to good music, drink a few pints, and eat some really good BBQ out of the food truck on site. The surprising feature of the whole complex is the ample parking on this combined lot. Also, there are exit/entrances on Gate City Boulevard as well as onto Tate Street.

Most patrons on Saturday night spent their time on the porch or the picnic tables, stools, and chairs in the yard. Some elected to remain inside and the weather was warm enough to keep the doors open, bringing the outside in. It is really encouraging to see old buildings and houses get restored and repurposed, as opposed to tearing them down and building new. This trend will help Greensboro retain its old-world charm, keeping a foot in the past while also remaining relevant into the future! Here, you can be in public, just west of downtown, but have the feeling you are on a friend's farm out in rural North Carolina! Soon, we'll feature the Oden building soon and share its back story. Stay tuned!

Heavenly View on Palm Sunday

This time of year, we always find outselves drawn to the area around Westover Church on Muirs Chapel Road. Trees in bl0om surround the church and the perimeter of the parking lot.  The above view is along Tower Road,  facing west. The pattern in the sky looks like rays of white radiating out from the horizon. In reality, the white stripes are probably contrails from jets heading into the airport. Regardless, they punctuate the view of the trees.

For Christians, today is Palm Sunday. While the above photos are not palms, they remind us of the road, the path of this first day of Holy Week. If you are interested in learning more about Westover Terrace, see their website here. If you want to see the above view, you'd better head to Muirs Chapel and Tower Road quickly as before you know it, the pink and white blossoms will be replaced by green foliage. Happy Palm Sunday!

 

Mural and Signs of Spring at Barnhardt Street

The above mural is visible from Barnhardt Street and the Lewis Street Parking Lot. This is the area where Piedmont Winterfest is now held. The area looks so pretty with signs of spring and with all of the bright artwork. It is also visible from Spring Garden Street. This past Thursday, late afternoon, the area was eerily quiet. Hopefully, with the weather opening and COVID waning, outdoor events will start making a comeback and the businesses on the perimeter of the parking lot will once again be filled with people. The nearby Boxcar Arcade and SouthEnd Brewing, and other establishments will regain clientele. 

Here is a link to some of the Greensboro Public Art. If you get a chance this weekend, visit downtown and enjoy some of this public art in person. Also, if you know the artist of the above mural, let us know and we'll drop it in today's post! As always, we appreciate you GDP readers!

Quiet Afternoon At Hamburger Square

Hamburger Square is located in the heart of downtown Greensboro. This view is at the corner of South Elm Street and McGee Street. Some days, this very space is filled with people and performers during downtown events. At times, a state is set up here for performers. Yesterday, all was quiet here and sometimes a quiet and peaceful walk is so meaningful, especially after a long day at work. In the distance, you can see the trestle bridge that was recently refurbished and repainted. It sees a lot of train traffic daily. Since 1851, Greensboro has been a big part of the NC Railroad Corridor, the very reason the city is nicknamed The Gate City.

There are many open spaces in Greensboro and remember there are many great shops, restaurants, and other businesses just waiting for you to stop in for a visit. We hope you have a great weekend and that you find time to head downtown. Just in front of the magnolia tree on the left are free-standing DGSO letters. They are perfect for a photo opportunity. No doubt where the photo was taken when you are in front of those letters.

Royal Star Magnolia

In Greensboro, spring is such a special season. The flora and landscape changes before our eyes. The above plant is a bloom on a royal star magnolia tree. The blooms of this tree were absolutely perfect last week. The royal star magnolia is an early blooming, fast growing tree. The white showy blooms come out before any signs of foliage. This specimen is at the Greensboro Arboretum and is clearly labeled as a royal star magnolia.

Plants have responded positively to all the rain we've had in Greensboro over the past several months. If you want to learn more about plants and plants that do well in our community, any of the local lawn and garden centers will be happy to assist you. If you want to be involved at a deep level, please visit the website of Greensboro Beautiful. Since 1968, they have been working diligently to conserve and enhance the beauty and ecology of the area. Perhaps you would be interested in volunteering with this group. 

Chalk Walk 2021

Last weekend, on Sunday, March 14th, the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department hosted a Chalk Walk event in the Greensboro Arboretum. There were 33 participants. The above photo features the winning entry for the 18+age  category. The koi pond was drawn by Lauren Ward, a Guilford County Schools art teacher. How wonderful that the artist behind this beautiful drawing shares her talent with the children of Greensboro.

This scene is also an example of how Greensboro has gotten really creative about having events. The Chalk Walk got people out in a socially distanced way to enjoy a sunny afternoon. People walked through the exhibit and a few runners were seen along the way. With or without special events, The Greensboro Arboretum is a very special space in our community. Trees and plants have labels on them, so you can learn as you go. The day we visited, shadows added a lot of intrigue to the adventure. Happy Wednesday! 

Going Mod On Cannon Road

Exploring Greensboro for the purpose of finding things to share with you is so much fun. Realizing we had never been on Cannon Road, we drove down it this past weekend. The above recently renovated home at 703 Cannon Road is right on the corner of Muir's Chapel. It sold on March 12th at over a 200% gain over the purchase price last year.* How wonderful that this 2 bedroom one bathroom house, built in 1953, added so much value with just the right amount of TLC. It is as if we've got our own little HGTV episode right here in Greensboro. It will be fun to watch the other properties on this street.

One of the biggest surprises while exploring Cannon Road it that it comes out on Friendly Avenue at the back entrance to Guilford College and on the western edge of Hamilton Lakes. Keep your eye out for this mid-century modern beauty, with the spring green grass and the bright red accent door,  when northbound on Muirs Chapel. Happy Tuesday!

*According to Zillow data,  3/22/21

Cone Health Facility at North Battleground & Drawbridge Pkwy.

Those of you who have been around Greensboro since the mid-1990s and before remember a very different North Battleground Avenue- near Horse Pen Creek. Twenty-five or so years ago, North Battleground seemed almost like driving out to the country. That was when Laddie and Duke's Irish Pub was busy serving up corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, onion ring loafs, Irish lamb stew, fish and chips, sandwiches and more. That restaurant has long been razed. two gas stations, two drug stores, and two auto parts store are part of the new landscape.

However, more recently, the property at the corner at Drawbridge Parkway and North Battleground is really transforming. First the Urban Loop I-840 passes right by with an exit right there. What used to be a Kentucky Fried Chicken is now a Jake's Diner. What used to be a Food Lion is being transformed into the above medical facility. Brasfield and Gorrie have the contract to build the Cone Health Med Center on the 8 acre lot.  The facility will be 150,000 square feet and will be for emergencies, imaging, and an outpatient medical oncology and rehabilitation service. It will be exciting to follow the progress on this facility. As you can see from the image above, the facility has really started taking shape.

The facility will be just down the road from Well-Spring Retirement Community and Kernodle Middle School. If you haven't driven on Drawbridge Parkway and North Battleground since the Laddie and Duke's days, you owe yourself this adventure! Happy Monday!  

*For those of you who want a little more Greensboro nostalgia, here is an article about Laddie and Duke's, written by John Batchleor for the News and Record back in 1996. Thank goodness for good writers and newspapers and (digital) paper trails!

New Faith Baptist

New Faith Baptist Church is located on Tower Road, across from Morehead Elementary School, and in the heart of the Hamilton Lakes neighborhood. It is one of those plain, rectangular structures with that lone tree for shade and a marquee at the entrance. The pastor is Reverend Billy R. Holder and the leading lady is Reverend Pamela C. Holder. According to their Facebook page, the vision of the church is "Restoring the Body of Christ to Christ-Likeness." 

If you are interested in the church, you can follow them on their Facebook page where sermons are shared. The Sunday worship service is at 11:00 am and the Bible study is on Sunday at 10:00 am and Thursday at 7:00 am. We've featured lots of churches on Greensboro Daily Photo, but don't think we've shared this one before. Sometimes, just taking a new way from Point A to Point B yields so many new people and places. Happy Sunday!

The Beautiful Greensboro Arboretum

The Greensboro Arboretum is 17-acres of glorious green space between Ashland Avenue and West Market Street. According to the Greensboro Beautiful website, there are 14 plant collections at the Arboretum. From the Jim Gallucci arched entranceway to the butterfly garden, it is the kind of place where every time you go, you can see something different. One time you may focus on plantings, another, on the structural features. The Arboretum is a very different place when events are being held there, like Summer Solstice, Candlefest, or one of the art events.

Last weekend,  The Greensboro Parks and Recreation department hosted a chalk walk here, where individuals and groups made chalk drawings on the promenade and visitors voted through their phones. The above photo was taken from a bridge at the end of the Arboretum closest to Lindley Park- near the chalk drawings. As you can see, the forsythia have their yellow blooms now and it has been so rainy lately that the stream is full. If you are looking for something lovely to do this weekend, consider heading to the Arboretum. If you think this seen looks like spring, you should walk through the Arboretum and you will experience what spring FEELS like! This lovely space is now open from 8 am- 7 pm.

Yesterday Was a Rainbow Afternoon In Greensboro!

Yesterday's rainbow in Greensboro (and High Point) was glorious. At about 6:30, the sun came out, after a dark day with the threat of strong winds and a torrential downpour. The above view of the rainbow was just west of North Battleground Avenue. It is easy to focus on the bad, but we need to remember to look for the good. The rainbow is, perhaps, the most glorious of all weather events. 

Even though today promises to be a rainy day, remember to be on the lookout for the rainbow, even if it isn't a literal rainbow. If you are looking for something to do tonight, events are starting up again. Here is a list of some local happenings. There are options from Friday Nite Live with DJ Deron Juan at Boston's on Arnold Street to a performance of Porgy and Bess at the Well-Spring Theatre.

Happy Friday, Greensboro!

Stacking Wood: After the Storm

Let's hope the anticipated high winds predicted don't materialize in Greensboro today. The possibility of high winds got us thinking about our most recent storms. When we had the ice storm about a month ago, we were passing this house on Hedrick Drive and noticed this wood cut and piled ever so neatly. We started to stop and see if it was available for firewood, but didn't. That would be a nice gesture, though. If you have a branch that falls, to cut it up and, if you don't need it, share it with friends who have fire pits, fireplaces, or who like to grill with wood. If there is one thing we have learned in this pandemic year is that even when we are alone, we can find ways to be together and to help each other. Greensboro comes by its name honestly and we are a community with a lot of trees. Let's hope our trees weather this one with grace.

There are some fabulous places in the area to purchase firewood (like Ace Firewood in McLeansville and Storm-Felled Firedwoods in Browns Summit). You never know, they may also take wood off your hand. Be safe everyone!

Morehead Expressive Arts Magnet

Morehead Elementary School, a K-5 school on Tower Road, is a one of the Guilford County Schools of Choice. Magnet applications have been turned in and the processing of applications has started. Before you know it, families will be making big decisions about the next school year. Hopefully, schools will be able to return in person in the fall. Hopefully, students will all attend a school where there is a goodness of fit.

Morehead Elementary was named for John Motley Morehead (1796- 1866). Morehead was a lawyer, politician, and the 29th Governor of North Carolina.  Morehead Elementary School opened in 1967 and its name has not changed in its 54 year history. Morehead Elementary is located in Hamilton Lakes. As a matter of fact, it is right behind the Hamilton Lakes Swim and Tennis Club. On a warm early June afternoon, on Tower Road and Montpelier Drive, you can hear the joyful sounds of children both from the school and from the swim and tennis club.

It is hard to believe June is only two and a half months away, but, let's not wish away springtime before it has even started.

Happy Wednesday!

People of Greensboro: Zack & William Matheney

Greensboro is a great city for many reasons. However, the best aspect of all is the people here. Today, we're featuring Zack Matheny and his son William. Zack, President of Downtown Greensboro, is originally from Statesville, NC, came to Greensboro in 1996 to work for Cone Mills. Through that position, he relocated to California. However,Zack e missed North Carolina so much, he returned, deciding to settle down in Greensboro. In addition to raising his family here, Zack's mom has relocated to Greensboro. William is a 4th grader at Our Lady of Grace School. Last Thursday, he got to spend a little time visiting his dad at the office. You can tell by the heartfelt smile on his face that he was enjoying being there.

Zack, through the organization,  Downtown Greensboro.  (#DGSO ) works in so many ways to help downtown Greensboro thrive. He oversees a dedicated team that does everything from helping people find a place to live downtown, start a business, grow their business, and they even plan events to help people make great memories here. We can't wait to see what events get planned for the upcoming months- William is looking forward to them, too!

Happy Tuesday, dear readers!

People of Greensboro: Leigh and Mary Kate

Today, we're featuring two fabulous, fierce females of Greensboro. On the left is Leigh Hamilton and on the right, Mary Kate Holden. Leigh teaches dance classes in Greensboro and Mary Kate participates in Leigh's line dancing classes. The multi-talented Mary Kate is a high school science teacher in the Guilford County Schools. She was also a dance major at Mt. Holyoke College. Mary Kate often attends Leigh's beginner classes so that new students can have a role model in the front of the lines and one in the rear. Those smiles alone are enough to motivate the dancers. The photo was taken at Hamilton Lakes during one of Leigh's Saturday classes.

You may have seen Leigh around town, she teaches classes at Proehlific Park, the Y, and also has some classes she hosts independently. Leigh was born in Raleigh and raised in Greenville, NC. In the early years of her marriage, Leigh lived in Charlotte and worked for Minnesota Life Insurance Company. However, once their son was born, Leigh decided to stay home to raise Nathan, and at that point began her fitness journey. In 2012, she earned her Body Pump certification. She is also a qualified Zumba instructor, dance teacher, and so much more. Leigh has one of those voices that laughs and remains enthusiastic no matter how hard the workout she is facilitating. Leigh can teach a workout or dance routine  to students at any skill level. You will love taking a class with her. If you want to give one a try, on March 24th from 2-3:30 pm, she will lead a Spring Dance Party in the baseball/soccer parking lot at Proehlific Park. All are invited. This event is a good opportunity to see if you want to sign up for one of Leigh's classes and if you want to join Proehlific Park.

Hats off to Leigh and Mary Kate for being dedicated members of the fit-for-life club! Indeed, two fierce females!

(Contact Leigh at [email protected]  if you want to try to join one of her classes).

Friendly Avenue Church of Christ

The tree with the pink blossoms in front of Friendly Avenue Church of Christ is so beautiful. We were driving along Friendly Avenue the other day, had just had to pull off and get a photo. Spring is like that. If you don't take a photo immediately, the next time you look, the landscape will have changed- especially if it rains. The church is at 5101 West Friendly Avenue, in the event that you want to attend, or simply to keep an eye out for this glorious little tree as you drive past.

Friendly Avenue Church of Christ is a dynamic church with English, Spanish, and Deaf Ministries. They offer sermons online and have a robust calendar of activities happening in the church. Music is an important part of the church and they have a very active Praise Team. Here is the website if you want to learn more about Friendly Avenue Church of Christ. They offer a hybrid worship service that you can watch through their Facebook page at 10:15 today. The stream opens at 10:00 in case you want to make sure your technology is working. We didn't see a church history online and couldn't find a cornerstone when we visited the other day. The church is a beautiful, expansive building- with plenty of parking.

Happy Sunday, however you choose to spend it.

Sunny Days

This week has been gloriously sunny in Greensboro. The above photo shows what we do in Greensboro when the sun is out! We head to a spot in nature to sit in the sun and read a good book. The above photo was taken at Peabody Park, a mixed hardwood forest on the north end of UNCG's campus. This 34-acre tract of land is billed as a pleasant retreat for students (faculty and staff, too). The above photo is evidence! The trees on the acreage range from saplings to mature, canopy trees. There are also perennial herbs, a small (small) pond, and two streams on site. 

If you are good at identifying plants and animals, Peabody Park is a great place to explore. It is one of only two known spaces in Guilford County where the horsetail plant if found. Read more about the park, here. Everybody deserves a "go to" place to enjoy nature and to escape the trappings of the digital area. It looks like the above student has, indeed, found just that space! Happy Saturday and, get ready for that time change.

Downtown Greensboro #DGSOTOGO

Downtown Greensboro Incorporated is an economic development organization. The staff works tirelessly to ensure that downtown businesses, venues, and public spaces have what they need to thrive. This has been no easy task during the pandemic. They also work to see that community events like Fun Fourth and the Festival of Lights operate, as feasible. Their committees include 1) economic development; 2) fundraising; and 3) events and entertanment. The Downtown Greensboro organization was formed in 1997, and has been in their current location (536 South Elm Street) for five years. The above photo features part of the staff, from left to right: Zack Matheny, Joy Ross, Keith Holliday, and Stacy Calfo.

We had the good opportunity to meet everyone when we went into their office yesterday to collect a prize. Downtown Greensboro is currently holding a drawing where people who make purchases of $25 or more downtown have the chance to win $500 and the business where they shopped also wins $500. While we didn't win the cash prize, we won a very generous shopping bag full of t-shirts and items celebrating Greensboro.

Downtown Greensboro does so much for the community; read about them at this link ( which was one of our primary sources for information). And stay tuned, when we were visiting, they had just finished a meeting planning future events for the remainder of 2021. Hats off to this fine group and organization. Let's all show them a little love and head downtown this afternoon. It isn't First Friday, but it is always a Fun Friday-  in downtown Greensboro!

Spring Is Almost Here, Greensboro!

Something about this glorious weather the last few days has everyone in Greensboro realizing it is almost spring! Today and tomorrow, it will be over 70ºF. Daffodils are popping up everywhere, including our own backyard. When these, reliable, spring flowering perennials pop up, we know winter is letting go. Daffodils are hardy, multiply quickly, are not fussy about soil and don't seem to be of interest to rabbits and deer. If you don't have some already, consider heading to one of our local garden stores and purchasing a container. Even grocery stores have them this time of year.

If you don't have a yard, there are so many public places to walk, including the parks in Greensboro, where you can see all of the changes nature brings forth this time of year. Hyacinths and tulips won't be far behind! Happy Thursday and happy nine more days until spring!

(And because we know some of our dear friends will ask, yes is was necessary to stretch out on the ground to get this photo).

Oscar Oglethorpe Eyewear in the 200 Block of South Elm

Oscar Oglethorpe is a great place to get your eyes examined and to purchase trendy (and practical) frames, at a great price. They are located at 226 South Elm Street. So often, when we walk by, the window displays bring us big smiles. The display this month evokes fun in the sun and billowy clouds in the sky. The above photo is only a fraction of the display, but sunny days make the window decorations hard to photograph, due to glare. Last time we featured the window, in 2016, the person who worked this window magic was Tammy Pegram of Tammy Can Re-Design. Surely, Tammy continues to provide these fabulous displays. The 200 block of South Elm has the creative posters at Triad Stage, and across the street from both of these businesses is Thousands O' Prints. They, too, are known for fabulously curated window displays. 

At Oscar Oglethorpe's, not only are the window displays enticing, the staff is super client oriented. They have this way of finding glasses that are perfect for you, helping just enough to steer you in the right direction, without actually making the decision for you. Do call for an appointment, though. They work really hard at keeping you safe from Covid! Get some new glasses or sunglasses, buy a poster, eat some good tacos, get a pedicure, and never have to leave the South 200 block of Elm... unless of course you want to slip around the corner and eat at Liberty Oak, which, by the way, serves breakfast now!

Carolina Theatre 2021

If you follow current events in Greensboro, you may have already known that Carolina Theatre named the auditorium for Betty and Ben Cone, Jr. Here is the Youtube video from 2018, where the announcement was made. As we are reminded in the video, Betty lead the campaign to save the Carolina Theatre back in 1976. Betty and Ben also donated significantly to the Setting the Stage campaign at the theatre a few years ago. That last big campaign really helped with technological amenities and upgrades, keeping the theatre current in the digital age.

It is hard to believe that it has already been almost six years since we interviewed Betty Cone for Greensboro Daily Photo (here). Please read (or reread) that post where we featured her. It really lets you know what Betty has meant to the Greensboro community. Noteworthy is the fact that the photo from 2015 was taken in front of the Carolina Theatre. Betty had suggested we meet there as she had something to do at the theatre. The banner in the above photo is currently hanging at the Greene Street entrance to this Greensboro, North Carolina treasure-  where people have gone for great entertainment since 1927. Thanks to Betty and Ben, the 100th anniversary will be a grand one and the Carolina Theatre should be a great place to enjoy performances well into the next century. 

If you want a quick overview of the contributions  of the whole Cone family in Greensboro, read Jim Schlosser's 2003 article in the News & Record (updated in 2015).  

Doggos Dog Park and Pub

At Doggos Dog Park and Pub, humans get in free and canine companions pay a fee. Above, owners Paula and Keith are featured in front of the wall of canines at the entrance. We interviewed Paula briefly on Saturday as she was super busy taking care of  customers. Doggos is located at 1214 Battleground Avenue, relocating there about a year ago from West Market Street. Their current location is the former Landrover lot; just look for the brightly colored exterior wall. Doggos is the first dog park/pub in Greensboro. We stopped by on Saturday afternoon, first noticing all of the fun everyone was having while en route to The Tiny Greenhouse. It was a sunny day and dogs were romping around joyfully as owners sat around socializing, socially distanced, outside. This midtown business is a hit with humans and all of the dogs give it a four paws up.

Here is a link to the Doggos website where you can learn about day, monthly, and annual passes. Annual members have access to members-only events and great "pawties." Humans must be over 21 and dogs must be friendly, fixed, and vaccinated. By the looks of the way the dogs were interacting the other day, the dog park/pub concept is a great one. And you can be sure Paula and Keith know the names of the canine members. As we were leaving, Paula addressed a Rhodesian ridgeback by name as he walked through the door. You could tell by the spring in his walk that he knew where he was going and that he was going to have a lot of fun. 

Former Methodist Cemetery

Good morning, Greensboro!  A reader suggested we feature this sign explaining about a former Methodist cemetery. The sign is located at the 300 block of South Elm Street. The above photo shows a recent version of the sign. If the letters towards the center appear mottled, it looks someone took some red spray paint to them. That is so sad to vandalize a historic marker. When we featured it a few years ago, it had googlie eyes over the "O" on the word "original" resembling a German umlaut. Those googlie eyes are long gone.

This sign tells of a Methodist cemetery formerly located downtown and used for public burials. The unclaimed bodies were moved to Green Hill Cemetery, north of town. It is interesting that this sign would be placed so many blocks north of the location of the cemetery. Over ten percent of Christians in Greensboro are Methodist and Christians comprise the largest faith group in Greensboro. Historic markers are nice, because they help document events and help us remember our past, well into the future. Happy Sunday! It is a great day to drive around and read historic markers and HERE is a map, showing you where they are located.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JANE!

In Greensboro, we love to celebrate birthdays. Yesterday, our dear friend, Jane Mitchell celebrated a birthday and our mutual friend Alice Hill had the yard sign installed through Triad Yard Cards   (see also here). The day was sunny in Sunset Hills and those colorful signs simply popped, bringing so much joy to all who were celebrating with Jane. Mrs. GDP actually got to be in the photo because "Doc" from the locally-owned Fordham Cleaners happened to be dropping off dry cleaning in the neighborhood and took the photo for us. Serendipitously, it was also Doc's birthday! That was such a fun little moment of joy. The other ladies in the photo were dropping off flowers, balloons, and goodies from the Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an organization for key women educators. From left to right: Janis, Alice, Myra, Jane, Sheila, and Elaine.

Jane has been a dedicated supporter of Greensboro Daily Photo from the beginning. She often gives suggestions and even helps us arrange meetings with people to feature. Every single person in the photo can tell you how Jane has touched their life, and these are just a few of Jane's many, many friends. In these pandemic times, when we have all had to be socially distanced for so long, it feels good to be vaccinated and cautiously finding ways to celebrate each other. The yard-card birthday greeting was absolutely the icing on the cake. May we all find ways to bring each other joy- whether it is a birthday or not!

Kerenhappuch Norman Turner

Today, we're featuring another monument in Monument Row at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. The person is Kerennappuch Norman Turner. Ms. Turner received word that her son had been badly wounded in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. She rode by horseback all the way from Maryland and nursed her son back to health. A mother's love and committed care made a difference and saved a soldier. Here is what the inscription reads, at the base of the statue:

A Heroine of '76
Mrs. Kerenhappuch Turner
Mother of Elizabeth
The Wife of Joseph
Morehead of N.C. And
Grandmother of Captain
James and of John Morehead
A Young N.C. Soldier Under
Greene, Rode Horse-back from
Her Maryland Home and At
Guilford Courthouse Nursed
To Health A Badly Wounded Son

We are a little confused as to why the hands on the statue are covered in duct tape. It could be weather related. If you know why, please let us know. Happy Friday, consider heading out there and see these interesting sights and sites!

 

L Richardson Preyer Federal Building Court House

This photo is of the north side of the L Richardson Preyer Federal Building at the corner of Eugene Street and Friendly Avenue. The entrance/address is on the other side at 324 West Market Street. Actually, however, entrances were built on all four sides. It opened in 1933 as a post office and a courthouse of the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. The four-story structure is 60,980 sq ft. Twenty-four homes that were 2,500 square feet would fit inside of the Preyer Building. That is a big building downtown and to be sure, they take care of big business there.

The exterior architecture is Art Deco style and if you are an aficionado of architecture, there is plenty to see here, both inside and out! The foundation is Mt. Airy granite and the exterior is Indiana limestone. It is hard to imagine Greensboro without the Preyer Building. Imagine 1920 in downtown Greensboro, the Lincoln Financial Corp. buildings would not yet have been built, nor the Preyer building. Just that West Market Street United Methodist Church, now snuggled between the two imposing buildings, remain from the original footprint of those city blocks. The 20s and 30s were big times of growth for downtown Greensboro. It is looking like the 2020s and 2030s are times of big growth, too, especially if you consider what the local universities have planned! Happy Thursday... a little nostalgia day on GDP.

General Greene Rides Again!

March is such an important month in the history of Greensboro. March 15th was the day of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. In 1781, Major General Nathanael Greene led the Continental army against the British army, led by General Charles Lord Cornwallis. Though the British won the battle, we won the war.* While his army lost, General Greene survived the battle, living five more years and dying in Grove, GA, at the age of forty three! If we read our history books correctly, it seems like General Greene was only in Greensboro for about a month. Maybe not even that long. He arrived in North Carolina in February, arrived in Greensboro on March 14th, fought the Battle of Guilford Courthouse on March 15th and headed for South Carolina in April. However, General Greene left a lasting impression on the area and, 27 years later, in 1808, when Greensboro became a town, it took Greene's name and we have been Greensborough/Greensboro ever since. 

This is a very special time of year to visit Guilford Court House National Military Park. You can take a self-guided tour on your cell phone and learn about all of the statues and history. It is so special to see the park while the trees are in leafless winter mode and then again when the tree canopy is completely back. The monument stands over 27 feet tall. It was dedicated in 1915 and the sculptor was Francis H. Packer and the statue in the photo is bronze. The base (not visible in this photo) is granite. The monument was placed on the highest point in the park. Read more about it here in the North Carolina Encyclopedia. Please do head to the park and see these monuments for yourself. If you already have, go visit them again, and have a great day while you are at it! Happy Wednesday!

 

* Here is the link to the Wikipedia entry about the battle. It isn't a bad place to start if you need a quick refresher on Greensboro's early history.

Springtime at 726 South Elam Avenue

Today's yellow house with the popping blue accent door evokes thoughts spring. Soon, plants will be leafing out from the containers on the entrance stairs. Before you know it, that ample front porch will be filled with people sipping lemonade and greeting neighbors who are walking by. This house at 726 South Elam in Lindley Park has been a two-story beauty on the corner of Sherwood Street since 1900. When it was built 121 years ago, a four bedroom two bath house would have been a giant. There would have been even more trees in the neighborhood; likely some planted by or purchased from John Van Lindley, for whom the neighborhood is named. 

If Zillow and Realtor.com are correct, the home last sold in 2015 and there were original architectural details remaining on the inside. The house sits on over a quarter of an acre of land, very generous for a city lot. According to voting records, there are 210 people who live on South Elam, 91 of whom are democrats, 31 are Republicans and 88 are "other" as in Libertarian or Unaffiliated. It is so interesting to think about a neighborhood, or even the street, based on the internet searches of property records and voting profiles of residents. That is such a 21st century concept. Even houses, streets, and neighborhoods have digital footprints. That thought begs the question, how do we all fit into the profile of our neighborhoods? Happy Tuesday! Sunday, March 20th is the first day of spring. We're betting this sunny beauty at 726 S. Elam is ready!

 

The Serendipity of Chores

Sometimes the most unexpected fun comes when  out doing chores. Yesterday, we headed up to Price Park to recycle our glass containers and happened to catch the City of Greensboro emptying the big blue cans. While we were there, Tim was working outside the truck and we had a brief conversation. He says the city has to empty the cans both on Saturday and Sunday or otherwise they will overflow. It was so nice to find the container empty and not have to coax the bottles into a full container. Even with his mask on, Tim was smiling. It is nice to meet people who enjoy their job and enjoy meeting people along the way. 

Here is a link to Greensboro's website that explains what glass can and can't be recycles and where one can go to drop off the glass. Also, Reconsidered Goods on Spring Garden Street has a dumpster for glass behind their building. From the looks of what goes into the dumpsters, the people of Greensboro sure drink a lot of wine and beer-- at least on the weekend. Happy Monday! Happy recycling! Can you believe it is already March? It will be spring before you know it.