Gorrell Street is located just southwest of downtown Greensboro, crossing over Morrow Boulevard and near Bennett College. We wanted to visit Station #4, photographed above and located at 401 Gorrell, because Logie Meachum writes about it in his reflection, "Sweet Magnolia, in the book "27 Views of Greensboro". Logie had to be bussed across town to attend a school that accepted African-American children. He made the most of the daily trip, ever eager to see what guests were playing at the Magnolia Hotel. Just down the road from the Magnolia was Fire Station #4, another favorite of his. Here's what he has to say, reflecting on his adventures on the No. 5 bus.
"The No. 5 Gorrell Street bus went under the bridge at Market Street and Murow Boulevard, which was and remains the gateway to the soul side of town. As we headed toward Gorrell Street, my mind focused on two special places: Fire Station No. 4 had Greensboro's only all-black crew, who to me and the other kids at the time were local heroes; the other site was the Magnolia Hotel (p. 55). In retracing Logie's steps, we saw what he saw, firemen working hard to make sure they would be ready in the event of a fire. Engine #4 has been in this location since 1964 and it integrated in 1967.* The people who worked, lived, and traveled along Gorrell Street in the 1960s would be happy to know that the fire station, and the Magnolia Hotel down the street are still up and running. Have a drive and see for yourself. Happy Saturday!
Good that it is still operating.
Posted by: William Kendall | Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 04:16 PM