Greensboro Daily Photo

Snow is Lingering and Getting Cleared

While it didn't snow yesterday, workers were busy clearing it up in parking lots and on streets. The above pile of snow was one of many in the shopping center on Lawndale Avenue. As you can see, it got warm enough yesterday for the parking lot to melt; however, after sunset, the temperature quickly dropped to freezing and by sunrise had dropped to 23°F. The main roads have been cleared, but the side streets are still bad. Efforts will be made to get the streets cleared today. Also, garbage pick up is pushed back by another day as efforts continue to clear the streets. Forecasters are predicting that we could get some more snow on Friday.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation clears snow "based on connectivity, traffic volume, trucking routes, and importance to hospitals."* They do not remove snow from driveways or sidewalks. Homeowners are expected to address these issues in front of their houses. In the meantime, small children are all out making snowmen and getting in the first sled rides of the season. Do you have a special sled riding spot in your neighborhood? Happy Tuesday and if you must go out, please try to stay on main roads and go in the middle of the day when roads are warmest.

*reference and additional information, here. The top priority is interstates and four lane divided highways. 

Snow, What are your Storm Foods?

Do you think by this time tomrrow we will have snow? Yesterday, everyone in line at the Walmart Supercenter on West Elmsley Street south of Greensboro thought so. When we went in the store about 4pm, the self-checkout line was backed up almost to the back of the store. Fortunately, the line moved rather quickly. Most people were just picking up a few items. We were behind a worker who was buying something to drink and a snack, either after work or during break. We wish we'd thought to buy it for him and thank him for being there. Workers were filling shelves about as fast as customers were emptying them. If you notice the worker's vest, above the Wal mart sun, it says "6 bottles recycled to make this vest." In front of the employee, was a woman who bought a large pack of corn tortillas and three gallons of milk. We all have our "go to" comfort storm foods. What are yours.

The Elmsley Wal mart Supercenter is one of the newest in the Greensboro area. It is large, clean and (normally) well stocked. Sometimes you can find random things there that other stores don't carry- like 25 pound bags of rabbit pellets. It is located between South Elm-Eugene Street and Randleman Road and driving out the back exit to Randleman Road, we took Florida Street to Josephine Boyd to Spring Garden and made it to Reconsidered Goods- almost at West Market Street- to drop off a donation in a little over 15 minutes. One of the perks of knowing Greensboro well it getting from Point A to Point B and avoiding the busiest streets. 

Happy Saturday! Hopefully, we won't need to hunker down!

Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company

It is the beginning of a three day weekend for many, a weekend that may end with a little snow. Today, however, it is the beginning of a beautiful Friday and we're sharing a sunny view of the Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company- the Elm Street side. Do you see the name carved above the windows, the name that has changed many times over the years? We still tag the building as the "JP Building" because when we started Greensboro Daily Photo, the name of the company was Jefferson Pilot. Today, it is Lincoln Financial Group.

The building is a 374 foot skyscraper which, when built, in 1922, was the tallest building between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, GA!  Julian Price, president of Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company had it built and hired an architect from New York City, Charles C. Hartmann to design it. Thanks to Mr. Hartmann's design and Mr. Price's willingness to fund the use of high quality materials like terra cotta and granite, the building stands today as an icon of Neo-Gothic/Neo-Classical/Art Deco style. If you are out walking around this weekend, have a look at all of the details. Take a few selfies in front of it. We'd love to see them. The "up" orientation of the photo reminds us all to look up and stay on the sunny side of life.

Happy Friday!

Publix Distribution Center

Sometimes, on weekends, we like to drive from Greensboro to Kernersville, Burlington, Reidsville, Asheboro, High Point, or Pleasant Garden to see how the roads into and out of Greensboro are changing. Last weekend's venture took us to Burlington Road,- which is also U.S. 70, and East Wendover. We were shocked to see the above change, between Mt. Hope Road and Knox Road. What was formerly a small golf course (possibly nine hole), is now being transformed into the Publix Distribution Center near McLeansville. The center is 940,000 square feet on 338.69 acres. This industrial complex is scheduled to open in 2022.* This part of Guilford County is quickly becoming a place for trucks to get consumer goods and food from Point A to Point B. The $400 million investment should bring at least 1,000 jobs - not including the other jobs created as a result of having more people and commerce in the eastern end of Guilford County. Salaries will average between &42,000 and &44,ooo.**

It is fun to watch the progress. Now is a nice time to go have a look, especially on the weekend, as traffic is not yet excessive. On Sunday, it was as if the sky was pointing to the distribution center. Look at that arc of clouds. The photo doesn't do the site justice as the facility stretches as far as the eye can see. This is a case when a drone view would be best. Next time you need to drive somewhere east of Greensboro, consider taking the "back road" and seeing how much the area has changed.

Happy Wednesday!

 

• reference.
• ** reference.

Urban View

This is a view of West McGee Street, the 100 block. Longshanks Billiards is the business these young pedestrians are about to walk past. By the way, the cute dog on the left is painted onto the wall. (These are the details you notice when urban walking and photographing). The neon sign at the top of the photo advertises Ritchey's Bar and Restaurant. The clothing of the walkers and the small tree to the right, with no sign of foliage, are proof positive that it is winter. The grayness of the photo adds to the cold weather ambience. Winter- while relatively mild in Greensboro-  has an air of beauty in its own right. The gray buildings and sidewalk also give the photo an urban,  big city feel.

The above photo was taken mid-afternoon on a Saturday when all was quiet on McGee Street in Downtown Greensboro. However, a few hours later this side street will be lively and filled with people. McCoul's Public House, Little Brother's, Longshanks, and Ritchey's will be hopping, enough so that people just may be inspired to walk across the street to Legacy Irons Tattoo Company and indulge themselves with a tattoo, that is if they can get an appointment. They seem pretty busy. Today's photo reminds us a little of an Edward Hopper painting. We would love to see this photo turned into a painting... or a short story. That little doggie looks like he could belong to Greensboro's most famous short story writer,  O.Henry.

If you are interesting in urban walking, try out the downtown parts of the greenway. Or, try this site, "GPS my city". We haven't tried it personally, we love the serendipity of seeing where we end up; however, this site is a way to be more organized about your downtown touring.

Happy Tuesday!

 

Life Along the 300 Block of South Elm Street in Greensboro

Saturday afternoon in Downtown Greensboro was not crowded busy, but it was lively and peppy. The above photo is of the 300 block of South Elm, a block that has it all. There is Cheesecakes by Alex and Scuppernong Bookstore at the upper end of the S 300 block, plus good food and libation along the way (Jerusalem Market, Little Brothers, Natty Greenes, Grey's Tavern, Hibachi Cafe, and Heavenly Buffaloes),  good coffee (Green Bean, Scuppernong), a "Selfie Spot", and some great eclectic shopping (Design Archives and Just Be)- to name a few of the businesses along the South 300 corridor. The above photo features people perusing the sidewalk sale at Design Archives. The other people are walking past Little Brother's Brewing, and in the background, on the Elm McGee corner is "Just Be" full of fair trade goodness, about the best for it in the city now that 10,000 Villages has closed its Greensboro location.

The 300 block must be the longest in downtown. It starts with that building at Washington Street, the one with the rounded corner entrance, that housed "Glitters" for years, and extends all the way to Spring Garden Street.  While this section of downtown is ripe with fun experiences, truly, it is the people that bring a community alive. We started to interview those four upbeat, energetic, stylish, young shoppers at Design Archives, but they were having so much fun "in the moment" we didn't want to interrupt them. Besides, it looked like they were about to make a purchase and we wouldn't want to hinder a retail transaction! It was so nice to see such diverse groups of people downtown on Saturday; proof positive, there is something for everyone. 

Happy Monday! What do you have planned this week?

Sunny Afternoon on Hamburger Square 2022

In spite of the cold temperatures, Hamburger Square looked beautiful in the sun, late yesterday afternoon. The brick building in the center is Natty Greene's. Nobody was eating outside, and the electric scooters were quiet; however, a few people were out walking their dogs and running errands along South Elm Street. College students return next week, so streets should get a little more lively. Temperatures will remain cold for most of next week, so it may be a while before Elm Street regains its full energy. A Greensboro merchant once told us that the "J" months are usually the slowest. So, if you don't like crowds, mark for calendars for January, June, and July to do some major shopping.

Indeed, today is a pretty quiet day in Greensboro, unless of course you planning on attending heading to the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on Yanceyville from 7:30- 12:00 noon or the Greensboro Corner Farmers Market from 8:00- 12 noon. This evening, the Greensboro Hip Hop Festival will be held at at the Greensboro Coliseum tonight. So, there are still some things going on around town. And, as sunny as it will be today, it is a great time to take a walk. Hope to see you out and about today.

Happy Saturday!

Cast Impressions of Manhole Covers

The above art is a technique of casting impressions of manhole covers. They are made by the production manager of the Greensboro Symphony, Vito Ciccone. Originally from Washington, D.C. Mr. Ciccone has been in North Carolina since the late 1960s, early 1970s when he graduated from UNC Pembroke with a degree in fine art and printmaking.  A person of many talents, Mr. Ciccone has been making these cast impressions for almost a decade, and displays them at Tate Street Coffee House regularly in December.

The process is involved and includes cleaning off the manhole cover, making sure that pedestrians and law enforcement understand that he is making art and not vandalizing. He wears a vest with the word "artist" on the back, to help assuage people's concerns. Mr. Ciccone also makes the paper used in the process, makes the impressions, and then adds color, and finally stamps on the street address and longitude and latitude of where the impression was made. We had to do some internet sleuthing to find out the back story on the above pieces because, at Tate Street Coffee House, we couldn't find his name anywhere, only a small piece of paper with "make me an offer I can't refuse" and a phone number.*  The impressions really document a community. For example, on the left, you see that Greensboro was founded in 1808. It is easier to see the documentation around the perimeter of the one on the right. 

We don't know how much longer they'll be up, but as of yesterday, they were still on display at Tate Street.

* A big thank you to the Greensboro News & Record and the fine writing of Dawn Kane, whose article appeared (HERE) in the paper 12/7/2017. 

Duds & Suds

Perhaps we're having nostalgia for signs this week, but yesterday, the Suds & Duds laundromat and bar looked so beautiful in the late afternoon sunshine. The building, located at 2114 Walker Avenue, was built in 1935 and is 5,630 square feet. The building has some beautiful architectural details. On the upper right corner, you can see the brick behind the black marble. If you enlarge the photo, in this same spot, you can still see the outline of the letters for Elam Drug Company. Back when the drug store was there, people would sit at the soda fountain, sipping a fountain drink and catching up on issues in the neighborhood, city, and beyond. You could walk in and pick up your prescription or have it delivered.

Since at least the mid 1990s, the drug store and the soda fountain closed and a laundry mat opened in the location. And now, you can sip a beer and sit at the bar talking about the neighborhood, city and beyond. So, some things have changed and some have remained the same. One aspect of this part of town that hasn't changed is the fact that it remains community oriented and people from all walks of life come in to use the laundry mat. If you want to read more about this building and the Walker/Elam area, here is a 1995 article from the News & Record and written by Kelly Simmons.

Happy Thursday! We have several friends who have been without power for over three days. We hope power has been restored. Those winds on Sunday night were fierce!

Blumenthal's Clothing Store

Imagine our surprise when we walked into the Antique Market Place on Burnt Poplar Road and there was one of the signs from Blumenthal's Clothing Store that used to be in downtown Greensboro. There were two signs; this one, and the one that hangs in the Greensboro History Museum downtown. Blumenthal's opened on South Elm Street in 1926, left downtown for West Market Street in 2005, and closed permanently ten years ago in 2012. Blumenthal's was known for selling jeans, but had so many items like shoes, work clothes, belts, hats, and they even cashed payroll checks. The family business lasted for 86 years, but closed permanently when Bob Blumenthal had severe health issues and wanted to spend more time with his grandchildren.

Over the years, Blumenthal's  gave away a pack of cigarettes when someone's receipt matched one of the above numbers. Eventually, when the store stopped selling cigarettes, they gave a bandana to anyone whose receipt matched one of the above numbers. Blumenthal's occupied nearly the entire block between Spring Garden and McGee Streets. Their black and white facade with writing all around the picture windows was readily identifiable as you approached it. Indeed, they lived up to their name, "The Store with a Heart." The above sign has already sold, and all that is left of Blumenthal's are these two signs- and the memories that, as we age, are fading faster than than a pair of jeans. We also learned that Rhonda, who works at Antique Market Place used to work at Blumenthal's. We need to interview her and get some stories from the good old days!

Happy Wednesday!

Piedmont Old Time Society at Green Bean

Last night was Third Thursday so the Piedmont Old Time Society held their bi-weekly jam at the Green Bean Coffee Shop in downtown Greensboro. The Green Bean very graciously stays open late just so the group can jam. It is also a nice opportunity to listen  for those who wander in. We were enjoying a turmeric ginger latte with hazelnut milk and noticed that tomorrow morning, from 10am-1pm, there will be a pop up craft show at the Green Bean (Saturday, December 18th). At least a dozen artisans will be at this holiday pop up so you will have an opportunity to support a local coffee shop and local venders all in one place. 

After leaving the coffee shop, we drove around Greensboro as it is so pretty this time of year. South Elm has added a lot of extra decorations. Of course we had to drive through Sunset Hills again to see the lights, and then over to see the Santa of Chapman Street house.While we were at it, we stopped in front of the First Moravian Church on Elam, which looks so peaceful at night, rather palate cleansing to see the single candles in the windows, a wreath on the side door, and a Moravian star leading to the sanctuary. The Blind Tiger had live music, as did the Tanger Center. Driving home, with the memory of string band music, and all of the Christmas lights suspended in the trees, indeed, it was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Please take a night drive if you haven't yet. For those who are counting, Christmas Eve is next Friday.

Love Lock Sculpture

A Love Lock Sculpture has been installed at Eclectic by Nature on State Street. Customers, and people passing by, are encouraged to add a lock. This work of art is especially beautiful with all the diverse locks being added to it.  Lovers  are really adding some interesting locks and these are not just your PE locker Masterlocks. Of special interest are the brass, lion lock (upper left) and the clear plastic lock, bottom left. Also, the above photo shows the mural of State Street behind the sculpture. There is so much art and visual interest in the EBN garden.

If you haven't noticed lately, State Street has absolutely blossomed. From the North Elm Street end to the Church Street side, there are many new businesses and they are all full of holiday goodness. The new kid on the block is Bull City Ciderworks, just down the street from Eclectic by Nature. Another neighbor is Vida Pour Tea, a big contributor to the revival of State Street. However, Eclectic By Nature is one of the "grandparents" on State Street. While not always in this location, EBN will celebrate their 19th anniversary on Saturday, December 18th. Last time we were in, we were offered a cup of tea. We're betting they still have that same tradition. So, as you plan out your weekend, stop in and wish the EBN family a happy anniversary, put a lock on the sculpture, and let a little magic happen.

Happy Wednesday!

Santa's Back at Friendly Center

The 11' tall Santa with the waiving arm is back at Friendly Center. Actually, he has been back since late November, but he really draws attention the closer we get to Christmas. The fiber Santa Claus has been a Greensboro institution since 1959.  Last year, local sculptor, Jim Gallucci reconditioned Santa and now he looks better than ever. If you are a realist, you will want to know that under Santa's belt are a lot of rivets holding him together. Indeed, the belt hides it well.

If you are out this weekend, look for this Santa. If you are looking for the "real" Santa, for a photo session, he will be at Friendly Shopping Center from 10am today to 8:00 p.m.

People of Greensboro: Orson Scott Card

Today's photo features science fiction writer Orson Scott Card. Originally from Washington State, Mr. Card has lived in Greensboro for the past thirty years. He is the author of the novel series, Enger's Game. In the above photo, Mr. Card is featured with his hairdresser, Nancy, at The Glen Hampton House on State Street. We were driving down State Street and saw Mr. Card heading into the salon. We dashed in and asked if we could photograph him. He kindly agreed, but didn't want to be photographed alone.  His hairdresser, Nancy, kindly agreed. You can tell by her big smile how nice she is (even though we caught her mid blink)! Same with Mr. Card, that smile revels a kind soul. 

If you are looking for a good book to give for Christmas, consider something from the "Ender's Game" series.  If you need your hair styled, call Nancy. We were grateful to run in to Mr. Card and grateful that he agreed to a photo-- even BEFORE getting a haircut. We love the books he has written. He has inspired so many teens to read (including our own children). To be sure, serendipity is the friend of Greensboro Daily Photo. It is merely by chance that we ran into Orson Scott Card.

Today is Friday! Head out and see what serendipitous something comes your way! 

Tate Street Coffee

Twas the last days of finals and all through the house, hardly a creature is stirring, not even a mouse. Actually, this is not a house, but Tate Street Coffee Shop; however, as you can see in the above photo, yesterday afternoon, this coffee shop was almost empty as many students at Greensboro College and UNCG have already left for the semester. But, you can see from the photo that the coffee shop is cozy and inviting. The shop opened in 1993 and has been going strong for almost 30 years. And while Tate Street has gone through many changes since '93, as has UNCG- in Tate Street's backyard- the coffee shop has been there for the community through thick and thin. Everybody needs a go-to "third space," and, for many, Tate Street is just that place.

If you are looking for an investment opportunity, there are a few spaces available on Tate Street, and, it seems that now just may be a good time to open a business. What do you think would be a good business for that area? Let's all head down for a cup of coffee and think about it.

Jerry's Artarama

Happy December 1st! Do you recognize this mural? Anybody in Greensboro who ever needs art supplies probably knows this is Jerry's Art Supply Wholesale Club. For a ¢20 a year membership, your purchases are over 50% off. Prices are so low that if you see it, you better buy it. Sometimes they are purchasing clearance items and when they are gone.. they are gone. Jerry's is located right along I-40 at Farragut Street. When we were there before they opened yesterday morning, the sun was shining and already casting shadows. To take the photo we stood under a crepe myrtle tree and love the texture its berries add to the photo. 

Jerry's opened  is based out of Raleigh, N.C. It opened in Long Island in 1968, so it has been around fro 53 years. What an amazing resource for artists. As an example, the member price for 8x10" flat canvases is less than $1.00 each, That even beats thrift shop prices. We loved the mural on the wall, but forgot to ask who the artist was. As you are planning the rest of the week, don't forget that Friday is First Friday and downtown will be hopping- especially the ice skating. As for now, we'll just sit back and enjoy looking at this photo of Jerry's Artarama.

Sunnyside Farms a Local Option for Christmas Trees

Since we were in Summerfield this past weekend, and featured The Jumping Bean yesterday, we thought we'd share another photo from Summerfield Road. Above, you see a slice of the view at Sunnyside Farms, a Christmas tree farm in Ashe County.  For 19 years, the Woyahn has been driving Fraiser fir trees to Guilford County from their Ashe County farm located in the northwest corner of North Carolina. The entire county has fewer than 30,000 people, so coming to larger communities like Greensboro and Summerfield is a must for keeping their business viable.

Their pop up Christmas tree site at 7200 Summerfield Road opened this past week and they will keep selling trees into late December. They are also set up at Hickory Grove Church on Wendover Avenue in the Greensboro/Jamestown area.  Sunnyside Farms works hard to make the selection of a tree a special event: From selecting to trimming to bagging to helping you get it on your car. And their giant 3-story Santa is always a hit with the kids. Even if you are past the tree decorating years, being out and watching how excited young children are about picking out a tree really helps create the feeling of Christmas. Even though we don't have snow, the colder weather in Greensboro and the surrounding communities, is making it feel a lot like winter. It also helps keep the trees fresher.

Happy Tuesday!

Jumping Bean Coffee

This past weekend, we met up with Kevin Murray, Chief Coffee Guy, at The Jumping Bean coffee drive-through. Kevin and his family moved to Guilford County from the Bronx, NY in 2006 to be closer to family. In 2012, he opened the Jumping Bean in the parking lot on north Highway 220, where Golden Antiques & Treasures is located. This past July (2021), he relocated his business to 7200 Summerfield Road, in a lot that belongs to Greensboro Performing Arts Center. Formerly, the building was a church. Kevin says the move has been a good one. The Performing Arts facility is really taking off and the owners have lots of ideas about how to build community and best utilize their 7-acre property. In the meantime, Kevin is super happy with his little corner spot where his loyal customers have followed him and where he is cultivating a new customer base. Parents bringing their children to the performing arts building love having a place to get something to drink while they wait. On the day we visited, Kevin's  daughter Isabella was helping. As you can see in the above photo, while the business is s drive through, there is some outdoor seating. On Saturday, The Jumping Bean had extended hours given all of the activity around the Sunnyside Farms live Christmas tree station on the north end of the property.

If you're like us, you'll want to start a punch card and work on getting that 11th drink free. It is so nice to support a local, family-owned business and to see the Jumping Bean succeeding. This little corner of Summerfield, with Summerfield Farms just down the road and the nearby Greenway, is becoming quite a destination just north of Greensboro. After all that turkey and a broken sleeping routine, we just may need a double espresso! Happy Monday!

Black Friday 2021

Today is the day all of the retailers have been waiting for, Black Friday. People will be out shopping for special deals. If you subscribe to the Greensboro News & Record, Wednesday's edition was as thick and full of advertisements, just like old times. Let's hope retailers and shoppers have all of their dreams come true. The above photo was taken outside the K&W  Cafeteria, on Northline Drive, at Friendly Center. Stores at Friendly Center will be ready for you today. If you haven't driven along Northline lately, you might not know that the stops are now 4-way, making it easier for all drivers to get a turn getting through the intersections and left turns are now as easy as right turns.

If you are out shopping, let the above photo of Nancy, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, reminds us to remember others. Whether you donate to the Salvation Army's red kettle or another organization, give to the needy in some other way, or donate to someone in need directly, remember that there are many in need this year and kindness and generosity is especially appreciated. While we were talking to Nancy, who is a bell ringer for the first time this year, the above man got out of his car to drop a donation in the kettle. The people of Greensboro are giving people. We're betting you, dear reader, are already doing your part! Happy Black Friday!

Chad's Carolina Corn

This week, we've been in search of local foods to put in gift baskets, which led us to Bestway Grocery Store on Walker Avenue. One of the items we found was Chad's Carolina Corn, gourmet popcorn. We like spicy foods and so we purchased the Jalapeño Cheddar flavor and it was very good. Chad's is a family run business, based in Greensboro,  with an office at 6900 C Citation Court in Greensboro (photographed above). We happened to be near Citation Court, which is located near the airport, off Industrial drive and just north of I-40 and Burnt Poplar Road.

At the time we were at Chadd's on Citation, nobody was in the office. At Greensboro Daily Photo, we do a lot of stopping by and dropping in. We have a lot of questions for Chad and wanted to meet the person behind this local product.  We'd love their back story to share with you and to share with people who receive Chad's Carolina Corn from us for Christmas. We'll be sure to let you know when we uncover more. In the meantime, if you want to try the popcorn for yourself, it has a wide distribution in the south (see HERE). It would be fun to sample all of the flavors. We like what we've tried so far and did not get one unpopped kernel in our bag! We think dill pickle flavor will be our next choice. Little adventures like this one are what keep Greensboro Daily Photo fun for us!

First Santa Sighting of 2021!

Golden Antiques, on 220 North at Highway 150, held their Mistletoe Market this past weekend and shoppers were out in droves. If their long checkout lines were any indication, people are making a lot of effort to shop early and local this year. The Santa at Golden Antiques was the first one we saw out this season. Indeed, Santa, or at least Santa's helpers are out even before Thanksgiving. Several other stores are stocked for holiday shopping. 

Downtown Greensboro Inc. has announced that the Festival of Lights will be held downtown on Friday, December 3rd with the tree lighting in Center City Park and other events up and down Elm Street. The Greensboro Holiday Parade will be on Saturday, December 4th. In addition to the usual floats, bands, and dance/cheer squads, there will be some giant balloons, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade style. So get out your planner as the December dance card is filling! How do you stay informed about upcoming events? We're finding that it is harder and harder to know about events before they happen. If you have suggestions, please let us know.

(By the way, we are happy to report that Santa has lost a little bit of weight and looking in good health).

Wrangler, So Pretty in Pink

Wrangler has done so much for Breast Cancer and Brest Cancer Awareness, including the "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" initiative. While downtown yesterday, we happened upon the above display at Wrangler/Kontoor Headquarters on North Elm Street. In addition to a giant breast cancer awareness ribbon, they had pumpkins decorated in pink. We suspect we were on the tail end of an installation that has been on display since October. It was so inspiring to see it from the road. Now, we want to go to the top of the Bellemeade Parking Deck and catch the view from there.

We hope you had time to visit downtown during First Friday Last night. If not yesterday, you can always visit today. The weather should be a little warmer today and stores and galleries are festive; many have already started stocking holiday merchandise. As for us, like that last leaf on a tree, we're going to try to hold on to November as long as possible.

If you know someone affected by breast cancer, please drive them to see this exhibit. This display is really powerful in person and even more special with friends, especially ones who know the hope and love behind this symbol.

Autumn View of Center Pointe

Even on an overcast afternoon, Center City Park and the Center Pointe Building look beautiful in the fall. This area is great for fall photos. Also, if you come downtown this evening, there will be a lot going on for First Friday. The photo was taken from the front entrance of the Cultural Arts Centers. It stays open later on Fridays; so between art, and parks, and restaurants, there will be plenty to do if you stop downtown. The Day of the Dead exhibit organized by Casa Azul will be open until 8pm at the Cultural Arts Center.

Center Pointe, the high-rise with the windows that reflect blue, has apartments and condominiums that are perfect for people seeking an urban lifestyle.  At 515 South Elm Street, a rock and roll party featuring The Finns will be going strong. Here is a link to even more happenings tonight. Regardless of what you decide to do, have fun and enjoy the beautiful fall colors and the last night before we return to Standard time!

Savor the Moment

Savor the Moment Dessert and Bakery is located on the southeast corner of Friendly Avenue and Davie Street. While it is relatively new to the location, the bakers are proud to be their generation. You can dine in or take out. The location seems perfect with all of the events happening in the cultural arts center. People can meet at the bakery before and after lessons and events. They can get in out of the cold and have a warm drink while waiting for a ride. It is also across the street from Center City Park. Tomorrow is First Friday and Saturday is their Block Party from 1:00pm- 5:00 pm. They will have craft vendors, live music, lots of tasty treats, and face painting.

If you are looking for a snack downtown or a new place to visit, Savor the Moment is well worth your time. Have a good Thursday and, remember, it is the new Friday! It will be a good night to be downtown. You can also catch the Jack Stratton and Rebecca Fagg art exhibit in the Cultural Arts Center before it goes away.

The S. H. Kress Building of 212 S. Elm Street

The Kress Building is the iconic, Art Deco style building of Elm Street. It was built during the Great Depression, in 1930, as a five and dime store. The owner believed even inexpensive items should be purchased in a place of beauty. As you can see from the above photo, the façade is distinctive. There so much interesting history surrounding the building. For example, it was part of the Greensboro Sit-In Movement of 1960, two months after the ones at Woolworth. Forty-five people were arrested for sitting at the lunch counter. Another bit of local imagery sits on the top of the building, at the columns flanking the word KRESS. Tobacco leaves flowing out of the horns of a ram, a nod to the tobacco industry in North Carolina. Also, the building implemented an early form of air conditioning where ice was frozen by night and the ice was used to cool salt brine water to cool the building- so very mid 20th century creative!*

In 2001, the penthouse of The Kress Building, formerly a mechanical room, was transformed into a penthouse for John Lomax, President, Lomax Construction. We're wondering if those curtains are part of the penthouse. We'll have to ask Lori Gray, who designed the space for John. In the meantime, we'll just have a Great Gatsby experience and sit here at "White and Wood Resturant," across the street admiring this beautiful building. If walls could talk, 212 South Elm Street would write a book!

Happy Tuesday!

 

• reference and more great information, here.

Jefferson Standard Building

The Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Building was constructed in Greensboro on the corner of Elm and Market Street in 1922. While the Genesis Marker in Fisher Park is the geographic center of Guilford County (see here), many people see the Elm/Market spot as the center, a sort of Ground Zero from which the rest of the city radiates. Indeed, this is the point at which North and South Elm Street and East and West Market Street are determined; the center of the compass rose. This spot was once known as Courthouse Square before it became known as Jefferson Square when the Jefferson Building replaced the courthouse. Sixty to seventy years ago, this building was a hub of activity, where you went for professional help: Doctors, lawyers, and insurance agents had their offices there. Also on the ground floor were a bank and a men's clothing store. During World War II, a county draft board was located inside. At that time, nearly all of the federal highways (U.S. 29, U.S. 70, and U.S. 421) passed through the square, giving it its name, "The Crossroads of the Carolinas."

Today, this intersection is not so much a hub of activity and the Jefferson Building is closed to the general public. It is used by Lincoln Financial Group and the (numbered) doors on Elm Street are not open to the public. We don't know exactly when that transformation took place, but we are grateful to Jim Schlosser who shared much of the above information with us. He has been so generous with information.  He is a walking encyclopedia of Greensboro history and lore. Jim remembers getting his pair of contact lenses there in 1958. Jim also remembers, in the pre-1990 days before the new Jefferson-Pilot  building was built, before the time and temperature lights at the top. When there was only the Jefferson Building, there was a big clock bearing a Wimbish Insurance Agency advertisement. People would say to each other, "Meet me under the Wimbish clock." Today, that clock only exists in the memory of those who lived during that time. We are lucky the building remains intact. On the outside, the architecture is beautiful, on the inside, the U shaped feature provided light and air in an era before there was air conditioning.

Here's to a great week, starting with a happy Monday!

A Sunny Afternoon Downtown on Elm

Today, we share a slice of life on the 200 block of South Elm Street. The couple on the right is headed towards the 100 block.  Yesterday, the inside reception area of the Lincoln Financial Group building was featured on GDP. Today, the LFG building is peeking out above the tree, as if it is watching over the city. Also in the photo is the International Civil Rights Center and Museum. The barriers are up because part of the street is blocked off to accommodate the added outdoor seating for restaurants. The covered area the couple is walking under what was in previous decades the Ellis-Stone/Thalhimers Building. Soon, the leaves on the trees will change; however, for now, they are evidence of just how green Greensboro is.

If you get a chance, head downtown on this nice, fall day. Also, the Liberty Antiques Festival will be happening today. If you want a smaller, more intimate outdoor event, head to Providence Farm in eastern Guilford County this afternoon. Starting at 3:30, they will have the Zinc Kings playing acoustic instruments while DZ Butts will be selling BBQ and Bull City will be on hand for libations. We don't remember exactly what time we took this photo on Thursday, but we do know- thanks to the LPG building-  that it was 68° outside!

Lincoln Financial Group

Yesterday afternoon was so lovely, we had to take a walk downtown. In all the years we've featuring Greensboro and admiring the Jefferson Standard, Jefferson Pilot, Lincoln Financial Group building, we've never stepped foot inside. Yesterday, we made it inside and saw the beautiful foyer. To the left is another entrance/exit. To the right are all the turnstiles that only those who have a right be there can enter.We spent a few minutes in the foyer, admiring its beauty. It got us thinking of all the money that has cycled through Greensboro here, as well as all of the executives who have made their fortunes and who became prominent citizens by working in the insurance industry.

According to their website, "Lincoln Financial Group provides resources and solutions that help empower Americans to take charge of their financial lives with confidence and optimism."  The company started in 1905 in Fort Wayne, Indiana and got permission from Abraham Lincoln's son to use his father's name and likeness (reference and more information). The photo was taken in the part of the building that was added in 1990.  Julian Price built the older building in the complex to be his company's headquarters- Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company. He paid for the building in full because he didn't believe in debt (more history here). Fortunately, much is documented about the two buildings that comprise this complex, Greensboro's iconic skyscrapers. We would love to get a tour of the building and see Greensboro from the top floor. Yesterday, we were one step closer.

STOP!

Today's photo is of the Wal-Mart parking lot on North Battleground. This store is not as busy, or hectic,  as some of the others around town. There is a kudzu lot between Wal-Mart and the Big Lots Plaza. If you time it right, as you leave the store, you have a fabulous view of sunset. In the above photo, we'd missed the actual sunset, but we still saw that magical glow that  lingers a few minutes after the sun has dipped below the horizon. Part of the fun of photography is finding a way to freeze a little beauty, a slice of life, in a frame. What does "STOP" look like upside down? do's? dots? At any rate, looking at STOP from this orientation slows us down. 

Today, we just had a little parking lot fun. We hope you are having a great day and that when you can't stop and smell the roses, you can stop and maybe catch a sunset. From this orientation, it looks like the Wal-mart is surrounded by woods, which is part of the beauty of Greensboro. Let's work hard to keep it green!

Happy Tuesday!

The Day the Cheerwine Van Came to Town

Cheerwine was created in Salisbury, NC, in nearby Rowan County, in 1917. Cheerwine set up at the 2021 North Carolina Folk Festival, offering free samples of regular and sugar-free Cheerwine. Their booth wasn't swamped, but people consistently wandered by for a sample. They were also selling cans of the unique cherry flavored beverage. It is always fun during special events when there are give-aways. Cheerwine has been very innovative with product development and marketing in the 2000s. There is Cheerwine ice cream, Cheerwine punch, and Cheerwine Krispy Kreme doughnuts. 

While Greensboro can't claim Cheerwine, just a few miles from this booth, we have our own flavor company. Mother Murphy is a food flavoring business that was established in in1946. For 75 years, those scents from very secret recipes have been wafting through Greensboro. Mother Murphy boasts a flavor library of of more than 60,000 flavors. Their motto is "If you can imagine it, we can create it."  Salisbury has Cheerwine and New Bern has Pepsi; we challenge you to order some special flavor from Mother Murphy and create the next soda sensation. Then, you can set up at an upcoming festival and we can snap a photo and boast that your soft drink was created right here in Greensboro, North Carolina! 

For those who were around in the Boar & Castle Days, you may remember the Green Drink. Hmmmm......

Happy Wednesday; happy innovating!

Bringing Closure to the Folk Festival 2021

And so another North Carolina Folk Festival is in the books. It was such a lovely weekend to have a festival. The footprint for the festival was smaller this year than it had been in previous years; however, there were many great options on the different stages and it was very easy to walk from one stage to the next. If you are willing to walk, the parking lot set up on the southwest corner of Gate City Boulevard and South Elm Street, is a great option. It is free and it is far enough away from downtown events that you don't get stuck in traffic. The above photo shows the crowd at the Old Courthouse Stage on West Market Street. The prominent, iconic Lincoln Financial building, with the time, temperature, and multicolored lights served as a beacon, guiding us to two of the stages. There was another stage at Greene and Commerce, and then another at LeBauer Park. On Saturday, the 9/11 ceremony took place on a stage at the corner of MLK Drive and South Elm Street. There were also performances on that stage. 

Greensboro is so lucky to host the North Carolina Folk Festival and we cannot take that responsibility lightly. We all need to do our best to promote it and get the word out to all corners of North Carolina, and beyond. Noticeably absent this year was the parking lot behind the News & Record Building. It is a little sad to know that the paper is no longer published in Greensboro and the presses are silent. Regardless, for three days and two nights, all of the Folk Festival staff, city employees, volunteers, musicians, Greensboro merchants, venders, and attendees brought to life, a very special event. Indeed, it was magical. A heartfelt thank you to all involved. And if you missed it, mark your calendar for next year.  It looks like the dates will be September 16-18, 2022. If that is incorrect, please let us know.

I Love Greensboro

Driving or walk along West Market Street, not too far from the intersection with Spring Garden/Muirs Chapel, and you will see the above sign, "I Love Greensboro." This building at 4609 West Market Street used to house the Open Space Café Theatre. Now, it has the four businesses listed above: A tattoo parlor, beauty salon, pet grooming, and a clothing and custom t-shirt store. It looks like they may have room for one more business. This strip center may look small, but actually they have 26 spaces for off street parking. It was built in 1954 and has 76 feet of frontage on West Market. 

The other side of the building has a map of North Carolina, and there are several other murals surrounding the building. The murals and sayings, specifically "I Love Greensboro" are what got us to notice the building in the first case. It is always fun when a lime green car drives into view the minute you are taking a photo. Happy Wednesday and, remember to LOVE Greensboro!

Greensboro Velo Club

The Greensboro Velo Club held a Swap Meet in the parking lot of Cycles de ORO yesterday from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. It was a nice day for it. Cycles de ORO, located at 701 A Hill Street and right beside the greenway. The event benefitted the Cancer Research Institute. Private sellers brought their used bicycles and related goods, everything from bicycles built for two to clothing and tools. Also, there was a display of classic and exotic bicycles, including one from the late 1800s with wooden rims! The above photo shows some of the bikes that were part of the exhibit. The owner, Paul, is at the entrance to the store, coming out with what appears to be signage explaining about the bikes on display. 

The Greensboro Velo Club was established in 1975. The club hosts events and races. They are an active club that provides great camaraderie, great association with other cyclists. It doesn't matter what level of expertise and commitment you have to cycling, there is something for everyone in the club. They also help you find trails and places to ride that match your level of expertise and interests. At yesterday's swap meet, they sense of community was evident. If you want to keep up with opportunities for joining cycling events, see this calendar on the Cycles de ORO website.

Downtown's Very Own Dynamite Vault

Downtown Greensboro, south of the railroad tracks, has always had a special character, and somewhat different from Greensboro north of the tracks. Jim Schlosser reminded us that there wasn't an underpass, as an option to get around a passing train, until 1927. In the early 20th century, you either had to plan your trips over the tracks between trains, or be content to wait it out. Part of the special character of South Elm Street was Southside Hardware, in the 500 block. Southside hardware opened in 1902 and remained in business for 93 years.

It was said you could find literally anything you needed at Southside Hardware. One such item was dynamite,. The owners of Southside didn't want to store dynamite in their store. To be safe, they built a dynamite vault and stored it outside. The above photo shows the brick dynamite vault, now a dormant host to ferns.  Over the years the Southside Hardware customers dwindled. So much of their customer base no longer shopped at this downtown store.*  Unfortunately, Southside couldn't compete with the big, suburban box hardware stores and their doors closed in 1995.

Ironically, the dynamite was never an issue, but in 1936, a tornado swept through south Elm Street and blew off the third floor of the hardware store- and they never added it back on. The funny thing about the dynamite vault today is that it sits right behind a dozen large City of Greensboro garbage cans. Were dynamite to explode, garbage would be strewn from South Elm to Gate City Boulevard and beyond! However, we've been assured there is no dynamite in the vault! It is so fun finding these relics from yesteryear in Greensboro. We featured the ghost sign of Southside Hardware  on Greensboro Daily Photo in 2018.  After reading Jim Schlosser's article below, we have learned even more of the history of Southside Hardware! Happy Wednesday! Happy exploring. If you want to see the vault, it is down the alley from Hudson Hill and the sign that says Coe Grocery.

*Read Jim Schlosser's article from 1995, here.

Burbon Bowl Fun

The Burbon Bown opened earlier this summer and it has so much character. The above photo features the 6-lane bowling alley in the back of the building. The outdoor seating covers a city lot! There is an extensive bar and also seating for meals. It is possible to order snacks in the bowling area and there are comfortable couches to sit on while waiting for others to take their turn. This venue fits with the changing profile of the South 500 and 600 block of Elm Street. There is a game arcade, several new restaurants, and lots of retail space for rent at 616 South Elm Street. 

One of the goals for the property that now houses the Burbon Bowl at 531 South Elm Street was to find a business that would attract college students to downtown. Bowling might be just the trick! The crowd last night was older than college, but then college students are just getting back to town and seem so excited to actually be back on campus that they are probably content to hang around the dorm and student union. Not to fear, they'll soon venture out to South Elm. Look at how cute those bowling balls are. They look like pool balls. Another cute feature, the bathroom doors look like office doors taken from an old high school. You have two options "Mr. Mill's class Room 34, or Mrs. Bell's class Room 22!

Greensboro History Museum

 

Yesterday was a beautiful day in downtown Greensboro, albeit 91+ degrees!  The above photo is of the Greensboro History Museum, located at 130 Summit Avenue. However, this side actually faces the Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. While this building is now the history museum, as you can see from the historic marker on the left, during the Civil War, it served as a Confederate Hospital, receiving wounded soldiers from the battle of Bentonville. Even before serving as a confederate hospital, it had been built as the First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro. The above view features an almost identical orientation of the photo found on p. 49 of Gale Hicks Fripp's book "Greensboro Volume II Neighborhoods (Arcadia Publishing, 1998). 

In her book, Fripp explains that in 1892, The First Presbyterian congregation completed this sanctuary, the third iteration of the church. The style is Romanesque Revival.  The dormer windows to the right remain intact from the late 1800s; however, the upper portion of the tower, formerly pointed, is missing. This sanctuary is the oldest part of the complex. Other features of the property include Mary Lynn Richardson Park, a cemetery, and the Smith Memorial Building. If you were hoping for a church service, since the late 1920s, the First Presbyterian Church has been located on North Elm Street in Fisher Park. If you have not visited the Greensboro History Museum, you owe it to yourself to do so. You can learn so much about the history of Greensboro, and the exhibits are breathtakingly curated. The current (temporary) exhibit on the third floor, Pieces of Now, features murals, masks, community stories and conversations centered around the Black Lives Matter Movement and the COVID Epidemic. Perhaps you can schedule a visit during the upcoming North Carolina Folk Festival, September 10- 12.

The museum open today from 2:00 pm- 5:00 pm. Fortunately, there is no interest fee- although donations are always appreciated! 

Happy Sunday!

Dr Shine

Do you know anyone whose name matches their profession? We once knew a man who worked in a greenhouse and his name was Mr. Plant. The above person, who shines shoes professionally, is Dr. Shine. We don't know if that is his birth name or if it is a nickname, but shine he does. His Facebook page informs us that he comes from a long line of shiners. Shoes sparkle when he is finished with them. His personality shines if you talk to him while he is shining your shoes. Mr. Shine's business is called "First and Ten" and is located at 104 N. Westgate Drive in Greensboro. However, the above photo was taken at the 600 block of South Elm Street on First Friday. He came downtown to be part of the festivities and to help gain visibility for his business.If you want a shine, the store is open on Saturdays from 10-1pm. It is closed on Sunday and Monday. Tuesday through Friday, the store is open from 9:30- 5:30. It is so nice when careers from previous centuries are still around.

Between the equipment Mr. Shine uses and the monochromatic photo, this seen looks like it could date from a century ago. Hats off to Mr. Shine for being so positive and for taking so much pride in his work. If you need a shoeshine, head over and see Mr. Shine, and be sure to get there early.  One o'clock is quitting time!  Happy Saturday.

U Haul on Gate City

This week, we've been looking at street scenes in Greensboro. Today, we go back to "Tate + Gate", and are across the street from the future facility that UNCG is will build at the intersection. The U-Haul building is located across the street from the Industries of the Blind. It is probably no accident that U-Haul chose this location. As university students head back to UNCG and NCA&T next week, U-Haul will probably see an increase in business. Students who live off campus, and new faculty members for that matter, probably rely on U-Haul to get them to and from their apartments/houses.

One thing we that is fun to do at U Haul is to look at which states are advertised on their trucks. The one you can barely see in the left corner advertises Nebraska. On the day we were there, we saw Oklahoma, Nebraska, Alaska, and Virginia; however, we couldn't find one on the lot for North Carolina. This would be a fun end-of-summer activity with children, to make a list of states and see how many they could check off the list and even try to photograph. U-Haul's "Venture Across America and Canada" SuperGraphics program began in 1997 and for the last 24 years, it has been a hit with adults and children alike. See here if you want to learn more about the SuperGraphics program of the different states. Can you guess what North Carolina's super graphic is? After you've guessed, click here, to see it. We're wondering if UNCG's Millennial Campus Initiative will impact this corner of Tate + Gate. We predict many more changes for the area.

Happy Wednesday!

Breakout: Team Building Fun for the Middle College at UNCG

Today's photo features the staff at the Middle College at University of North Carolina Greensboro (MCUNCG)  at the Breakout Games- Greensboro Escape Rooms. MCUNCG started back to school this week and Principal Keisha Brown, front row center, arranged the Breakout Games experience for her teachers and staff. Three teams of 5-6 participants went into different rooms and had an hour to escape. The goals were to strengthen relationships between staff members, to practice working together for a common goal, and to solve complex problems with a time constraint. The exercise helped build empathy for how students often feel when they are having trouble finding a solution, and reminded teams how much can be accomplished when people cooperate. What a fabulous way to start the school year!

Escape or breakout rooms started in 2004 as a video game in Japan. By 2007, a Japanese company created the tangible escape room experience. This immersive experience came to the United States in 2012 (read more history, here). Escape rooms are examples of the "third place" experiences, a place for people to gather and do something together beyond the home and work setting. They continue to gain popularity and evolve in complexity.

By the end of August, all GCS schools will have eased back into the classroom. Here's to a great school year for everyone.  Hats off to Ms. Brown for creating this meaningful opportunity for her staff. By the way, all three teams escaped within the allotted time, and, for the record, Ms. Brown's team escaped first!

The Selfie Spot

A new business to sweep the nation is the selfie salon or selfie museum as they are sometimes known. In 2020, the Rich Girls Museum opened at 4000 Spring Garden Street. It has been well received and is widely popular. Today's photo features the selfie museum, The Selfie Spot,  at 320B South Elm Street. It is a place where you can go to take polished photos in a highly stylized room. You may recall that Old Photo Specialists used to be in this space. They did some creative things with photos- from restoring old photos to taking new photos and making them look old. Old Photo Specialists did all the work. In this new model, the venues (The Selfie Spot, Rich Girls Museum, and Selfie Fanatic) stage the room, but it is up to the client to dress for the occasion and shoot the creative shots. The Selfie Spot had a soft opening this past Wednesday. If you like to take photos or put together Tok Tok videos, he colorful vignettes of The Selfie Spot will be a lot of fun for you.

These selfie places reflect the growing trend to have creative "third places". Unlike home (first place) and work (second place), third places are places where you have no obligation to be. Third places are spaces where you can have meaningful experiences with family, friends, or alone. What are your favorite third places in Greensboro? The library, your house of worship? a coffee house? a bowling alley? There are so many third places in downtown Greensboro. The Selfie Spot may be the new kid on the block, but we're betting it will become an old friend to many very, very soon.

By the way, if you are looking for Old Photo Specialists, they are now located at 7713 Summerfield Road in Summerfield. Happy Tuesday and do take care of yourself-ie!