Greensboro Daily Photo

Trains in the Gate City...

Greensboro is known as the Gate City because of all of the trains that used to come through town. There were several routes going east to west and north to south and it was known as a gateway town. People compare the Greensboro of yesterday, with all of the rail traffic, to the Atlanta airport today. By 1890, there were over 60 trains a day coming through town. (reference and more, here).

Today's photo is South Elm Street as the train was crossing yesterday at 3:50 p.m. The train was a long one hauling a little bit of everything, including Fex Ex truck cargo. For pedestrians and cars that don't want to wait, they can always go around and underneath on McGee. It is charming to stand near the tracks and see what kind of cars and cargo are on the train. Also, if you look between the cars, you can see the Lincoln Financial/JP Building. There is something intriguing about rail transport. If you are ever looking for a fun weekend adventure, consider taking a day trip on the Amtrak passenger train. Happy Saturday!

Crooked Tail Cat Cafe

The Crooked Tail Cat Cafe has been open for almost three years now. It was the the first one in North Carolina. (See earlier 2017 photo, here). It is located at 604 South Elm Street, across the street from Mellow Mushroom. While the goal is to get the cats adopted, it is also a place for them to roam and learn to socialize with each other, as well as with humans. The above kitty was the only one hanging out in the window the other day. It was as if he knew he needed to maintain a good social distance.

If you are interested, you can book a time slot online, here.

At the beginning of the year, Guilford County approved 12.5 million dollars for a new animal shelter on Guilford College Road. It will accommodate up to 324 dogs and 250 cats. That is a lot to take in that at any given time, there could be over 500 pets surrendered or abandoned that need homes. The Crooked Tail Cat Cafe is doing their part to try to find homes for cats. Working together, the people of Guilford County are making great strides in improving the quality of life for animals awaiting homes.

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Dick Broadcasting Downtown Greensboro

If you are downtown Greensboro this weekend, check out the mural on the Dick Broadcasting Building at 192 East Lewis Street. Maybe you can find your favorite musician among the artists. The piece is eye-catching. Dick Broadcasting began in Tennessee in the 1950s and when they expanded to a new state, they came to Greensboro, North Carolina. Allen Dick, son of founder James Dick Sr. built out WKRR here.

The company has prospered over the years and Allen Dick is trying to navigate the changes in FM radio and the popularity of the streamed, digital world. The commitment to local content and community in each of their markets is one of the reasons for their continued success. Their Greensboro stations can be heard at WKRR 92.3 ROCK 92 and WKZL 107.5. Their other big market in North Carolina is New Bern. 

192 East Lewis Street, built in 1962,  used to be a quiet brick office building on a double lot on Lewis Street. Today, it is a two-story wall of fame for some of great talent that has received a lot of playing time over the airwaves! Happy Saturday!

Erin Hess, Artist

Today's photo features Greensboro artist Erin Hess with one of her pieces that is very representative of her artistic style. Erin uses lots of color, texture, and depth in her paintings. They have a tactile quality; often glitter is incorporated. Erin has a studio and gallery space at Artmongers on South Elm Street. Erin, an engineer by day, spends her time away from work in her studio adding more layers her pieces of art.

Erin studied painting and photography at the University of Akron and lived in Ohio for several years. Tonight is First Friday in downtown Greensboro and the last weekend that South Elm Street will have several blocks closed to vehicles so that pedestrians can enjoy the stroll. We're hoping Erin is in her studio this evening so we can return to admire her art. The above painting may not be there as it has already sold and Erin agreed to meet the owners in Washington D.C. to hand deliver the painting. Erin is an up and coming Greensboro artist who already had quite a faithful following, especially online. See her art here at Deviant Art. Contact Erin at erinhess.art@gmail.com or at Artmongerz. Also, see more of her mixed-media art on Instagram at _spac3queen_ (the underscores matter). Happy Friday!

Downtown Street Time for Pedestrians

Downtown Greensboro is closing off sections of South Elm Street to give people a chance to dine and walk out of doors. The above photo was taken last night, and the same event will be happening tonight. If you want to get out and walk a little bit, maybe even get a bite to eat, Greensboro is making every effort to allow you to socialize and be safe.

The above photo was taken in the 300 block of South Elm Street, across from Cheesecakes by Alex. People are dining outside at 1618 downtown and at Jerusalem Market. Look how beautiful Greensboro looks on a warm summer day! The streets got busier as the even went on, but never overly crowded. The sign from Miller Furniture Company remains as a backdrop, even though the store has been gone since 2007. As an aside, Miller Furniture Company was family-owned and open from 1893- 2007; 114 years!

Elaka Treats

Last Friday, Elaka Treats was set up in front of Just Be at the southwest corner of Elm and McGee streets. The flavorful frozen treats were so refreshing. If you like flavors like cardamom and rose, these treats are perfect for you. People sampled Elaka's ice cream before and after strolling through the Just Be shop of hand-crafted and fare-trade items. It is so meaningful to take the time to get to know these proprietors and to shop local. Elaka is often set up at the People's Market on Thursday evenings in Glenwood. Here is the website for Elaka Treats, if you want to learn more about their cream, milk, and fruit based products. Their green apple, cumin, cardamom, and vanilla bean ice cream sound yummy! 

Downtown Greensboro will again make an effort to do special things today. We're not sure what all will be happing, but as far as we know, they will continue to create a pedestrian area on part of Elm Street. The fun of weekends is the serendipity of what comes along as we get out and explore our environment. Be safe, and be grateful that we live in such a beautiful city with so many creative people.

George Floyd Mural On West McGee

Today's photo is of West McGee Street, in front of MCoul's Public House and another view of the LFG/JP Building in the background. A recent addition to the area is the mural of George Floyd. The quote says "Daddy changed the world" and is attributed to Gianna Floyd. This art keeps the memory of Floyd alive and adds a bold pop of color on the side street, tucked between General Greene and Natty Greene's Brewhouse. The only artist's tag we saw was to the left, "[heart emoji] TGZ".

If you are feeling well and able to distance, consider heading down to Elm Street this afternoon. There will be plenty of opportunities to eat outside and to visit the nearby shops that are working so hard to keep their stores and merchandise clean and tidy. Hats off to this family; they seemed to be walking quite a distance downtown. We don't know who they are or where they ended up going, but they were making great time, and they add great visual interest to this little slice of life of photo of downtown Greensboro.

Have a great weekend, regardless of what you decide to do.

A Sunny Afternoon On Elm St

Elm Street is showing a little more life as part of South Elm has been closing to allow people to have more room to eat outside and mill along the street. This photo was taken in the 300 block of South Elm last Saturday night. If you look in the middle, you can see the two police cars monitoring traffic at Washington Street. Pedestrians appeared to be honoring the 6' distance and wearing masks. The people in front of Cheesecakes by Alex were eating and drinking coffee, socially distanced.

In the background you can see, the Lincoln Financial Corp. building, formerly Jefferson Pilot, and Jefferson Standard before that. The skyscraper in front was built in 1923. The addition, with the time and temperature at the top, was built in 1990, during the Jefferson Pilot years. That building anchors a photo in Greensboro. This sam arrangement will be in place on the weekends through  September 5th. Greensboro is so beautiful, especially when the trees are green.

Gateway Plaza

Gateway Plaza is a high rise apartment complex at 200 Spring Garden Street at West McGee Street. This housing option must be popular as, according to online sources, no apartments are currently available. You can't beat the address with respect to location, a block away from Hamburger Square! Today's photo is of the park-like seating area nicely hidden outside. It looks so cozy and conducive to having a nice conversation, even a physically-distanced conversation. Just beyond this area is an outdoor pool. 

The 221-unit high rise was built in 1975. The architecture of the building reflects the square, no-frills look of the 1970s. But, the location, the outdoor area, and the reasonable rents make it a very appealing place to live! Regardless of where you live, we hope you have a comfortable place to sit outside!

Church Under the Bridge

The above photo is of the praise band that played last night at the meeting of the Church Under the Bridge at 300 Spring Garden Street. The 16 Cents Ministry sees to it that every week at 6pm, Under the Bridge, there is worship through music and prayer. Additionally, a hot meal is served, and other items are distributed. Everyone is welcome and it is not uncommon for 250 people to attend. Last night, the weather was nice, the music was inspirational, and the meal was very hearty, colorful, and perfect for summer. It seemed like everyone was enjoying this time together with food, music, and prayer. Perhaps the homeless in attendance could put in the back of their mind, for this one hour, the stress of being in an insecure living situation. Perhaps, if the recent rains flooded out their tents, someone helped find some dry clothes or higher ground. 

Here is the wish list of the 16 Cents Ministry.  If you belong to a group that is able to help, or if you can yourself, Church Under the Bridge is money and effort well spent. The resources, financial and otherwise, are put to use directly in Greensboro. We encourage you on a Saturday, at 6:00 pm (or a little earlier) to head downtown and see for yourself, just how beneficial this mission is to the community. You will see, firsthand, just how much work there is to be done and how much help is needed, right here in our own community. If you know the name of the band, let us know. We didn't want to interrupt them to ask and didn't see a sign or information about the group on the website.

Church Under the Bridge

The above photo is of the praise band that played last night at the meeting of the Church Under the Bridge at 300 Spring Garden Street. The 16 Cents Ministry sees to it that every week at 6pm, Under the Bridge, there is worship through music and prayer. Additionally, a hot meal is served, and other items are distributed. Everyone is welcome and it is not uncommon for 250 people to attend. Last night, the weather was nice, the music was inspirational, and the meal looked delicious. It seemed like everyone was enjoying this time together with food and music. Perhaps the homeless in attendance could put in the back of their mind, for this one hour, the stress of being in an insecure living situation. Perhaps, if the recent rains flooded out their tents, someone helped find some dry clothes. 

It is really nice to know that those religious organizations that are in a position to do so are helping with this initiative. Here is the wish list of the 16 Cents Ministry.  If you belong to a group that is able to help, or if you can yourself, Church Under the Bridge is money and effort well spent. The money, time, effort, and other resources are put to use directly in our community. We encourage you on a Saturday, at 6:00 pm (or a little earlier) to head downtown and see for yourself, just how beneficial this mission is to the community. You event is well organized and will help you see, firsthand, just how much work there is to be done, right here in our own community.

Downtown Greensboro, Skyline!

Tis August! Let's start the month with a photo of the skyline downtown Greensboro with the Lincoln Financial Group's building as the great anchor at city center. The time and temperature blinking on top serves as the prominent beacon reminding us the that the Lincoln Financial building remains the tallest in Greensboro. This photo, taken on North Battleground near Mill Street, shows the city at a distance; with so many downtown experiences being distance memories.

The typical markers of summer passing have not happened this year. No large festivals like the Fourth of July or Greensboro Bound, no MUSEP concerts on Sunday afternoons in parks throughout the city. No summer camps are being offered downtown, no yoga in the park. Regardless, we must remain optimistic and know that, in the end, social distancing will pay off and eventually, we will begin filling our social calendars. Here's to a great August, finding ways to have fun and remain safe. We are Greensboro strong!

 

View of Downtown: From the Perspective of O. Henry's "Pete"

Today's post features the O. Henry statues downtown. At the corner of Bellemeade St. and North Elm, is a trio of statues dedicated to O. Henry. O.Henry was born in Greensboro in 1862. You can only see two of the three pieces; the bronze likeness of O. Henry himself is actually off to the left. The above view is from the perspective of his small dog. In front of the trees is the large cement book with the little boy peeking in. The visible page features "The Gift of the Magi" O.Henry's most famous work.

The pieces were dedicated in 1985, with a week-long celebration, seventy-five years after his death.* It has now been 110 years since his passing in New York City. Something notable about this view is that the little dog, referenced as "Pete" from "Memories of a Yellow Dog", is staring straight at Greensboro's new Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, located directly across the street. It would be really fitting to feature a performance of an O. Henry tale right there in plain sight! And if not, that's O.K. because just beyond the Tanger Center is the Greensboro History Museum and every September, they feature the 5 by O. Henry Plays!

Happy Saturday. Do something to celebrate the history of your community, whether you are in Greensboro or beyond!

*reference and more information, here.

Reading the World with Scuppernong Books

Scuppernong Books in downtown Greensboro is hosting a year-long reading series of contemporary fiction in translation from around the globe. The discussions are held the first July of each month. We are a day late in telling you about the July meeting, which snuck up on us and was held last night (see description, here). They met via Zoom and discussed a book from Israel/Palestine. But, it isn't too late to get the book for the August session. it will be from Morocco and is entitled, "The Butcher of Casablanca" by Abdellah Hadouchi. If you call Scuppernong, they will order the book for you (336-763-1919). Anyone can participate. During these times of self-isolation, we all need to get a little creative in staying connected to the world. An international-themed book club with mostly local folks participating sounds like so much fun.

If you look at the above photo, which was taken on Elm Street mid-day on Tuesday, as you can see, the street is empty. Understandably so, there is not much foot traffic these days. So, doing something like ordering a book, and participating in a Zoom call, could be something fun and educational to anticipate in August. 

Have a happy Thursday and may July be filled with good times and fresh vegetables!

Greensboro: 1045 West Market Street Is Now 1015 West Market Street

Today's post is prompted by the above post card of the Manor Motel. The motel was located at 1045 West Market Street, across from the State Employees Credit Union at Tate Street. According to the post card, Manor Motel was a quiet and restful room with TV, telephone, tile baths, room controlled air-conditioning, heat, and a swimming and wading pool. It was owned and managed by Mr. and Mrs. S.T. Dickinson. Mrs. Dickinson was a teacher in the Greensboro City Schools and at Smith High School when Smith High opened.

On p. 105 of her book "Greensboro," Gayle Hicks Fripp, writes and provides photos that reveal the Manor Motel was demolished by D.H. Griffin to be replaced with a new location for the Central Y, a change that was not without resistance by the local College Hill Community. Construction, by the W.H. Weaver Company, would have happened in the late 60s-early 70s.

The top photo shows the building on now the former Manor Motel site. The Central YMCA became the Royce Reynolds Family Student Life Center, the westernmost building on the campus of Greensboro College. Royce and Jane Reynolds donated $2 million dollars to Greensboro College, where Royce Reynolds was also chairman of the board of trustees. 

So, what was an elegant mansion just west of downtown Greensboro, became a motel, which was replaced by a YMCA, which became a student life center at Greensboro College. When 1045 West Market Street was demolished, the current building on the lot is now 1015, the last property on that side of the 1000 block. Those who are lifelong residents of Greensboro, and are senior citizens, may remember the Dickinsons, the Manor Motel, the Central Y, and the opening of the Reynolds Student Life Center. For us, putting the pieces together involved much sleuthing. We found a vintage postcard, searched the Fripp book on Greensboro, and talked to a long-retired educator who knew of Mrs. Dickinson. Our friend called a retired Smith High School teacher, who called a friend who remembered Ms. Dickinson in the early years of Smith High School (circa 1963). It is so easy for this information to slip away from us and so special when people document and share the stories of their community.

Community Theatre of Greensboro

About 8 years ago (in 2012), the Community Theatre of Greensboro entered a lease to purchase plan and moved from the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street to the 500 block of South Elm Street. According to their website, CTG is the oldest arts organization in Guilford County. It was founded in 1949 and for over 70 years, has been giving community members an opportunity to learn to perform on stage and to do all of the many tasks involved in bringing good theatre to a community.

While they haven't resumed face-to-face production yet, CTG is doing some very creative programs this summer. For example, this Thursday at 6pm, they are having a Facebook Live Concert called, "A Musical Celebration of Black Men." Men who have performed at CTG in the past will be collaboration to bring the public a concert. Tune in this Thursday, June 18th for this show which is sure to be fabulous. The above photo features the facade of the CTG theatre on Elm Street and, indeed everything CTG does radiates love, including the concert this Thursday!

Westin Hotel South Elm

The Westin is building a hotel on South Elm Street. The above photo features construction on the Davie Street side of the project. To help orient, you can see the Lincoln Financial Corporation building in the background, as well as the long-faded sign for the Ellis-Stone Department Store- built in 1949.

Clearing the lot and working out the details has been a tremendous undertaking but the hotel is finally coming to fruition. This Westin is one of three new hotels being built downtown. Westins are known for combining wellness and hospitality to hotel guests. With the Tanger Center for the Performing arts nearby, having more lodging will make it possible for people to attend performances, dine, exercise, and get a good night's sleep without having to drive. The hotel will help in the revitalization of downtown Greensboro. If you have time, drive by and see for yourself.

Blackout NC Demonstration Greensboro

Yesterday afternoon, and into the evening, Greensboro held a Blackout Demonstration led by a new local group, Greensboro Rising. The event started in LeBauer Park and later, proceeded down Elm Street. In the above photo, Lauren Cunningham is singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing".

Lauren has a beautiful, powerful voice and often sings around town. Lauren was one of many people who played a leadership role in yesterday's event.Times are changing and Lauren is an example of someone who has her hand on the pulse of the path to change. As you can see from the above photo, the event was very well attended. The crowd of thousands was diverse with people of all ages and all ethnicities participating.

Visions Catering on South Elm Street

Yesterday was a sunny, hot, relatively quiet day in downtown Greensboro. People were out painting plywood window coverings. Artists were asking for permission to paint ones that were not yet painted. By day, businesses are making every effort to open and conduct business in a safe, socially responsible way. The above photo features someone picking up a catering order at Visions in the 600 block of South Elm Street.

Slowly events are starting back up again. 'Tis the season of high school graduations and historically, June is a big month for weddings. Caterers depend on events happening If you have an event, remember our caterers and florists. That bright red car is a real standout in front of the green building and bright blue sky. Something about this scene is just so hopeful. Maybe it is that heart painted on the door!

Happy Thursday!

We Stand Together

Yesterday was Day 6 of protests and the first night of a curfew in Greensboro. By 8:00, people were supposed to be off of the streets. According to news media, the night was relatively calm and protesters mostly disbanded at curfew time.  Notice the messages written above, on the boarded up storefront on south Elm Street, "We Stand Together. BLM Forever. Unity. Together We Stand. Together We Change." Walking from one end of Elm Street to the other, and reading the messages on all of the plywood gives us an idea of how people feel and what they want. The messages are largely positive.

To be sure, we at Greensboro Daily Photo don't have the answers. However, people in Greensboro are feeling marginalized, wronged, and angry, and the situation cannot be ignored. From parents, to daycare workers, to teachers, to politicians, to religious communities, and beyond, lots of conversations need to take place. May we find a way for all to have their voice heard. 

Sunday Afternoon on Elm Street

Greensboro has a long and rich history with the Civil Rights Movement. With two historically black colleges and universities in Greensboro, Bennett College and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and several other institutions of higher education, our city pays very close attention to issues related to social justice. Yesterday afternoon, people made their way to Elm Street for Day 2 of protests. The four women above, were passing through the 500 Block of South Elm Street. By 6pm, large crowds of young people from diverse backgrounds had congregated on South Elm. Every indication was that the protests would be peaceful. After Day 1, some storefronts needed to be boarded up. Others, boarded up, just in case. 

Only time will tell the direction events will take. Perhaps Greensboro will again play a leadership role on the continued path to social justice, like they did in the 1960's during the Sit-Ins.  However, we cannot deny that a lot of work needs to be done, regardless where each of us stands on issues. Largely, Greensboro's downtown business owners are known for being allies, supporting people from all walks of life. Hopefully, Day 2 remained peaceful. 

The First Baptist Church and Lincoln Financial Building

Underneath that glorious sky, two Greensboro institutions peek out at us. In the middle half of the photo, the First Baptist Church of Greensboro is featured prominently. It has been a Greensboro institution since 1859. However, the above facility in the present location was constructed in the middle of the last century.* Today, the expansive church, that does so much for the community, takes up almost a whole city block on the south edge of Westerwood at Friendly Avenue.

The Jefferson Pilot building, now part of Lincoln Financial Group, is the 20 story tower in the middle of the leftmost church building. The JP Building is the iconic beacon that blinks the time and temperature for all to see. On Greensboro Daily Photo, we like to see how many different ways we can capture the JP building and even tag it every time it is in a photo. See here for over 60 other shots, which isn't too excessive, considering we've shared over 4,000 photos of Greensboro since 2009.

If we're counting, First Baptist has been delivering services for 161 years which amounts to over 8,000 Sundays. That is a lot of spiritual guidance. To worship with them today, watch their online sermon, here.

* more church history, here.

Piedmont Old-Time Society

Since Horigan's House of Taps close in downtown Greensboro earlier this month, the Piedmont Old-Time Society has been looking for a new location to jam. Currently, they are meeting in members' homes until a new location is found

Tonight, they will be busy sharing their music at First Friday with the goal of spreading old-time fiddle and banjo, string-band music. This genre of music dates back generations in North Carolina, before phones, electricity, and even cars! If you see the group on Elm Street tonight, ask them about the Piedmont One Mike Acoustic Convention (POMAC) in Franklinville the first weekend of May. This is a festival where you can hear others play and, better yet, jam with people yourself. There are so many opportunities to be around music in Greensboro and the neighboring counties.

In the meantime, if you have any ideas as to where some great old-time musicians can gather to play music in Greensboro, send us a message.

Davie Street at Hamburger Square

The above photo features Davie Street as it nears the railroad tracks, behind Natty Greene's and at Hamburger Square. This is such a fantastic part of town with a vintage feel, it has everything from small businesses to living and patio space. This area is part of downtown Greensboro's historic district and the traditional, central core of the city. It is nice that these buildings have survived, as they are surrounded by many parking lots.

Greensboro is known for having many buildings from the turn of the last century and in the Italianate style. They provide a real vintage feel to the town, while still functional and in many cases with all of the modern conveniences. Have a happy Wednesday. 

Sad Girl by Gina Franco

Gina Franco painted "Sad Girl" in 2019 in downtown Greensboro. It is located off Davie Street not too far from the News & Record building. Gina is a North Carolina-based muralist. Gina's piece sure catches your eye if you are out waking the less-beaten path downtown. The dark tree contrasts with the brightness of the mural and the sky that is, on some days, exactly the color of sad girl's hair. The tree reminds us of Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree." Being just down from the Central Library, perhaps a reading of Silverstein's poem under the tree, in front of the "Sad Girl" mural would be in order.

Gina's art is sometimes referred to as "cartoon realism" and "sad girl" has to do with the many difficult things Gina has had to endure in her less than four decades of life; including losing her mother to lung cancer last year. Gina is starting to get recognition for her art and, while from Greensboro, has also been able to paint murals beyond our great city. Let's hope that 2020 is the best year ever for her, and that by the end of the year she will feel up for painting a "happy girl" mural. She certainly deserves it. Have a great rest of your week, dear readers!

*reference & read more about Gina, here.

The Movement Continues

Today is February 1, it is the 60th anniversary of the Sit-in That took place at the above Woolworths department store on Elm Street in Greensboro. Mini special that took place at the above Woolworths department store on Elm Street in Greensboro. Every year, special events are held to commemorate this important point in the civil rights movement. 

A really important event will be held this evening. It is the Annual Fundraising Gala and will take place in the Special Events Center at the Greensboro Coliseum. The event will include many notable guests who have contributed significantly to enhancing civil rights in the United States. Award winners include President Barack Obama, Reverend Al Sharpton, Mr. Danny Glover, Ms. Clayola Brown, Reverend Dr. Cardes H Brown Junior, Dr. Linda B. Brown, And Mrs. Emma Washington. To be sure, it will be a night to remember.

Downtown Nightscape

Downtown Greensboro is so beautiful at night. The above photo  was taken at  McGee  Street, looking north  in the direction of the  Jefferson Standard/Pilot building,  now known as Lincoln Financial  Group. The lights on the  patio  of M'Coul's Public  House, were you  can get a  delicious  meal  any night of the week. The shepherd's pie is especially tasty on a cold  winter night.  Likely, you will want to eat  inside.  However,  be sure  to  take time  to admire the beauty  of Greensboro's most  iconic building,  still, ever-faithfully blinking  the time and temperature,  for all  to  see. 

M'Coul's has been a downtown Greensboro institution since 2001  and the Jefferson Standard building was constructed in  1923, but the part you  see was constructed in  1990. Consider taking a mid-week  break and heading downtown to admire the beauty of our city first-hand. Happy Wednesday!

Deep Roots Co-Op Grocery Store

Deep  Roots Co-op  has been on Eugene  Street for a few years now,  having relocated from Spring Garden Street. The  downtown store is so  nice and they have a  hot  bar. If you are downtown and need  a healthy,  quick  meal or  just a snack (and nice  clean bathrooms), stop here.  You don't have to  be a member to  shop at Deep Roots, and the uncharge for non-members is only  5%.

Deep  Roots also holds many interesting community events  in their community  room in  the front of the store. Also, if you notice in the above photo, there were vendors  set up  out  front this  past Saturday.  While the  large corporate options for healthy food are nice, nothing  beats a local,  community-owned option.  Deep  Roots  feels  "old-school"  in a way that is comfortable and inviting. Shop there  a few times and it will start to feel like the Cheers-bar of  grocery stores.  Happy Tuesday!

99 Bottles Crosswalk

This colorful crosswalk between Preyer  Brewing and Deep  Roots  Co-Op has 99  bottles on  it  to  represent  the 99 downtown  blocks (as reported by WFMY2 News). * The project was a collaborative one, with  the city allowing volunteers to  color in  the bottles. The idea  came from SynerG, an organization that focuses on Greensboro's  residents under  40.

WFMY  also  reports that about 3,000  pedestrians and 800 bicyclists are hit by cars in North Carolina  each  year (reference). How nice it would be if these  eye-catching crosswalks help  drivers stay  alert and focused. The bottles sure  add a lot of color to this part of Eugene Street!

If  you look on the  horizon on the right,  you can  see  the iconic JP building,  now  known as Lincoln Financial.

* Reference, here.

Nathanael Greene 2020

This photo taken  last  Saturday  night features Nathanael  Greene. Greensboro is named for Greene,  a  major general of the Continental  Army in  the American Revolutionary War. The statue  is located on  South Greene  Street  at Holliday Circle. The 22  foot tall statue was  installed in 2008,  twelve years ago. James  Barnill  was the sculptor. 

Initially, we were concerned  that  the view would be greatly compromised by  the hotel being constructed on the right. As the above photo  shows, there is still room for the sky to show through facing west. With  the sparkly lights of winter, the scene is  so  beautiful. We hope you get a chance to make it downtown  this weekend. There is so  much to do and  the city  is so  beautiful.  Have  a lovely weekend.

Rainbow Alley

This is a colorful week. If you  read  GDP  yesterday,  you saw  The Butterfly Effect. Today, it  is Rainbow  Alley. if you spend  time in downtown  Greensboro, chances  are you've  seen, or even  traveled,  this rainbow  alley. It goes beside  Biltmore  Hotel  and  behind  Scuppernong  Books.  It is between  West Washington  and McGee  Streets. It was painted by Gina  Franco,  fall 2019.

Alleys  tend  to  be  roads less taken and can even seem unappealing. When  you walk down this alley,  you notice so  much about Greensboro  that might otherwise  go  unnoticed.  For example,  you can  see people  meeting and  reading at Scuppernong,  You can  see people  getting into  their cars  in what seems to  be their special spots. You  can notice  the skyline  as you approach  McGee Street. You  may  even  see  the little black kitty  hidden  in this photo. If you have access to drone footage  of Rainbow  Alley,  it is especially beautiful.  Try this  News2 link.  Hopefully it will continue  to  work.

DM Pulley

If you have a dynamic,  independent  bookstore in  you community, you will never be  at a loss for things to do.  Last night,  D.M.  Pulley  spoke at  Scuppernong Books  on  Elm Street  downtown. Primarily, she  was in house discussing her  latest  novel, No  One's Home; however, she gave a fantastic presentation  balancing  what led her to  the mystery/thriller  genre, how the  genre is typically constructed,  and the plots of  each  of her books.

Pulley spoke of how her training to become  a structural  engineer scaffolded her understanding of how buildings have secrets  and  that you can dissect them,  not unlike how doctors perform autopsies.  She mentioned that  analyzing old layers of paint may reveal spattered  blood-  evidence of  a  crime, evidence of fire damage, and other interesting facts about the building.  It is so  wonderful that we have these events,  free and open  to the public.  

Stop by  Scuppernong  books tonight  when Holly George-Warren,  a  North Carolina native, discusses her  biography about Janis Joplin at  7:00 pm.  Live music  will be provided. Hope to see you there!

Jakob's Ferry Stragglers

This  past weekend was a really  great one for live,  acoustic music in  the Greensboro  area.  The  above photo features Jakob's Ferry Stragglers an  Appalachian bluegrass band that hails from Morgantown, West  Virginia and beyond. This past Saturday night, they played at Little Brother Brewing on  Elm  Street.

How nice to see the traditional  music genres  thriving in the area and appreciated  by the younger generation. The band played two very generous sets with  a short  intermission. Here some  of their music, here. It is hard to  believe that such  good  music  can  be hears  around  Greensboro  for free. A  good time was had by all,  and all were carded,  even  the patrons in their 70s!

Night Sky

Once we  accept the darkness  of winter  and the long  nights, they can actually take on a beautiful aura. Winter nights  are cozy when spent  in  the warmth of family and friends. The above photo features a recent night  sky over  South Holden  Road.  In the upper right hand corner, you can see  a crescent moon with a planet shining  brightly above it.  

Tonight is Saturday night and Greensboro will have plenty of options for entertainment. One  fun  event will be the live music of  Jakobs Ferry  Stragglers at Little Brother Brewing downtown Greensboro- at the corner of McGee and  South Elm. This  group hails  from West Virginia,Pennsylvania, and Maryland and, if you like spending time downtown as  well  as live music, this is a great option. Besides,  while last night  was  a full moon, if it is not too cloudy tonight, you should  be  able to enjoy  your  evening dancing by  the light of the almost-full  moon!  Happy Saturday!

Gate City Station

Today's photo  of the Gate City Station was taken from the J.Douglas Galyon Depot. The building houses the  downtown Experiential School. The building also  houses  the corporate offices of the Gate City Candy  Factory. It  is nice to  see this building preserved and attracting businesses and  non-profits. It  looks  especially  beautiful against  the  blue sky on  Sunday morning.  Other  than  the bare  small  trees to  the right, it is hard  to  tell  that  the photo was taken in January.

The  flags in front of the transportation  depot  reveal  that, while  sunny, the day was windy! Also, Sunday predictably is  a very  quiet day for the area. It is amazing what one can  figure out by  studying a photo.

By Train from the J. Douglas Galyon Depot

Greensboro is known as Gate City because we were the hub of so much rail transporting of commerce throughout the state and south. Above is the train depot downtown, the J. Douglas Galyon Depot. This past weekend, a carbon footprint-conscious family member of ours opted to take Amtrak to Raleigh as opposed to driving. She reported that the ride was fabulous, the train was not very busy (unfortunately) and that the round trip cost was about $30. When you consider purchasing gas, the stress of driving to Raleigh on I-40, fighting traffic once there, and paying to park, $30 sounds pretty good. Shared transportation is increasingly a viable option these days, especially with ride services like Uber and Lyft upon arrival at your final destination. Also, you can take your bike on the Amtrak train if you want to bike upon arrival.

Imagine planning a day trip to a nearby city, going with friends by train, maybe even traveling with your bookclub, scout troop, biking or running group. The more we start using public transportation, the more it will be available to us. That sounds like a good New Year's resolution. Happy Tuesday! Happy Point A to Point B. Look how clean and pretty the depot is. Grab your softest blanket and let's ride!

Greensboro Skyline

Today's photo features a downtown Greensboro skyline, anchored by the iconic Jefferson Standard/Pilot/Lincoln Financial Group building on the left. The photo was taken yesterday from the entrance to the J, Douglas Galyon Depot on East Washington Street. How nice to see that Vera Weinfield's mural, Tough Love, is still on display. The building hosting the mural was slated to be torn down two years ago.* Together, the sunny blue sky in the background and the colorful mural in the foreground really help frame Greensboro's skyline.

Stop back tomorrow and we'll take you inside the train depot. In the meantime, enjoy our great city. If you celebrate The Feast of the Epiphany, Three Kings' Day, you likely know that for Christians, today is the 12th day of Christmas. Happy 6th of January!

*read more, here.

Breaking Up Christmas

The twelve days of Christmas will officially come to a close on January 6th. North Carolina is known for having "Breaking up Christmas" music and dance parties.*  The above event was last-night's, first-Thursday, old-time jam at Horigan's House of Taps at the corner of South Elm and Lewis Street. The jam, organized by the Piedmont Old-Time Society, is open to acoustic, string-band style instrument players at all levels of expertise.

Often, friends and partners who don't play music sit on the sidelines socializing or participating in some kind of craft. Greensboro is lucky that the old-time society has these events and that Horigan's is welcoming to people passionate about a style of music that has been in North Carolina since the Scots-Irish immigrated here in the 1700s.

You still have a few days to plan your own Breaking Up Christmas party for next Monday!

* Read here if you want to know more about the history of the event.

The Best of 2019: Picture Perfect Night in Downtown Greensboro

 

Happy New Year! January 1st is the day the City Daily Photo community encourages participants to select their best photo from 2019. For Greensboro, we've selected this scene from LeBauer Park. The photo says so much about our city. The art overhead really helps define the space. Below, you see people from all neighborhoods coming together to watch a move on the big screen. This move was made possible through collaboration with UNCG. Greensboro has so many free events available to the community; events and public spaces contribute to the strength of a city.

As we look back over the year on Greensboro Daily Photo, we are reminded of all of the beautiful houses, the natural beauty of the city, the buildings and businesses, the educational institutions, the art, the weather and so much more. Even with 365 photos and paragraphs, we only begin to scratch the surface of all that is good in our city. In the end, it is the people who make Greensboro such a great place to live. Below, we've linked to twelve photos that are especially memorable. If you have time, please click through and have a visit. Thank you for reading and following GDP. Happy New Year. Here's to a great year to you, personally and to Greensboro as well!

January: The Ice Storm Cometh

February: The NC A&T Four

March: Firefighters from Station 21 

April: World Irish Dance Championship

May: Evening in LeBauer Park 

June: Summer Solstice Festival

July: Preservation Greensboro Tour of Lindley Park

August: MUSEP Free Concerts in the Parks

September: North Carolina Folk Festival

October: Reconsidered Goods Event Space

November: Kathy Clark and the Really, Really Free Market

December: The Running of the Balls

Merry Christmas 2019

All is calm on Greene Street today. However, on Friday night, after the move White Christmas played at the Carolina Theatre, you could feel the lively energy of downtown Greensboro this time of year. In the theatre, people were experiencing a movie they have likely seen many times before. In the adjacent parking deck, clothing and meals were being served to those in need. It is a good time of year for those more fortunate to remember those who are less fortunate. Greensboro is a town of giving, especially around the holidays. Let's hope the food, clothing, school supplies, financial support, and acts of kindness continue throughout the year.

The Carolina Theatre is so beautiful when it is lit up at night. It is equally beautiful inside. While the Carolina Theatre is closed today, you could go to a movie with your family, perhaps bowling, perhaps you could just spend the day with people you love and plan for making days merry and bright, for as many as feasible in our great community! As for the Carolina Theatre, tomorrow, Super Yamba and Friends will be performing their afro-beat dance music on December 26th starting at 9:30 pm.