Greensboro Daily Photo

513 Garrett Street: Chasing Our First Lead

When interviewing Jim Schlosser this week, one of the things he suggested we feature was 513 Garrett Street. It is located just south of town, between Randleman Road and Freeman Mill Road. It is just south of the Smith Homes neighborhood and north of Southmont. As you can see from the above photo, the back side of the house, on the corner of Savannah Street, has elaborate stonework. The rock chimney has a large metal crown covering it. At one time, this home must have been breathtaking. Sadly, at the moment, it appears to have been abandoned with all the doors and windows covered with plywood. This five bedroom, two bath home was built in 1910; however, several changes have been made over the last 111 years. If Zillow is right, it has been owned by the same person since 1977. 

While Jim Schlosser's great grandfather was a stone mason, Jim says he did not do the stonework on the above home. Jim's great grandfather, master stone mason A.L. Schlosser, worked with Mt. Airy granite and the above structures seem to have some other types of stone, perhaps sandstone. We're sure the backstory on the stonemasonry and other artistic details is interesting. If we get a chance to talk to the owner, we'll let you know. It would be so wonderful to have the home restored to its original glory. Yesterday afternoon when we arrived, there was a rainbow shining brightly over 513 Garrett. We'll take that as a sign good things are in store for this place.  Happy Saturday!

6104 Nile Place

Today's photo of the home at 6104 Nile Place was inspired by Logie Meachum's piece, "Sweet Magnolia" in the publication 27 Views of Greensboro".  Logie was a storyteller, teacher, and blues musician born and raised in Greensboro. Growing up, Lorenzo "Logie" spent a lot of time at his grandparents' house in the Woodyside community near Nile Place. The Woodyside community was established after the Civil War, when Quakers, John and Mary Woody, purchased land and made it available so that African-Americans could build homes.*  This neighborhood, between West Market Street and College Road has seen many changes over the years; yet, much has stayed the same. There is still a lot of acreage, although most of it is currently for sale. There are pine forests where people harvest pine needles for lawns in neighborhoods far away from Woodyside. Today, there are plenty of apartments around the single family homes and roads have gone from sleepy little two lane roads to busy highways.

In the middle of all this sameness and change is 6104 Nile Place. This two story four bedroom, one bathroom, house is about 1700 square ft. Likely, this was a farmhouse when originally built and it would have had more of the 1/3 of an acre that it had when it last sold in 2003. Perhaps the apartments behind this house were part of this property. Just looking at this house evokes memories of yesteryear, of the Greensboro and Woodyside that Logie knew growing up around here. Whoever lives in this house now, works hard to keep the lawn manicured and grows flowers, just like the owners of yesteryear would have. As a matter of fact, some of those plantings may have been around for a very long time. If you get a chance, read Logie's piece in "27 Views of Greensboro". His view shows just how segregated the 1960s were in Greensboro. His is a view you will remember for a very long time.

Happy Thursday!

*Reference and more information, here.

Historic Country Club Condominiums

Yesterday, we featured a home in Kirkwood. Today, we head a little bit southeast, just off of Elm Street at Sunset. Above, are the historic Country Club Condominiums. At one time, they were apartments and, in about 2007, they were converted to condominiums. They were originally erected in 1937 as Greensboro's first garden-style apartment complex. The facades are white brick and, what you see at the entrance are "implied quoins" at the corners. The complex was originally financed by Julian Price and Emry Green, the former being president of Jefferson Standard Life Insurance the the latter president of Pilot Life. The center of the complex forms a big circle, looping to and from Elm Street. In the center is a gated 2-acre green space for residents to enjoy.  

If you want to read more about the garden-style apartment complex, read this article by Preservation Greensboro. It is very informative. Greensboro is lucky to have Preservation Greensboro, AND this fabulous cluster of condos. If you get a chance, drive the loop.  While this property was erected in 1937, it feels as if it were brand new.

2004 Fernwood Drive

2004 Fernwood Drive is located in the heart of Kirkwood. It is one of those post- World War II homes that have held their charm for the past seventy years. The above house was built in 1948 and look at how adorable it is. The landscaping adds such great curb appeal. The white fence really punctuates the yard and the plants at the sidewalk.

We noticed it because we were driving looking for hydrangeas in bloom, and this yard was a stand-out. Curiously, most of them are blue, but there is one pinkish-purple bush on the left. Do you have hydrangeas in your yard? If so, what color are they? This three bedroom, two bathroom house last sold in 1988 and there is no sign that it is selling any time soon! Have a happy Wednesday. Here's to great neighbors and great yards! Kirkwood residents are gearing up for Fourth of July Fun, and so is downtown Greensboro!

Hidden In Plain Sight

Sometimes we drive around Greensboro wondering how on earth we are going to find a new house of worship to feature on Sunday. After thirteen years of Sundays, that is approaching 700 different photos. Sure we've featured the same place more than once. Sometimes, for the smaller churches, we return to see if they are still open. However, driving around Glenwood on Saturday afternoon, down Florida Street, we saw the Prophetic Ministries of the Apostolic Faigh at 909 East Florida Street at the corner of Highland Avenue.The church is just west of Freeman Mill Road.

We're not sure how long this building has been a church, as, originally, it was a three bedroom, one bathroom house, built in 1955. Based on the sign, it appears the church has services Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday. The property looks well maintained and the grass is mowed. The Glenwood neighborhood is said to be THE most diverse neighborhood in North Carolina. It appears, with all the different churches and religious organizations with services in Glenwood, there is considerable religious diversity, too. Happy Sunday, we're thrilled to find another church, like we said, hidden in plain sight! 

 

2426 Camden Road

Yesterday afternoon, Camden Road was filled with families out for a stroll. Some children were riding bicycles, one toddler was dressed in a princess outfit, many people had dogs, neighbors were in their front yards talking. Truly, the Sunset Hills/Lindley Park neighborhoods were enjoying every moment of the overcast skies. Temperatures were in the mid-60s, but it seemed cooler since the sun wasn't out. The above photo is of 2426 Camden Road, just a few blocks away from Lindley Elementary School. According to the signage in the yard, this house has a graduating senior. Most of the schools are having in-person graduation services this year. Let's hope that is the case for this soon-to-be graduate.

This house, built in 1927, is a lot bigger than it looks from the front. According to Zillow, it is 2,400 square feet with five bedrooms and two baths. The landscaping on the property continues to delight people who are out strolling along the sidewalks. As you can see, the front yard of the house is filled with raised beds, and right now, the foxgloves are putting on a glorious show. Foxglove stems were a big hit when they were at the Corner Market on Walker and Elam. Now, we're wondering if by chance they came from this house! We're also wondering if the black cat lives here, or if he has just stopped by for a visit.

Happy Monday! We hope you have a great week and you are in a position to get out and enjoy all of the effort people are putting into their Greensboro yards.

Happy Mother's Day

Greensboro is such a great place to live. The weather and landscape help, but what makes Greensboro fantastic is the people. Yesterday, at a yard sale on Greenwood Drive, the homeowner and host of the sale gave a piece of new jewelry to all the mothers who stopped by. There were no gimmicks and no purchase was necessary. She said she wanted everyone to be able to say they received at least one Mother's Day gift. What a nice, heartfelt gesture and the moms were appreciative and joyfully selected a piece of jewelry. 

To all the mothers out there, in Greensboro and beyond, we hope you have a fabulous Mother's Day today. And, if you happen to know the woman who lives in the above house on Greenwood, thank her for her generosity and kindness. We bet she is that nice every day.

May we all give and receive random acts of kindness.  Happy Sunday!

 

609 South Mendenhall Street

Happy May Day! Today is the day of an ancient festival of spring. The property at 609 South Mendenhall Street is about as joyful and springlike as a yard gets. Yesterday, we happened to stop by the "Little Free Library" box at the edge of this yard and the beauty of the flowers drew us in. We noticed the owner, Jane, watering the hanging baskets on the porch and struck up a good-old-fashioned conversation. The house is located in the heart of College Hill, Greensboro's first neighborhood and the first to receive an "historic district" designation 

Jane and her family have lived at the house for two years and, while it looks like it has been there for a century, the house was actually built recently on an empty lot that was previously owned by the College Hill Neighborhood.  It was sold under the condition that the house would be owner-occupied and that the new construction be in line with the architecture of the neighborhood. Jane said the best compliment she gets is when someone tells her what a good job they did "renovating" the home. Today's photo doesn't begin to capture its beauty. The purples are much more dominant and the porch is so inviting, Hopefully, Jane has time to swap out a book in the "Little Free Library" and read it on that porch swing under the paint blue ceiling.

5207 W. Friendly Avenue

This house at 5207 West Friendly Avenue, built in 1939, has so much charm. It sold on April 1st and the new owners must be delighting in those azalea bushes, some of which are 10 feet high. This .5 acre property is located at the westernmost edge of Hamilton Lakes, right across from Guilford College. This Friendly Avenue house was built back when this this end of the county was rather rural.

In 1939, there was no Quaker Village; Hamilton Lakes had not yet been annexed into the City of Greensboro (1957); the town of Guilford College had not yet been annexed (1972). Still, if you drive past this property, you may not notice the house as the landscaping wraps around the property, buffering the house from the road. Drive on the Cannon Road side of the property and it will feel like you stepped back in time. It feels so peaceful and rural you may wonder if it is 1939 again. May the new owners enjoy their little house of tranquility. Happy Wednesday!

Enjoy Another Night of the Full Supermoon

Last night was the first of two supermoons in 2021. The other one will be in May.  A supermoon appears bigger because it is closer to the earth. Last night, the moon was 222,064 miles from the earth, about 8% closer than the average.* It was called the pink moon, but it didn't really present itself as pink. The moon was bright and for the most part, the sky over Greensboro was clear. The above photo was taken in northwest Greensboro is a suburban neighborhood. The lighting against the white brick added a nice horizontal orientation to the photo.

The moon sets today (Tuesday, 4,27) at 6:59 am and rises tonight at 8:58 pm with 100% illumination in Greensboro. Follow the moon phases in Greensboro, here. If you want to try to photograph the moon, first, bring out your good camera. If you are using your phone, portrait mode seems to work best- even though no person is detected! Also, find a place where you can see the horizon line, a body of water works well. There is the moon report for today. The skies should be clear tonight; so, stake out your moon viewing site and sit back and enjoy. Happy Tuesday and Happy Moonbathing- no flashlight required!

*reference and more information about supermoons, here.

Life Along McDowell Drive

Today, we take you to 1204 McDowell Drive in the Green Valley area of Greensboro. This neighborhood is between Friendly Center and the Tanger Bicentennial Garden. It is so beautiful this time of year with all of the azaleas and dogwoods in bloom. The 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house above was built in 1963, back in the days when the satellite neighborhoods (Lake Jeanette, Adams Farm, Carlson Farms, etc.) were not even on the radar screen.

In 1963, David Schenck was mayor and there was a Civil Rights march that year. This was the year that The Women's College changed its name to University of North Carolina at Greensboro.* Meanwhile, back at 1204 McDowell, it was a new street in a neighborhood with streets named after many of the counties of North Carolina.  In 1963, there was a family enjoying their new house and new beginnings in a very beautiful part of town. These azaleas look like they may have been planted since then; however, their pink and white beauty represents a view so common in the years of Greensboro.

Happy Saturday! You still have time to get out and enjoy the beauty of spring in Greensboro.

*reference and interesting timeline, here.

100 S Mendenhall St.

This house at the corner of South Mendenhall and Market Street is one of the great historic beauties in College Hill. The above view is the Market Street side, not even the main entrance. However, this time of year, both sides of the house are so beautiful, especially with the trees leafing out, and the sun shining. That red tree looked like it was on fire as we ran past on our mid-day, 5K route yesterday.

In 1980, College Hill was designated the first historic district in Greensboro. In 1993, it was named to the National Register of Historic Places. That designation adds a very special feature to a neighborhood (reference and read more here). The above house is on the northernmost corner of College Hill, quite a welcome into the neighborhood! The colors of the house looked especially beautiful yesterday; they would have been deemed in compliance with the requirements of the historic district.  College Hill was settled in the mid 19th century by people, in many cases, affiliated with nearby Greensboro College. Even though this house is situated on one of the busiest streets leading into downtown Greensboro, when you are there, it is as if you are visiting a bucolic, country estate.

 

Gaslight Apartments

The Gaslight Apartments are located in the 1100 block of West Friendly Avenue on the southern edge of Westerwood. The apartments/condos are part of a 16-unit complex, just west of the Friendly Avenue Baptist Church. They have twelve one-bedroom and four two bedroom units. They are owned by the Kairys Group, a commercial real estate company located in Chapel Hill. The Kairys Group purchased the apartments, renovated them, and have made quite a return on their investment. 

Also part of the renovation was painting the red brick and enhancing the landscaping. We always notice the Gaslight Apartments when the trees in front are blossoming. The pale pink blossoms really make the off-white, brick apartments stand out. Have a look next time you are driving by. And do hurry, the trees are greening out before our eyes.

The Historic Magnolia House

The Magnolia House is a Green Book site, meaning it was a destination for African-American travelers during the segregated Jim Crow era. Magnolia House, located at 442 Gorrell Street, was built in 1890. Between 1955- 1961, several prominent African Americans spent the night here, often en route to important engagements north and south of Greensboro. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and was originally known as the Daniel D. Debutts House. Some of the people who stayed here were James Brown Ray Charles, Ike and Tina Turner, and Jackie Robinson.*

The Magnolia House has so many community initiatives. Also, they offer retreats and corporate events, family events like birthdays and weddings. During the pandemic, they have found very creative ways to have fundraising events, such as music sessions on the porch. They offer shoebox lunches starting at $13. The Magnolia House Foundation hopes to restore and maintain the property as an historic hotel. The above photo of the east side of the property gives you an idea of the size of the house. Just look at that inviting porch. Drive by, if you get a chance this weekend. If you don't, read more in the link below. 

*reference and more information HERE.

Going Mod On Cannon Road

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

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

*According to Zillow data,  3/22/21

Springtime at 726 South Elam Avenue

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

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

 

Colonial Home on Bennington Road

Yesterday, we featured the historic marker for Guilford College Woods on Bennington Road. Today, let's have a look at a beautiful home on the same road. This home at 4902 was built in 1983. The 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home is such a beautiful home at the edge of the woods. This colonial brick home is known as a 5 over 4 for the number of windows on the second floor and on the first.

Everything about the exterior of this house is so well appointed. The cool, cloudy weather brings out a special glow in the house. The moss from the woods has spread across the street to this property and is especially beautiful on a rainy day. You can also see that tree that recently toppled in this yard. There were many trees down in the neighborhood. Fortunately, on this property, the tree fell away from the house and not on the house! Fortunately, there are still plenty of trees in their yard and in their neighborhood. As we learn about more bad weather on the way, let's hope everyone in the above neighborhood, and yours, remains safe!

View Along Sunset Drive

This 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom house is located at 108 Sunset Drive, just off Elm Street. The Greensboro Country Club, just down the road, was incorporated in 1911, so the above Irving Park home, built in 1915,  was one of the earlier homes in the neighborhood. *  As you can see from the bare trees, we are in the heart of winter. The photo was taken late in the afternoon and the winter sun shines brightly on this residence. 

From Elm Street to Lawndale Drive, Sunset Drive is a little over a mile and a half long. It meanders through the heart of Irving Park and many prominent properties are seen along the way. The Greensboro Country Club is on Sunset, with several of the golf holes visible from the road. The homes of Irving Park, this early, 145 acre neighborhood, are some of the most spectacular in Greensboro. The architecture is breathtaking, and very diverse. Between the beauty of the homes and the spectacular landscaping, Irving Park is truly a Greensboro gem. It you haven't spent much time there, a good first pass would be to drive from one end of Sunset Drive to the other. Let us know if you find a personal favorite property. Read this Preservation Greensboro article and you can plan your very own tour of homes (the exterior views, of course).

* Preservation Greensboro has a very informative article about the Irving Park neighborhood.

A Day in the Life of a Very Big House

Yesterday, we shared a tiny house on Greensboro Daily Photo. Today we go big, grande indeed. This house, in the Carlson Farms area of Northwest Greensboro, is about 10,000 square feet on an acre and a half lot. Greensboro has an array of housing options and  houses surrounding the Greensboro Country Club both in town and at the Farm Course all tend to be very large. This house in the photograph, built in 1990, was a natural brick color until about a month ago when it got painted all white, a trend which remains popular in Greensboro- and elsewhere.

You also notice a home service was at the house the day we photographed it. Home services are booming with the pandemic. This home was getting a visit from "Doggie Paws and Kitty Claws", a mobile groom service. At 10K square feet, there sure is a lot of space for the owners and their canine/feline critters. The white van and white car, against the late afternoon sun, match the fresh white paint, yet are attention getting. The trees in winter off a little drama to the view. Have a happy Saturday! Give yourself an out-of-doors break today and see what you can get outside and notice.

Tiny Houses in Greensboro

Tiny House Development is a non-profit working throughout North Carolina. The Tiny House Training and Recycling Center in Greensboro is located at 1310 West Gate City Boulevard.  One of their main goals of the organization is to help people who are homeless by providing homes that owners can afford.  Payments are built at the residents'  given income levels.  One of their big projects was the Hammer Tiny House Community on Causey Street. Here is our photo of the Causey Street community from 2019.

The above tiny house is an example of the look of the homes. While not all of the homes look exactly the same, as a rule, each home has a bedroom, kitchen, living space, and a bathroom. The homes range from 180- almost 300 square feet. Many might question how one could live in such a small space. However, for those who live there, having a warm comfortable place to sleep, a way to cook their own food, and a place to internet surf or a tv is not only enough, it is plenty. Have a great weekend and, if you get a chance, explore this tiny home wave that is swelling in Greensboro.

*Reference and additional information, here.

No Hate!

Imagine driving in the Friendswood neighborhood of Greensboro along Meadowview Street and seeing this bright flag. It reads, "Hate has no home here." This flag emphasizing the worth and dignity of all people seems appropriate for our Sunday post, a day when we try to post something more spiritual. This three bedroom, two bath,  suburban ranch home built in the 1960s is quite representative of many homes in the area. When it was built, the house would have really felt like it was out in the country, far from town. Sixty years ago, nationally, the Civil Rights Act of 1968 had not yet passed and locally, nearby Wendover Avenue would not be completed until 1972.

As we close out 2020 and look to 2021, we need to talk to the people who live in this home and learn the story of how it is they are so far along on the diversity continuum. Their neutral, beige house is filled with people who have taken a colorful stance against discrimination. Maybe all of Friendswood is filled with friends and allies. If you put a sign in your yard or a flag on a tree, what would it say. Ours would say, "Have a great day and THANK YOU for reading Greensboro Daily Photo" (and No Hate)! 

Cranbrook Street: Teeming with Life

Cranbrook Street is a quiet little street located between Spring Garden Street, Wendover Avenue, and Merritt Drive on the edge of Hunter Hills. When driving along the busy main streets in this industrial part of town, you might not even notice it. Also, Clifton Road and Spring Garden Street separate the street into very distinct areas, now cut off from each other. However, once on these blocks, you see a part of town with homes dating back to the early 1900's. You will see a vibrant community;  houses with Christmas lights, people out working in their yards, and front porches reminding us of the beauty of sitting a spell and chatting with friends and neighbors.

707 Cranbrook, photographed above, was built in 1907, back in the day when we depended on trees to provide shade from the hot summer sun. For 113 years, someone has called this place home. When this house was built, the people who lived here might have worked at the Pomona Terra Cotta Manufacturing Company (built by John Van Lindley) or at the Pomona Cotton Mill. Today, both the tile factory and the cotton mill are gone, but this little house on Cranbrook Street holds the memories of a very historic part of town. It is still making memories for the people who live here. Happy Saturday!

Nativity on Chapman Street

Today's photo is of the nativity, the manger scene at the house of Santa of Chapman Street. While he left us in 2003, his little house, near the corner of Walker Avenue shines gloriously with both the religious and secular symbols of Christmas. The center of the photo is actually a scene, just to the left of the house. On the right, you see Frosty the Snowman peeking out on the edge of the porch. Jack True Sr., was a man of modest means, but he lived for bringing joy to others during the holiday season. For thirty years, he served as Santa on Chapma. He can rest assured that his family has continued the tradition.

As you drive through Sunset Hills and see all of the trees filled with the glorious chickenwire balls wrapped with strings of lights, consider heading over to the part of Chapman Street just off Spring Garden Street and pay homage to the man who really brought Christmas to life for so many families of Greensboro. Here is a detailed article from the News and Record, back in 2003, the year Mr. True died.

Merry Glenwood Christmas

This house, located on the East End of the Glenwood neighborhood at 828 Silver Avenue, is a fine example of the character of the homes in  Glenwood. With 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this house (built in 1908) is larger than many of the homes. Look at that beautiful green and the white picket fence. The Christmas decorations are like pretty ribbon and a bow on a package.

The large front porch on this house evokes those days of yesteryear, when we had more time for sitting and talking to friends and families. In the pre-air conditioning days, sitting on the front porch was the perfect way to catch a breeze. If you look closely, you can see the Moravian star on this porch. At night, the lighting illuminates the property beautifully. Obviously, it is a house well loved

Happy Friday! Enjoy everything about this day.

Holiday Lawn Ornaments

Today's photo is a lawn on Hobbs Road. Inflatable lawn ornaments have taken Greensboro by storm. People have realized that these decorations are so much easier to store in the off season. They look so forlorn when they are collapsed; however, when they are up, they brighten up the muted landscape on a dull almost-winter day. The school-bus yellow car in the driveway in a happy exclamation mark at the end of the cheerful display. If this scene were a sentence, it would read, The soldier stood at attention as Santa and Frosty looked on!

Greensboro's beautiful Sunset Hills neighborhood gets a lot of attention this time of year. Those chicken wire balls with lights, hurled high in the trees, is a sight to behold. However, as you can see, other neighborhoods have plenty of holiday scenery. Happy Thursday.

Halloween 2020... Year 33 on Deep Green

Paul Stutts of 3415 Deep Green Drive, off of Westridge, has been decorating for Halloween for 33 years now. This past Saturday was no different. Yet again, he filled his yard with lights, inflatables, statues, and more. Superheroes were featured prominently, as was Dracula and the Headless Horseman. The driveway, however, was the main attraction for the young ones as that is where his young adult daughter sat, masked to be COVID safe, waiting for the little ones to walk up for candy.  Here is an article from 2014 where people sent photos of their spooky Halloween decor to the News & Record newspaper. Of course Paul sent in a photo of his home (see the article, here). It is so nice to see people put forth so much effort to bring joy to others and thirty-three years is quite a streak. When asked where he stores the Halloween decor during the off season, his response was, "Everywhere."

Most people reported participation being down this year with very few children going out to trick-or-treat. However, the spirit remains alive and well on Deep Green in Greensboro. Happy Monday and, for those who celebrate, it is the last day of Day of the Dead. Tomorrow, we will feature the altars assembled and on display thanks to Casa Azul.

Farmhouse of Summerfield: 1316 Pleasant Ridge Road

Today's farmhouse is right beside the barn featured yesterday on Greensboro Daily Photo. It is located at 3136 Pleasant Ridge Road. Built in 1918, this 102 year old house has five bedrooms and is approximately 4,000 square feet-- pretty large home for that time period. It is located on a 65-acre parcel of land. It doesn't appear to be currently occupied and may be part of Summerfield Farms. The house is a standout among the mature trees surrounding it. We're betting that a lot of memories were made in that home. The northwestern end of Guilford County has so many interesting homes and buildings. They are easy to miss as we rush from Point A to Point B. As this part of the county changes, it is nice to have these photos for our archives and, hopefully, this house will be around for another century! Happy Thursday!

A Fall Walk Along Walker Avenue

The above photo was taken on Walker Avenue, in the 1800 block, just west of UNCG. Walker Avenue is a very walkable street that passes through Lindley Park and continues all the way to West Market Street out past Holden Road. Today's  scene exemplifies all of the flowers and planting you see on this well-cared-for street.

From this low angle, the fall flowers are front and center. There are also a lot of "sidewalk gardens" in this part of Greensboro. The homes up on the hill in the background date to 1925.  While in recent years these homes have mainly served as rentals for college students. The homes are in very good condition and any parent would be happy to know their children lived here. Have a great weekend and please get out and enjoy these fall scenes!

Got, Skeletons?

Most neighborhoods have a household that is passionate about holidays. Often, that household has a personal favorite: the Christmas inflatable yard, the Easter yard, even the Fourth of July neighborhood. The above household at 10 Snowgoose Cove at Lake Jeanette is one such house. They are driveway to rooftop crazy about Halloween, with quite a skeleton theme. This mid-1990's home inTurnstone Village, Lake Jeannette's first neighborhood, always goes all out for Halloween. The yard looks amazing by day. We're betting it is awesome by night. We're also betting they will give away good candy for trick-or-treaters. 

Also, notice those beautiful pumpkins and mums, they are selling out quickly. Procrastinate no longer! Last we checked, Fresh Market still had pumpkins, but Mt. Pisgah UMC on Pisgah Church Road had already sold out for the season. As for 10 Snowgoose, they didn't procrastinate!

309 South Tremont Drive

309 South Tremont Drive, across the street from Ebenezer Lutheran Church, is a a glorious old home built in 1925. The doors of the house resemble the hobbit homes in New Zealand. In addition to the doors, the steep roof and the symmetry of the house are noted. The home is known as the Jesse N Allred house. We're not entirely sure who Jesse N. Allred was. Do you know? Possibly, this person was a manager at Ansell's which might have been a clothing store. If you know, we'd love to hear from you. 

It is located very near UNCG, just west of campus in an area on the edge of Lindley Park and Sunset Hills. There has to be an interesting story to this home with some features of the storybook style. Happy Tuesday!

Happy Birthday, Violet

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY, VIOLET! We don't know who Violet is, but she is having a birthday, she is turning one, and her family loves her very much. This yard sign is impossible to miss on on West Market Street in Sunset Hills. Violet is too young to read the sign. She is too young to realize that she lives in a beautiful, brick, colonial home, in a very vibrant neighborhood. She is not, however, too young to feel the love of her family. These yard cards are becoming increasingly in Greensboro. 

In Greensboro, we love our birthdays and are known to celebrate them in grand style. Speaking of celebrating, we hope you have a great weekend. Enjoy the beauty of fall. And if you see Violet, please wish her a happy birthday for us!

This Old House... 2101 Oak Ridge Road

2101 Oak Ridge in Oak Ridge, also Highway 150, is just northwest of Greensboro. The two story, two bedroom 1 bath house is 1,300 square feet. The small lot house size are not impressive statistics. However, the most notable point of interest is that it was built in 1863 during the Civil War. This old house must have so many stories to tell. Embraced by bamboo, the house has an air of mystery and intrigue.

Nearby Oak Ridge Military Academy was build in 1852. a little over 10 years before this house. At that time, the Oak Ridge area was pretty remote and undeveloped and Greensboro had only been a town for about 50 years. There are several historic homes in Oak Ridge from that era; some even have their own historic markers. The above humble house, at the corner of Linville Road, doesn't have a marker and doesn't even seem to have much about it available online. There are tax records and a mention of updates in 1963. The usual real estate pages doesn't even mention the last time it sold. Could it be that this old house has remained in the same family? If you know about its past, please let it know. If you know about its future, we'd be interested in knowing that, too. Happy Saturday. What adventures await?

Halloween Is in the Air

Greensboro has quite a few houses that go all out for Halloween. The above photo was taken on Wright Avenue, between the two-story White House (1609) and a small brick house (1611). The White House, built in 1944 is multiple occupancy as it is right across the street from UNCG. It is not entirely clear who has done the decorating, but the nearby parked car is decorated, too. In this era when so much has been cancelled, it is fun to walk through neighborhoods and see who has what decorations out.

The first day seems a little early for Halloween, but not if that is your favorite holiday and you have been waiting all year for it to come around. By day, this scene is not too scary; but, imagine stumbling upon this doll at dusk- or, perhaps bumping in to it! It is looking like some fall events are still on the calendar. The annual fall and Halloween themed event, Goulash, by  Greensboro Youth Council, is still scheduled by Saturday, October 24th. Keep up with the event, here. Also, it appears that Casa Azul will host their 2020 Day of the Dead fall celebration this year. Stay posted by visiting here. Regardless of what happens between now and the end of October, you can bet fall themed things will be hanging in trees and sticking in yards.

Highway 150 Near Kernersville

If you've driven along Highway 150 between Greensboro and Kernersville, you've noticed a lot of changes. Out near County Line Road, lights have been added and streets widened. The above house has been at the edge of a big open field for decades; now, however, it is no longer. It will be interesting to monitor what will go up in its place. The weekend is such a great time to drive around the more rural parts of Guilford County and, in many cases, what was rural, is not su rural any more. We'll keep you posted on what goes up in the place of this house; unless, you have ideas and can share now. Here's to a great weekend for everyone!

Madison Avenue: A Beautiful Home on a Beautiful Street

Madison Avenue is a very long, residential street in Greensboro. It extends from North Josephine Boyd Street near UNCG, through Sunset Hills, gets interrupted by Wendover Avenue, then resumes through the Starmount neighborhood, crosses Holden Road, and, finally, becomes Starmount Drive at the Starmount Forest Country Club and Hamilton Lakes Park. The journey from the 1700 block to the 3900 block is 2 1/2 miles; and lovely miles at that.

This above house on Madison Avenue is located near Brentwood and Holden roads in the 4600 block. This lovely painted brick house is representative of many of the homes and lawns in the Starmount neighborhood section of Madison. It has a lush green lawn, lots of mature trees, and is a very nicely maintained home. At four bedrooms and five bathrooms brick, it is very roomy and very possibly has added on to since being built in 1955. The house and lawn have been so nicely maintained over the last 65 years. 

Madison Avenue is a lovely, fun street regardless of where one lives on it. However, pay attention if someone tells you they live on Madison Avenue. You can be in for a surprise from the ins and outs of the street as it winds through the city! If you want a little bit of midweek fun, start on one end of Madison and follow it from one end to another. According to online driving estimates, the drive is about six minutes.

The Eagle Ridge Neighborhood of Greensboro

Today's photo is a house on Eagle Downs Way, in the Eagle Ridge neighborhood. Eagle Ridge is a new community built off of Pleasant Ridge Road, on the east side of Highway 68. The four bedroom, four bath house was built in 2017. Built on nearly an acre, it fits right in with this neighborhood of large, recently-built homes. This property seems to be different by the barn in the back yard. It isn't clear from the street view it it is part of the above property. That cozy front porch looks like it would be a great place to use for socializing with neighbors. While this particular house isn't currently for sale, a few on the street are available. It you are looking for a large home in a quiet neighborhood, this area could be a good fit.

The house looks so inviting. Happy Thursday! Stop back tomorrow for an O.Henry feature to close out the week!

Cozy Little House On Bruce Street

Bruce Street is a tiny, mixed-use street off of Spring Garden, just east of Elam, where the house featured today is located. This two bedroom one bath home, built in 1925 has probably been student rental since it was last purchased in 2002. We're featuring it today, because it reminds us of what people do to make a house a home. Especially during these times when everyone is spending so much more time at home, it is important to have a place that makes you feel cozy.

Imagine everything students have been going through, needing to do all coursework online and not being able to go to campus. A big part of the college experience is the very act of spending time on campus. The prayer flags and the swinging, nest chair say a lot about the people in this home. Especially, given the way the trees are dappled with sunlight, the yard gives the feeling of a remove haven; when, in reality, it is less than a mile from campus. Happy Monday! Here's to us all finding our happy spot!

Bright and Inviting Bungalow on Percy Street

Percy Street is located in the Dunleath Neighborhood of Greensboro (Formerly the Aycock Historic District). It is just off of Yanceyville Street and North of the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market. The homes a mixture of Victorian and bungalow styles are well maintained and really reflect the personality of the owner. The above home, with its generous front porch with a rocking chair and porch swing, arbor, wind chimes, and lush plantings are a good example of the warm and inviting atmosphere of the street. The pink, blue, and purple paint make this home a standout. The home has changed so much since the current owners purchased it in 2009. Formerly it was brown and white with pink azaleas in front of the porch. This bungalow style home built is 1937 is close to the Yanceyville end of Percy Street and one of the first things you notice as you approach the area.

If you look closely, you can see that it was raining rather hard in east Greensboro this past Sunday, when the photo was taken. The planting is so lush, we could hold the camera under it without its getting wet. It must be super relaxing to be able to sit on that porch during a summer rain. Hopefully, you have a cozy spot to sit and enjoy a summer rain. If the weather app is correct, we just may be getting some rain tomorrow.

In the meantime, have a great day today.

Urban Gardening on Oak St in Glenwood

Here is an example of urban gardening at its finest. This home is located on Oak Street in the Glenwood neighborhood and just south of Gate City Boulevard. While many people have their gardens in the backyard, this one is in the front for maximum sun exposure. The terraced plots get a lot of sun during the day and are reaping crops and flowers for the owners. Imagine the conversations that happen as people walk by and get updates while the owners are gardening. We'll have to stop back by and see what is growing along the half-oval trellises.

Also notice the tin roof, on a rainy night it must be super cozy to hear the sounds of the raindrops. You can tell that a lot of love has gone into making this house a home. Happy Saturday! For those who are grading, including the above family, may your crops be bountiful!

Beautiful Farm on Bethel Church Road

Weekends are a great time to explore the back roads of Guilford County. There are still so many beautiful properties here. This farm, owned by the Wright family on Bethel Church Road is no exception. The farm with horses, sunflowers adorning an outbuilding, and a fabulous fence is located between between Bethel Presbyterian Church and Gibsonville. Country living has its challenges, but it also comes with its beautiful aspects. Just look!

Bethel Church Road will get you from Eastern High School into Gibsonville without needing to get back out on Highway 70. It is fun to drive these roads, just to see what people are out doing, what they have in their yards, what color they paint their accent door, and what buildings remain from decades ago. We hope to get to meet the Wrights someday. Indeed, they seem to be living the good live, a good blend between the old time ways and modern living.

Happy Saturday, everyone.