Greensboro Daily Photo

Keystone Apartments at Horse Pen Creek Road

Yesterday morning, we noticed construction being put into place at the newest neighborhood on Horse Pen Creek Road. Keystone is a neighborhood of apartments near New Garden Road. Cresting the hill on Horse Pen Creek Road, we noticed this praying mantis-like piece of equipment hovering above the cleared acreage. The 1-3 bedroom apartments boast many amenities. The leasing office is on Seabiscuit Lane, the main entrance into the neighborhood.

According to the Triad Business Journal,  Keystone Homes, established 1996, is the #1 privately held housing developer in North Carolina. Scott Wallace is president and Mark Michael is vice president. Their headquarters is located at 3708 Alliance Drive, , off of Wendover near the car dealerships. Horse Pen Creek is no longer your sleepy little, heavily wooded road. It will be interesting to see this community finished.

Happy Friday!

Open Pasture on Highwoods Boulevard

We learned from a Triad Business Journal article (3/22/23) that a planned community of 136 single family homes will be built on the above 16.2 acres between Hobbs Road and Jefferson Village Shopping Center. Yesterday, we noticed that a road has been cut through and machinery is being put into place. This is one of the remaining undeveloped parcels of land that is part of the 414 acre property on New Garden Road.  The Jefferson-Pilot Club was located there for 73 years. All employees were entitled to use the club. It was open from 1924- 1997.*  Nearby Price Park and the Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Library are two small parcels of the land that are open to the public. The public school, Jefferson Elementary, was also built on the Jefferson-Pilot land.

The road reveals the rocky, red clay soil so common around here. The land is fairly flat, so it should be relatively easy to build and homeowners will be surrounded by plenty of shopping.  It was such a beautiful day yesterday. Look at those clouds and notice, dead center in the photo, a bird is flying overhead.  As Greensboro, and all of North Carolina, really, continues to be developed. we hope there is some kind of master plan for green spaces and for land to remain undeveloped. Everybody deserves to sit and take in nature as seen here.

Happy Monday!

* see Jim Schlosser's article in the News & Record, HERE.

755 Perry Street- Dunleath Neighborhood

Look at this beauty of a green bungalow on Perry Street in the Dunleath neighborhood. It is hard to believe that it was built in 1895, 129 years ago. It is absolutely charming and the neighborhood has such a neighborly atmosphere. They are famous for Porchefest, an early June event where homeowners loan out their porches to musicians and people set up lawn chairs going from yard to yard enjoying the free concerts. They have sidewalks and you see people using them regularly.  Additionally, there is a Kentucky Derby Party and there is a free little library, a box to get free jigsaw puzzles, and one to get free art. Additionally, there are trails, access to the greenway and downtown. The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market and all of NCA&T's resources are within walking distance. It is such a special community and this is such a special house.

Happy Monday!

Hampton Homes

Hampton Homes is an apartment community located south of downtown Greensboro, between Gate City Boulevard, Elm/Eugene, and South Street. It is in the Warnersville neighborhood, and elementary school students attend the nearby Jones Elementary School. About four years ago, the Housing Authority of the City of Greensboro did a major interior and exterior renovation to Hampton Homes.  The 20+million dollar project greatly enhanced the community.*

The Warnersville Recreation Center is located nearby and they offer a lot of programs for children in the neighborhood, as do all of the local churches. This is a neighborhood that works to provide for children in the community. Monday-Thursday, free meals are available for children at  Jones Elementary School. Hopefully, there are other options for Fridays and the weekends. The school personnel who work through the summers work four day work weeks in the summer. The above photo, with no people outside is a little misleading, as this neighborhood is vibrant usually full of life. We'll have to stop back by and take a photo with children outdoors having some good old summer fun!

Happy Friday!

*reference and more information HERE.

Warnersville Traditions & Celebrations

Warnersville is a community that really nurtures a sense of community. There is a recreation center and a community park at 601 Doak Street. Summers are extra special. On First Fridays, they have free movies. This past Saturday, the above  celebration took place outside the recreation center. There were speakers, including James Griffin, Founder of the Warnersville Historical and Beautification Society. Laura Way, President & CEO of the Arts Council of Greater Greensboro spoke. There were food trucks, an art walk; the Warnersville Drumline played; and at 7:45, the film about the Warnersville neighborhood was shared.

Warnersville was built on a 35 acre plot of land, purchased by Pennsylvania Quaker Yardley Warner, who divided the land into plots made available to "freedmen" just after the Civil War. This was the first planned African American community in the area.* The Warnersville community continues to build memories with the current generations of residents. On Saturday, fun was had by all. Unless the Fourth of July changes the schedule, there should be a movie!

*reference and more information, HERE.

Happy Monday!

Dogwoods Are a Greensboro Tradition!

This photo was taken a couple of weeks ago. Greensboro is so pretty in pink and white in March and April. However, the dogwoods have already are now green. The bracts are gone. But, they will be full of color again in the fall. The above photo was taken at the corner of Hobbs and Jefferson Roads. The pink variety of these slow-growing trees are less common than the white. Dogwoods do well in Greensboro. They like a little shade, and need just the right amount of water- not too wet, not too dry. They look especially beautiful when planted around azaleas.

We recently learned that the largest dogwood in the United States- possibly the world- is growing in a small cemetery in Clinton, Samson County, North Carolina. If you ever want to go see it, Clinton is about 150 miles from Greensboro and it takes about 2 1/2 hours to get there. It would be fun to ride down and see it when it is at peak. For now, we'll just keep walking and driving around Greensboro's neighborhoods to see all of the natural beauty we have here.

Happy Wednesday!

Lutheran Church of Our Father

Lutheran Church of our Father is located at 3304 Groomtown Road. This yellow brick church is so lovely by day and by night. The above photo was taken last night when friends of ours were having a party in the neighborhood. The people in this neighborhood are so nice and it seems like they have a nice relationship with the church. We absolutely loved the stained glass windows, especially the one that is lighted at night.

Lutheran Church of Our Father is located on almost 5 acres of land, and when it was converted as a church, they converted a warehouse, garage, iron works and a sandwich company into a house of worship.  The church has so much history and share it online (see here). They try to do a lot for the community and have a Benevolence program, helping people in financial need. They have a Pre-K program, and they work hard to adjust as demographics shift and as the congregation grows and shrinks. One tradition that interest us is the live nativity. We'll have to stop back in December to see it. 

Happy Sunday!

Strolling along South Mendenhall Street on a Sunny Spring Afternoon

We realize we've been featuring a lot of buildings and houses lately, but the temperature topped 80º yesterday, We just had to walk. We spent time in College Hill, near Friendly and Market. The above photo is of 102 South Mendenhall, The Wilson-Andrews House, a beauty of a home built in 1859. It is believed to be only one of 12 homes in Greensboro, remaining standing, and built before 1880.*

When built, the house was originally a single family dwelling, built by Rev. Wilson who bought the land from the Bumpass family. Over the years, the home has had several exterior enhancements, like the bay windows and the addition of decorative woodwork.   The home has long been divvied up into student apartments. However, the current owners have spared no expense with that elaborate, exterior paint job. That orange color is a stand out. Also, as hinted in today's photo, the landscaping is nice with camellias still in bloom and azaleas popping out.  This is the time of year when the scenery changes weekly. Please get out and explore Greensboro. Let us know what you find.

Happy Tuesday!

*read more in the News & Record article from 1990.

2310 Fairfield Avenue; Going Strong After 77 Years!

The house we're featuring today is just down the road from the Guilford Park Presbyterian Church, the church we featured yesterday. The two bedroom, one bathroom house was built in 1947. The house looks like it has been really well cared for, even after 77 years. It looks so cozy,  and is conveniently located in Kirkwood, just north of Irving Park Plaza. The lot is 2/10 of an acre, a nice size for a small house this close to town.  The current owners have had the house since 2005. According to the Next Door website, the Kirkwood neighborhood has 2,216 residents with an average income of $84,000, and the average age of a resident is 50. It is a neighborhood with a lot of character. We're very curious about this brick and iron fence. It seems like it may be older than 77 years.

Happy April 1st. For our Christian readers, we hope you had a good Easter. It was early this year. Our Muslim readers are still observing Ramadan, which concludes with Eid on the evening of Tuesday, April 9th and Passover begins on April 22. Finally, Orthodox Easter is on Sunday, May 5th. Spring is the time for some great holidays and with the diversity of Greensboro, we celebrate them all. We wonder what the people in 2310 celebrate.

 

Guilford Park Presbyterian Church on Easter

The above photo is of the center courtyard of Guilford Park Presbyterian Church. It leads to the Columbarium. It reminded us so much of the Easter season: The three arches evoke the idea of trinity and of the three who died on the cross. The columbarium, is filled with sealed niches with stored funeral urns. Even in death, for Christians, there is the belief of an afterlife. The trees are starting to leaf out, another sign of the circle of life.

Guilford Park Presbyterian Church's first building was completed in 1947, and is an off-shoot of Buffalo Presbyterian Church. It is located in Kirkwood, on Fairfield, just off of Lawndale Drive. Guilford Park Presbyterian has a very robust history documented online. We are archivists at heart and cannot recommend the importance of documenting history of families, institutions, towns, etc. It is hard to retrieve information once the people with the stories and information are gone.  We hope the folks at Guilford Park Presbyterian have a Happy Easter. We're wondering if they will hold a service under the tree across the street, the one where the early members of the church first gathered to worship even before they were formally a congregation.

Happy Easter!

2306 Lawndale in Kirkwood is Ready for Easter!

Today would be a glorious day for an Easter egg hunt, as tomorrow is Easter. On Thursday, we had the opportunity to walk around the edge of Kirkwood on Lawndale near Cornwalis. This section  of the neighborhood has such a unique personality- a little bit hip and a little bit hippy. There is one of Kirkwood's two remaining Lustron homes.*  There are owners with vintage cars parked on the street, there is a house with an inflated unicorn, there is the palm reader. The above lawn at 2306 Lawndale is  decorated for Easter with two dogs guarding the pot. 

As we zip by this cluster of homes on Lawndale by car, we don't see it as a neighborhood. However, when we walked it this past week, we started seeing all of the things that make it a neighborhood. We were greeted by Great Danes guarding their yard, we noticed lots of storage sheds, we saw flowers and trees starting to bloom. There were people at Guilford Presbyterian Church getting ready for Easter. We looked up and a giant pink flamingo was staring at us. There were others walking. Someone was out for a run. We noticed a small park with a giant tree that reminds of the Angel Oak in Charleston, SC. Just like the Angel Oak, it is not permitted to climb the tree. Before we knew it, we were back at our car. Walking our many neighborhoods is a fun way to get to know Greensboro. May the Easter bunny deliver a basket of goodness to 2306 Lawndale, and to you too! Please stop back tomorrow.

Happy Saturday!

*See our post on the Lustron on Lawndale  from 15 years ago. 

Dogwood are Blooming

Dogwoods are starting to bloom in Greensboro. They are a harbinger of spring. The above tree is located in a yard in Hamilton Lakes, at 704 Lipscomb Road. This house sold in August 2023 with the owners inheriting this lovely dogwood. Dogwoods are a favorite in Greensboro, right up there with azaleas. There is a Dogwood Drive in Hamilton Lakes that extends arcs over Holden Road, almost extending to Friendly Avenue on both ends.  There is a 4.2 acre Dogwood Park located in Irving Park, between Sunset Drive and Meadowbrook Terrace. Native Americans made medicinal tea from dogwood bark.  Dogwoods were also a favorite of President Washington and President Jefferson. Are there dogwoods in your neighborhood? Have they started blooming?  

On another note, Garrison Keeler or National Public Radio fame will be in Greensboro at the Carolina Theatre tonight. He hails from St. Paul Minnesota. Today, in St. Paul, the temperature should rise to 33, just over freezing.  They grow well in Minnesota, but we're betting they won't bloom for at least another month If someone reading this is driving him around town, please show him some of Greensboro's  lovely yards.

Happy Thursday!

Spring Day Sunset Hills Historic District

While it isn't technically spring, yesterday felt like a spring day and today should also be a lovely day. We were spending time in Sunset Hills and happened to look up.  We noticed the beautiful sky with all of the mature trees that, a little more than a month ago, would have had those 1' round Christmas balls in them. Some of those mature trees are over twice the size of the houses. Since 2013, Sunset Hills has been on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). It is the largest NRHP neighborhood in Guildford County.  This designation doesn't mandate appearance standards. Homeowners can opt-in with the opportunity of a tax credit if they elect to participate. 

According to Preservation Greensboro, the neighborhood began in 1922 with Arthur Kirby Moore developing the land.* The neighborhood was nestled between Walker, Avenue, Market Street, and Salem Road. Salem Road was renamed Friendly Avenue. Sunset Hills, even without many sidewalks, is a very walker-friendly neighborhood. Every morning and afternoon, you will see people out walking their dogs or taking children to the neighborhood park. Consider heading out to vote in the primaries today and then finding a walkable neighborhood to enjoy. Sunset Hills is a great one!

Happy Tuesday! 

 

* See reference and lengthy, interesting history HERE.

East White Oak Community Center

Yesterday, we posted on the Freedom Fridges at the East White Oak Community Center on 10th Street in northeast Greensboro. Today, we thought we'd take you inside this wooden building that has played a significant role in this community for over 100 years. We're not sure about the artwork. The mural on the left looks like a work in progress. If you are local, you probably know the people on the right. Those wooden floorboards in this hallway look like they've seen a lot of traffic over the last century plus. When it opened in 1916, it was originally a school house for the children of African-American workers at Cone Mills textiles. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. David Richmond, one of the NC A&T Four grew up in this neighborhood.

If you want a tour of the David Richmond Resource Room, the Mill Village Exhibition, or other parts of this historic property, you can call them at 336-274-4555 or you can email them at [email protected]. There is so much outreach that happens at this community center. And, now with the food pantry, in a part of town with much food insecurity, it will play and even more pivotal role. 

Happy Monday!

Freedom Fridges

Usually, we post something religious or spiritual on Sundays. Yesterday, we had a chance to attend the installation of the Freedom Fridge at White Oak Community Center on 10th Street. While people do have church services here, its primary function is not a house of worship. It is a community center where people come together to help each other, giving what they can, is pretty spiritual. The Freedom Fridge was stocked to the gills with staples. The pantry to the right is stocked with items not needing refrigeration. The food items are open to the public and is open 24 hours. It is not under lock and key. 

A free market was held in conjunction with the unveiling of the refrigerator and pantry. The front lawn and community center were filled with items- mostly clothing- for people to take for free. There were many beautiful items coming in and out of the center, with plenty left at 3:00 pm when the event closed. 10th street, just down the street from Channel 2, WFMY News, was hopping all day yesterday.  If you want to see a thriving piece of Greensboro history, head to the White Oak Community Center. It dates back to 1916, when this area was a thriving textile mill village, built for African-American employees of Cone Mills. Today, it is community owned and operates as a 501 (c)3 non profit. Revenue is generated through grants and rentals for community events.  We love what is said about the community center on their website, "(p)eople come here to be part of a community." 

Happy Sunday!

3503 East Lee Street

As you know by now, we love to explore Greensboro and Guilford County in our spare time, often getting lost in new places. Of course getting lost is not the same with GPS and digital navigation. A couple of weeks ago, we explored the southeast end of the county near Sharpe Road and Englewood Forest, right were East Gate City Boulevard and I-40 come together. The above house at 3503 East Lee Street  caught our eye because it reminded us of housing in Mexico and other countries- especially the bright colors and the stucco. It evokes the feeling of a ranch out west. The fence defines a border but deer and other critters can hop over with ease. It wouldn't keep a child or a pet contained; but, it does accentuate the property beautifully. It is situated on nearly an acre and a half.

The house was built in 1953 and last sold in 2006, so the current owners have been there for nearly 20 years. When the house was built 71 years ago, the eastern part of Guilford County looked so different and this property would have seemed very remote. Today, in a hop, skip, and a jump, you can be on the interstate, heading out of town in two minutes. It is beside George C. Simkins, Jr. Elementary School, which opened in the 2014-2015 school year. So, the above house, and the current owners, predate the constructing of the school. As a result of this little jaunt, we learned that there still is a part of Lee Street still called "Lee Street." Just around the corner from this house is the East Gate City Boulevard corridor. It is so fun to explore our community!

Happy Thursday!

From the Dog Stick Library to the Greensboro City Library

We've featured plenty of Little Free Libraries around Greensboro, where you take a book and share a book. Today, we're featuring a Dog Stick Library. We've been looking for one and, yesterday, when we were on the exit ramp from West Wendover Avenue to Market Street, we saw this one. We tired around and went back to photo graph it. The above library is located in the 100 block of South Lindell Road, on the edge of Lindley Park.  A ten-year-old child from Canda and his father are credited with spreading the concept as a Covid quarantine activity. They got the idea from a stick library in New Zealand.*  The family of the Canadian duo had a family tradition of creating something every week. We'd love to know the back story on the Lindley Park "library" and the extent to which it gets used. It is very well built. We also want to take our dog there to see if he would like to borrow a stick.

If you love libraries and are craving a good human library experience, consider heading to the downtown branch of the Greensboro Public Library today from 1:00 pm- 4:30 pm to attend the Book Lovers' Social Author Day. It is their 15th annual celebration of books, authors, and reading. A dozen regional authors will be there to mingle, sell their books, and sign books. Read more HERE. We hope to see you there! We've attended in the past and authors have always been very personable.

Happy Saturday!

 

* reference and more information HERE.

1217 Lakewood Drive

Today, we're featuring 1217 Lakewood Drive in Hamilton Lakes. It is a very modern house with a low profile from the street. This 4 bedroom 3 bathroom house is not for sale, but we were attracted to is while driving around because of the Little Free Library box in the front yard. The library box is constructed in a similar shape as the house, painted the same color, and had a book we took to read. We had the ambitious idea, for 2024, to challenge ourselves to only read books acquired from Little Free Libraries this year, and to return them to a box when we finished reading them. We see so many of those great community resources as we drive through neighborhoods. Thank you, 1217 for the great selection of books.

The above house is located an easy walk from the lake and the park and walking trails. We imagine it is beautiful inside because it has a screened in back porch and so many amenities. The house was built in 1952, in the era of mid-century modern. It was designed by Wesley Doggett, an early graduate of the NCSU School of Design.* Mr. Doggett lived in Greensboro and died here in 2000.**  After retiring from Carolina Steel Corporation, he opened his own design consulting business. We're wondering just how many houses he designed, what decisions went into  designing 1217 Lakewood, and if he ever lived in the house. This is one of many houses with great provenance in the Hamilton Lakes neighborhood.

Happy Friday!

 

• * reference and more photos.
• ** read the obituary of this accomplished man, here.

Living Hope Church

Living Hope Church is a missionary Baptist Church just up the hill from the former Hampton Elementary School. It is a church that fits perfectly with the neighborhood- not too big. It is a well-maintained property at the edge of the Cottage Grove neighborhood in east Greensboro. If you will recall, this neighborhood was ravaged by a tornado in 2018 that ripped through, severely damaging Hampton Elementary School, the above church, and many houses in the vicinity. At the time, Lester Woodard was pastor of this church he founded in about 1998. Here is a video that provides insight into the destruction the tornado caused and the heartwarming video of Pastor Woodard finding a wedding dress and searching for the owner. Just like the CBS Sunday Morning Show that shows the good in people, this CBS segment does the same.

Pastor Woodard, who lead a full life filled with family, a career, a congregation, a family business and more,  died at the age of 84 on June 4th 2021 (see obituary here). Indeed, his was a life well lived. At the helm of Living Hope today is Reverend Thomas Wilson. Likely, many of the children and grandchildren who attend this church will enjoy the future iteration of whatever gets built on the Hampton Elementary School property. We hope there is someone in the church and neighborhood is documenting all of this goodness. We are wondering if the owner of the wedding dress was found.

Happy Sunday!

Hampton Elementary Demolition Has Started

Hampton Elementary School on Trade Street on the eastern side of Greensboro, was severely damaged in a tornado in April of 2018. Guilford County Schools, the City of Greensboro, and the community at large have been in discussion as to what to do with the school. Ideas ranged from revitalizing it to tearing it down. After other options did not pan out, the Guilford County Schools Board of Education voted to give the land to the City. The hope is to make the property into something the local community- known as Cottage Grove- can use so that children will benefit. *  It is a nice piece of land and it was especially pretty yesterday when we visited and the sun was shining. If you notice on the left, the door is open as workers were inside. Most of the noticeable demolition to date is on the back side of the building.

The school is named for William M Hampton who was a physician. Dr. Hampton was also a Board of Education member and the first Black person elected to the Greensboro City Council.**   There has been a nomination to include his name as part of the new visual and performing arts elementary school being built to replace Peeler and Hampton Schools. The current nomination seeks to preserve both names. Hampton School is tucked back into a neighborhood. If you are out this weekend, it is worth a drive past it. Perhaps you will have some ideas to share about the land.

Happy Friday!

 

• reference and more information HERE.
• ** reference and more information HERE.

The Long Road to High Ground Mixed Use Project

Yesterday, we had a landscape photo from a federal park. Today, we're sharing a 10-acre private project being developed by Marty Kotis and Will Stevens. Dubbed "High Ground", it is, indeed, on high ground above Battleground Avenue at the corner of Westridge The above photo was taken from the British Woods side, past where Downing Street becomes Churchill Drive.  This $35 million project will have both apartments and retail space. Again, this is an example where city land is infilled, as opposed to needing to annex property or use more rural, unimproved property.  Projects like this one are changing the landscape and profile of North Battleground (NOBA). The project will likely be done sometime this year. 

It is First Friday and the start of a weekend where the weather may not be conducive to getting out and exploring. Perhaps you can use this as an opportunity to scroll through old posts on Greensboro Daily Photo. With nearly 5,500 posts, there is plenty to choose from If you see the "Categories" bar, you can pick a category that really interests you and have a look. As for us, we'll be out looking for more vistas to bring your way.

Happy Friday!

Bailey Village in Downtown East

Bailey Village is an apartment complex off of East Market Street, between NC A&T, the United House of Prayer for All People, and Bennett College. This area that is quickly becoming known as Downtown East. Bailey's Village, a 172-unit apartment complex, was constructed on a 13 acre lot owned by the United House of Prayer for all People. In addition to housing, there are plans to develop more amenities, like retail stores in the village. There is also a dog park, green space, streets within the community, and more. This new housing option is not student housing and there is an effort to keep it affordable. Here is a link if you want to see floor plans and amenities.

Formerly, this southeast Greensboro lot housed a building of the US Postal Service.  This is definitely a a part of Greensboro growing before our eyes. If you are out and about this weekend, drive over and see Bailey's Village for yourself. It is named for a former pastor of the United House of Prayer for all People. One of the main streets off of Market, is named Bishop Charles Grace Lane. Bishop Grace, born in 1881 in Brava Cape Verde Islands, was the founder and  respected leader in the church. You will know you have arrived when you see these three crosses on the church on the corner.

Happy Saturday!

Stephen Johnson, Urban Farmer

This is Stephen Johnson, a vendor at the Corner Farmers Market on West Market Street beside St. Andrews Episcopal Church. He sells produce and delicious baked goods with much inspired by his innovative farming techniques and his Australian roots. Stephen is the person who first had the idea for the corner market. His home is only a block away from the original, Walker/Elam location of the market. Stephen, a trained psychologist, left that career to farm full time. His sustainable farming practices are quite innovative. He seems to work farming miracles on less than an acre of Lindley Park land. From enhancing the quality of water on his property, to ensuring there are bees to pollinate to learning to market his produce to baking and preparing yummy products like pesto, this urban farmer seems to do it all. John Van Lindley (1838- 1913), the pomologist and nurseryman  for whom Lindley Park is named, would be very happy to know the good work Stephen Johnson is doing in the community.

The Corner Farmers Market will be open today from 8-12 noon. Stop by and get some goodies for the holiday season. In the meantime, if you want to learn more about Stephen's gardening techniques and his journey from Perth, Australia to Greensboro, USA, read this 2017 article in the O. Henry Magazine.  

Happy Saturday!

311 S Elam Ave

Have you noticed yellow accent doors are trending in Greensboro? 311 South Elam Avenue, located between Lindley Park and Sunset Hills, is one such example. When you drive or walk by, this door is a stand out. It also brings out the yellow in the surrounding landscaping. This single family home was built in 1956. It is a lot bigger than it looks. In this three bedroom, three bath house, there is a garage behind the house, as well as a full basement. Also, it is built on almost a half acre. According to Zillow, the last time it sold was in 2012. So, the current owners must be happy, especially given the amount of appreciation the house has had. 

At one time, we were trying to find homes in Greensboro that were every color of the rainbow. For now, we think we'll settle for red-purple doors. This yellow is about as yellow as it gets. It looks like at one time the house was red brick. Paint certainly changes the aesthetic of a house. Do you have a favorite color for accent doors? Do you have one in mind we should feature on Greensboro Daily Photo? Let us know.

Happy Tuesday!

State Street Fall Festival

Every time we walk on State Street, it evokes a feeling of beach communities. With many new businesses opening in the 400 block, young adults, especially those with small children, are spending time on State Street. Eclectic by Nature and Vida pour Tea are two businesses that have helped with this rejuvenation of the street. Now, there is a bicycle shop, a coffee shop, a children's consignment store, a bookstore, and more. The above photo features, Sweet Tea Studio, which is in the building that formerly housed the Saltbox.* If you peek to the left, you see the Sustainability Yours, a mobile boutique that pops up at many special events.

Saturday's event involved the coordination of all the local business owners on State Street. When merchants work together, great things can happen. Tomorrow is First Friday in downtown Greensboro. You will have another event to fill your evening with people, art, good food, and entertainment. Oh, and get ready for all of the NC A&T homecoming festivities.

Happy Thursday!

 

*(We still miss the large candles, seasonal decorations, and the handmade lighting that made the Saltbox so special).

Westerwood Chili Cook Off 2023

The Westerwood Neighborhood Association held their Annual Chili Cookout this past Sunday. The weather was perfect and the turnout tremendous. People ate chili, reconnected with neighbors, celebrated the children born since last year, and listened to the music of the Westerwood String Band. The above photo features nearly empty crock pots as it was so fun trying the different recipes. There were very generous prizes for for mild, medium, spicy and vegetarian chili. This was a big fundraiser for the Westerwood Neighborhood Association and they are planning to use the funds to enhance the Lake Daniel Park. One item they are purchasing is an adaptive swing to make the park more accessible. The grand prize was an overnight stay at the O'Henry Hotel with restaurant vouchers. These community-building events are priceless. Does your neighborhood have any community-building traditions? If not, it is never too late to start one. It helps to attend some events and get an idea of what is popular and what makes them a success.

Happy Tuesday! 

Heaven on Earth

The Qur'an describes paradise "as vast as the heavens and earth." (Q.3:133). There is no consensus on heaven in Judaism; emphasis is on doing good deeds while alive. In Christianity, heaven is the community or place one goes for those who are committed to Christ. There are many other ideas and interpretations of heaven and the afterlife.

The above photo is the sky reflected in a water element on at the Greensboro Country Club's Farm Course golf course. It evokes a sense of calmness, beauty, and peace; a feeling most of us strive for while on earth. This has been a jarring week of news. May we focus on our common humanity, being good people, and doing what we can to ensure everyone has a good quality of life while on this earth. Here's to being good Samaritans; charitable, helpful people while on earth (Luke 10:33). We'll be back next Sunday with a house of worship.

Happy Sunday!

Happy Sunday!

New Cedar Grove Baptist Church, 1114 Morris Street

Today's photo for Spiritual Sunday is of the New Cedar Grove Baptist Church at 1114 Morris Street, where Pastor Thurman Highsmith, Jr. officiates there. When we were there last Sunday, church was already over, but the neighborhood was lively. On High Street, just east of Highway 29 and south of Gate City Boulevard, children were enjoying an after-church birthday party with a bounce and other inflatables. It is so special seeing communities, in this case, the Asheboro neighborhood,  fellowshipping together. 

There is a vacant house across from Cedar Grove Baptist. It would be a good investment for anybody willing to go in and get it fixed up. That part of Greensboro is a place where you can still buy a home at a reasonable price and the neighborhood is conveniently located. Mrs. Hattie Mae Walker Black died at the age of 88 in 1993, 30 years ago. Her funeral was held at New Cedar Grove Baptist. At the time, Mrs. Black lived at 2222 East Lee Street, back before it was renamed Gate City Boulevard. We couldn't find anything online about this church, other than this obituary. Every church deserves a member-historian to document church history.

Well, it is the first day of October, which begins the final quarter of 2023. Before you know it, we will be closing out the year. On another note, today is "Art in The Arboretum" in the Arboretum from 12:00 noon- 5:00 p.m. This will be a fantastic, not-to-be-missed event.

Happy Sunday!

Glenwood Barrber Shop

In preparing this post for today and researching this "barrber" shop, we realized that we actually featured it seven years ago. It is located in the Glenwood neighborhood at 1106 Glenwood Avenue. The owner is William L Byers, Jr. and, in true barber fashion, he cuts, styles, shaves, and provides facial treatments.While the above discounted prices haven't changed, the facade has changed tremendously (see HERE)! How wonderful that the shop is still in business and that they are able to offer discounts to seniors, children, and college students.

The more things change in Greensboro, the nicer it is that some things stay the same. There are stylists, salons, and old-school, traditionally for men/by men barber shops. The above is, indeed, a barber shop. Glenwood Barrber Shop is celebrating its 15th year this year. To be sure, they've seen some changes in their neighborhood- hinting at gentrification. The barber shop  open today at 9:00 am if you need a haircut. They have a Facebook page if you want to get to know the barbers and their humor. Here's to the next 15 years fellows

Happy Wednesday!

Woodworker Ken Collins

Some houses absolutely reflect the personalities of the owner. Such is the case of this artist at 832 Glenwood Avenue in the Glenwood neighborhood of Greensboro. Ken Collins has his "shingle" displayed at his driveway announcing that he is a woodworker. However, Ken is so much more.  As you can see from the art around the yard, Ken is quite the metalworker and upcycler, too. It is hard to see in the photo, but the metal fan blade flowers have glass telephone insulators as their centers.

Ken's studio is behind his house and it seems every few years when we drive by the artwork has changed. Also, we have seen his work available at ReAligned Antique Store at 115 East Lewis Street, downtown. We don't really know him personally, but years ago, Ken repaired and rewired a lamp for us and did a fabulous job. It is so meaningful to meet local, creative people. We actually featured him in person eight years ago, and hope to have a chance to see more of his artwork.

If you look at your home, what does it say about your? We're always on the lookout for great people and places to feature. Let us know.

Happy Thursday (the new Friday)!

Join Junior League of Greensboro

The Junior League of Greensboro (JLG) has been promoting volunteerism and the leadership potential of women in Greensboro for 95 years. According to their website, the JLG was founded on May 26, 1926 when Miss Kathleen Price (later Mrs. Joseph M. Bryan) organized the Junior Charity League with some book club friends and other select young women. In the early years of JLG, the organization worked closely with UNCG which was, at that time, a women's college.*  Over the years, JLG has done so much fundraising to help worthy projects of Greensboro. For example, in the 1970s, they raised money to help restore Blandwood Mansion. Over the years, they have been running the Bargain Box, a thrift store that raises money for their different causes.

The above photo was taken of a lawn of Junior League members who live in the Kirkwood neighborhood of Greensboro. It was taken on Independence Drive during the Fourth of July Festival last week. What a great way to advertise for your organization- with yard signs. Even if you don't live in Greensboro, you may know about Junior League, as there are over 295 Junior Leagues in four countries. Their headquarters is located at 3101 West Friendly Avenue, across from Friendly Center (see HERE).

 

* read the organizations timeline, HERE.

Sherwood: From the Kirkwood Parade to the Greensboro Community Swim Association's City Meet

The above photo features several members of the Sherwood group at the Kirkwood Fourth of July event. They placed first as entrants in the Kirkwood Parade and the young guy in the middle is holding their trophy. We think they must be Kirkwood community members who are also affiliated with Sherwood Swim and Racquet Club. The Sherwood swim team took top honors at the 2022 Greensboro Community Swim Association (CSA) City Meet. We're betting they want another top prize at CSA City Meet. Greensboro has several strong teams, though. We'll know on Saturday.

We are reminded that the CSA City Meet gets underway at the Greensboro Aquatic Center (GAC)  today. City Meet brings swimmers gather from all over the area. For three days, you see teams having their end-of-swim season bonding moments and efforts of personal records. From the CSA parade to the medaling and closing ceremonies, it is quite a special summer tradition in Greensboro. The Community Swim Association Championship was established in 1958, sixty five years ago. The Kirkwood Fourth of July Parade was established 74 years ago- in 1949. The Sherwood Swim and Raquet Club was estalblished in 1961. That is a lot of history and combined years of tradition. The way we see it, everyone who participates is a winner.

Happy Thursday!

Happy July 4th, 2023

The Fourth of July is a big celebration in Greensboro. The Apple Pie Bicycle ride happens at 7:30 am at Bur-Mil Park today. There is a ride for all levels of strength and endurance. From 1pm-6pm downtown is Fun Fourth. Elm Street is blocked off and there will be plenty to do and see. At least one Uncle Sam will be in attendance. Last Fourth, we spotted two Uncle Sam at Fun Fourth (see HERE). So many businesses were closed yesterday and even more today. Here's to as many people as possible getting a four day weekend.

Regarding the Fourth of July in Greensboro, the most famous neighborhood event  is the Kirkwood Parade. This is the 74th year for Fourth of July fun in this neighborhood just north of downtown and slightly west of Irving Park. From 4:30- 8:30 pm, families will march and drive down Independence Road. Fun like you see above can be had when families and neighborhoods work together, building community and making memories. There is no entry fee and the event is not monetized. It is just a time for families to enjoy each other.

Happy Tuesday, Happy Fourth of July!

Latham Park: Summer Fun

Yesterday was sunny with a high of 86º and humidity was at 65% and there wasn't any wind. Those weather conditions make it feel more like summer. The above photo was taken at the skate park at Latham Park, off of Wendover Avenue. It shows a skater heading back into the bowl to finish up a move as another skater watches. The skate ramps were busy yesterday, as was all of Latham Park. People were walking, riding their bikes, playing with their dogs, and playing tennis. All of the tennis courts were full. The baseball field, however, was quiet.  It is so nice seeing people using our public spaces. Latham Park was named for James E Latham who was a cotton importer and exporter in Greensboro. He and his wife lived in Greensboro going from Fisher Park, to Irving Park, and back to Fisher Park. The Lathams donated 70 acres along Buffalo Creek which is where the park is today (read Jim Schlosser's article HERE). Wendover, splits the park. 

Parks bring people together and do wonders for physical and mental health. Greensboro's Parks and Recreation Department is wonderful. Our cities parks and programs help people make memories right here in the community.  Are you using them? We hope so. 

Happy Thursday!

On Suburban Cycling, Revolution Mill, and Greensboro's Population Growth

Last night's group bike ride, the one that starts and finishes at Cycles D'Oro, took the group to Revolution Mill at Yanceyville Street. The mill opened in 1898 by Moses and Caesar Cone and is quite an impressive east Greensboro landmark. It was also a good, off-road stopping point for the cyclists, many of whom are novice riders. The mill is quite successfully being repurposed as a mixed-use complex. As the cyclists took a water break, they got briefed about the second half of the 10 mile ride. One of the ride facilitators pointed out the water tower across from the mill, up on Textile Drive. He informed us that the water tower is on one of the highest elevations in that neighborhood, and we needed to get our bike in the lowest gear BEFORE heading up that hill.

Along the way, one of the riders started talking about the population of Greensboro and how it increased in the 1960s. That prompted us to look that up as soon as we got home. According to the Wikipedia timeline of Greensboro (see HERE), Greensboro's population was 74,389 in 1950. By 1960, it was 119, 574. That is an increase of over 45,000 people, about 60%. By 1970, Greensboro's population was 144,076, an increase of 25,000 or about 21%. Many of the Greensboro's houses, including the ones on the ever-steep Textile Drive, were built in the 1960s. Some of us decided to return to look around when we weren't concentrating on shifting gears and powering through a very tough hill. Oh the great thoughts being around others evokes.

Happy Wednesday!

Hens of Glenwood

Greensboro's neighborhoods have such distinct personalities. Glenwood is an urban neighborhood known for its diversity; a very active neighborhood association; and great location close to downtown, UNCG, the Coliseum, and more! It has been a neighborhood since the early 20th century. Every time we drive through, we see something that puts a smile on our face. We see children playing in the parks; we get good food at the Thursday market and so much more. The other day, we were visiting a friend and saw a couple of the Hens of Glenwood. This is the ultimate in free range chickens. We're wondering where they lay their eggs. 

In the background, you can see a couple of the houses, so typical in Glenwood. Likely, they are two bedroom, one bathroom homes. If a small house is enough for you, Glenwood is perfect. They even have their own public library and a community center.

If you want to know more about Glenwood, read what the Greater Glenwood Neighborhood Association has to say.

Dunleath Porchfest 2023

Today is porchfest in the Dunleath neighborhood of Greensboro. Located just north of the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market and Yanceyville Street, Dunleath is a cohesive neighborhood. They have activities and events that evoke that feeling of the neighborhoods of yesteryear. Big front porches and generous sidewalks help bring people together. This is the kind of neighborhood where everyone knows each other's names, interests, and needs. Recently, on May 6th, they held a neighborhood yard sale. On August 1st, neighbors will come together to celebrate national night out.

Today, from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm, you will hear performances with a festival-like feel. And, best of all, the event is free and open to the public. Music in Sternberger Park  will conclude the event. Neighbors open their porches to musicians, who offer their talent for the event. Every street becomes a venue. Organizers try to space the bands out so that they don't ending interfering with the music of other groups. Also, hosting houses only have one concert, giving guests the opportunity to roam the neighbors and see more of the architecture and landscaping. Performances last 45 minutes. Porch hosts will have maps to distribute to guests. While the event is free, musicians appreciate tips in their tip jar. There is a lot of expense that comes with performing.

This photo was from last year, on Cypress Street just as a performance had finished, we seem to recall. Hope to see you there!

Happy Saturday!

Lindley Park Baptist

As we biked past Lindley Park Baptist Church the other day, we did a double take. As you can see, the marquee says, "AMAZING GRACE 1048- 2023." Looking around, we saw the zoning notice for a public hearing on June 20th, 2023 at 5:30 pm. The sign didn't say where the hearing would be held. It is case # PL(Z) 23-26 and the contact number is Olivia Byrd at 336-373-2986. If our friends' internet sleuthing is correct, the church, the fellowship hall, and the house beside it may become Kellin Foundation, a local non-profit. According to their website, they are a "trauma-informed behavioral health service." 

Lindley Park Baptist, located at the corner of Walker Avenue and Holden Road, has been a church since 1948, and the cornerstone on the above building dates the sanctuary as being erected in 1972. As of a News & Record article from 2001 (updated 2015) the church had about 200 members. We will follow the possible conversion from church to its new use with great interest. Recently, a church at the corner of Spring Garden Street and Englewood Street got converted from a church to student housing (Spring Garden Station) and there is no evidence that it was formerly a church. Greensboro is known for its many churches; hopefully, the members of Lindley Park Baptist have found a new spiritual home.

Happy Sunday!

Larger Than Life

 

Yesterday, we featured poppies in a garden for National Poppy Day. Today, we give you a close up (macro) view of one of the poppies in the photo. The day we took the photo last week was overcast and windy in Greensboro, and several of the photos were blurry. We finally got a photo that shows you the intricacies of the inside of a poppy. Macro photography is about showcasing things larger than they actually are in real life. See HERE if you want to learn about the anatomy of a poppy.

Not only is this view "larger than life", but so is the backstory. Remember that through our friend, the current owner of the house and this garden, Kit Rodenbough, we learned that another friend, Julie Dameron formerly owned this house and is actually the one who planted this garden. This gives Kit the very important role of being the keeper of the garden. Well, to continue this great story, we learned that yesterday's post prompted a visit between Kit and Julie. Julie got to go see her garden again and left the visit so thrilled, hearing how much Kit loves the house AND the garden. The only thing that would have made this close up slice of life better would have been getting a photo of the two women together. Maybe that can be arranged at a later date. Also, just since yesterday,  we've had a few friends in Greensboro alerting us of their poppies we can photograph for next year!

If you have a cell phone, use the camera to take a macro photo of something. Seeing something up close, as opposed to from a distance, yields very interesting results. Share your macro photo with friends! Tell them you were inspired by Greensboro Daily Photo! With six degrees of separation, we're betting word will get back to us.

Happy Saturday!

Art & Supply Pop Up

Our friend and artist, Cassandra Liuzzo, is featured today at her pop up art sale at the corner of Grove Street and Lexington in the Glenwood neighborhood of Greensboro. Cassandra had Shelf Life Art & Supply Co. in Irving Park for several years. After closing that store, she now sells art at Design Archives in downtown Greensboro. At her studio in Glenwood, she sells art and craft supplies, as well as gives private and group art lessons. Her pop up sales will continue throughout the summer on the same day as the Glenwood Market. Cassandra's hours are a little earlier, 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm on Thursdays. If you are at the Glenwood Market, just follow the path to from the market to the front of the church and you will see her pop up. 

Cassandra, a Grimsley High School graduate, is a talented artist herself. She had a Greensboro Residency for Original Works (GROW) downtown in 2021. Not only is she accomplished at drawing and painting, she has beautiful journals and is quite a fiber artist. It will be interesting to follow her career and see the direction her talent will take her. You can find her website on Facebook (Shelf Life Art & Supply Co.) and connect with her at shelflifeart on Instagram. If you get a chance, stop by Cassandra's pop up next week. Not only will you have the opportunity for a good conversation, you will find some great supplies at a reasonable price. Thank you Cassandra for always having a great smile and welcoming spirit.

Happy Friday, dear readers.