Greensboro Daily Photo

404 Leawood Drive

We haven't featured a house lately and driving around Greensboro, this one caught our eye. On New Year's Day, the house at 404 Leawood Drive was a shining beacon up on a hill. The winter sun, already low to the horizon mid-afternoon, cast dramatic shadows over the lawn. The bright blue sky made everything look fresh and new on the first day of the new year!

404 Leawood is a 3 bedroom/2 bathroom house, built in 1976 and, according to online records, last sold in 1986. The people living there must feel like they are in a cozy tree house or on a little oasis. The location, between Market Street and Friendly Avenue, near Guilford College, is super accessible to getting downtown Greensboro in one direction and to the bypass in the other. The house is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood we only saw because we were  visiting  friends in the neighborhood. Echoing Fred Rogers, it was a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Happy Saturday!

303 S Chapman Street: The Grinch Report...

Christmas has come and gone, but decorations still abound, especially in the Sunset Hills neighborhood. The above house at 303 South Chapman Street is quite a sight to behold for those who love animated characters. They've got Sponge Bob, Minions, the Grinch, Santa, and more! Sunset Hills is known for the light balls hurled high in the trees and they are a sight to behold. However, it is also fun to find other homes with Christmas spirit and 303 South Chapman does, indeed, have holiday spirit. The owners have been in the home for a couple of years, but they realize they are part of a neighborhood that values decorating. Their home is right down the street from Our Lady of Grace (OLG) Church and School. We imagine the children headed to and from OLG delight in seeing these decorations. We sure do.

Built in 1940, this house is a lot larger that it appears from this street view. Built in 1940, this WWII home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms. It was renovated in 2008 (and maybe since then) and has been well maintained. Perhaps the Grinch is aggravated with his neighbors and all of the balls in the trees. Somehow, we have the feeling, the Christmas spirit is not in danger in this great neighborhood. The Grinch hopes your holiday is everything you hoped it would be.

Happy Thursday!

The Running of the Balls 2024

Tonight's the night, the annual Running of the Balls in Sunset Hills. The 5K race will start at 6:00 p.m. in the dark, through the Greensboro neighborhood that garnered national attention for filling the mature trees with these round balls of  colorful light.  Tonight marks the 12th year of the event and nearly 50,000 people have participated. According to their website, over 10,000 balls have been hung and the community fundraiser have made possible nearly 6,000,000 meals through Second Harvest Food Bank. That is an impressive number and the display the neighborhood installs is equally impressive. Indeed, we are Greensboro proud, and we don't even live in this great neighborhood. 

You may remember, earlier in the month, we interviewed the family that lives in the above photo. Their home, alone, is installing 65 balls. The display is so much prettier in person than it is in this photograph. If you are local, you'll have to get out an see for yourself. However, don't go tonight, unless, of course, you have signed up for the race. If you are looking for a great place to live, consider Greensboro... consider Sunset Hills. Oh, if you do move into a home in this neighborhood, there is an unwritten expectation for you to participate in this event.

Happy Saturday!

Glenwood Neighborhood- Smaller, Older Homes with Lots of Charm

The above photo was taken at a corner lot on the east side of the Glenwood neighborhood, not too far from Gate City Boulevard. It reminds us of just how charming these older neighborhoods can be in Greensboro. The lot is large and the scene looks like it could be way out in the country, not in the city limits. Glenwood dates back to the early 20th century, one of Greensboro's oldest neighborhoods. The neighborhood usually to get trolley service from town. There are several community initiatives in Glenwood, and the neighborhood prides itself in its diversity and the fact that people from all walks of life not only greet each other,  but interact on a regular basis.

Enjoy your day today, remember our small businesses and remember to #OptOutside. See you at the farmers markets first and then walking around seeing what we can uncover. We hope the lighting is a s good today as it was last week, when we took this photo.

Happy Saturday!

Opt Outside & the Really, Really Free Market

After preparing yesterday's post, we decided to dig a little deeper to learn about REI's # Opt Outside initiative. By closing their stores on Black Friday, 15,000 employees have the opportunity to spend time outside. They launched the initiative in 2015 and they encourage the nation, especially their 24 million members to have that mindset. (read more HERE).

The Really, Really Free Market on Black Friday is also an initiative with a purpose driven mindset. Greensboro's first Really, Really Free Market was  in 2008, offering people an alternative to mass consumption.  Kathy Clark,- in the red overalls in the above photo, welcoming us to the market in previous years-  replicated the market that started in Miami and Raleigh in 2003.*  At the Really, Really Free Market, people bring items to give away and everyone is free to take what they want. You do not have to barter, exchange, or even talk to anybody about what you are taking.  And, indeed, you never know what you're going to get. Today's event if from 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. at 1312 Glenwood Avenue. The Glenwood neighborhood remains committed to this event, and is hosting it again this year. By the time the event starts, so many items will available; however, people will be bringing items all throughout the event. So many of us have an abundance of items we don't need, use, or wear. It is so nice to send them on to someone who would really appreciate them. 

So, today, you can spend the day outside, biking, hiking, walking, and swing by the free market. They day can be so meaningful, without being part of mass consumerism. If you are going to make retail purchases, remember, tomorrow is Small Business Saturday; you can get a jump start on it a day early.

Happy, Not-So Black Friday!

*read more about the Really, Really Free Market  HERE in Triad City Beat).

Sunset Hills at Sunset

We don't usually post nature photos two days in a row, but yesterday's sunset was so beautiful. This is an east-facing view of Sunset Hills yesterday, a little after 5:00 p.m. The western sky was a fiery red glow, but something about the pink tint cast here was so warm and calming. The archway shows you one of the many architectural details found in this well-established neighborhood. Sunset Hills was first established in the mid 1920s and has continued to be a popular neighborhood for the last 100 years. Development here continued through the 1950s. Over the last couple decades, the trend has been to take the smaller houses and add on to them, as is the case with the above home.  In an earlier iteration, it was a one-story, red brick home without a two car garage.

While visiting in the neighborhood, yesterday, we were reminded that next week, Sunset Hills residents will once again be shooting those round, chickenwire light balls way high in the trees. This has been a Sunset Hills tradition for over a decade. Twelve years ago, the annual, 5K run/walk was instituted beneath a breathtaking canopy of lights. Nearly 50,000 people have participated in "The Running of the Balls" and almost 6 million meals have been provided via Second Harvest. We don't know if they are still accepting reservations for the December 12th event (see HERE). We do know, if you want a calm, unadorned chance to enjoy a walk through the neighborhood, you might want to do so soon, as it is about to be the most jolly, festive, adorned time of year for this neighborhood with so much character.

Happy Tuesday!

Rain Along Battleground Avenue

Yesterday, Greensboro got some much needed rain. This is what Battleground Avenue at Irving Park looked like at a little after 5:00 pm.  The rain brought cooler weather. Temperatures dropped to 39º and the high was only 47º.  The reflection off the car lights made the scene look very beautiful. The white vehicles are real stands out, contrasting with the dark streets. 

This weekend is predicted to be cool, but dry with sunshine. It should be a good weekend to get outside.  This is weekend three of five in November and thirteen more days before Thanksgiving. And, if you look around, Christmas decorations have replaced Halloween decorations and election signs.

Happy Friday!

4235 Ashland Drive, the Exterior

Earlier in the week, we wrote a piece about Ruth Rachel Roberts (see HERE).  Above, is a photo of  Ruth Roberts's house at 4235 Ashland Drive. The house was built in 1920 in the Highland Park neighborhood of Greensboro. The above photo of the house a property looks like the exterior hasn't changed much over the last century. For the 1920's, this was a generous sized home, perfect for a husband, wife, and their eight children.

What has changed as the back yard, just beyond the yellow, caution tape and hedges is Wendover Avenue. However, most of the yard is on the side and front of the 1/3 acre property. It will be interesting to see what becomes of the property. Next time we're driving along Wendover Avenue, we're anxious to see the house from the back side. We seem to remember that it used to be decorated for Christmas, which would fit with Ruth's love of Christmas. 

Happy Thursday!

Changes on Battleground Ave & British Woods

Do you remember the house that was down over the hill at 3521 Battleground Avenue? It was the one at the park near British Woods and British Woods Park (see HERE). Well, that house got razed and the lot was dormant for a long time. Recently, the earth-moving equipment arrived and the lot is being prepared for the new construction at the corner of Battleground and New Garden. It will be interesting to monitor the change. The land and building in the background are part of the Brisish Woods neighborhood. There have been so many changes in Greensboro lately. We wondering how many trees will remain and what will be done with the creek that runs through the property.

We're heading out to see all of the changes in progress in Greensboro today. There is so much construction around town.

Happy Saturday!

 

Halloween in Westerwood: It's Getting Spooky!

On Sunday, on WFMY News 2, Meterologist Ed Matthews talked about neighborhoods really decorating for Halloween this year- especially Westerwood and College Hill. Ed, we couldn't agree more The above photo is of 510 North Mendenhall, near downtown. This house, built in 1924, really has the Halloween spirit. From the skull arch to the skeletons galavanting onto the roof, on the porch swings, and in the yard. this display is pure Halloween fun. October is to Westerwood what December is to Sunset Hills; the month that brings great recognition to the community. There was the Art & Sole gallery walk, the Chili Cook-Off, and 'tis the month of great decorations. Imagine being a small child and walking past this display at dusk. The current owners have been in the house for about three years and they sure seem to have cultivated the "Westerwood Spirit."

We overheard some young teens walking and talking, saying how many Halloweens they missed due to bad weather and Covid. They all agreed they should be given another year two of grace on trick-or-treating for candy. One teen commented, "Besides, those people who go all out and decorate really want people to come by to Trick-or-Treat." Many neighborhoods are quiet in October. However, Westerwood really comes alive!

Happy Wednesday!

Westerwood String Band

Yesterday, we featured the Westerwood Chili Cook Off. Today, we're featuring the Westerwood String Band with Carol Thompson dancing in front with her boards. Over the years, Carol has called dances, been part of the contra dance community, has danced at many of the folk festivals in Greensboro, and keeps the beat with her feet for the Westerwood String Band. It is so fun to see people come together around community, be it a neighborhood or a group with something in common. In this case, all of the string band members love traditional, old-time, acoustic music. 

Carol's neon orange shirt is from the recent Hirsch Wellness fundraising event, "Art Lives Here" . Carol is a visual artist and has worked in graphic design, skills that are useful during the Hirsch fundraiser. The more we talked to people at the Chili Cook Off, the more re noticed the overlap in friend groups. There are so many great people and neighborhoods in Greensboro, all working hard to bring people together. If you are still looking for things to do and a sense of community, don't give up. Better yet, organize something and invite people. 

Happy Tuesday!

The Annual Westerwood Chili Cook-Off

Yesterday afternoon, the Westerwood neighborhood held their annual Chili Cook-Off in Lake Daniel Park. Neighbors cooked chili in one of the following categories: Mild, Medium, Hot, Vegetarian, and Youth. Those who didn't make chili brought cornbread, dessert, and coleslaw. Strong neighborhood associations help keep neighborhoods nice and property values strong. Westerwood does so much as a community. Recently, they held the Art and Sole Art Sale with Westerwood artists opening their studios to the community at large.

The chili cook off is a chance to bring chairs and tablecloths to the park and spend time with neighbors. All throughout the event, people were playing volleyball in the background and the Westerwood String Band was playing music near the cook-off tables. The band's genre is acoustic, old-time music with Carol Thompson organizing the group. While the group entertained the crowd with their cheerful tunes in the Key of D, Carol danced on her board with cornmeal helps dancers glide across the wood. By 6:00 pm, all were full, the sun was getting low to the horizon, and it was time to head home to get ready for school and work. Every neighborhood would benefit from an event like this one.

Happy Monday!

1007 N. Elm Room with a View-- and with a History

The above photo was taken from the 3rd floor in the house at 1007 North Elm Street. The 7 bedroom, Fisher Park house is made out of the same rock as this back yard garage and servant's quarters. The architect of the house was Harry Barton. The original owner was John Marion Galloway, the largest grower of bright leaf tobacco in the world- back in the day.*  We need to return and get a photo of the front of the house, now that we found all of the details of the property on the form where it is nominated for the National Register of Historic places. (See Here).

We would love to see this same view once there is some fall color, and then in winter to see the backyard. This is a house for romantics. You need to be able to dream about how beautiful it will be,  decorated and full of people. There are so many rooms that invite different moods and purposes. If the walls could talk, oh the stories they would tell of people dancing, socializing, and sipping beverages up on the third floor. 

If you had a three story house with a library on the ground floor, bedrooms galore on the second floor, and a ballroom and full bar on the third, how would you use this house? 

*Imagine our joy upon researching this reference for the owner of the house and discovering that it is attributed to our dear friend Alice Moore. Alice, who died several years ago, was the architectural historian who wrote the national register nomination for the Galloway house. (see HERE).  Alice also wrote the  nomination for the Latham-Baker Mansion at 412 Fisher Park Circle. We'll need to make a note to photograph that one, too. We had no idea that a quick visit to an estate sale on Sunday would bring back memories of a friend who inspired us at the start of Greensboro Daily Photo in 2009.

Alice Moore (March 1983). "John Marion Galloway House" (pdf). National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. Retrieved November 1, 2014.

Happy Wednesday!

 

Happy Birthday Beth

Yard signs have really trended.  The above sign, "Happy 50th Birthday, Beth" was seen earlier this week at the corner of Bearhollow and Hobbs Roads. This 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom house was built in 1998 on a third of an acre, at a time when these yard signs had not yet been invented. It is a lot of fun to be celebrated by friends.

Would you want the signs in your yard? They look like the signs from Triad Yard Cards that were placed in our friend Jane's yard (HERE). These yard cards were very popular during COVID when people had limited contact with each other. The signs brought joy and contact when contact was mostly outdoors and at a distance They sure put a smile on our face, and we don't even know Beth. Happy birthday, Beth. Here's to many more.

Happy Saturday.

Glenwood Ave. in the Glenwood Neighborhood

On Saturday night, we went to a party in the Glenwood neighborhood of Greensboro. As we were leaving, we headed down the street to our car. We were struck by how beautiful the street looked at night. Curiously, all of the cars parked on the left are white. The cars on the right have a little more color. Notice that blue strip on the street, cast by that blue/purple street light. Duke Power has replaced a lot of those, but we find them charming and there are many in Glenwood.

The Glenwood neighborhood is located near downtown and on the south edge of the UNCG campus. It encompasses about 1/2 square mile of land with about 2,500 residents. Glenwood extends from Freeman Mill Road in the east to West Gate City Boulevard  in the north, and Coliseum Boulevard in the west. The southern tip of the neighborhood is a pie-shaped wedge, where Coliseum Boulevard and Freeman Mill intersect. Glenwood is one of Greensboro's earliest planned neighborhoods. Its residents have goals and plans to strengthen the community fabric; increase walkability and bikeability,  reduce perceptions of crime and danger, and more.*  Many of the houses are two bedroom, one bath and on about .10 acre lots. House prices are still affordable. While we don't live in the neighborhood, we have many friends there and are tempted to downsize take advantage of that great sense of community the residents are building.

Happy Tuesday!

* read about the neighborhood HERE.

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).