In the years just before and just after the turn of the 20^th century, Greensboro transformed itself from a small Southern town to a "New South" city. Together, the railroads, the mills, the colleges, the industries, and the entrepreneurial energy of the people brought about this change.

Visitors to this new 3,000 square foot exhibition are invited to experience daily life in turn of the century Greensboro by walking into reconstructed commercial and civic buildings, including Miss Lina Porter's Schoolhouse, the Richardson & Fariss Drugstore, Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1, The Crystal Theatre (Greensboro's first moving picture theatre), the Hotel Clegg and a Telephone Exchange.  These exhibit spaces are fully accessible to the public.

Miss Lina Porter's Schoolhouse

Each year, for roughly two decades beginning in 1872, Miss Evelina Porter taught as many as forty children in a one-room schoolhouse beside her home at 430 West Market Street . Her passion for literature, storytelling, and drawing inspired many pupils, especially her nephew, Will, who received most of his formal education from her between 1867 and 1877. Visitors to Greensboro probably knew William Sidney Porter by his penname, "O. Henry," the famous author of more than 300 short stories.

Richardson & Fariss Drugstore

This shop at 121 S. Elm Street launched two Greensboro success stories. In the first, Will Porter worked here with his uncle, W.C. " Clark " Porter, from 1879 until 1882. The younger man has established himself as the writer, "O. Henry." As for the second, in 1890, Mr. Lunsford Richardson and Mr. John Fariss bought the store, and here Richardson created and first sold his famous Vick's Family Remedies.

Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1

The General Greene steam fire engine, one example of Greensboro 's first-rate fire equipment, moved to this building at 108 W. Gaston (Friendly) Street when it opened in 1888. The city took great pride in its ability to prevent and fight fires. Volunteer fire companies-both African American and white-provided the skill and courage required to battle the flames that could easily rob residents of their homes and livelihoods. 

The Crystal Theatre

Greensboro's first theatre for moving pictures-also presenting illustrated songs and refined vaudeville-occupied the ground level floor at 360 S. Elm Street. The top floors housed the Piedmont Hotel, managed by African American proprietress Cornelia Emma Craig, whose husband, William Craig, operated the barber shop. Also available to her patrons and local citizens were the offices of two African American physicians: Dr. J. A. Emerson and Dr. James L Bullock.

The Hotel Clegg

The proprietor of this hotel, William F. Clegg, arrived in Greensboro in 1884. He opened a restaurant in 1890 and the hotel the following year. Providing quick meals for local residents and modern accommodations for travelers allowed Clegg to expand in 1894. The superb location at 368 S. Elm Street , across from the 1899 Southern Passenger Depot and in the heart of Greensboro 's business district, assured Mr. Clegg's success.

Credit / Acknowledgment

This exhibition has been made possible through the efforts of many: museum staff members, Stephen Catlett, Betty K. Phipps, Jon B. Zachman, and Fred Goss ; a volunteer Design Advisory Committee and CIRCA (Citizens Involved in Review, Counsel and Advice) who evaluated interpretive and design plans; the entire Board of Trustees, Capital Campaign volunteers; and the professional design firm Malone Design/Fabrication of Georgia. 

Major funding was provided by the Estate of Reed and Martha DeVane, the Estate of Marion Stedman Covington, the Cemala Foundation , the Belle Meade Society, museum members and numerous donors.

Thanks also to our media partners for their help in sponsoring  Welcome to the Gate City!  

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