Month: June 2021

Morganton, North Carolina

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Since I spend a great deal of my time in Morganton decided to explore more, and do a blog. It is a classic southern town with a weekly Farmer’s Market and alluring charm.

Currently, their court house is under renovation and an outdoor stage on the grounds is being constructed.

They also have a large auditorium, CoMMA, which has indoor concerts, touring Broadway musicals, and the like.

Etta Baker

This Piedmont Blues Guitarist has her statute on the grounds of the CoMMA Auditorium. She is a Morganton native and played the blues for 90 years. A recipient of numerous awards, she and her husband raised 9 children who are carrying on her legacy. Go Etta, a true Steel Magnolia.

A large mall with Walmart, Dollar Tree, Belk, and many restaurants is a mile from downtown, however, many small shops and restaurants remain downtown..

And you can’t miss the brewery in the middle of town. While not a beer drinker this appears to be a popular spot with outside tables and an inside bar as well. Their beer is made on the premises.

The factory where the brew is made.

And where the beer is consumed.

And leaving Morganton is the Greenway, where folks can picnic next to the Catawba River, walk paths, bike, play volley ball, and if you are a swimmer visit the aquatic center across from the Park with an Olympic sized pool.

Come visit, and enjoy the North Carolina hospitality..

Map of Morganton

https://www.downtownmorganton.com/

Little House Expo

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One of the home made little houses seen outside the convention center.

Have a fascination with these homes and visited this Expo on a break from home renovation.

Come explore the expo with me.

First Home

Note: Above kitchen is an additional bed….. Across from kitchen is stairs to upstairs bedroom… Under stair storage.. Bathroom first floor… Bedroom with blue quilt second floor… Every inch of space is utilized…

Second Home

Note: This home can be attached to a vehicle and transported.
Hitch Closeup

Home For Sale … bids started at 50,000.

Interesting layout..

Two “Home” Vans… These are pricey, between $60-80,000.

School Bus Small Home

For those interested in building or purchasing a small house there is much written on the subject. Google small or tiny homes and volumes of homes with floor plans appear. The Tiny House Movement is catching on especially with those who wish to live for less.

Tulsa Massacre: 100 Year Anniversary

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This blog is about what I think..

100 years ago on May 31st, over 300 black Americans were slaughtered by white supremacists in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The incident occurred in the Greenwood district of Tulsa. Here black Americans had a vibrant community in a 35 block segregated area. It was nicknamed “Black Wall Street,” as prosperity reigned for black Americans in Greenwood. There were approximately 200 black businesses in this area.

It is believed that the massacre began when a young black man tripped as he walked into an elevator operated by a white female. She screamed and accusations began against the man. The fearful young man ran for protection in Greenwood. Black men returned in their military garb to protect the young man and whites retaliated. Jealous white men of what blacks had accomplished spilled over into the street with blacks gunned down, homes burnt to the ground, and goods stolen from black Americans homes.

The confrontation lasted 16 hours and after that Greenwood was leveled.

The incident was buried and never discussed, acknowledged, or recognized in Tulsa or nationwide. A 20 million dollar museum is being planned to depict the massacre and other situations such as this. Voices are being raised to change this disbursement for reparations rather than a museum.

State legislation in 2019 made the massacre be mandatory teaching in Oklahoma schools and plans are in process for proper burial of those massacred as they were buried in mass graves.

On the 100th anniversary of the massacre President Biden spoke as the 3 remaining survivors listened.

Let us learn from the tragic mistakes of the past.

Final Thoughts on Savannah

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What a fun visit..

Things to consider..

  • Use the Trolley Vendor for visit. They give a great tour.
  • Parking is a challenge. Take pictures of your parking space and area. I lost my car. Can make one frantic.
  • Go with the flow.
  • Stop by the Savannah College of Art, especially their gift shop.
  • Bring water, it’s hot.
  • See Tybee Island, but plan for traffic.
  • ENJOY…………..

Davenport House

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Davenport House, built in 1820, was the home of master builder Isiah Davenport. He and his wife ran his business from their home. They had 10 children of which 6 lived to adulthood. Mr. Davenport was an architect, alderman, and fire master in the community. Sadly, there are no pictures of the man who contributed so much.

Home furnishings are indicative of the era, and as a master builder this “model home” has many additional charms. Let’s take a peek:

Mr. Davenport’s office and fireplace in the room.
Home Upgrades: Spiral Staircase and Rounded Arch
Dining Room – the knowledgeable docent told us that children did not eat with the family. With 10 children one wonders where they ate?? Forgot to ask that question…
Two of the upstairs bedrooms
As fire master these items were visible and close to the front of the home. In this home they were stored at the bottom of the stairs.

The home is lovely and was an enjoyable tour. Davenport House has many weddings on its property and in touring its grounds one can tell why. It is a perfect setting.

The walled garden

Leopold’s Ice Cream

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Leopold’s Ice Cream is a family tradition and a delicious one at that.

Best ice cream I ever had.

Wait was a half hour, but worth it. Staff from the store distribute water to patrons in line. Nice touch. Make your decision in line by accessing the menu via the net.

Inside the store..

The current owner was a former vice president of a major movie company. Some memorabilia.

And what I ordered. It was amazing. Save your appetite.

Good thing I don’t live near by.

St John the Baptist Church

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On my way to the Church came across an Indian wedding. What color, pageantry, and fun these folks were having. Take a peek..

Then on the stairs of St. John the Baptist, a bridesmaid. What a glorious day for these weddings.

This 14 year old gal told me this is an authentic Mexican bridesmaid dress.

Now, on to the Church.

Inside the church a Baptismal ceremony was being conducted.

Pope Francis has dedicated this year to St. Joseph. His altar and mural at the Church.

Visited another favorite Saint, Saint Therese

A closing picture of the beautiful altar.

The Jim Williams home: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

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Have always wanted to tour this home, and it didn’t disappoint. This was the home of Jim Williams, a prominent antique dealer. He was a self made man of many extraordinary artistic talents. The movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is based on a story which occurred in this home.

Jim Williams was accused of killing his employee, Danny Hansford. They had a relationship. He was eventually exonerated after 4 trials then died of a heart attack shortly after his exoneration.

The home is lovely and if you have the time, see it. No photographs are allowed. Docents are well versed in the art as well as Mr. Williams life. The home is open during the Christmas season and since Mr. Williams was an enormous Christmas buff am sure it will dazzle. If in the area I plan on returning.

There are several books related to this story. The Lawyer Games describes the 4 trials.

Make time to visit the gift shop as you are certain to find several unique gifts. Here are some pictures.

Bonaventure Cemetery

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On my journey to Florida for the continuing saga of condo renovation stopped in Savannah, Georgia. What a beautiful City with much to do. Glad I started my day early on this one day visit as there were many visitors in town.

First Stop: Bonaventure Cemetery

Gates open at 8 a.m. and I toured on my own. However, if you are a cemetery buff recommend the tour. Call for specifics.

There are several cemeteries in Savannah. This one is possibly the most beautiful and on the National Registry of Historic Places. Found it’s Jewish portion quite interesting with a synagogue for services,

and many mausoleums, interesting stones. In Jewish tradition a pebble is left when one visits the grave.

Some other interesting cemetery pieces

Johnny Mercer and his family are interred in this cemetery. Mercer was a co-founder of Capitol Records and won 4 Academy Awards for his music. Some of his famous songs are:

  • Come Rain or Come Shine
  • Days of Wine and Roses
  • Something’s Gotta Give
  • That Old Black Magic
  • Hooray for Hollywood

The Cemetery grounds are rugged and beautiful. It sits on the Wilmington River.

What a lovely view for your final resting spot.

Chinatown

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It’s been 16 months since I last visited New York City and Chinatown is the spot I missed the most. So much activity and the food, baked goods and massages are to die for.

Welcome Back

Menu, what shall I choose??

Noodles..

With a demonstration on how to twirl..

And soup..

Then a walk through town. Some interesting signs..

Good advice from Snoopy and Lucy.

And finally.. a foot massage, what a treat and so missed.

Another different restaurant pod, fascinating.. Think I’m getting obsessed with these? Me, too..

And finally a new New York City historical site to monitor and eventually visit. The oldest brick building in New York is under renovation. A future blog…

And don’t forget Little Italy is just across Canal Street. If only I had room for one of those delicious cannolis…

This ends my visit to New York City … will be returning in November and already have a play ticket.

Life is good. New York is back.