The Secrets of Lindley Park

Quaker J. Van Lindley (1838-1918) was renowned as a pomologist, Unionist, civic protagonist, and an intrepid businessman. He first established his reputation in the nursery business before evolving into the manufacturing of terra cotta pipe and later, he established a cotton-mill – all under the Pomona name-brand. Later, he took a position as the president of Security Life and Annuity Co. His interest in civic activites was strong. Lindley donated 60 acres north of Spring Garden Street for use as a community park with a lake and amusements. The park opened July 4, 1902.

The amusement park was operated by the Greensboro Electric Co., and those seeking amusements rode the electric-powered street cars out from the city to visit attractions and attend shows. The park was a center for early Twentieth-Century diversions that included dances, horse races, and swimming and skating on the lake. When the 15-year agreement for use of the park ended in 1917, the lake and amusement park closed. All that remains are the stone and iron neighborhood gate posts. Charlotte-based urban planner Earle Sumner Draper provided Lindley with redevelopment plans for the neighborhood bearing his name. The streets surrounding the park are composed of Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and Post-War housing.

Learn more about the architecture and history of Lindley Park through a presentation by architect James S. Collins. With offices in Greensboro and New York City, Collins has enjoyed several commissions for restorations and new construction in Old Irving Park, and has an eye for detail, materials, and proportion. Collins will be joined by Winston-Salem landscape architect Jeff Allen who will touch on trademark features of the neighborhood alongside his knowledge of historical and contemporary landscape design.

This FREE illustrated lecture will be held in advance of Preservation Greensboro’s Tour of Historic Homes & Gardens, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19, 2019.