In Greensboro, North Carolina there is a charming neighborhood called Kirkwood that is full of adorable, cozy homes that were built after WWII. This historical neighborhood, with roads named Independence, Colonial, and Lafayette, has been home to many newlyweds, young families, and some retired folks for decades. First homes, first babies (and 2nd and 3rd ...), life long friendships, and more have been found in this sweet neighborhood; a neighborhood that somehow seems to wrap protective arms around its families to keep what is treasured safely within.
I was fortunate enough to experience the joy of Kirkwood when my husband and I bought our first home there in the early 90’s. The neighborhood cookouts, constant gatherings, and planned activities fill my mind, heart and many photo albums pages with memories I will cherish always. When there was a holiday, there was a planned event to be enjoyed by all in the neighborhood. For Halloween, there was the gathering in the park with pizza and costumes followed by the Halloween parade. Christmas bought friends helping friends decorate the outside of their homes, luminaries, and more. Easter? You guessed it, the annual Easter egg hunt and cupcake gathering. But perhaps the most memorable event was July 4th in Kirkwood. This was a holiday that bought in visitors from other neighborhoods to join in a celebration that was planned for and worked on for days in advance. Huge, and I mean HUGE, flags were dawned from trees on front lawns. Flags that were so big, we had to have help hanging them from the local fire department each year. The children loved to run out and witness the shiny red fire engines with firemen on ladders. Breakfast food was brought out while everyone worked to make sure their yards were in tip top condition for the lawn parties that would take place during the famous “Kirkwood Parade”. People from all over Greensboro would come to watch decorated wagons, bikes, strollers, mini floats and more go around the neighborhood. Once the crowds cleared, neighbors gathered for a covered dish supper and more socializing before carrying their droopy eyed children home.
Houses in Kirkwood have been updated and added on to, but to this day, and for many years to come, it will be a neighborhood where young families begin, new friendships are developed, priceless memories are made, and photo album pages are filled.
Today, as we celebrate our independence, take time to treasure your family, friends, and neighbors. As for Kirkwood, I am sure that as I write this, flags are being laid out to make sure any repairs are done, homemade breads and muffins are being prepared for the neighborhood breakfast, and children are busy decorating their big wheels, wagons, bikes and trikes for the parade.
Good times, good times....
Liz
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| My son Jack is the cuttie watching on the left. He is 16 now. |
