Preservation Forsyth

08/21/2026

The Masonic Temple that once stood at 201 West Fourth Street in Winston-Salem was razed in 1929 to make way for the "Lerner Building," a one-story commercial structure. Constructed by Goode Construction Company of Winston-Salem (who submitted a bid of $41,700.00), the “strictly modern” building was completed in 1930. Known for its "distinctive Art-Deco-style façade," the building has been home to Lerner Brothers, Walgreen's, Rite Aid, Revco, CVS, and most recently Sandbox VR, "Winston-Salem's first full-body immersive VR arcade."

Information from "Open Bids on Lerner Store" (The Sentinel, Oct. 4, 1929); and Winston-Salem's Architectural Heritage by Heather Fearnbach; photographs courtesy of Digital Forsyth; Walt Unks/Winston-Salem Journal; and Sandbox VR; architectural drawing (Winston-Salem Journal, Nov. 24, 1929).

08/19/2026

Our Mid-Century Modern Time Capsule Tour is only one week away! Have you reserved your spot yet? If not, be sure to do so soon, as time (along with the number of available spaces) is dwindling.

Learn more and/or register at - https://preservationforsyth.org/event-6765420

Photo by J. Sinclair; courtesy of Winston-Salem Magazine

08/18/2026

: Pony Wall

A pony wall (also referred to as a half wall) is a short, half-height wall that doesn’t reach the ceiling. Pony walls rose in popularity in mid-twentieth-century homes as a way to divide spaces while keeping an open feel. For instance, a pony wall might separate an entry foyer from the living room, or a kitchen from a breakfast nook, without cutting them off completely. Mid-century pony walls often had decorative screens or shelving above them as well.

Definition from eichlerhomesforsale.com; photograph courtesy of houzz/Synthesis Design Inc.

08/14/2026

If you had hoped to visit Campus Gas at 1231 Polo Road (see post from May 22, 2026, to learn more about the business and the building it is in), tomorrow (August 15) is the last day they will be open to the public.

08/13/2026

Don't delay! We still have a handful of spots left for our upcoming Mid-Century Modern Time Capsule Tour that will take place on Wednesday August 26, so be sure to reserve your space today.

Learn more and/or register at - https://preservationforsyth.org/event-6765420

Photo by J. Sinclair; courtesy of Winston-Salem Magazine

08/11/2026

: Live Edge Siding

Live edge siding delivers a strong visual statement, forging a connection between architecture and nature. This particular type of siding uses wood boards that retain the tree’s natural outer edge, creating irregular profiles rather than uniform edges. This technique emphasizes grain, color variation, and texture, resulting in a distinctive, organic facade. Common species include cedar, redwood, black walnut, and white oak. The approach pairs well with rustic, craftsman, and modern cabin designs that aim to blend with natural surroundings.

Photo shows live edge siding on a house in Lumberton, North Carolina.

Definition from ameristainroofing.com; house information from theoldhouselife.com; and photograph courtesy of brittandcompanyrealestate.com

08/08/2026

Have you signed up for the Tap into Preservation at Broad Branch Distillery event yet? If not, what are waiting for?

The evening will begin with a presentation by PF Board member Billy Rich, who will share a little of the building's history with us (it was formerly the Carolina Warehouse), and then we'll enjoy a tour and tasting with distillery staff. The fee is $25.00 for members and $35.00 for nonmembers. Sign up today and then join us for an educational, and flavorful, evening on Wednesday, September 23 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Tap into Preservation at Broad Branch DistillerySeptember 23 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.The fee is $25.00 for members and $35.00 for nonmembers.

08/06/2026

The Village of Clemmons, in partnership with Clemmons Moravian Church and the Forsyth County Historic Research Commission invites the community to attend the unveiling of a new historic marker on Thursday, August 13, at 10:00 a.m. at Clemmons Moravian Church.

08/05/2026

- For this month's walking Wednesday adventure, put on your walking shoes and head over to Union Cross Park where you can take an up-close look at the five-story, poured concrete radar tower (see yesterday's terminology Tuesday post).

Located at 1935 Union Cross Road in Winston-Salem, "Union Cross Park was once a self-contained community." Built in the 1950s as a surveillance post, the "site included a NCO Club, several miscellaneous buildings, a lighted softball field, 1 tennis court and a 5-story concrete radar tower...The property was abandoned by the Air Force and Forsyth County petitioned the Department of Interior to transfer ownership of the land to the County for public recreation purposes. On April 5, 1974, Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department received its first public park...Today, Union Cross Park is a fully developed park and well used by its patrons."

Information and photos courtesy of Forsyth County Parks and Recreation - https://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/Parks/UnionCross/

08/04/2026

: Poured Concrete

Poured concrete refers to a construction method where a fluid mixture of cement, water, aggregates, and sometimes additives, is poured into temporary molds or forms to create a solid, monolithic structure on site.

Photograph shows the mid-twentieth century "five-story poured-concrete radar tower" located at 1931 Union Cross Road in Winston-Salem.

Definition from HPD Consult; information about radar tower from Winston-Salem's Architectural Heritage by Heather Fearnbach; and photograph courtesy of Forsyth County Parks and Recreation.