Preservation Forsyth

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

- Did you know that an ancient poplar tree; a tree that "sprouted before Columbus sailed for the New World," still stands in Forsyth County? If you have never seen the tree, today is a perfect day to visit C. G. Hill Memorial Park that is located at 5600 Balsom Road in Pfafftown. The tree grew to "great height and breadth," but at some point, it was struck by lightning and eventually decayed. The decay formed a hollow center in the tree that you can step inside of today.

In addition to the tree, the Park itself "has a rich history" as the property was originally owned by John Jacob Schaub, an early Moravian settler. Schaub's descendants sold the property to Charles G. Hill in 1951, and Hill's family donated thirteen acres to the City of Winston-Salem and the County of Forsyth in 1971 for use as a public park; a park that has been called "the epitome of serenity." Learn more at -https://www.forsyth.cc/parks/cghill/history.aspx

Photos courtesy of Wanderlog and Yelp.

06/02/2026

: Water Table

In architectural terms, a water table is a horizontal feature, typically a molding or ledge, that protrudes from the exterior wall of a building. It is strategically located above the ground level and serves multiple purposes. Primarily, it acts as a barrier to prevent rainwater from seeping into the foundation. Additionally, it aids in directing water away from the building’s walls, thus protecting the structure from water damage and erosion. Beyond its functional purpose, a water table provides a visual break in the façade and can be used to enhance a building's overall aesthetic.

A water table can be seen on the former Centenary Methodist Sunday School Annex that was built in 1923 and is located at 545 North Trade Street in Winston-Salem.

Information from Alsyed Construction and Winston-Salem's Architectural Legacy by Heather Fearnbach; photograph courtesy of Google maps.

05/29/2026

The correct answer to yesterday's trivia question is TRUE!

Congratulations to everyone who answered correctly! 👏

If you would like to learn more about preservation easements, please visit - https://preservationforsyth.org/Preservation-Easements or email us at - [email protected]

Thanks for playing and be sure to come back next month for another round of third Thursday trivia.

05/28/2026

(a little late, but better late than never!) - True or False?

A preservation easement is the most powerful protection for your historic building. It is a simple ownership interest in a property that is given to a third party to protect the building's historic integrity. This protection passes in perpetuity with the property to all subsequent owners and will never expire unless mutually agreed upon.

05/26/2026

: Refurbishment

Refurbishment focuses on enhancing a building without drastically changing its layout or purpose. Common refurbishment projects include repainting or refinishing surfaces, upgrading old furniture or fixtures; and, installing modern technology while maintaining the structure’s character. This approach improves the overall look and functionality without extensive construction.

Definition from Peak Construction

05/22/2026

Another historic building in Winston-Salem that has been adapted for a new use is the College 66 Service Station at 1231 Polo Road. Constructed in 1965, "the structure represents Phillips 66's efforts to revitalize its brand through a marketing campaign...involving the creation of a new three-point shield logo; a striking red, white, and black color scheme; and an updated service station."

Located in the Oak Crest Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the "Modernist" service station (complete with its original triangular canopy) was renovated in 2018 and is now home to Campus Gas. Owned and operated by Wake Forest alumni, Campus Gas serves the community with classic bites and brews and "provides a place for all to gather."

Information from Winston-Salem's Architectural Heritage by Heather Fearnbach and Old Gold & Black; photograph showing building for sale was taken by David Gall and is in the collection of the Forsyth County Public Library (courtesy of Digital Forsyth); and current images of Campus Gas courtesy of Yelp.

See additional photographs and learn more about Campus Gas at - https://wfuogb.com/22414/features/campus-gas-bridges-the-gap-between-campus-and-community/

05/22/2026