Walking Tour of Historical Downtown Greensboro, North Carolina
236-238 S. Elm Street, Vernon Building
This building, built about 1885, is one of the oldest on Elm Street. Vanstory Clothing Company, which was located here, sold expensive men’s clothing throughout Guilford County and the surrounding counties. The building is in the Italianate style.
Who is Vernon, whose name is embossed at the center of the cornice? For many years, the answer seemed to be lost to history. At last, the mystery has been solved. In 1887, Virginia Vernon owned the building, named it the Vernon, and put the family name on the cornice.
The building has been renovated.
Image courtesy of the Greensboro Historical Museum.
More Guilford County, North Carolina History:
Greensboro Historical Museum
Guide to Guilford: History
Historic Guilford Photos
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