The Small Town of Greensboro

The Small Town of Greensboro

By Kimberly Barton

Edited by Ruby Nemec

Abstract

A small town nestled along the Monongahela River, once known as the village of “Delight” by the Mingo Indians, has an ensuing history behind it. It is now know as Greensboro, named by Revolutionary War Hero, Nathanael Greene. This once booming pottery town still preserves many historical buildings and artifacts. These breath taking pieces are a reminder of how this town came to be.


The small town of Greensboro is located in South-Western Pennsylvania, nestled along the Monongahela River in Greene County. It consists of around 117 households within the borough limits, as of the 2000 Census Bureau (Us Gazetteer files), creating a sense of security and closeness among the community. Greensboro is a town that is very rich in history and known for its distinctive pottery manufacturing that has grown to form a secure, family oriented community. There are many historical buildings and artifacts that have been preserved throughout the town that serve as a reminder of these times.

It was named the village of “Delight” by the Mingo Indians in 1752, in recognition of the rolling rich farmland inlaid with the Monongahela River, which was necessary access for trading. The Mingo Indians guarded the precious ground and heritage, but by 1752 the first white man began moving in to explore. The relationship between them began peacefully at first, but as the white man continued to infringe, fighting ensued resulting in the Corbly Family Massacre” (Waychoff).

This happened on Sunday morning, May 10, 1782, as the Corbly family was traveling to their place of worship where Reverend John Corbly was to preach. However, there was a group of Indians up on Indian Point, a hill that overlooks the Corbly residence, waiting to make their move. The Indians descended the hill and crossed the creek arriving about forty-nine rods north of the present John Corbly Memorial Baptist Church, the site where the helpless family was massacred. Delilah and Elizabeth, two of the Corbly’s daughters, survived after they were brutally scalped. Mrs. Corbly and the three remaining children were killed. “Only John Jr. escaped unharmed” (Waychoff).

On February 19, 1790 the growing village was named Greensburgh in remembrance of the Revolutionary War Hero, Nathanael Greene. By 1795, Albert Gallatin had purchased lots of Greensburgh. “He then met with head of a group of German glassblowers, on their way to Kentucky to start their own business, and urged them to settle in the area” (Early History of Greensboro). Albert Gallatin had hopes of industrializing the area and it paid off.

The glassblowers soon came to town to start their own companies. They operated there until 1805. By 1859 the town, now known as Greensboro, was flourishing with over five hundred inhabitants. This town’s success was due to the rivers easy access to travel and trading. Other industries also contributed, such as pottery and tile manufacturing. “Souvenirs from both types of industry are still displayed today in the form of Greensboro Crocks and roof tile with the inscription JBH-Patent 1871” (Schaltenbrand).

Today, Greensboro preserves its historical roots. There have been many improvements to the town. However, hardened economic times have caused small businesses to close. Thomas Barton, age 34, has spent the majority of his lifetime in Greensboro. He graduated from South-Eastern Greene School District in 1993, with a graduating class of fifty four students. It is the only school in the area, and several surrounding communities. Mr. Barton also contributed in reconstructing the historical log cabin.

Tom, being a long time resident, has a lot to say about this community.

"I have enjoyed growing up in Greensboro and feel that it is a strong community. However, our community could be improved by providing better road maintenance, more active community clean-up, and re-opening the gas station. Within the past fifteen years I have watched our local gas stations and little convenience stores close. This resulted in loss of job and caused people to leave the area" (Barton).

He also remembers Betty Longo’s Store as the oldest business in Greensboro that is still operational. “It still has the look of a late eighteen hundreds style building. It still has old style milk shake makers still used today," Tom says.

Betty Longo, age 73, has lived the majority of her adult life in Greensboro. She is on the borough council and is cofounder of the Nathanael Greene Foundation. She also is the owner of the oldest business still operating in Greensboro, Longo’s Store. It was built in 1890, and is preserved to display its original state. It was owned by one of the first French potters to come to this area, Alex Boughner. Many of Mr. Boughner’s records were found in the attic of the building and can now be seen displayed in Betty’s store.

Betty also said that Lewis and Clark passed through Greensboro prior to their expedition. The boats for their expedition were manufactured in this area. She expressed how nice it is knowing that the area had a contribution to their historical journey.

Betty Longo misses having a grocery store in Greensboro. “We are still lucky to have the Grocery Bag convenience store in town,” she says. A small little convenience store located at the bottom of the hill on main vehicular entrance that is easily accessible for everyone.

Since being on the Borough Council, Betty has seen many changes to the community. “We are having a ground breaking ceremony for the new Monongahela Trail. It is a mile and a half, black topped walking and bicycling trail running along the river.” This trail, she hopes, will help bring people to the area. Then, in late March they are having a dedication ceremony to Lydia Aston at the historical log cabin. Lydia is the founder of Cornerstone Care medical center, which has five other facilities, making it the largest business in the town. She is also recognized for saving a log cabin from being destroyed. The cabin was the home of John Ballet, a French fur trader and it is now a historical landmark. A plaque in Lydia’s honor will be hung up for display in the login cabin.

Greensboro is a town that has been able to preserve its history through artifacts and architecture serving as a reminder of the rising and falling of the industrial era. It’s nice to drive through this town and gaze at the buildings, attend local festivals, and see pottery still in scripted with JHB-Patent 1871. However, residents will agree that whatever the changes, Greensboro is still a “Delight”.

Works Cited

Barton, Thomas, 1994 Graduated of Southeastern Greene High School, Personal Interview. 24

February 2010.

“Early History of Greensboro.” Greensboro on line, 1981. Web. 3 March 2010.

Longo, Betty, Historian of Greensboro. Personal Interview. 22 February 2010.

Longo. Betty. Memories of Greensboro, Pennsylvania: A People’s History. River Run Books and

Print. Greensboro, PA. Published 2007.

Schaltenbrand, Phil. Old Pots: Salt-Glazed Stoneware of the Greensoboro New Geneva Region.

Hanorver, PA. Everybody Press, 1977.

“US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990”. United Census Bureau. 2005-05-03.

Waychoff, Andrew J. Local History of Greene County and Southwestern Pennsylvania. Parsons,

W.VA. McClain Printing Co., 1975.