| Beyond the Museum |
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As Smithfield was Ava's hometown, there are several sites nearby that any true Ava fan would like to visit. The Little Brown Jug The Little Brown Jug, located at 100 West Market Street, has long been THE corner bar in Downtown Smithfield. Jack Gardner, Ava's brother, built it in the 1940s. Howell Theatre The Howell Theatre, located at 141 South Third Street, was built in 1922 by Mr. Rudolph Howell as a one-screen cinema, seating approximately 600 movie-goers. It was built in the heart of downtown Smithfield, NC, becoming an integral part of the downtown business community.
Ava Gardner's Birthplace Ava Gardner was born at 740 Avenue Road in the Grabtown area of the Brogden community southeast of Smithfield. As a toddler, she climbed out onto the porch roof and had to be coaxed back into the house with the promise of a bowl of peaches. Today the home is owned by the Allen family and is their residence.
Brogden Teacherage The house at 7209 Brogden Road is referred to as The Teacherage. At one time it served as a boarding house for teachers at the Brogden School which stood next door before burning in the early 1960’s. The Gardner family moved here in 1925. Their bedrooms were on the left side of the house, the teachers had bedrooms on the right side, and in the center were the living room, dining room and kitchen. Today this home is owned by the Wayne White family and is their residence.
Sunset Memorial Park Ava Gardner requested that her remains return home to be laid to rest along side her parents and siblings. Ava’s gravesite is located one mile from the museum, at the intersection of Highways 70 Business and 210. |
