You know me well enough to know that a Stepheny-story pops up on my social media a lot. I grew up listening to my parents sing the songs that have followed me through life. Stardust, Georgia on my Mind etc. There is only time to talk about the song, Melancholy Baby; a favorite of my fathers. I, in turn, sang this song to my young children. Enter Georgie, my 3 year old great grandchild who lives a few miles from me. The other night his Nana, my daughter, Claire, stopped over and wound up putting him to bed. She began to sing…Come Sweetheart mine, don’t sit and pine, tell me of the things that make you blue.
The next night Georgie asked his Mama to sing Nana’s Song. She made a guess what he might be talking about. Yep, Melancholy Baby. The next morning Georgie asked Alexa, “Play Nana’s song.”
What went around, came around to my granddaughter, Sarah Katherine. Once she asked my daughter, Claire, her mama, “Sing Comfy-Heart.” Claire had no idea what she was asking for. When we next talked she asked, “Mom, do you know what Sarah is talking about?” I had to think about it, but I got it. I sang to her…Come SweetHEART Mine, don’t sit and pine. Now Georgie has asked this very child, “Sing Nana’s song.” In the mystery of things, I hope my father knows that one of his favorite songs goes on. The following lyrics sung by Bing Crosby will explain why it is a part of a Stepheny-story. I hope you love it. CLICK: https://youtu.be/9_rRemSRuTk
This blog piece is not about a new favorite bungalow or shotgun house I’ve lately found. It isn’t about new exciting news of preservation at work. I tell you this story because I believe the preservation, restoration, repurposing of our commercial and residential housing are filled with Stepheny-like stories. I hope you agree that part of preservation work is honoring those stories within.
Main Street Rocky Mount 