Stepheny’s Hand On The Brick Walls of Main Street

There’s something grounding about touching a brick wall. Maybe it’s the cool roughness under my fingertips, or the quiet weight of time pressed into each mortar line. These walls, with their weathered hues and enduring strength, are more than just structures—they are storytellers.

As I’ve walked Main Street, hand to brick, I’ve felt the whispers of the past. These bricks have borne witness to bustling shops, quiet mornings, and the hum of progress. They’ve held the dreams of architects who sketched bold plans, the hands of craftsmen who laid each stone with care, and the leaders whose vision turned those plans into reality.

Preserving and restoring this historic architecture is a tribute to the people who built this city. It’s a way to honor their artistry, their resilience, and their foresight. The brick walls, often featured prominently in restored interiors, remind us of the craftsmanship that modern construction cannot replicate.

But these walls are not just about the past—they are about our future. As Main Street welcomes a new generation of entrepreneurs, residents, and visitors, these bricks hold steady, anchoring us in the stories that make Rocky Mount unique.

The restoration of Main Street is not just an economic revival; it’s a revival of spirit. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when we respect our roots while reaching for a better future. To the architects who designed, the craftsmen who built, the leaders who envisioned, and the people of Rocky Mount who continue to breathe life into this place—this is your story.

Place your hands on these bricks that are not just walls but a legacy that endures. Join me in honoring the builders, thanking them for this enduring history we honor while building a future.

This January series has explored preservation that isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s an economic driver with the power to transform our community. Restoring historic architecture attracts businesses, creates jobs, and fosters a sense of pride that inspires further investment. These brick walls, so rich with history, also hold the potential to drive a thriving future for Main Street and beyond.

Preservation doesn’t always command attention in a world drawn to the noise of political drama. While political stories may spark momentary intrigue, they often overshadow the quieter but equally important work of revitalizing our shared spaces. Political junkie that I am, I know the temptation to focus on politics, but Rocky Mount deserves a narrative that balances critique with celebration—a story that uplifts the beauty of what we’re preserving and the vision of those working tirelessly to make it happen. I try to have this blog, Main Street, do that.

My plan in 2025 is to highlight the challenges while championing the opportunities that preservation brings. Rocky Mount’s brick walls and the stories they hold speak to the strength and artistry that built this city—and the promise that lies in saving what makes it special.

Living Above The Store in Goldsboro,NC – I took this photo at the 2024 Main Street Conference. Here the brick walls are a lovely preservation/restoration outcome.