Author: Stepheny Forgue Houghtlin

Stepheny Forgue Houghtlin grew up in Evanston, IL. and is a graduate of the University of Kentucky. She is an author of two novels: The Greening of a Heart and Facing East. She lives, writes and gardens in NC. Visit her: Stephenyhoughtlin.com

Twin County Hall of Fame Portraits Newly Exhibited in the Rocky Mount Event Center

  Everyone is nervous. As I visited the newly hung portraits of The Twin County Hall of Fame recipients, many asked if their hair still looked okay, were their ties straight, did their clothes look too out of date? You can’t blame them, really. They know they are now gathered in the new Rocky Mount … Continue reading Twin County Hall of Fame Portraits Newly Exhibited in the Rocky Mount Event Center →

Main Street Is In Need of a Jewish Grandmother

For years my daughter, Claire, and I have enjoyed a little in-house 'Jewish Mother' humor, a response when she tells me that she is headed off on an adventure lasting a few days, be it work or fun. I have been known to respond in my best 'Jewish Mother' voice....."Go, I don't want you should … Continue reading Main Street Is In Need of a Jewish Grandmother →

‘Main Street’ Belongs to All of Us -Another Program Idea For The Restoration of Main Street’s Facades – Part 3

I have sought out Amy Facca again who is a historic preservation planner, architectural historian, and grant writer with a strong interest in economic development. In Oct. 2013 she wrote an informative piece about various emerging facade improvement programs that benefit communities. These are incentive programs created to encourage the restoration of the exterior appearance of … Continue reading ‘Main Street’ Belongs to All of Us -Another Program Idea For The Restoration of Main Street’s Facades – Part 3 →

‘Main Street Belongs to All of Us – Saving Facades -Part 2

“This is the place of places and it is here.”  Gertrude Stein Once upon a time in Louisville, Ky. seven historic buildings referred to as the Whiskey Row Stabilization, located at 105-119 West Main Street were stabilized as part of a fascinating project. These buildings were built in the mid to late nineteenth century and are … Continue reading ‘Main Street Belongs to All of Us – Saving Facades -Part 2 →

‘Main Street’ Belongs to All of Us – Part 1

It has been said that Rocky Mount has the best collection of historically significant architecture in the entire state. We'll take that compliment. We have beautiful examples of what successful preservation looks like thanks to Peter Varney whose watch included the Train & Bus Station, The Imperial Center, the Douglas Block, and StreetScape. You have to … Continue reading ‘Main Street’ Belongs to All of Us – Part 1 →

Company is Coming! Thoughts About The City Council and Our Downtown

   “You cannot score a goal when you are sitting on the bench. To do so,                                  you have to dress up and enter the game.” I would never want the positive attitude of this blog to change.  I am, after … Continue reading Company is Coming! Thoughts About The City Council and Our Downtown →