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

“Historic and Worth the Trouble” – Tap @ 1918 – A Preservation Success Story

What is deemed historic, and worth saving, often depends on whose eyes you are looking through. I like the definition "old and worth the trouble," when applied to structures that are under consideration: should they be preserved or torn down? With each individual decision, we need to ask ourselves what part the structure has played in Rocky … Continue reading “Historic and Worth the Trouble” – Tap @ 1918 – A Preservation Success Story →

Saving The Shotgun Houses of Rocky Mount – Part 1

We’ve lost our minds, you do know that, right? For instance, I feel strongly about the removal of monuments.... the editing of our history....but I've mostly banged my head on the floor like a child getting a lot of mileage from a temper tantrum. I’m trying a new strategy when it comes to the preservation … Continue reading Saving The Shotgun Houses of Rocky Mount – Part 1 →

How Do We Look at Gentrification and Displacement in Rocky Mount, NC? – Part 2

      Click On: It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine?  -Fred Rogers Please, don't let your notion of Gentrification fall into the category of an unexamined idea. By that I mean, picking out the consequences of gentrification as it pertains to … Continue reading How Do We Look at Gentrification and Displacement in Rocky Mount, NC? – Part 2 →

How Do We Look at GENTRIFICATION and DISPLACEMENT In Rocky Mount NC? -Part 1

“It’s not about you and your pocket alone; let it be for the collective joy of your entire neighborhood and beyond.” - Israelmore Ayivor Gentrification is a word that means different things to different people. It is a term used to describe positive community development that includes increased home values, new businesses and job opportunities, safer … Continue reading How Do We Look at GENTRIFICATION and DISPLACEMENT In Rocky Mount NC? -Part 1 →

Economic Development in Downtown Rocky Mount -The Official Opening of Station Square – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

BEN BRADDOCK WELCOMES YOU TO STATION SQUARE There have been historical accounts of ribbon-cutting ceremonies since the end of the 19th century. City officials and neighboring business owners are invited to help celebrate a new venture. We have all seen a large ribbon ceremoniously cut by one or more important figure with speeches to follow. … Continue reading Economic Development in Downtown Rocky Mount -The Official Opening of Station Square – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony →

The Gospel According to Preservation Rocky Mount’s Salvage Store – Preacher Today: Stepheny Houghtlin

Let me hear you say, AMEN, Brothers and Sisters!  I want to thank you for coming today as we gather at 910 Falls Road, a holy place where the past is preserved and the good news of restoration is preached. All of you know the story in your Bibles where the disciples gather up the leftover fish and … Continue reading The Gospel According to Preservation Rocky Mount’s Salvage Store – Preacher Today: Stepheny Houghtlin →