Honoring the Past, Building a Future
This is how it is being done, folks. Close your eyes, think of downtown Rocky Mount and one of our many historic architectural buildings. When you open your eyes, read this announcement from the East Durham Pie Company Signing a lease is a big commitment, as this will be our new home for years … Continue reading So What About the East Durham Pie Company?
An important occasion in the pursuit of history! A "history harvest" -Braswell library- February 25. 12:00 - 4:00 You are invited to bring pictures, documents, home movies or memorabilia related to working at the mill or living in the village. Help identify people and places in historic photos of Rocky Mount Mills, share your … Continue reading Rocky Mount Mills – ‘History Harvest’ at Braswell Library – February 25 2017
“This is the place of places and it is here.” Gertrude Stein Today I am introducing a new category to Main Street Rocky Mount...selling dreams. The name was inspired by a chapter in David Halberstam's book, The Fifties. (Please take a minute and click to read what I have written about the book.) Halberstam writes about Ken … Continue reading Selling Dreams – 304 Pearl Street Rocky Mount, NC – Part 3
There must be a special place in hell for people who vandalize buildings. In taking photographs of Machaven, I wouldn't dream of a photo that shows the front windows boarded up. Such an embarrassment for a historic place that has been holding court at 300 Grace Street these many years. Like a woman who knows her … Continue reading Villa Place Historic District – ‘The Ice King’ Cometh – Part 2
As I begin to write about the Villa Place Historic District, the lines of a song keep running through my mind that I offer as a metaphor when we think about the revitalization of Rocky Mount. Things are mending now I see a rainbow blending now We'll have a happy ending now Taking a chance on … Continue reading Villa Place Historic District – Taking a Chance on Love! – Part 1
People call me Machaven, but I think of myself as a Hines. It seems like yesterday (1907-1908) that I was built for James Hines, a leading businessman, civic leader, and his wife. Of course, I credit the architect, H.P.S. Keller, for the handsome fellow that I am....a 2 1/2-story, Classical Revival style brick dwelling with a slate-covered … Continue reading They Call Me Machaven – Speaking Out About Old Age and Remaining Useful
Main Street Rocky Mount 