Rocky Mount Mills – ‘History Harvest’ at Braswell Library – February 25 2017

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 →

Selling Dreams – 304 Pearl Street Rocky Mount, NC – Part 3

“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 →

Villa Place Historic District – ‘The Ice King’ Cometh – Part 2

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 →

Villa Place Historic District – Taking a Chance on Love! – Part 1

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 →

They Call Me Machaven – Speaking Out About Old Age and Remaining Useful

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 →

Romancing the Brick – Osman Bennett Barnes – Part 3

I admit that the 1984 action-adventure, romantic-comedy entitled, Romancing the Stone, sounds better than the title for this post, Romancing the Brick, but I couldn't help myself. I have had a long-standing romance with architecture that includes lots and lots of brick. I grew up in the beautiful Colonial Revival style brick home pictured here. It sits … Continue reading Romancing the Brick – Osman Bennett Barnes – Part 3 →