Honoring the Past, Building a Future
“It has been said that, at its best, preservation engages the past in a conversation with the present over a mutual concern for the future.” William Murtagh Don't get left behind when it comes to what's happening in Rocky Mount. There are any number of organizations you might consider if you are wondering how to get … Continue reading Getting Involved the Rocky Mount Way
I photographed this plaque on a recent tour of Rocky Mount Mills. Robert Henry Ricks' name is mentioned in an earlier post I've written about T. H. Battle - A Family Leaves a Legacy. I want to tell you more about Mr. Ricks after writing about The Ricks Hotel -Part 1 & 2. I know more about … Continue reading Who Was Robert Henry Ricks? (1839-1920)
Beyond the architectural splendor, interiors, appointments and room comfort, the heart of a hotel must surely be the people who create, staff, and visit from inception to closing. It is their memories that live on after the hotel is gone. We can just imagine the collective sigh across the city of Rocky Mount on Sunday … Continue reading Is There Another ‘Ricks Hotel’ In Our Future – Part 2
Like a 'lady of the night' I am here to lure you into the world of hotels, hoping to catch your imagination. If I could take money from you for the pleasure of these ramblings, I would. You see, I have become a little obsessed about a small, boutique hotel in the Central Historic District … Continue reading Remembering The Ricks Hotel – Part 1
In writing a second novel, Facing East, the house where I grew up in Evanston, IL. plays a part. The main character, Katherine White, wonders if a house retains the collective memories of those who have lived there. What do you think? Do you believe as I do that not only houses, but the wonderful … Continue reading Have You Weighed In On This Idea? Reposting: ‘Adopt’ A Storefront on Main Street
Listening to Maggie Casey Langrehr talk about her beginnings in The Mills Village, about her parents, Annie & Jim Casey, her brother, Jimmy and many friends, it was like taking the top off an Oreo cookie in order to get to the best part, the white filling. Maggie became energized as she spoke of the … Continue reading Grandma Casey’s Chocolate Cake – Part 2 – A Village Family Remembered
Main Street Rocky Mount 