A White Woman with a Camera: My Happy Hill Mission

Star Street I don’t rattle easily. But last Thursday evening, after sharing a slice of pizza and plenty of laughs with Denise, the energetic Fun Director at Sky-Vue Skateland, I drove to the Happy Hill neighborhood in Rocky Mount. I had my phone camera in hand, planning to check on the state of things since … Continue reading A White Woman with a Camera: My Happy Hill Mission

From Rocky Mount NC: A Love Letter to the American Bungalow

This morning, I looked at this gorgeous photograph of a green craftsman bungalow, its symmetry softened by shrubs, its porch pots blooming., I purred like a kitten. The reaction was instant and familiar. I have a grand passion for bungalows, one that never fades no matter how often I've written about them or pass one … Continue reading From Rocky Mount NC: A Love Letter to the American Bungalow

Stepheny Reflects On 2025 Graduation Speeches

"Reflections on a time when education built character, and graduation honored it." Stepheny Forgue Houghtlin Evanston Township High School was a top public school in the country when I graduated. I think there were 635+ students in my class. To this day, I’m still in touch with the close friends I made in those years. … Continue reading Stepheny Reflects On 2025 Graduation Speeches

Steps That Lead Somewhere

Some stories live in old buildings.Others drift through memory, art, or the quiet courage of character. From time to time, I like walking a little further down Main Street— not away from preservation, but deeper into the spirit of what’s worth saving. You know by now that I am always reading. This time, it’s about … Continue reading Steps That Lead Somewhere

Gratitude for Community and Preservation in Rocky Mount

Dear Readers, As I reflect on the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for following MainstreetRockyMount.com and the Rocky Mount Facebook page. Your engagement and support mean the world to me, and I like to think it is a testament to the vibrant … Continue reading Gratitude for Community and Preservation in Rocky Mount

Transforming Spaces: The Future of Rocky Mount’s Historic Buildings

Once the Bank of Rocky Mount, 142 SW Main, is one of my favorite facades on Main Street. I wish I had experienced this space as a book store that it once was. Addicted to books and reading, I imagine being young enough and with money enough to buy this building and turn it back … Continue reading Transforming Spaces: The Future of Rocky Mount’s Historic Buildings