Honoring the Past, Building a Future
Those born or raised here, leave a comment below and tell us what you know. "I have often wondered what it is an old building can do to you when you happen to know a little about things that went on long ago in that building".Carl Sandburg When you fall in love with an … Continue reading I’m in Love With Another Building – It’s a Mess, But Wonderful None the Less 216 S. Washington
Originally, tossing a coin in the fountain was supposed to ensure good health. The meaning evolved. People believed that the dwellers of a well would grant them their wish if they threw a lucky coin to pay a price. The tradition of dropping pennies in ponds and fountains stems from this. While growing up, most … Continue reading Throwing Coins In The Fountain
“To retain the architectural heritage, neighborhood character, and historic landscapes of the Rocky Mount, North Carolina area through collaboration, education, advocacy, and restoration.”— Preservation Rocky Mount Mission I am standing at your door like the long ago encyclopedia salesman. I want to sell you the upgraded version of the organization - Preservation Rocky Mount. Even … Continue reading An Upgraded Version of Preservation Rocky Mount Is Now Available
I found a quote of Alfred Lord Tennyson that I used on the Main Street Facebook page, "Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, 'It will be happier." The word threshold holds a deeper meaning after I … Continue reading Pausing at the Threshold of a New Year: A Reflection From Stepheny’s Bench On Main Street
Like beads on a rosary, I pause on each bead to add a name connected to the preservation, restoration, and repurposing of Main Street. I name the place holders like Virginia's and The Bicycle Shop, that welcome new business, and the entertainment sector: restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Part of this litany of names includes, … Continue reading Ben Bradock, Andrew Clark, Troy Davis, Jesse Gerstl, Zack Poll, Troy White … Saving Commercial Architecture In Historic Downtown Rocky Mount – Part 1
One of the loveliest things about a friendship with Jane Gravely has been the gift of her mother. I took this sweet photograph of Janice Gravely at the 2019 Hall of Fame Banquet. She was 98 years old. We had a special few minutes alone, holding hands and quietly talking. To me, she was the … Continue reading Janice Beavon Gravely – Comes to Jesus Not as a Stranger, but as a Friend
