Honoring the Past, Building a Future
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
History is the essence of innumerable biographies Thomas Carlyle Through the eyes of a Daughter - Mary Magaline Casey Langrehr "Maggie" I think … Continue reading Remembering a Village Family – Annie and Jim Casey – Part 1
“The arts are the best insurance policy a city can take on itself.” Woody Dumas, former Mayor of Baton Rouge In our day to day lives of work and family responsibilities, there isn't a lot of time to wax poetic over a question like, what speaks to the stability of a community? That's why I … Continue reading Rallying Around the Cultural Scene – First Off: Bel Air Artisans Center
