An Upgraded Version of Preservation Rocky Mount Is Now Available

“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 →

Pausing at the Threshold of a New Year: A Reflection From Stepheny’s Bench On Main Street

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 →

Ben Bradock, Andrew Clark, Troy Davis, Jesse Gerstl, Zack Poll, Troy White … Saving Commercial Architecture In Historic Downtown Rocky Mount – Part 1

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 →

Janice Beavon Gravely – Comes to Jesus Not as a Stranger, but as a Friend

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 →

Andre Knight’s Best Role – Saving These Wonderful Buildings!

BEFORE AFTER - 116 SUNSET I have taken photographs of this building on Main Street many times because it is one of my favorite. On life support, I've been sitting by the bedside, so to speak, keeping a close watch on the patient growing weaker.  These are classic commercial facades, and when restored to health, … Continue reading Andre Knight’s Best Role – Saving These Wonderful Buildings! →

The Murals of Rocky Mount

In Ken Burns fashion, let's zoom out before focusing in on Rocky Mount's two new, beautifully executed, murals. While enjoying and celebrating these artistic additions to the Main Street area, a bit more information helps to expand our appreciation of these exciting additions. We have a new term to add to our Main Street vocabulary: … Continue reading The Murals of Rocky Mount →