In Your Imagination: Sit With Me in the Synagogue Praying With The Past Jewish Congregation in Rocky Mount,NC

By now you know Rocky Mount's Synagogue is for sale. I want you to imagine yourself standing here as candles flicker, a strain of music plays, and the prayers of this holy space are wrapped around us. Know that you have joined a significant chapter in Rocky Mount's story On 9/5/17 I wrote a blog … Continue reading In Your Imagination: Sit With Me in the Synagogue Praying With The Past Jewish Congregation in Rocky Mount,NC →

You Can Come Home Again – Erwin Wilde Did – Home To Machaven

Erwin Wilde came home to Machaven last night. A house built in 1907-1908 for her grandmother, and James Hines, her grandfather, a leading businessman, civic leader. H.P.S. Keller was the architect for the 2 1/2-story, Classical Revival style brick dwelling with a slate-covered hipped roof. With five interior chimneys, a pedimented portico with Doric columns, and a … Continue reading You Can Come Home Again – Erwin Wilde Did – Home To Machaven →

Another Star in Rocky Mount’s Architectural Crown – Paying Tribute to Architect George Matsumoto – A West Haven Gem

If you have been following my Main Street posts, you know that I have recently been pushing for an updated, honest architectural inventory. Here is one of Rocky Mount's treasures that is a Mid-Century modern home built originally for Thomas and Marian Hicks at 718 Evergreen Road, Rocky Mount NC. I've done some research for … Continue reading Another Star in Rocky Mount’s Architectural Crown – Paying Tribute to Architect George Matsumoto – A West Haven Gem →

Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House In Historic West Haven – Part 2

The war was still reverberating in 1946 when the former editor of Fortune magazine, Eric Hodgins, wrote the novel Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House. There was a national housing shortage. The American dream of the returning G.I.'s included home ownership. The film correctly read the mood of those who wanted to move on to … Continue reading Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House In Historic West Haven – Part 2 →

Villa Place Historic District – ‘The Ice King’ Cometh – Part 2

There must be a special place in hell for people who vandalize buildings. In taking photographs of Machaven, I wouldn't dream of a photo that shows the front windows boarded up. Such an embarrassment for a historic place that has been holding court at 300 Grace Street these many years. Like a woman who knows her … Continue reading Villa Place Historic District – ‘The Ice King’ Cometh – Part 2 →

The Home D.J. Rose Built For His Family – Sunset Ave

“Old houses are filled with memories, with the faded echoes of voices. Drops of tears, the ring of laughter, the edge of tempers that over the years have seeped into the walls. These houses carry in their wood and stone, their brick and mortar a kind of ego that is nearly human.” A … Continue reading The Home D.J. Rose Built For His Family – Sunset Ave →