William West, Telegram Staff Writer, Brings Good News

I love Rocky Mount Mills. (Everything but the stickers on the water tank that are tacky.) I admire all the wonderful people involved, from the owners to a lovely young waitress that brings your food. Check out this post I wrote on The Battle Family. https://mainstreetrockymount.com/2015/08/26/a-family-leaves-a-legacy-the-battle-family/ The preservation, restoration, repurposing, landscaping, atmosphere, businesses, the whole … Continue reading William West, Telegram Staff Writer, Brings Good News →

Preserving Rocky Mount’s Shotgun Houses: A Call to Action

In creating the Main Street blog, I have written about the value of historic shotgun houses, highlighting their cultural significance, architectural charm, and place in our city’s history. Now, it is time to turn words into action. Rocky Mount’s inventory of shotgun houses is dwindling, and without immediate intervention, we risk losing an essential part … Continue reading Preserving Rocky Mount’s Shotgun Houses: A Call to Action →

The Architectural Charm of Main Street Entrances – Rocky Mount,NC

Walking along Main Street in Rocky Mount is like stepping into a living history book, where each storefront tells a story. The entrances of these historic commercial buildings, many dating back to the early 1900s, are not just doorways but invitations—welcoming customers into spaces that have served generations of residents. Add to your 'Talking Main … Continue reading The Architectural Charm of Main Street Entrances – Rocky Mount,NC →

Rocky Mount, NC – Stepheny’s Reflection on Finding Safe Haven

A Stepheny story: The first time I saw Main Street, silent and empty, the idea of this blog was born. I prayed about what I had seen and was there anything I could do about it. The answer I heard, "You're a writer, write!" Here I go again. A Season of suffering: Do you recognize … Continue reading Rocky Mount, NC – Stepheny’s Reflection on Finding Safe Haven →

Revitalizing Our Past, Enriching Our Future: The Economic Power of Preservation #4

If you have been reading the blog, you know I am interested in the stories that are attached to all of the historic commercial architecture on Main Street - also a metaphor for the area surrounding downtown. Perhaps you can't personify the architecture as I do. I write that "a building speaks to me..." As … Continue reading Revitalizing Our Past, Enriching Our Future: The Economic Power of Preservation #4 →

Building Tomorrow on Yesterday’s Foundations: The Economics of Preservation in Rocky Mount #3

Rocky Mount’s historic Main Street tells a story. It’s a narrative of resilience, enterprise, and culture—a place where generations of entrepreneurs built businesses and communities flourished. As I walk along this street, I see glimmers of progress and promise: restored facades, new businesses breathing life into old spaces, and a renewed sense of pride in … Continue reading Building Tomorrow on Yesterday’s Foundations: The Economics of Preservation in Rocky Mount #3 →