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 →

Through the Window: Reflections on Spring and Preservation

A glance out my window reveals more than the turning of seasons—it offers a quiet conversation between past and present. On the glass shelf, a row of antique cranberry-glass tumblers catch the light, their delicate hue echoing the blooms of the camellia bush just beyond the glass. The repetition of color, a serendipitous outcome when … Continue reading Through the Window: Reflections on Spring and Preservation →

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 →

A House Waiting For Its Future: Rocky Mount, NC

The tin roof, rusted and worn, once echoed with the sound of summer rain. Its wooden sides, now faded, held warmth long ago, sheltering a family whose voices filled these rooms. An awning that should come down. The front door, boarded shut, was once flung open to welcome neighbors, laughter, and the everyday rhythm of … Continue reading A House Waiting For Its Future: Rocky Mount, NC →

Preservation and Possibility: What ‘Before and After’ Homes Teach Us #2

A house, like a life, holds its story in its heart. Some stand weary but strong, their timbers whispering of laughter once shared, storms endured, and years that slipped quietly past. When we see a house on the verge of collapse, we might be tempted to look away—to believe its time has passed. But then … Continue reading Preservation and Possibility: What ‘Before and After’ Homes Teach Us #2 →