“Old houses, I thought, do not belong to people ever, not really, people belong to them.” – Gladys Taber

I need to begin by saying how much I affirm the idea of “property rights.” However, living in a town also includes certain responsibilities to the community and to the other people who live here.

Also, this post is not “reporting” in the journalistic tradition so much as it is my gut level “in the moment” response to what I see when I walk around this beautiful town.

I enjoy walking – mostly with Max the Golden Retriever – and I keep my eyes wide open enough that I cannot help but notice the properties as I walk by. So Saturday afternoon I grabbed my camera and retraced my typical path with the intention of responding to what I see.

This is such a cool historic district, a unique collection of so many beautiful houses that have such character and possibility.

Good Stuff Happening!

There is a lot going on that really is encouraging. The Pender House for example, just around the corner on Church Street, is in the process of some significant restoration work. Our home, on Saint Patrick, has turned out beautifully thanks to Aaron Riggs – as did our neighbor’s. Then we have friends who recently purchased a pair of homes (pictured at left) on Saint Andrew Street, and work there is already under way.

I walked by many gracious homes that are already in great shape and are being well maintained. So, in fairness, I took photos of a few of those too.

Neglect and Decay:

But then – and this is the real point of this post – there are too many significant properties that are falling into disrepair. These houses are empty, they are neglected, and they are owned by people who likely do not live in Tarboro anymore, but refuse to let them go – even when approached by local folk with vision who care and who are serious about restoration.

And that, to me, is where “property rights” are in serious conflict with reasonable (and moral) responsibility to the community. Stop sitting on decay and demonstrate some care for Tarboro. Or… forfeit right of ownership.

A few of the photos are embedded here in the text, then I have a lot in the gallery below, grouped by house. Some of these homes represent neglect, some show what is possible. Then the last few – walking home through downtown – tell the story of just how cool our urban landscape is.

This community is a gem, unique amongst small Southern towns. I believe it is in everyone’s best interest to do what it takes to give Tarboro’s historic district as much help as possible. Put your heart into it, you won’t regret the investment.

Rebekah and I are both grateful to be here – DEREK