Back in April, I decided to take an afternoon to walk around a small town close to where I live, see what I could see and photograph whatever and whoever seemed interesting for a photo essay. The thing that struck me was that it's a town in-between. It's not quite modern, but not quite frozen in time either. The payphones have been disconnected to make way for new technology, some hundred-year-old buildings sit vacant and decaying, while others are fixed up and used for a new purpose, and the people reflect their changing times. Louisburg is a town in ever-more-rapid transition; I have to think it will not be sleepy or old-fashioned in just a few years. 

"You want a picture? Let me get myself fixed up first."

He was waiting on his wife to finish shopping, as many a husband before him.

I don't think I've ever seen anyone coming in or out of either the Democratic or Republican headquarters in town. At least there's a cheery mascot here.

In small towns, cafes are empty come three o'clock.

Little hair salons like this are a treat to find - I have to wonder if they will be around in fifty years. For now, I'm glad this one exists, and that I got to listen in on conversations ranging from broken limbs to highlights to significant others.

Liz, the owner of Ruby Slippers Vintage. She said her hair changes color regularly, but I think the purple suits her. 

Round back of the post office.

The pharmacy still has a soda fountain, albeit one we would readily recognize.

At the back of Andrejev Galleries, a mid-century art wonder right across from the courthouse.

I am fully aware that this is juvenile, but every time I saw a sign for Judge Tickle I had to laugh a little to myself. 

Mail for apartments, lined up beside the barber shop.

Mail for apartments, lined up beside the barber shop.

To be, rather than to seem. Our state motto, and a rather good idea. 

A huge thank you to all of the people who allowed me to wander their hometown and businesses! Southern hospitality is a thing I've lived with all my life, yet the degree to which it extends never ceases to amaze me