Where is the birthplace of America’s modern shrimping industry? If you guessed Amelia Island, a barrier island off the coast of Northeast Florida, you’re correct. Well done!

Gray Edenfield, once the Education Director at the Amelia Island Museum of History, describes this Florida island’s rich coastal heritage in his book Amelia Island, Birthplace of the Modern Shrimping Industry.

More than 100,000 visitors celebrate Amelia Island’s heritage by visiting historic downtown Fernandina Beach for its annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, a civic celebration that began more than 50 years ago in 1964.

I spent several days on Amelia Island in April 2023, visiting its historic sites including Fort Clinch State Park, the city of Fernandina Beach and nearby Jekyll Island in Georgia. I was looking forward to expanding my American Main Streets series with images from a new state and especially one in the southeast. This would be my first photographic journey in the southeast.

Fernandina Beach historic photography

When I come to a new American main street to photograph, I don’t arrive with a list of scenes to capture. I prefer to allow myself to visually explore the main street and discover what catches my attention. I look for any vintage memorabilia, historic places, or something important to the town’s identity that provides a sense of place.

On this beautiful spring morning as I walked along Fernandina Beach’s main street, one of the first places I noticed and wanted to test as a possible photo location was the Palace Saloon. It is the oldest saloon in Florida and was the last to close during Prohibition. According to the Visit Florida website this tavern has been operating since the 1800s.

I mention “test” as a way to describe a possible location because sometimes a visual concept doesn’t turn out the way I hope it will. The light may change unfavorably (e.g., clouds come by and reflections dim), unwanted cars may spoil a scene or the building you want to highlight in a scene might not be visible enough.

In this instance I photographed across the street from the Palace Saloon twice with different lighting conditions. While there were elements that worked, I felt that the Palace Saloon might be too small visually compared to other parts of the scene, making it too hard to find in the resulting image. I wasn’t convinced that what I had would work the way I wanted with the other photographs in my series.

Celebrating coastal heritage through photography

I was fortunate to be in the city of Fernandina beach a couple of weeks before the big festival on Amelia Island that celebrates its modern shrimping heritage. While I continued to explore historic downtown, I saw retailers decorating stores for the upcoming shrimp festival. This created wonderful photographic opportunities for American main street photography unique to Fernandina Beach, which showcased its long history and cultural heritage.

By concentrating on shrimp iconography and festival decor, I felt I was beginning to capture Amelia Island photography that provided a unique perspective on its culture and identity.

Isle of 8 Flags Shrimp Festival photos

I continued walking down main street toward the harbor and found a few other spots to create artistic photographs. One highlighted coastal culture with pirate memorabilia and, strangely, the Grinch! Seeing those two things side by side isn’t something you see every day so I had to photograph it.

It wasn’t until I started to head back to the historic B&B I was staying in near the main street that I that I found a true gem, as the saying goes.

After capturing more than 150 images I discovered a store that was celebrating the island’s shrimping heritage and its overall coastal heritage in a way that could be very interesting photographically. And the scene outside the store was just as interesting.

Once I find a scene that fits with my artistic vision for the American Main Street portfolio I’ll stay at that location until I get the composition the way I want it. Sometimes this happens quickly and other times I may capture at least 50 images to ensure I have it right. Often, I’m removed from my New England home when I’m on visual journeys. It is easier to spend a bit longer photographing while I am on location than to have regrets later.

I’m pleased that I captured a photograph that reflects the story of Amelia Island’s heritage in a way that is consistent with the other images in my series. Rather than documenting a literal streetscape, this series uses reflections to invite viewers to look both inside and out — to perceive beyond the surface and uncover subtle echoes of culture, era, and emotion.

My visit to Amelia Island reminded me once again how diverse America is in terms of its cultural traditions and festivals that celebrate our long history. Amelia Island’s shrimp festival uses one flag for each nation that claimed this barrier island during its long history that began in 1000 with the Timucuan people who settled it. Thereafter came the French, Spanish, English and more who claimed this beautiful island.

My American Main Streets photographs reveal how our main streets reflect both the uniqueness of a town and the shared threads of Americana. With images currently spanning some 50 small towns and two cities across 16 states, American Main Streets is a study of history, community, and connection. Visit the American Main Streets gallery to see more images from this series.

Until the next journey of discovery ….

Originally published May 20, 2013. Title updated in January 2026.

One of the first things that struck me about Cripple Creek was its unmistakable historic heritage interwoven with contemporary culture. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains at a heady 9,494 feet elevation, this picture-perfect town of roughly 1,100 people juxtaposes its historic gold mining traditions with gaming.

I was absolutely charmed with this beautiful historic town. I ambled slowly (due in part to the elevation) along its main street and soaked up what it had to offer. From the perspective of American main streets it was a visual feast. Now that I’ve returned home, some of the images that remain with me in my mind’s eye still conjure up what it felt like to be there.

Gaming

Gaming was introduced to Cripple Creek in 1991 and is now a major industry. Slot machines are tucked-away in 100 year-old buildings. The feel of the town is not one of the over-the-top neon frenzy of Las Vegas with its always-on strip and gigantic casinos. Overall, the feeling is casual and relaxed. Even in May the outdoor heat lanterns provided welcome warmth for smokers and me in front of these establishments. I caused some curiosity by casino security with my digital SLR, however, no undue alarm was raised.

Cripple Creek Jail Museum

At one end of the main street is the Cripple Creek Jail Museum, which I highly recommend visiting if you are in the area. This small jailhouse operated from 1900 to 1992, housing up to 100 inmates at one time in 14 cells (yep, 6 to a cell). The town’s gold mining era brought with it prostitution and offenders from the Wild West. According to its website, jail-house occupants even included Robert Curry (aka Bob Lee), a member of the “Wild Bunch” gang.

After paying a small entrance fee visitors get to walk into the actual jail cells. What I found fascinating were the drawings on cell walls as well as clippings from the Cripple Creek journal that told the stories of prior inmates. Many of the Victorian era offenses seem pale in comparison to today’s standards. Truant children and Victorian women who didn’t keep up with housekeeping duties were behind bars along with prostitutes and outlaws.

We were the first two people who had been into the jail museum on this day so the proprietor was happy to explain a bit about the museum folklore and history. Apparently, some believe that the museum is haunted. Ghost-buster teams have visited the museum using paranormal equipment. For me, visiting the museum and walking in history’s footsteps added to the allure of this charming, historic town.

Lou’s Fudge

Sometimes it is the people I meet on my travels to American main streets that add flavor to a town’s visual feast. Lou is a case in point. We couldn’t pass up an opportunity to have homemade fudge and so we headed into the Cripple Creek Candy Store. Unfortunately, there wasn’t anyone around. After a while a gentleman came into the store and asked if we’d been helped. When we replied that we hadn’t he hollered into the back room “Lou, you have customers out front!”

When he finally appeared from the backroom Lou was chatty and friendly. I enjoy the pace of these smaller towns -- the unhurried, friendly ease that people have with visitors. It’s a welcome change to slow down at times.

It turns out that Lou’s wife makes the fudge herself. It’s wonderful fudge – too good not to cart home on the plane to finish every single piece. The few minutes in Lou’s shop remains a wonderful memory.

In all, Cripple Creek’s legacy of gold mining, mountaineers and the Wild West continues with the town’s spirit of modern entrepreneurship and the adventurers who choose to live at nearly 10,000 feet above sea level in the shadows of Pike’s Peak.

Originally published: June 23, 2013. Title updated January 2026.

When the opportunity arose to speak at a conference for bank and trust executives in Colorado Springs, I jumped at the chance to extend my business trip by a few days to mix business with pleasure.

There are few things that I enjoy more than exploring with my Nikon camera to photograph main streets and back roads. Also, my vacation in neighboring Wyoming last October (read my blog on the Cowboys of Wyoming) wet my appetite for further visits to the Rocky Mountain States.

The plan for this post-conference day was to take the Cog Railway in Manitou Springs to the top of Pikes Peak, a dizzying 14,115 feet above sea level. What’s that quote? “The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray.”

I have been at an elevation of more than 14,000 feet while traveling in South America. I took several days to get acclimated to the thin Andean mountain air before reaching that altitude. So the idea of ascending by railway in one hour to the top of Pikes Peak, spending 20 minutes at the top, and then spending another hour to descend had lost its appeal by the time we reached Manitou Springs from Colorado Springs.

It was a spectacular morning and I wasn’t in the mood to get lightheaded or dehydrated. So I went in the opposite direction of the tourists that were eager to see one of the area's most popular local attractions (ascending Pikes Peak) and decided to enjoy Manitou Springs instead.

Manitou Springs is a small city of 4,900 people. According to the local website it is where “life and art merge”. I suppose its artistic and slightly quirky vibe is why it held immediate appeal for me. It had interesting art galleries, trading posts and quaint shops. These shops aren’t what caught my eye photographically, however.

What drew my attention were an old fashioned ice cream/hot dog stand and a Hemp Store. They immediately caught my attention for different reasons. The stand looked like it had been transplanted from one of those traditional fairs that you find in New England during the fall. I loved the sense of nostalgia that it radiated in a vibrant downtown. I am always intrinsically drawn to scenes that have elements from the past juxtaposed with the present. I was like a kid in the proverbial candy shop (pun intended) with Colorado Mountains in the background and the beautiful downtown in the foreground reflections. Also, this was something unique that I hadn't seen before while photographing other main streets.

The hemp store was interesting for a different reason. With its Colorado-themed wares and the iconic Adobe architecture across the street these images would be distinctly non-New England in flavor. Part of the reason for extending my business trip was to expand the American Main Streets portfolio to new states and add geographic diversity so I knew I wanted to spend time photographing in front of this storefront.

Taking the time to slow down and enjoy the relaxed artistic vibe that historic Manitou Springs had to offer turned out to be a great way to start the day before exploring in nearby Garden of the Gods. Manitou is a Native American word for spirit. And this main street definitely had lots of it.

Originally published April 8, 2013. Title updated in January 2026.

Main streets and back roads of Keene, New Hampshire

Keene is described on the town website as “rural and folksy in some ways, but it's worldly as well.” I suppose this is an apt description for Main Street Keene, New Hampshire, which is home to quaint stores (selling handicrafts and homemade candy) and also to an adult store selling adult toys, videos and smoking equipment.

I had been to Keene only once before. On this sunny afternoon I was making my way North, from Gardner, Massachusetts, where I had stopped to photograph on Main Street (read my Gardner blog).

I remembered Keene as a charming, vibrant downtown that didn’t show any ill effects from the difficult economic situation of the prior few years. There were plentiful cafes and restaurants, numerous quaint shops, a movie theater and lots of Main Street visitors. I also remembered the store for adults.

The store seems rather incongruously situated next to its more traditional neighbors. And indeed, articles in local newspapers report a mixed perspective on whether the store is appropriate for Main Street. For a photographer’s eye, however, it delivers good photography subject matter.

I have mentioned previously that one of my favorite things about photographing on main streets and back roads is discovering unexpected memorabilia in storefront windows, like Smith and Corona® typewriters or a black and white photo of Donny and Marie Osmond.

It is just as rewarding, photographically, to find modern paraphernalia to work with. These seemingly mirror opposites each tell Main Street’s stories.

Finding myself in front of this adult store window I took advantage of the happenstance (I hadn’t planned to visit Keene) to create better images than on my prior visit. On my first visit 18 months prior, the store had only been open for a couple of weeks. The storefront window was relatively sparse and the overcast day led to fairly unimpressive lighting.

Today, the sun was shining, the store appeared well stocked, and there was a man demonstrating glassblowing. Quite a difference from the scene before me in 2011. When a pregnant Mom and her young son stopped to watch the glass blowing I knew the photography “gods” were smiling upon me. I had an opportunity to juxtapose the adolescent scene outside the store with the more adult one inside. For me, Main Street Keene exemplifies contemporary America, one where old traditions survive alongside new customs. This is exactly the concept of Main Street I want to personify in my Americana images – one that is flesh-and-blood and not merely the opposite of “Wall Street”.

Until the next journey to main streets and back roads… - Cindy

Originally published March 24, 2013. Title updated January 2026.

Main streets and back roads of Gardner, Massachusetts

About 60 miles Northwest of Boston, you know that you have arrived in Gardner when the billboard on Route 2 proudly exclaims you are entering the furniture capital of New England. I had packed my camera gear and set my course for this Worcester County city on a beautiful late winter day in March.

Upon entering downtown Gardner one of the first things I wondered was where all the furniture was? As it happens, the furniture manufacturers, showrooms and outlets are generally sprinkled in hub-and-spoke fashion not far from Main Street. These rather nondescript buildings on the outside offer a feast of well-crafted American-made furniture on the inside (a rarity these days in the "supermarket" furniture stores that offer entire bedroom sets for just $999.)

In Bill Bryson fashion I parked my car and then set off on foot to meander along Main Street. I had spotted a diner on the way into town and headed back towards it. The Blue Moon Diner was a beehive of activity on this Sunday morning. It was one of those wonderfully quaint Worcester Lunch Car style diners from the first half of the 20th century.

The friendly locals smiled upon entering and exiting the diner upon seeing me, camera in hand, shooting at the town reflected in its front door. And two friendly down-on-their-luck gentlemen, that had previously been resting cat-like on sunny storefront steps, smiled and asked if I wanted to take their photo as they sauntered past.

I took my leave of the diner, without sampling the fare, and journeyed onward along Main Street. The small storefronts housed apparatus for the hobbyist and bric-a-brac for the collector.

Generally as I wander I look for interesting window displays and scenes being reflected in their glass. First and foremost I want something photographically interesting and new for my body of work, which also needs to convey interesting memorabilia or showcase the town.

My stroll in Gardner was a leisurely one designed to let me focus on these multiple planes of perspective. Gardner did not disappoint. The relatively quiet streets were easily shown off as prized wares in stores befitting this 20,000 person, 90-year old city.

After a couple of hours I made my way back to my car to warm my cold hands and reflect. It was early afternoon on this beautiful day and I was enjoying myself. I pointed my car north upon back roads toward New Hampshire, not yet ready to let this walkabout end.

I ended up in Keene, self-described on the town website as “rural and folksy in some ways, but it's worldly as well.” An oxymoron, surely? I aimed to find out.

Find out in my next story from the main streets of Keene. - Cindy

Originally published October 28, 2012. Title changed in January 2026.

Does the word “cowboy” conjure up idealistic images of the American West, or a way of life that no longer exists? I had the privilege to see Wyoming unadorned - without sentimental stereotypes - through the reflections of a modern-day cowboy.

In September I visited a working cattle ranch outside Jackson Hole that has been owned by the same family since the 1920s. This ranch has thousands of head of cattle and is a member of a natural beef program.

The word “cowboy” now conjures hard-working, tech savvy and expressive men and women.

As Tom Angle, one of the ranch hands said, “Jackson is a hard place to make a living”. Tom lives on his ranch in Oregon but spends May through October working in Wyoming. He isn’t alone in this pattern -- many folks work multiple jobs and come to Jackson to find them.

Jackson swells in the tourist season with an influx of people from Russia, Poland and other Eastern European countries. They flock to Jackson Hole during the peak tourist season to work.

On the ranch, Tom speaks about the work required to run an operation of this size. It is an all day, every day routine to keep the cattle healthy, fed and watered from the Snake River.

The ranchers double as veterinarians. Tom delights in provoking a reaction with his tales of pulling calves and removing disease from an animal’s eye socket.

Ranching has become high tech

Tom tells me that horses are still the best form of transportation on a ranch, the best way to get the job done. Don’t mistake this “a man and his horse” attitude for a quaint adherence to the old American West. Horses are merely the most practical way to accomplish daily business. Nevertheless, ranching has become high tech.

Ranch hands on the Snake River Ranch communicate via cell phone with each other. And they use computers in their sophisticated beef program. With a quick scan, the computer system can tell how much weight an animal is gaining, how quickly, and what the animal should weigh upon sale.

A passion for the life

Everyone I met in Wyoming demonstrated unvarnished passion and respect for the area. Jake, an experienced kayaker and our guide for a scenic Snake River rafting trip, spoke with real affection for “his office” – referring to the river and its environs.

Guides in Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks spoke of visiting the area and then being drawn back year after year.

And, Tom? Tom expresses his love for Wyoming and his way of life through his poetry, songwriting and singing. Tom’s website (yes, cowboys have websites now) says he specializes in cowboy music and poetry.

Wyoming got under my skin and into my soul. My glasses are no longer rose colored. However, the passion of the people I met, the way of life that is tied closely to nature, and the unbelievable scenery of the open West inspire me to go back.

Until the next journey to main streets and back roads… - Cindy

Originally published July 31, 2012. Title updated in January 2026.

What do you do on Friday evenings in summer? On a recent Friday I recalled my photography coach and mentor telling me "You should get out and photograph at different times of day. Many of the images you have are in bright sunshine."

In spite of my tiredness after the workweek, and with this advice echoing softly in my head, I drove to Nashua, NH with my photo gear in search of great light to add some depth to my portfolio.

Nashua is the second largest city in New Hampshire. It was ranked among Money's list of America's best small cities in 2010. Within the downtown district you can find eclectic shops ranging from a store selling old fashioned candy to one selling pianos. You'll also see stroll past a cigar shop and a tattoo parlor.

Downtown Nashua gave me a great palette to work from. And the angle of the light added nuance. There is something wonderful about the quality of light on a summer evening. It exudes warmth that bathes even the most mundane of scenes in softness.

When I arrived in Nashua I found couples out for a stroll, sitting arm-in-arm on benches, and enjoying dinner at tables spilling from restaurants onto the street like strewn marbles.

When I found an outdoor seating area near a home medical supply storefront I knew that I had discovered something worth spending time with (again, my mentor's voice echoed about not moving too fast: "find something you want to shoot at least 50 pictures of".

I tried to juxtapose the diners with the town's need for special shoes, canes and other aides for the infirm or elderly. It served as an all-too-frequent reminder of making the most of what we have, NOW.

I walked up the street a bit farther, contemplating whether it was time to head home. As I rounded the corner I saw the most wonderful reflection of a building steeple in a multi paned window. I probably took another 50 images in this spot too.

Satisfied, I finally headed home. Despite my tiredness I thoroughly enjoyed the outing and added some interesting perspective to my American Main Streets portfolio.

Until the next journey. -- Cindy

Other recent posts:

Celebrating the 4th of July on Main Street, Wakefield, MA
Standing Tall in Winchester, MA

Originally published January 31, 2013. Title updated in January 2026.

Main streets and back roads of Portsmouth, New Hampshire

When was the last time you saw a Smith Corona typewriter? This is just a wild guess but I’d say “not very recently" (unless you’ve visited Hoyt’s Office Products on Market Street in downtown Portsmouth).

One of my favorite things about photographing on main streets and back roads is discovering unexpected memorabilia from our past in a storefront window, such as typewriters.

It hit me tonight as I was watching a program on the making of Antiques Roadshow® that these memorabilia help tell the stories of Main Street and are its living visual history.

Like the thousands who apply for the chance to appear on the Antiques Roadshow with an item that has a personal significance and past, main streets have their own stories to tell. I enjoy finding those unexpected stories that involve items from a prior era.

Living Visual History

Downtown Portsmouth is a vibrant center humming with numerous restaurants and breweries, which proved welcome respites from the bitter cold 15-mile per hour gusts I encountered when I visited in January.

In 2008 Portsmouth was named as a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The elegant seaport of Portsmouth, the nation’s third oldest city, is one of the most culturally rich destinations in the country with its mix of historic buildings, sidewalk cafes, great restaurants, art galleries, jazz clubs and distinctive artisans’ boutiques.”, they said.

The Storyteller

With such rich cultural and historic material, a question that I've asked myself is how do I choose what stories to tell from Main Street? I posted a discussion in a LinkedIn® group for fine art professionals recently, which was a blog post by JM Colberg about why we photograph. What compels us to do it? I was respectfully asked by to answer my own question (a fair request).

My answer was this: I use photography for storytelling and to communicate. Do I photograph to document and record what I see in the world around me, and tell those stories? Or, do I photograph to tell my stories, and reflect my personal values and what I find important? For me, the answer is the latter.

So, the images I took in Portsmouth were for me the most photographically compelling and also those that were personally interesting – like finding typewriters on such a vibrant and busy main street. I want my images to bring to life the activities, interests and traditions we all value in small towns across America.

Until the next journey to main streets and back roads… - Cindy

All company names or marks mentioned herein are those of their respective owners.

Originally published December 30, 2012. Title updated in January 2026.

Main streets and back roads of Woodstock, Vermont

“What’s a Wassail weekend,” my family asked? I had just announced that I had made plans to spend my birthday weekend in Woodstock, Vermont for the annual Wassail Weekend.

Clearly my family did not share my unbridled enthusiasm for driving two hours to Vermont in December. I’d change that.

“What’s Wassail Weekend?” Wassail Weekend is one of the top 10 holiday things to do, I practically shouted. “It will be a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of finding the perfect gifts and mailing Christmas cards.”

And with that, and some pleading, they were resigned to humor me on my birthday weekend.

Parades

All kidding aside, when I think of the main streets and back roads in our communities, one of the things I am reminded of are small town celebrations that bring neighbors and visitors together. Like Fourth of July parades, local festivals and Christmas tree lighting ceremonies.

Woodstock held their 28th annual Woodstock Wassail Horse and Carriage Parade on December 8th. It was a festive parade of horses and riders dressed in traditional Christmas costumes from the 19th century.

I can’t imagine a more quintessential Vermont experience than this Wassail Parade, steps from a covered bridge bright with Christmas lights, and a warm bonfire on the Green whose pathways will be lit by hundreds of luminaries.

Only the classic White Christmas movie of 1954 (one of my favorite holiday movies) could muster more of the traditional Christmas feeling. It felt great to be away from hectic mall shopping and the trappings of a modern-day holiday.

We went in search of hot mulled cider after the parade to warm cold feet (theirs) and hands (mine, from shooting).

Farms and Food

The main streets of Vermont also conjure images of local craft fairs, quaint inns, artisan-quality gifts, general stores, and local produce. Woodstock does not disappoint in this.

Strolling the main streets I had the feeling that life in Woodstock is more connected to the “here and now” than the high-tech hustle and bustle in neighboring Massachusetts.

On my list of “must do’s” for the weekend was a visit to the Billings Farm and Museum. It operates in partnership with the Marsh-Billings-Rockerfeller National Historical Park. It was delightful.

Imagine the sight of walking into the nursery and seeing a calf born just hours earlier, at 7:30 that morning! Or, smelling squash pies baking on a wood stove in the Farm House that is decorated for Christmas.

Wassail Weekend was a success from the warm hospitality we experienced at the Blue Horse Inn, to a superb dinner at the Prince & Pauper, to beautiful main streets adorned by parades and parade watchers.

Until the next journey to main streets and back roads… - Cindy

Originally published July 10, 2012. Title updated in January 2026.

It would be difficult to think of another holiday that is more synonymous with the concept of "Main Street" than the 4th of July.

On what other occasion will you find American communities coming together en masse in a family-oriented celebration irrespective of age, background, ethnicity or religion? Children, parents, grandparents and extended families celebrate the 4th with memorabilia and parades on main street.

As a photographer of main streets and back roads I couldn't pass up the opportunity to photograph a main street resplendent in her red, white and blue on this holiday occasion.

The 4th of July parade in Wakefield, MA is the largest in Massachusetts and the second largest in New England. Wakefield is a quintessential Massachusetts town roughly 10 miles from Boston. It has a beautiful town green on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt.

Apparently I wasn't the only person with a desire to help Wakefield residents celebrate America's birthday. Due to the heavy traffic I parked beside the lake about two miles from the town center and then followed the crowds toward the parade route.

I opted to carry a small stool with me to elevate my photography above the crowds and I left my water bottle in the car. In hindsight my choice of photography gear versus water wasn't the wisest given the 95+ degree temperatures. Nevertheless I marched toward what I hoped would be some very good images to add to my current body of work.

I chose to use reflections to create images that were not what first comes to mind when you think of pictures of parades. I wanted to provide a different perspective on the celebration.

I was ultimately rewarded for my sweat and blisters. The street was lined with colorful balloon vendors, supporters and floats and were a main street photographer's paradise.

Originally published May 2, 2012. Title updated in January 2026.

Winchester, MA did not make Travel + Leisure magazine’s May 2012 list of America’s Greatest Main Streets. In fact, the only Massachusetts town to make the cut was Nantucket. Neighbors Littleton, New Hampshire and Woodstock, VT also earned spots.

I doubt that the curators of the greatest main streets visited Winchester on a warm spring day. It would have made the list if they had. Downtown Winchester is a picturesque and classic New England center with its white clapboard church presiding over the town green, quaint stores and eateries.

I have always liked Winchester. It is an affluent bedroom community of Boston that is home to around 20,000 residents. Beautiful Victorian homes with manicured lawns and gardens lead to a walkable downtown area and commuter rail station.

The day I chose to visit it was an idyllic spring day – the kind of day that brings New Englanders out of their homes and, temporarily, away from TVs, tablets, and the other devices that we are increasingly drawn to.

One of the first things that struck me was the beautiful First Congregational Church with its rolling front lawn. You could see its steeple standing tall over Winchester from almost every angle in downtown. The original church was destroyed by fire in 1853. The new building, with its renovations, is a feature of downtown and many of my images.

I chose to highlight the church steeple in images, finding ways to convey what a central role it plays in the town center. In others, I highlighted the coffee shops and bakeries that spill out on the sidewalk, a treat everyone after a winter spent largely indoors. On this warm, sunny day they were a natural meeting place.

During my travels in downtown one friendly store owner offered me samples of fresh, baked bread. It was an offer too good to refuse! Several minutes later I left the store with a huge shopping bag of fresh breads and rolls. It was time to go home.

Originally published September 30, 2012. Title and some links updated in January 2026

There probably isn't another city more renowned for witch tourism and witchcraft folklore than Salem, Massachusetts. Unmatched in its witch legends, Salem's main streets portray a unique cultural and historical heritage. I was spooked (pun intended) by my reaction to this historic city during a recent visit and came away with three reflections.

First reflection: the city has widely commercialized its historical legacy of witchcraft folklore. Salem's Witch House, along with many historical artifacts from the witch trials era of 1692, are important symbols of our cultural heritage. In stark contrast, Salem also boasts a plethora of shops devoted to inexpensive witchcraft souvenirs, carnival-esque figures and ghoulish attractions, which distracted me from the city's important legacy.

Second reflection: there is an eclectic blend of old and new culture. You'll find signs of the past on almost any New England main street since many of these towns still pay homage to their 1600's heritage. In Salem, I also saw the efforts of the Salem Main Streets program that guides the revitalization of the downtown district. The vibrant pedestrian-only streets reflect an unusual mix of the city's heritage alongside trendy restaurants, small businesses and artist studios.

Third reflection: Salem seems to embrace individuality, in contrast perhaps to its witch trials era. A vibrant artist community includes Artists' Row and the well-known Peabody Essex Museum, which includes collections of contemporary and historic America, Asian, Maritime, Oceanic and other culture.

Wikipedia defines intangible culture as folklore, traditions, language, and knowledge. I found Salem resplendent in it. Perhaps you'll be one of the more than 100,000 visitors to the city this October to enjoy its month-long haunted happenings celebration.

Until the next journey ... - Cindy

Originally published April 3, 2012. Title updated in January 2026.

For lease signs, broken windows, and empty storefronts are visible signs on many New England main streets - evidence of difficult economic conditions. There is hope of revival, however.

I hadn't been to Clinton, Massachusetts since 2009. Clinton is a town of roughly 15,000 people that originated as a mill town in the mid 1800's.

One of my favorite images of main streets is a photo that I took in Clinton in 2009. The image highlights the historic Strand Theatre, which is a wonderful movie theatre that remains open today. It represents a cultural and historical heritage that is disappearing in many small towns.

On my return to Clinton I discovered that the image I took almost three years ago couldn't be replicated today. Thriving stores, including the vintage one opposite the Strand Theatre, now stand empty.

I was struck by Clinton's decline during the past three years. That is one reason why I chose to use a broken, taped window to frame main street in the background during this visit. For me, these broken windows reflect the difficult economic conditions that have befallen many local communities. I did, however, find a sign of re-birth amidst the broken windows and empty storefronts.

When I am out photographing I am often approached by strangers who are curious about what I am doing. This outing proved to be no exception. A passerby, Thomas, came over to ask me what my project was about.

Thomas has plans to revive the local storefronts with displays of vintage cameras and industrial equipment as well as create a studio for local artists. His love for the town and desire to revive it was contagious.

For lease signs, broken windows, and empty storefronts are visible signs on many New England main streets - evidence of difficult economic conditions. There is hope of revival, however.

I hadn’t been to Clinton, Massachusetts since 2009. Clinton is a town of roughly 15,000 people that originated as a mill town in the mid 1800’s.

One of my favorite images of main streets is a photo that I took in Clinton in 2009. The image highlights the historic Strand Theatre, which is a wonderful movie theatre that remains open today. It represents a cultural and historical heritage that is disappearing in many small towns.

On my return to Clinton I discovered that the image I took almost three years ago couldn’t be replicated today. Thriving stores, including the vintage one opposite the Strand Theatre, now stand empty.

I was struck by Clinton’s decline during the past three years. That is one reason why I chose to use a broken, taped window to frame main street in the background during this visit. For me, these broken windows reflect the difficult economic conditions that have befallen many local communities. I did, however, find a sign of re-birth amidst the broken windows and empty storefronts.

When I am out photographing I am often approached by strangers who are curious about what I am doing. This outing proved to be no exception. A passerby, Thomas, came over to ask me what my project was about.

Thomas has plans to revive the local storefronts with displays of vintage cameras and industrial equipment as well as to create a studio for local artists. His love for the town and desire to revive it was contagious.

I'm a natural optimist. Main Street conquers images where small businesses dominate the landscape, communities gather to socialize and traditions are passed down from one generation to the next. With Thomas at the helm championing new projects I am confident that Clinton's main streets will once again thrive.

Originally published April 2, 2012. The title was updated in January 2026.

I am fascinated with reflections. They give me an unexpected way to interpret a subject using multiple planes of perspective and to create depth in two-dimensional surfaces.

Several years ago I enrolled in a drawing class. I discovered at least two things about myself from that experience: first, I do not have a natural talent for drawing; and secondly I am very competitive and don't enjoy being at the bottom of the class.

I will never forget my confusion when the instructor asked us to draw the negative space around an object. For anyone that isn't familiar with this topic it is one that can cause even the best student to falter at times.

Whereas drawing negative space was difficult for me I do have a knack for using multiple planes of perspective to interpret a subject photographically. I can distinguish between what is directly in front of me as well as the often less obvious reflection of what is behind me. I use this negative space as a way to draw (pun intended) the viewer's attention to what is nearby a storefront window, instead of merely observing what is in the window.

On a recent visit to Ayer, Massachusetts I was rewarded with a cornucopia of reflections. My resulting images aren't the classical interpretation of negative space. These images are disorienting and create relationships between what is typically seen and the often overlooked (such as reflections in glass).

I enjoy causing the viewer to ask: How a photo was taken? What is the artist trying to tell me?

The concept of Main Street is not new. It has been a mainstay in literature, film and daily lives for decades. By using reflection and multiple planes of perspective I hope I've found a new way to tell the story of everyday lives in these communities.

Originally published April 1, 2012. Title updated in January 2026.

Have you been to Cambridge, Massachusetts? On my recent visit I was struck by the buzz of a thriving student-dominated city.

One of the reasons I enjoy photographing in cities, small towns and villages across New England is discovering the scenes that remind me of the quiet moments in our everyday lives.

I recently took advantage of volunteering at the Cambridge Art Association to photograph in Cambridge, a city that I hadn't been in for quite some time.

Almost immediately I had visual overload amid the hustle and bustle of the city: the movement of the students, traffic noise, myriad coffee shops, aimless pleas and conversations of the many homeless.

I searched for storefronts to single out elements that define everyday life in Harvard Square, which is dominated by students of Harvard University.

What struck me about the storefront window I stopped at was a theatrical poster. To me, this image clearly says "New England" with its huge white pillared brick building in the background. The urban feel and cheekiness from the poster give this street scene a mood that you wouldn't find in other small towns.

I experimented with alternative versions of this scene. The one pictured is one of my favorites with its dramatic sky.