No Recollection | Main | Dusk
April 27, 2005
These Objects of My Affection
It is so strange that an empty set of houses on the edge of an industrial park can stir such strong emotions.
I arrived on Flushing Avenue nearly a half-hour early for our last interview with the Brooklyn Navy Yard archivist. While waiting for Lex, I stood on the corner at Navy Street, took out my camera, and shot another round of Season Pictures.
Every few months I visit my houses. I call them �My Houses� because, for some strange reason, Officer�s Row has become part of my personal fabric. I feel close to them as one might for a loved one. When I look out across the avenue, I barely see brick and stucco structures. I see the faces of families. I see empty rooms filled with the voices and memories that we have spent the past few weeks transcribing.
I feel an overwhelming love of place. I feel an incredible surge of protectiveness. In an odd way, even ownership. I want to keep them in my pocket forever. I want them to be part of my back yard. I love the connection that I feel to them. I long for more time to stare at them, to photograph them, to learn.
I wish that there were some sort of fellowship to be won, a sabbatical from real work, a grant somewhere out there that would just plunk into our laps. Do foundations give grants for passion?
Posted by callalillie at April 27, 2005 9:36 AM | Brooklyn Navy Yard , Introspect
What is the deal with historic preservation on these? Are they slated for demolition?
If you can prove that they meet the criteria....
What did Place Matters have to say about it?
Posted by: Tiya at April 27, 2005 10:13 AM
They are slated for demolition and are in too bad of shape to repair. After going inside of them, I agree with that position.
Posted by: corie at April 27, 2005 10:17 AM
well, well, isn't someone fancy with the flash.
Posted by: tien at April 27, 2005 10:50 AM
eh, just playing. tired of listing images all in a row.
Posted by: corie at April 27, 2005 12:52 PM
The Pics are Amazing. I want to see the inside. One with the earth-those homes are. Does time have a smell? Does times have its own weather? It looks like a door way to place within of us.
Posted by: William at April 27, 2005 5:25 PM
they probably do have grants for people with a passion. check out the foundation center (fdtncenter.org, i think).
Posted by: Nancy at April 27, 2005 6:51 PM
