THE MODERN STYLE OF
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
FALL/WINTER 2021-2022
HISTORIC CANTON PEOPLE | DINING | SHOPPING | EVENTS | CULTURE
r e t n i w canton STARTS WITH
6 BEAMS 18HOLIDAY 20 STAGE SUNNYSIDE
Find Your Unique
with Bright Future
GIFTS in CANTON
Historic Theatre Sets for MORE OVATIONS
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paradise
PEOPLE | SHOPPING | EVENTS | DINING | CULTURE
A SHOPPER’S
Cotton Mill Exchange
l a n o i t a sens W
hether browsing for the perfect gift, looking for ways to update your home for the holidays and beyond, or just enjoying some retail therapy, the Cotton Mill Exchange offers a cornucopia of bountiful opportunities. The Cotton Mill Exchange fills an expansive 45,000 square feet in the Mill on Etowah, a re-use development in the old Canton Cotton Mill built in 1899 on Railroad Street in Canton on the banks of the Etowah River, so make sure to set aside plenty of time for that shopping trip. History Cherokee offers Christmas ornaments and unique gifts at the Cotton Mill Exchange. History Cherokee offers a series of nineteen ceramic Christmas ornaments featuring local historic landmarks, releasing a new one each year. Canton’s Main Street ornament, shown here, is from 2012. The pop-up shop is located in The Big Room, Aisle 2, Booth 17.
THE MODERN STYLE OF HISTORIC CANTON
The historic industrial space is the perfect backdrop for the 200 designers, artisans, and small business owners who have filled the Cotton Mill Exchange with an alluring blend of vintage and antique home goods, fashions, and new merchandise since it opened in 2019. “This is a dream come true for us,” owner Lori Sinatra says of the space with its 118-year-old brick walls and gleaming and refinished wood floors in the historic district of Canton. The Cotton Mill Exchange is an incomparable collection of handmade furniture, antiques and primitives, handcrafted and new jewelry, distinctive gifts, as well as a variety of new sophisticated clothing, Lori points out. Lori, who along with her husband, Steve Sinatra owns and manages the Cotton Mill Exchange, says the couple enjoys helping people launch their business and seeing it grow. Steve and Lori have been in the antiques business for ten years. “It is so gratifying to know people appreciate this old mill and what a special and beautiful store this has now become. We have made some incredible friends with vendors and customers. Coming to work isn’t work at all. It’s a great way to spend the day,” Lori enthuses. “We have so much to offer with all the diverse small shops inside our store. We have antiques, vintage, and new home furnishings. We have jewelry and bath/spa products. We have several awesome clothing boutiques scattered throughout the store,” she goes on to explain. Among the shops inside the Exchange are many artisans who work with wood to create furniture, cutting boards, and door hangers. And the floral designers sell amazing wreaths and tabletop centerpieces for the holidays as well as year-round. “We intend to respect and honor the history of this property as well as keep this business staffed with wonderful and helpful people,” Lori promises. Suzanne Skelly is on staff to help with staff management and customer service. She is a retired human resources manager from IBM and brings a higher level of professionalism to the store, not to mention her extreme knowledge of all things antique and primitive, Lori says. More information and hours of operation for the Cotton Mill Exchange can be found at cottonmillexchange.net or on Facebook.
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PEOPLE | SHOPPING | EVENTS | DINING | CULTURE
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A
r i a aff
with Food
has Georganne Rose and Salem Mak cooking up two new restaurants at the Mill on Etowah.
Salem Mak, co-owner (left) and Chef Richard Wilt (right).
THE MODERN STYLE OF HISTORIC CANTON
nava
NAVA TAQUERIA
offers a Latin-inspired experience for the discerning diner, while the couple’s latest offering, Magnolia Villa, is set to entice those looking for the best in Italian food. The two eateries join the couple’s Local on North restaurant in downtown Canton. Georganne, or Gigi as she is known, chose the name Magnolia Villa because it evokes the warm hospitality of the South combined with the delicious flavors of Italian food. “The first time I went to Tuscany, I fell in love with the food, and that is what we want to create. Magnolia Villa will feature more authentic Italian, using all handmade pasta. The seafood we serve is always going to be all fresh, never frozen, and beautifully plated,” Gigi enthuses of the upscale Italian restaurant set against old bricks walls accented with bright artwork. Chef Richard Wilt, who also is the opening chef of Local on North, is at the helm in the kitchen and brings his exacting standards to all three of the couple’s fine dining establishments in Canton.
nava
“He is a contemporary Frenchtrained chef, and that led to a lot of seafood options at both new restaurants,” Gigi explains. Chef Richard’s notable culinary career achievements include time at French restaurant La Fourchette and experience working in the kitchen with renowned chef Gunter Seeger in Atlanta.
Richard has created a bounty of delightful recipes for the new Magnolia Villa, including starters such as Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio, which features thinly sliced certified Angus beef tenderloin, fried capers, creamy parmesan, field greens, and flat bread crisps. Equally well thought out is the Clams Posillipo, which pairs Little Neck clams beautifully presented with plum tomatoes and fresh herbs such as basil and parsley. For those who want traditional pasta dishes made with the best ingredients available and homemade pasta, such offerings as Duck Confit Pappardelle and Spicy Risotto loaded with Gulf Shrimp, mushrooms, and spinach in a cream sauce are sure to please. The updated dishes join Chicken A La Marsala, a traditional Lasagna filled with Bolognese, Bechamel, and Reggiano, and Spaghetti Bolognese. Entrees at Magnolia Villa include Tuna Puttanesca, pan seared rare tuna served with roasted tomatoes, olives, potato puffs, pancetta, and other delectable ingredients. Gorgonzola Crusted Beef Medallions, Atlantic Salmon, and Bronzini Vesuvio with Yukon gold potatoes and English peas are also on the menu.
magnolia
The chef ’s version of Veal Scallopini takes the traditional dish to new heights, beautifully plated with house made spinach and ricotta filled raviolis, and is sure to please the most discerning palate.
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Salem, who was born on the island of Kerkennah in the Mediterranean off the coast of Tunisia, wants his new restaurant to bring all the best of dining to the Canton location.
“Where I grew up we had the freshest flavors of the sea and the best ingredients to savor. I grew up a foodie. Gigi often jokes that I need to insure my tongue because I know what makes food taste best,” he offers with a smile. “I want to bring that relaxed, coastal feel to this new restaurant and be a place where diners can enjoy the best in food.” For those looking for the flavors from south of the border, a stop at neighboring Nava Taqueria has the right recipe for fulfilment. Gigi and Salem got the idea for Nava after they traveled to Tulum, where they enjoyed Latin American food and came home with the plan to offer a unique dining experience to their guests. Nava creates its menu using the best of fresh, seasonal ingredients. It bills itself as a modern Latin-inspired restaurant with a warm, friendly vibe that is perfect for an after-work drink and delicious bite or a fun night out. “In Tulum they do more Central American and South American food, more Latin American food,’ Gigi explains. “We want to bring that to Nava. Part of what sets us apart is that we are always thinking outside the box, with more handmade, not shortcuts. Chef is literally prepping all the day.” All the meat is from the United States, certified Angus beef. Other dishes feature Mahi and there is a fish stew with grouper. Diners especially love the tacos, including the ones prepared with fresh Gulf Shrimp. The chef uses a lot of cumin, giuliano peppers, and other ingredients reminiscent of Latin America, Gigi explains. “Every single food we make is from scratch. Chorizo is in our refried beans, they are not vegetarian, but our black beans are. We do all the décor ourselves, we put flowers as garnishes.”
magnolia
The crafted drinks, such as the Prickly Pear Margarita are also popular. The restaurant excites the senses upon entering, and that is no accident. “Salem and I picked all the paint colors. and we kept the floors as they were originally.” “We have been friends for 25 years, we had friendship before anything, and now we are able to bring these restaurants to the community, and it is a great feeling to be able to work together in this way,” Gigi offers. —Nava Taqueria & Magnolia Villa are located at The Mill on Etowah— 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 106, in Canton.
welcome to
SUNNYSIDE
Sunnyside, one of Canton’s most diverse and historic neighborhoods, is on the road to a new era of success as city leaders join forces with community members to bring the area a renewed sense of place and purpose.
W
here Sunnyside got its name is not clear, but it is one of the earliest Canton neighborhoods and was once home to several of the city’s founding families.
The community today is designated as an area from 1054 Marietta Road to 157 West Marietta Street and Hickory Flat Highway from Interstate 575 to the Marietta Road intersection. These days the diverse population of Sunnyside includes a majority of Hispanic households. Among the city’s goals is to build community pride and branding of the neighborhood. In 2019, Canton began the Sunnyside - Marietta Road Community Initiative and was accepted into the Georgia Placemaking Collaborative to help re-envision the area over the next few years. “Our new Roadmap for Success addresses Sunnyside with multiple tenets, goals, and tactics, so we are actively working to improve the entire area with several simultaneous and ongoing strategies,” Canton Mayor Bill Grant says about the city’s efforts.
City leaders met with local constituents and business owners in Sunnyside to help identify some of the issues and discuss ways to improve the area from an economic and placemaking standpoint. “Sunnyside is one of our most diverse and culturally rich neighborhoods, and there is a lot to be discovered and promoted in the district. We have some really delicious restaurants in Sunnyside, an amazing Latin American grocery store, bakery, and many other small businesses,” Mayor Grant expounds. The team working on the project includes council members, staff, and residents. Current team members along with the mayor are Brittany Anderson, Scott Hooper, Pacer Cordry, Merrick McClure, Bethany Watson, Sherri Cloud, Cynthia Cifuentes, Luis Luna, Councilor Sandy McGrew, Councilor Brooke Schmidt, Councilor William Carlan, and City Manager Billy Peppers. One of the first initiatives is to place “Welcome to Sunnyside” banners in English and Spanish along the streets of Sunnyside that now help the community recognize the neighborhood.
THE MODERN STYLE OF HISTORIC CANTON
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“The new Sunnyside banners help identify and celebrate the neighborhood. We are also creating community message boards to help promote city events, programs, and services to Sunnyside residents. We have created a separate web page on our website to share progress on our placemaking initiatives in both English and Spanish,” Mayor Grant explains. “We are also one of the first cities in Georgia to publish our budget in Spanish, and of course, our Roadmap for Success.” The renovation and expansion of Harmon Park, a landmark of Sunnyside, has also begun. In addition to upgrading park facilities and parking, the city and private entities worked to secure the first grant from the Atlanta United Foundation for a soccer pitch field that will be constructed in the very near future. “I believe the newly refurbished Harmon Park and soccer field will create a gathering place for residents they can take great pride in,” Mayor Grant points out. The city’s Diversity Task Force is looking at special community events for the Sunnyside neighborhood, and the city is reaching out to residents to engage them in every way possible, he explains. “Recently, our Canton Police Department worked with Hispanic faith leaders to host our first annual Multicultural Festival in Etowah River Park. The event was a great success and attracted a large crowd, including Hispanic media coverage from Atlanta and other markets,” Mayor Grant shares. Sunnyside encompasses one of the main entrances into the city, and the city is working to make sure the entrance is inviting to both visitors and residents. “Without a doubt, Exit 16 from 575 is a major gateway into Canton from Atlanta and other locations south, and we will work to drastically improve this entryway into our city to make sure first impressions are positive,” the city leader said. Economic opportunities also tops the priority list. “We want to use every tool at our disposal to increase economic development and business opportunities for our Sunnyside residents and businesses. The placemaking collaborative is a ‘ground-up’ program, meaning we provide the framework for success then work with residents and businesses in the neighborhood to implement the program,” the mayor points out. A Tax Allocation District is planned for 2022, and city leaders are striving to identify public/private partnerships and mixeduse development to support existing businesses and encourage entrepreneurs to consider opening new ones. Mayor Grant says the future is bright for Sunnyside and he looks forward to watching the community grow and prosper with the activation of public park space, improvement for transportation and infrastructure, and community pride, along with improved recreation, community branding, and gateway improvements.
Cynthia Cifuentes, owner of La Luna Bakery & Deli in the Sunnyside community of Canton, offers delectable fare to please every palate. Her grandfather started the business twenty years ago in the same location, and Cynthia takes pride in continuing the bakery and maintaining its reputation of excellence. Cynthia is a member of the committee charged by city leaders with leading the revitalization of Sunnyside.
“I believe the newly refurbished Harmon Park and soccer field will create a gathering place for residents they can take great pride in,” Mayor Grant points out.
PEOPLE | SHOPPING | EVENTS | DINING | CULTURE
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HISTORY
RUNS
DEEPside IN
sunny
NEIGHBORHOOD
Those looking to mine the rich history of Canton need search no further than the Sunnyside neighborhood, one of the city’s oldest areas where early settlers put down roots and the mineral copper was discovered and mined in the 1850s.
The homes of one of Canton’s most prominent early
settler families, the Galt family, are still a part of the Sunnyside community today and are two of only three antebellum homes still standing in Canton after Union troops burned much of the town during the Civil War. Jabez Galt moved his family to Canton from South Carolina in the early 1830s, soon after Cherokee County and the town were chartered and while the Native American Cherokee still occupied the area. By 1842, he had established his family on a large tract of land just across the creek from the town in the area now known as Sunnyside, family members say. The home he built still stands today on Marietta Road. “Jabez owned all the property around the house. I think he could see the river. He probably had hundreds of acres there,” explains direct descendant Nell Galt Magruder of Canton. “It was just across the creek from town by horse and buggy.” The house was built as a dog trot house, she said, with a large central hallway running through the home to allow for cooling in the hot Southern climate. The house is a good example of a North Georgia plantation style house with a lower and upper porch across the front length of the house. Jabez Galt moved to Canton with his grown sons. His son Joel Galt built a house in what is now Sunnyside on Scott Mill Road in 1845 on the family property. The home has a symmetrical facade and a single porch with chimneys on each end of the house. It remains a private residence today.
Jabez Galt built the first brick building on the main street in Canton in the early 1841s, but the structure was partially burned during the Civil War, according to several accounts. It was rebuilt by Joel Galt following the war and is the building where Jones and Cloud Insurance is now located. The general store, which was also owned by Dr. John Washington Lewis, sold everything from lumber to household items. The Jabez Galt home was later acquired by the Kennett family and became known as the Kennett House. Southview Cemetery is one of Canton’s oldest cemeteries and is located in Sunnyside. The first person to be buried there was a two-year-old daughter of the Galts who died in 1866. After the Civil War, troops returning home brought with them the dreaded smallpox disease. Joel Galt’s daughter, May, contracted the disease and died, according to accounts. Joel Galt established the Galt cemetery near his home. The cemetery was later sold to the city of Canton and named Southview.
Sunnyside was also once home to some of the most prominent families in Canton, and the streets are still lined with many houses built more than one hundred years ago. Among those was the family of Atherton Alexander Fincher, who was owner of the Canton Telephone Company, and the White family. Dot White Patterson was born in her family home in Sunnyside in 1926 and still lives there.
Jabez Galt Home built as a dog trot house. Original home (left) was built in 1842. The referbished home (right) still stands today.
Joel Galt House, 1845
THE MODERN STYLE OF HISTORIC CANTON
SU N N YSIDE'S HAR MON PAR K
the
COPPER MINE
The Canton Copper Mine operated from 1857 until around 1919.
Copper Mine drawing courtesy of Hoy Cook.
KICKS
In the mid-1850s, construction on the main shaft of the Canton Copper Mine was begun on land belonging to future Georgia Governor Joseph Emerson Brown and William Grisham, who was one of Canton’s founding settlers. The land was located on what would become known as Copper Mine Hill in the Sunnyside community. By 1860, the two had sold their interests in the mine for a substantial profit after a sizeable vein of the mineral ore was discovered.
The mining operation was shut down in 1861, as the winds of the Civil War began to blow across the country, depressing industrialization in the South. Following the war the copper mine did not reopen and in 1868 the sheriff sold the property and the equipment for the back taxes to Superior Court Judge James Rice Brown, brother of the former governor. W.A. Teasley, another early settler, was also a part owner at the time. Following their purchase the mine reopened and was worked for pyrite, as well as copper, lead, and other minerals. In 1900 William Rich and Herman Rich, the two cousins who owned Rich’s Department Store in Atlanta, purchased the mine but got into a legal battle over the sale that lasted for 15 years, effectively shutting down the operation.
OFF new era
Harmon Park, one of Canton’s
oldest city parks, is set to receive a $1.2 million update as part of the city’s commitment to better serve the diverse community of Sunnyside. The centerpiece of the renovations is a mini-pitch soccer field – a smaller version of a soccer field with an artificial surface and low rebound walls surrounding the field – funded by a grant from the Atlanta United Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Atlanta United soccer team, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).
Part of the Atlanta United Foundation’s GA100 initiative – a multi-year campaign to construct up to one hundred mini-pitches across Georgia – the Harmon Park project was one of the first to be funded, with a grant to the Cherokee Youth Foundation. Current plans call for the mini-pitch to be completed sometime next year. “Harmon Park was originally about three acres,” says Peppers. “As part of the renovations, the city acquired two adjacent lots, adding another one-anda-half acres. And that land is going to allow us to add the mini-pitch.”
Sunnyside is one of Canton’s most culturally and economically diverse intown communities. Located just south of the downtown business district, where Hickory Flat Highway ends at its intersection with Marietta Road, Sunnyside’s walkable streets often bustle with families walking to and from local businesses where you are as likely to hear Spanish spoken as English. “We started looking at the Marietta Road corridor about four years ago, to see what improvements we could make in that area,” says Canton City Manager Billy Peppers. “We had meetings with community stakeholders and one thing that kept coming up was recreation, especially soccer.” Created in the 1920s through a grant campaign by the William E. Harmon Foundation of New York to fund public playgrounds across America, Harmon Park has seen a variety of enhancements during its nearly 100 years of existence. The latest round of improvements underway demonstrates the city’s responsiveness to the aspirations of Sunnyside residents.
Isham Elrod, who at one time worked at the Franklin Gold Mine in Cherokee County, was in charge of the mine for the Riches. He and his wife, Tina Jane Kirk, eventually built a house on the property. Isham died in 1921 and the Rich family subsequently transferred the title to Tina Jane.
Funded by a combination of public and private grants, the three-year, $1.2 million Harmon Park renovation also includes reroofing several of the buildings in the park, upgrades to bleachers and lighting around the existing baseball diamonds, a new pavilion, and a new basketball court.
In 1918 the Copper Mine was flooded, and eventually the main shaft caved in. Later, the hole where the mine had been located was filled in and homes were built on the site. But the name of Copper Mine Hill still lives on today.
“It is a three-phase project,” Peppers explains. “We are working on the third phase now, probably the most exciting, which is the creation of a mini-pitch soccer field.”
The Harmon Park renovations are a shining example of a trend in community planning called placemaking. According to the Project for Public Spaces, placemaking facilitates creative patterns of use, paying particular attention to the physical, cultural, and social identities that define a place and support its ongoing evolution. Placemaking is the organizing principle for not only the Harmon Park renovation but is also seen as a prevailing community planning philosophy by the Georgia Economic Placemaking Collaborative and the Georgia Cities Foundation. Peppers adds, “The mini-pitch is going to be a great addition to the Sunnyside community. But I think it really shows how the city can collaborate with residents and partners and funders to enhance the quality of life throughout the Canton community.”
PEOPLE | SHOPPING | EVENTS | DINING | CULTURE
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love
HISTORIC HOUSE REDONE WITH
Revived
for Today’s Living A beloved 100-year-old historic home on East Main Street in Canton gets a complete redo when a couple decides to move from the “country” to town.
Belinda and Perry Phillips built several homes in their lifetime together, most in the Free Home community east of Canton. The two grew up in Alpharetta and attended Milton High School, but 34 years ago, when their youngest daughter was in kindergarten, they decided to make their home in Cherokee County.
e m o h
When the couple was building what would be the last house they built together, they saw an older house on the market for sale in downtown Canton and decided to purchase it.
1
The house was built by N.A. “Noah” Thomason, a banker with Etowah Bank, and his wife, Sally Thomason, in the early 1920s. It was here that the well-known couple lived their entire lives and raised their five children, Edward Thomason, Kathryn Cash, Gene Thomason, Sara Lathem, and Nancy Alford.
loved Canton, our daughter opened a store in Canton, and we decided to get closer to her.”
“This house came up for sale and we just loved it. We always wanted to renovate a house, we had built several, but never renovated one,” Belinda explains. “We actually fell in love with the wide hallway, so we went ahead and bought it and rented it for five years. I always
1
The light and airy kitchen addition is large enough for the entire family to gather for holidays and other get-togethers.
2
The massive undertaking to redo the landmark home on the corner of Britt Street got underway in 2018. “It took us a year to renovate. We kind of tore it down before we began rebuilding it,” Belinda recalls. “We kept the old fireplaces, there were two, one in the living room, and one in what is now the study.”
Belinda and Perry Phillips love in-town living in their one-hundred-year-old home built by the Thomason family in the early 1920s.
3
The living room of the Thomason-Phillips home is original to the house. Interior Designer Ella Hope Murdock helped with the decorating details of the home.
4
THE MODERN STYLE OF HISTORIC CANTON
PAGE 11
2
3
6
5
The homeowner notes the house only had one bath, which led to major changes. “We did away with one bedroom and did a bigger bedroom, and then went on the back to add onto the kitchen. We also added a master bedroom and bath on the original floor. Then we went up and created a whole new floor,” she remarks. “We made a big dining room, then created a guest bathroom.”
and we could eat together. That is how I envisioned it, something big and airy where we could all gather.”
While major changes were made to the interior, the couple kept the look on the front the same but freshened the facade with a dark blue paint.
“We love it here; Perry says all the time that he was a country boy. But he loves it here. We really enjoy living in Canton,” Belinda says with a smile. “We have no regrets of moving out of the country in Free Home and moving here. We love the neighbors and walking to town.”
Belinda describes the new look of the interior as an elegant farmhouse style. “The brick on the fireplace is the original brick in the dining room. In the living room we painted that brick. The doors are original to the house, they had a lot of paint on them, but we stripped them.”
Belinda chose the quartzite counter tops in the kitchen and Perry, who is a cabinet maker, built all the cabinets throughout the house, including the Shaker cabinets in the expansive kitchen.
Ella Murdock and her staff at Southernite Interiors in downtown Canton helped with many of the decorating details. “They helped me pick colors, and they picked out the lighting. They came in after it was completed and helped finish the house. I wanted it to flow, and she helped me with that,” Belinda explains of the design collaboration.
7
The hallway that captivated the couple originally is the same, with the living room on the left and the study to the right. While the two rooms are the same size, and each has a fireplace, the similarities end there. The living room is decorated in light, airy furnishings against new white shiplap walls. The study is painted a bit darker, with leather furniture to give it a manly feel, Belinda explains.
OLD CHERISHED HOME NOW HAS A
The newly built steps to the upstairs and the upstairs bedroom feature whitewashed wood.
en w life
An architect who was a friend of the couple’s drew the plans for the addition that includes the massive kitchen, a feature that was top priority for Belinda. “I knew I wanted the black windows. I had a picture of a kitchen with black windows, and he came up with a design,” she remembers. “I wanted it open and airy and big enough that all my kids could come,
4
The large center hall is one of the features of the home that originally attracted the Phillips to the house on East Main Street.
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The study is painted a dark color, setting it apart from other rooms, and with leather furniture to give it a manly feel.
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The original home had only one bath, but the Phillips added several new bathrooms decorated and outfitted to give a vintage feel.
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Belinda Phillips chose the quartzite countertops in the expansive new kitchen, while husband Perry built the cabinets.
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PEOPLE | SHOPPING | EVENTS | DINING | CULTURE
THE CANTON
velindya hard
Canton Director of Downtown Development
MAIN STR Sharon Ware “I’ve been a Canton resident for thirty-three years. I was looking for a way to get involved with the community when a couple friends recommended the Main Street Board. I’ve enjoyed seeing different events we do and trying to get people into downtown. I love the history of Canton and the small town feeling it provides. My goal is to help the committee bring in more people to support our downtown businesses.”
Historic Downtown Canton
like most towns across America centers around an important component—Main Street. Small businesses have been the heartbeat of Canton’s downtown almost since its founding and promoting these businesses is just as critical now as it was then. The Canton Main Street Program was created in 2010 as part of the national Main Street program which promotes efforts to increase downtown development across the country. With the support of then Mayor Gene Hobgood, Bill Grant, Pat Gold, and several of the other downtown merchants and business owners, the city was certified as a Main Street city. A board of merchants and representatives from various organizations, including the Downtown Development Authority, the Arts Center, the Historical Society, and others, was created. Canton Director of Downtown Development Velinda Hardy is now instrumental in the promotion and support of downtown businesses. Velinda, who joined the Canton staff in 2019, has worked as a “Main Streeter,” revitalizing main streets, for sixteen years. Since that time, Velinda and her committee have worked to coordinate communication with downtown merchants and organizations, and to generate interest in downtown. Events such as the successful First Friday, help promote all the city has to offer. Held on the first Friday of the month, the downtown area is filled with thousands of attendees, bands, and an entertainment district which allows these attendees to visit Canton’s shops and restaurants. Another of Velinda’s goals is to support the downtown businesses financially. Programs that support this include the #LoveLocal campaign, the Downtown Canton Cash Mob, Canton Farmers Market, Christmas in Canton, as well as events throughout the year to promote shopping and dining. In September, the Georgia Downtown Association recognized Canton with an Award of Excellence as the Outstanding Promotional Campaign for its Downtown Canton Cash Mob promotion, the brainchild of Velinda. The promotion kicked off in January 2021 with the intent to organically grow a group of citizens to support small businesses in downtown Canton through focused group spending. Participants agree to spend $20 over each two-week MOB experience. Once a participant has cash mobbed eight businesses, they drop off their passport to enter a drawing for one of two prize bags. The project has more than 2,400 people in its private group page on Facebook. Velinda shares, “The sense of community in Canton is huge. Words I would use to describe Canton include inviting, friendly, inclusive, and open to suggestions. I admire how we hold on to our past with our eyes set on the future.”
Jeff Brown “I am one of the founding board members of the Canton Main Street program and have served in every executive role of the board. I have enjoyed watching the program grow and seeing the benefits provided to our downtown merchants and the Canton community. The Canton Main Street program has been a vital component in the revitalization of Historic Downtown Canton.”
Jamie Foreman “I lived in Canton for almost fourteen years before joining the Main Street Board. It was during those years my love for the area and interest in being a part of its future was solidified. I saw an opportunity to be a part of helping Canton continue to flourish. When I opened my art gallery, Menagerie on Main, I saw firsthand how people in the community and Main Street rally to help the downtown area. It was truly amazing, and I feel honored to have played a small role. Watching Canton thrive and helping to create a town my children love being a part of is such a joy.”
THE MODERN STYLE OF HISTORIC CANTON
PAGE 13
EET PROGRAM Irene Stout, Board Chair
Jack Tuszynski,
“As a former downtown business owner, having the support of others who desire to see our downtown businesses thrive was helpful. I joined the Main Street Program and now I have the opportunity to support other business owners in their endeavor. I feel the board is important because when you have other people rooting for you to succeed, it builds confidence and encouragement.”
“I’m a native of Canton, I grew up here. I remember the old stores that used to be part of our downtown and I started my career at the Cherokee Tribune. I’ve always loved Canton and I always will. It’s an honor to be part of the marketing and tourism here and to see the downtown’s growth. I wouldn’t be the person I am if it wasn’t for the city of Canton. It’s always been a welcoming, genuine, and caring community.”
Brandy Rousselle Jack Shampine
Ray DeLuca “My entire family has played a big part in downtown Canton for almost fifty years. We started and owned R&M Hoagie Shop for forty-seven years, until we sold it two years ago. I’ve always wanted to do good for my community and to help preserve its future. Being on the board allows me to do just that. I enjoy being on the committee to help share what our once small town has and had to offer. The entire committee must play a big part in working together to keep our town and history going, and it can’t be done with just one person… it takes our community family.”
Erick Garrison, Vice Chair “I had some friends who were on the Main Street Board and I’ve enjoyed being involved in Canton and downtown, so I joined the board. I wanted to continue to see Canton thrive, bring in more businesses, and help the existing businesses grow. I also wanted to help bring in more events for people to be a part of like First Fridays and the Farmers Market. It’s a pleasure to be a part of the board and help out our local businesses.”
“Being on the Main Street Board has given me an opportunity to help shape events and programs that positively impact the city, its residents, and local businesses. As a Canton business owner myself, I’m thankful to be able to share my perspectives for the benefit of the community. In addition, being on the board has given me the chance to interact with local residents and business owners I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise. Serving on the Main Street Board is just one of the many things I love about living in Canton.”
Cory Wilson “I have the pleasure of living a short walk to the Canton Historic Downtown. Thus, I care greatly about intelligent economic development, exciting events, and a beautiful, historic atmosphere. The Main Street Program Board drives all of these aspects while creating a true sense of place and community.”
“My family moved to downtown Canton almost three years ago and we love this town and community so much. Being on the Main Street Program Board has allowed me some great insight into what it takes to make a town like Canton great for so many. There are quite a few ‘behind the scenes’ details that go into making it a superior place for its residents, businesses, and visitors. Seeing these details makes me appreciate our town and serving on the Board so much more.”
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classic
PEOPLE | SHOPPING | EVENTS | DINING | CULTURE
BRINGING
STYLE HOME
SOUTHERNITE I N T E R I O R S
n r e h sout grace W
hether you are new to the South or have lived here all your life, Southernite Interiors can help bring the charm and beauty of the region into your home décor.
Ella Hope Murdock
Founded by Ella Hope Murdock, Southernite Interiors in historic downtown Canton offers home décor, furniture, and gifts for the discerning sophisticated Southerner, as well as interior design services with exclusive furniture and fabric lines available through her design studio. When asked what the name Southernite means, Ella responds, “I imagined it to be representative of someone who embraces Southern grace, charm, and class. Sophisticated Southerner describes someone who appreciates quality, attention to detail, and a nod to classic, Southern style. I would consider my style to be a light and airy mix of clean and classic with a touch of antique.” “Growing up, I actually rejected the idea of being a Southerner and had high inspirations to move to a big city. By the time I went to college and had spent time in large cities such as Los Angeles and New York City, I realized that I loved gardens, land, big blue skies, friendly communities, and ultimately my Southern roots,” she continues.
THE MODERN STYLE OF HISTORIC CANTON
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Ella’s full-service design studio has offerings ranging from in-store consults, one-room expert design advice, as well as long and short term design projects for an entire home. “We offer design consultations for any size project including new construction and renovations. Experts are available to help you choose paint colors, furniture, and room layouts, custom upholstery, and window treatments, lighting, rugs, seasonal décor, and more,” she says.
“When I moved to Canton in 2014, I fell in love with the city and wanted to support local. I quickly realized there wasn’t a local full service furniture and design store and felt led to use my background in business, retail, antiques, and design to bring the concept to Canton. I knew that downtown Canton was the only place I wanted to be as it has so much charm and history” she enthuses.
When working with a client, Ella uses a curated approach to seek out the right pieces and incorporate special finds. She explains “I firmly believe design is so personal that it can change your life for the better to live in surroundings that you can emotionally connect with to bring joy. It is very important to me that I’m decorating for the client and what uniquely brings them joy versus stamping a signature design on each home over and over again.”
The rewarding part of being in Canton is the community and how quickly they embraced Southernite Interiors, she points out. “Our customers want us to succeed and remain loyal and supportive. Also, the Main Street Program and how much support we are provided with as a downtown business. The constant events, promotions, and social media presence they provide is priceless. You couldn’t ask for more.”
The interior designer has had a love of beautiful surroundings for as long as she can remember and says she comes from a long line of female entrepreneurs. . . . continued below
Ella constantly strives to grow and improve by attending seminars and achieving certifications such as Certified Color Expert for exterior and interior paint. She is part of an Interior Design
“For many years, I worked in the corporate world with a focus on marketing, finance, and business. For years behind the scenes, I was cultivating my design acumen and passion. By the time Southernite Interiors was born, God paved the way so that it was a seamless transition from a corporate position to entrepreneurship in interiors and furnishings,” Ella shares.
Business Coaching Program where she collaborates with some of the best minds in design from all over the country to improve processes, client experiences, and values.
She chose downtown Canton because of its historic downtown filled with unique charm and history. Growing up, her maternal grandparents lived in Greenville, Georgia, and she has fond memories from childhood of the time spent in Greenville’s historic downtown area.
“I would like to make a positive impact on as many lives as possible, whether it’s giving someone a respite from whatever they’re going through by walking through a beautiful store, collaborating with local business owners to help them grow their business, bringing joy into someone’s home through curated design, or being in a position to invest in the community through financial resources and time,” she says.
Southernite Interiors is at 196 North Street in Canton. Or visit them on the web at SoutherniteInteriors.com
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PEOPLE | SHOPPING | EVENTS | DINING | CULTURE
89TH AND AUTUMN
Michaela
Jessica
T
win sisters Michaela and Jessica Namynanik founded their floral design and wedding company, 89th and Autumn, to bring beauty and joy into the lives of others. With the opening of their Flower Shoppe at the Mill on Etowah, the fully re-purposed historic Cotton Mill in Canton, the pair offers timeless and whimsical floral design for discerning customers. We sat down with the twins to find out more about them and their love of all things floral. What inspired your love of flowers? Michaela - I’ve always appreciated the beauty of nature and flowers! I remember going to Yellowstone National Park when I was ten years old and seeing the most beautiful wildflowers that I had never seen before. It wasn’t the only time I had noticed wildflowers, but it was on this trip I remember being so taken aback by how they made me feel so inspired and peaceful. Jessica - Our Uncle Paul had such a beautiful garden and as a child, visiting his home, I was so in awe of the beauty that he had spilling out of his flower beds. It was that moment I realized how vast the world of gardening and flowers was; it became one I continued to explore as I got older.
What led you to open a flower shop in downtown Canton? Michaela - I just moved back from southern California, and we knew this would be the perfect timing and opportunity to jump into something together! Working together had always been a dream for us and one we knew would come true eventually. I had worked as a florist in California for several years and we decided to come together with our love of all types of design and start The Flower Shoppe. Canton was an easy choice for us. We love this city, and we love the potential as this city continues to grow. We love being a part of that growth. How did you choose the name of your shop and what does it mean? Jessica - 89th and Autumn is a name Michaela and I came up several years ago together. We knew we would want to start a design business together. Eighty-nine came from the year we were born and autumn the season that our birthday falls in. It was a perfect name for anything we would want to do together and so as we launched our design business, 89th and Autumn was a great overarching brand. The Flower Shoppe is just our first expression.
THE MODERN STYLE OF HISTORIC CANTON
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“EVERY STEM IS DIFFERENT AND UNIQUELY FORMED. WE THINK WORKING WITH FLOWERS TEACHES US AN ADAPTABILITY THAT CREATES A MUCH MORE PEACEFUL AND JOYFUL LIFE.”
What are some of your favorite flowers? Michaela - Every season brings a new batch of favorites! I think there are a couple flowers that I just love. Daffodils and tulips are always flowers that I adore. I think it’s the first sign of spring and just breathes so much life into the world. In this season we have loved all the local blooms like zinnias and rudbeckia. What is the focus and the ways you help your customers? Michaela and Jessica - Our goal in starting The Flower Shoppe was to be a place where our customers could have something uniquely designed for them. We love helping bring natural elements into the homes of our customers, whether it is a fresh or dried bouquet of blooms or a beautiful house plant. For our events, we love to make that dream wedding come to life. We love getting to know our clients and understanding their vision and what they are looking for. Our creations are unique as the people we work with, and we love that. What do you enjoy about working with your twin? Jessica - It is a dream! We love working together and creating together. We both are really creative alone but together we come up with the best ideas and designs. Whether it is floral, interior, or graphic design—two minds are better than one.
Find Michaela and Jessica at The Flower Shoppe at 225 Reformation Parkway in Canton or online at shop89thautumn.com.
What challenges do you have working with your twin? Michaela - We are so similar but also so different. We have had different experiences and lived in many different places that have given us each a unique eye and view. Having been apart for the past eight years and just now being in the same place, the challenge of communication is present but not overbearing. We have had to learn to respect each other more as our business partner and not just as sisters. It has been a really rewarding experience. What do you love about having a shop in the Mill on Etowah? Michaela – We love history. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in American history from Kennesaw State and I have a degree in art history from Kennesaw State as well. It is so special for us to be in a space that has so much history. We love hearing the stories as people
come in our shop and share about the building and the mill. It seems like the building has had so many lives and we are so grateful to be a part of one that is restoring it and bringing it to life for our generation to enjoy. What is your philosophy about how flowers enrich life? To us flowers are such a reminder of the need for beauty in your life. Natural beauty to us has always been the most restoring. We find the joy that flowers bring, to be an unmatched sensation. Our design philosophy is to work with the flowers not against them. Every stem is different and uniquely formed. I think working with flowers teaches us an adaptability that creates a much more peaceful and joyful life.
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PEOPLE | SHOPPING | EVENTS | DINING | CULTURE
THE COOLEST SMALL TOWN IN AMERICA
OFFERS UNIQUE
y a d i hol gifts signature item
AROMATIC CANDLE There’s only one place on the planet to find this captivating scent as it’s made speficically for patrons to Canton’s most "beloved" boutique. B.LOVED 191 East Main Street, Canton $28
WHACKY II BOOTS You'll find a holiday surprise inside these star-studded boots—a cozy red lining to offset the striking nectar lux winter-white color. B.LOVED 191 East Main Street, Canton ShopBLoved.com $235
TIPI NECKLACE This large turquoise Western-style necklace will turn your most casual black dress into a show-stopper. (Ladies, matching earrings are included!) WHOLE SOUL The Shoppes at the Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton $42.50
A BIZARRE COMBO Hand-crafted coffee and a matching print of the abstract artwork used on the bag 'o beans. Wrap this up for your holiday "Steal a Gift" party! BIZARRE COFFEE 121 E Marietta Street, Canton Print, $10 Coffee, $15-18
IT'LL HOOK YA! The Handbag Hook will keep your pocketbook from resting on the floor while dining out, visiting the doctor, or seeing a man about a horse. Supplies are limited. MID-CITY PHARMACY 196 East Main Street, Canton $7.50
THE MODERN STYLE OF HISTORIC CANTON
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CHRISTMAS SPIRIT FOUND HERE! 'Twas the month before Christmas and all through the town, not a resident was won'dring where gifts could be found. They headed downtown with a giddy-up in their stride, the booth owners know just what to provide. THE COTTON MILL EXCHANGE The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton NOTHING TO WHINE ABOUT HERE Skip the grocery store wine aisle and ease on over to a place where real people meet to enjoy authentic, thoughtfully curated, sustainably farmed, and family-owned wine. This is a gift that pays it forward, backward, and all around the holiday table. FERMENTED. A WINE BOUTIQUE. The Shoppes at the Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton Wines shown above range from $19-$29
THE GIFT OF WORDS "Christmas is the time to tell people how you feel." —Jim Halpert Sink your heartfelt words onto a beautifully designed card created as a print from one of many paintings by a former First Lady of Canton, Elly Hobgood. Elly's original watercolors have become a local treasure in Canton and throughout the area. CHAMBERHOUSE 145 West Main Street, Canton 5" x 7" folded notecards, $5 per card or six for $20 A boxed set of smaller cards are priced at eight for $20
ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS My true love gave to me—three silly cone mugs, two bags of pretzels, and a beer from the Coolest Small Town in America. Thanks, Reformation!!! REFORMATION BREWERY Reformation Parkway, Canton Silicone pint glass, $12 Canton Cool Y'all Juicy Lager, $10 per six-pack Knotty Pretzels (variety of flavors), $5 per bag
PEOPLE | SHOPPING | EVENTS | DINING | CULTURE
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L L I B Y PLA N CA N TO
T H E AT
RE
“We also have lots of great live theatre from our partners at Cherokee Theatre Company. I’m particularly looking forward to the play, In the Rest Room at Rosenblooms, and the connections CTC is making with this production and downtown Canton’s own history with the department store. I will also be making a guest appearance,” Kristin Norton promised.
THE MODERN STYLE OF HISTORIC CANTON
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CENTURY-OLD THEATRE STILL A SHINING STAR
For more than one hundred years, the
Canton Theatre has taken center stage on East Main Street in the historic district, delighting audiences with the latest in entertainment opportunities. This holiday season, the stunning Art Deco theatre will continue to shine with live musical performances, movies, and a beloved classic holiday play. The movie theatre first opened its doors in 1911 featuring silent movies and magic lantern slide shows. By 1920 the prominently located theater had new owners and was called the Bonita and later the Haven. First run movies such as Singing Fool starring Al Jolson delighted those in attendance. By the late 1930s, the theatre was owned by the Martin-Thompson Theatre Company and named the Canton Theatre. The movie house was decorated in the elaborate Art Deco style of the day, with rich red velvet hangings and the latest equipment. Neon lights inside and out showcased the popular offerings. After the theatre fell into disrepair in the 1980s, the city of Canton eventually acquired it in 1997 and restored it to its 1930s grandeur. Today, the Canton Theatre provides guests the opportunity to enjoy live theatre from both local and traveling productions, as well as entertainment from musicians, comedians, and film screening events. “We are very excited to kick off the holiday season with a couple of concerts in November,” Theatre Director Kristin Norton says. November 6 is Mixtape, an ‘80s tribute show done in “a bit of a Vegas style” with costumes and props, she shared. “November 13 we have a sold out night of music as Georgia Players Guild presents the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival. They are great,” Kristin enthused. For those who love to watch their favorite movies on the big screen, on November 27, which is Small
Business Saturday, the city is bringing back the holiday classic White Christmas. “This is one of the Canton Theatre’s most loved traditions. There is something so magical about seeing a classic movie in this space,” Kristin offered. Beginning December 3, Cherokee Theatre Company (CTC) will present a classic adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The show will run for three weekends. CTC began this tradition in 2019 and their adaptation incorporates beautiful music and a fantastic Ebenezer Scrooge, Kristin pointed out. The new year is going to bring more excitement and offerings to the historic space. “For 2022, I am very excited to collaborate with Canton’s new Cultural Arts Commission on expanding our offerings. We are working to expand into more diverse offerings from regional artists. We are also working on a series to highlight local artists, which will include a concert with musicians Cody Bolden and Jonathan Peyton and an event highlighting Cherokee County filmmakers,” Kristin shared. “We also have lots of great live theatre from our partners at Cherokee Theatre Company. I’m particularly looking forward to the play, In the Rest Room at Rosenblooms, and the connections CTC is making with this production and downtown Canton’s own history with the department store. I will also be making a guest appearance,” she promised. A major highlight of 2022 will include a return to children’s programming. “We will, of course, be resuming our popular $1 Summer Family Film Series and we are also making plans for our first children’s summer day camp. We also look forward to hosting Hasty Elementary School’s drama club play in April. Their students are so talented, and they have amazing costumes and sets that are prepared in collaboration with Cherokee High School students. It’s one of my favorite events that we host all year long!” she exclaimed.
krinstoinrton
CALENDAR OF EV
NOV 17
NOV
NOV
21
A Movie Filmed in
Walker County
21
Downtown Canton
Tree Lighting
JAN 1
Wednesday, November 17 | 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. 130 East Main Street
Sunday, November 21 | 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Canton Theatre | 171 E Main Street
DEC
November 25–January 1 | The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Parkway
DEC
2
4-19
DEC 19
Thursday, December 2 | 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Menagerie on Main | 351 East Main Street
DEC
11 & 18
December 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 Canton Theatre | 171 E Main Street
DEC
e m a r c a m
workshop
leave with TWO ORNAMENTS
Saturday, December 4 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Menagerie on Main | 351 East Main Street
DEC
FEB
21
5
the
Chocolate Walk friends | chocolate | shopping December 11 & 18 | 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Main Street Canton | 130 East Main Street
4
Tuesday, December 21 | 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Canton Theatre | 171 Main Street
Saturday, February 5 | 2:00–6:00 p.m. Main Street & The Mill on Etowah
EVENTS
THE MODERN STYLE OF HISTORIC CANTON
NOV
NOV
27
NOV 26-27
Fri. 2:00–8:30 p.m. | Sat. 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Sponsored by Northside Hospital Cherokee
27
feature showing & sing-a-long
Saturday, November 27 | 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Main Street & The Mill on Etowah
DEC
Saturday, November 27 | 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Canton Theatre | 171 Main Street
DEC
8
DEC
10
11
Enjoy the POLAR EXPRESS
Wednesday, December 8 | 5:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. The Mill on Etowah | 225 Reformation Parkway
FEB 11
Friday, December 10 | 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m Main Street Canton | 130 East Main Street
Saturday, December 11 | 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Menagerie on Main | 351 East Main Street
weekly event
weekly event FIRST
FEB
FRIDAYS
20
February 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 Canton Theatre | 171 E Main Street
Thursdays 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. The Mill on Etowah | 225 Reformation Parkway
First Friday of the Month | 8:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. The Mill on Etowah | 225 Reformation Parkway
g n i ek ep memories om yAcres.c Mayberr berryatTheMill k @May Faceboo
Picture this.
A bright, airy space with five thousand square feet of colorful and interactive photo opportunities featuring more than thirty backdrops that change seasonally and plenty of props and wardrobe selections to set the stage for the perfect photograph. That is what you will find at the Photo Depot at Mayberry at the Mill in Historic Canton, the latest offering of Meghan Gardner and Jake Washer, owners of the popular photography venue, Mayberry Acres. Meghan and Jake have created their latest location at The Mill on Etowah to evoke memories of every great moment from your childhood, travels, and lighthearted fun. The fun space creates new memories and lets you direct them. Mayberry Acres offers photo-ready locations and sets on the family’s seven acres in suburban Canton. Both locations are artistic and creative playgrounds for professionals, while both photo venues offer a chance for amateur photographers to record family memories and tell their stories. The couple say they are blessed to be able to do what they love, and it has given them the opportunity to be involved in some exciting experiences. Meghan points out the event that literally changed their lives was when she and Jake were asked to create sets for a Christian music video filmed at their outdoor location that featured prominent Christian artists Danny Gokey, Evan Craft, and Redimi2.
Tickets to the photographic haven at the Mill on Etowah allow you to take your own photos or you can arrange to bring your photographer. The Photo Depot is a great place for all ages, from date night to girls night out to fun day with the children. You can even rent a space for a private party. The upstairs Loft at Mayberry is the indoor location reserved for professionals and is suffused with natural light. There Meghan and Jake created quiet, homey sets. The loft, Meghan notes, is most popular for lifestyle sessions. Meghan has created scenes such as a bakery and café, complete with tile floors, pastel decor, and deliciouslooking treats on display. Another vignette offers a handcrafted flower wall. She has recreated a 1980s-era roller rink, complete with Day-Glo paint and arcade games. The 1950s beauty parlor looks like it came off the I Love Lucy set. You’ll find a vintage 1960s-era kitchen with a bubblegum-pink refrigerator and periodauthentic tile, table, and chairs. You can choose settings such as a beach cabana, record room, or the colorful Froot Loops set, a cereal-themed dream. “The feedback from the photographers has been phenomenal,” Meghan exclaims. “They were having to tote props and come up with the setups on their own for sessions, but we take that stress off them. Now they can show up one minute before their session and know that everything will be ready to go and the way they want it.”