One step at a time

     This week was difficult to say the least. Most of my time was spent preparing my thesis proposal. So, I wasn't able to get much research or editing done for the Saratoga St project. This week I plan to try and finalize the research so that I can begin to focus on the narrative portion. For my research I still need to investigate the owners of the properties, the residents of 1124 & 1126, and if there is any information about 1130 being torn down/destroyed. When it comes to the narrative, I think that there is something to be said about Black working class renters in Baltimore and their role in the community/as neighbors.

    Last week we were able to take a walk over to the Saratoga St houses. I hadn't been over to the houses in a few weeks, so it was good to have that physical experience. It reminded me that these are not just abstract homes that I am reading about. They are real places, where real people lived, that can still be saved. While we were there we got to talk with Curtis, he mentioned interviewing us after the semester. The thought of being interviewed made me a little nervous, but for now I am planning to do it.

    I was able to watch the interview between Sonia and Trinity. It's difficult to hear Trinity talk about missing her old home and her old friends. It really gives you a sense of how much trauma this process can cause a young person. Forcing so much upon someone who has almost no control over the situation feels almost abusive. Stories like this are powerful and will support our effort to humanize Poppleton. 

    I saw on the schedule that we're likely going to take a walking tour tonight. I'm not sure if we have anywhere specific in mind, but I think that I would like to stop by the Mencken House. Dean pointed out that it was built around the same time as some of our Saratoga St houses. The google images are outdated (it shows the house under construction), so I would like to see it in person and see if there are any similarities. 

Fieldwork Reflections

     Last week our class began to reflect on the interviews we have conducted so far. I was lucky enough to be present for our interview with Ms. Dottie, who was a pleasure to hear from. She seemed very comfortable during her interview, and it felt like a causal conversation. She had some wonderful insights on how Poppleton has changed over the years. I enjoyed hearing her talk about how she handled the Covid-19 pandemic, taking long walks around her home and taking in the sights. I agree with Dr. King that Lexi should try to take a walk around the neighborhood with Ms. Dottie. I think it will be a great set up for the profile. 

    Damon Barnes' interview was the most powerful so far and I think it will solidify the message we are trying to convey to readers. Like Sonia said near the end of the interview, this work "humanizes us.' Which to me is exactly what these projects can do for the people of Southwest Baltimore. Humanizing the people of these neighborhoods is what's necessary to make people care about the harm that this kind of development has caused. The story of Damon's father is just another example of how devastating that harm can be. And seeing how that stress has now passed to Damon makes it evident that generational trauma is a very real thing. Damon feels compelled to fight for Poppleton because his father cannot (connecting the past to present and future). 

    As for the work I am doing on the W Saratoga Street houses for the project, I think things are going  well. Last week I met with Dean to discuss my findings and clarify some things about the block books. I now feel confident that I can begin to investigate the owners of the properties, which will help paint a fuller picture. Dean also helped, by providing some useful information about the properties prior to 1900. Which he admitted to me was difficult to find, so I'm thankful for his help with that.

    During our meeting we also discussed prevalent themes and possible links to the present. I admitted that this was the area I was struggling with the most right now. I think that I can see historical significance in the W Saratoga Street properties, but I am finding it difficult to link that significance to the themes we are seeing in our interviews. I forgot to write down exactly what we discussed in class but, I remember that most center around a neighbor's role in the neighborhood. Since most of the residents of these homes are renters, I am having trouble pinning down their role in the community. I attempted to do so in my first draft, but I'm hoping that some feedback from the class might help going forward. 

    During the second half of class last week, we had the opportunity to explore the community and enjoy the nice weather. We tried to visit several businesses like City of Gods and Hollins Market, but, they were all closed. So instead, we walked the streets and spoke with some of the people we came upon. We spoke to some arrabers who were busy and seemed to think we were trying to sell them something, but it was interesting to see some of the livestock wandering the alleyway. I think the highlight of the walk was seeing some of the cherry blossom trees in bloom around the neighborhoods. I'm ready for winter to be gone so they are a welcome sight.  

    Here's the link for my draft again, just in case the hyperlink does not work.

 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c1aQx_8pMd1LPX9LnO-JwF0epvtrLPXo950y10L7Raw/edit?usp=sharing