Second Stories

(From Judy Hemphill's "Second Story" slide show)

images © Judy Hemphill

 

Artisans Road Trip member Judy Hemphill of Spencer, Iowa, is an aerial, commercial, and fine art photographer.  As changes occur in her surroundings her commercial and contract images often become historical documents.  Since last spring Judy has been part of a project focusing on historical documentation.  Through the Spencer Renaissance Initiative Grant Program, Spencer Historic Preservation Commission hired Judy to photograph interior spaces of second floor properties in downtown Spencer.  "Second Stories," an open house and presentation featuring these images, will be Tuesday, November 22, 2011, 5:30 - 7 pm in Spencer City Hall Council Chambers. 

Due to a variety of circumstances many of the former office and residential spaces on the second floors of buildings in the Grand Avenue Historic Commercial District are vacant.  Many are time capsules which have not been disturbed since last occupied 20 to 40 years ago.  Judy captured overall views of hallways, kitchens, other living areas, offices, a dance studio, and an assembly hall.  Also pictured are vintage wallpapers, light fixtures, and views from some of the windows overlooking Grand Avenue.  

During the "Second Stories" open house, images of most of the Historic Commercial District exteriors and seven of the District interior spaces will be shared in an ongoing slide show.  At 6:00 photographs of the seven interiors will be featured with comments.  “Second Stories” property interiors included are the Medlar, Moore, McAllister Block, Floete-Cornwall (Glass Block), Union Block, Citizens National Bank, and I.O.O.F. Buildings.  

Spencer Historic Preservation Commission invites everyone to “Second Stories,” an open house and photographic presentation by Judy Hemphill, on Tuesday, November 22, from 5:30-7 pm in the Spencer City Hall Council Chambers, 420 Second Avenue West, 712/580-7200.