As I walk Southampton Village, the empty storefronts seem to be a sign of downturns and lifelessness. The mayor suggested we should put “art” in the windows to give people another look. I am going to propose something more purposeful that can reflect the historic look and feel of the village, as well as to celebrate the people who lived and worked here.
Instead of art, I would like to put blown-up historic photos in the empty store windows. There are photos of great houses no longer here, unfortunately, many photos from the Morris Studio, Shinnecock rituals and celebrations, as well as the residents of Hillcrest.
We are not just empty retail spaces. We can use empty buildings to show the life and traditions that these buildings represented.
So far, I am calling this “Heritage Southampton” and hope it can be up and running by the spring. Anyone interested in submitting pictures or getting involved should send me an email at jrmcl90@gmail.com.
Joseph R. McLoughlin
Southampton Village
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