The Hospitality of Strangers

This is one of those places out in the country where strangers ask you in to visit.

It was the day we celebrate Martin Luther King’s birthday. But I forgot about it. I actually logged into work and saw no one there. So I messaged my boss. “It’s a holiday dummy!” he laughed, “Go out and take pictures!”

So I did.

My journey that day took me out towards Hanover County, Virginia and I did what I always do - I wandered around aimlessly. Beaver Dam, Bumpass, Ashland are some of the names I remember. But one of the most memorable parts of that day was stopping to photograph a little country business - the Beaverdam Antique Shop, where two generations of men - A. C. Carter and his son A. C. Carter III - hand make furniture. A. C. the third saw me standing outside taking a photograph (I thought the shop was closed) and stepped out and asked me in and was I in the market for some furniture. I told him I wasn’t at the moment, and then who I was, what I did, and asked if I could I come in and take a few photographs. Which he graciously agreed to. Two of the friendliest fellows you could hope to meet, and sit a spell a’talking with.

There isn’t anyone to carry the business on when the last of these men pass on. Which is a shame for their community and for all of us. This is the kind of business that exemplifies the American dream and the backbone of our, and any community, economy.

And this is one of the things that motivates this project; preserving our collective history.

The Beaverdam Antique Shop, where family craftsmen make, repair, and restore furniture.

This is A. C. Carter III, carrying on the tradition of his father and grandfather.

Dad of course is doing what dad’s often do - supervising.