While researching for this project I took over a hundred pictures of the Johnsons Park Neighborhood. I wanted to illustrate the changing environment of the neighborhood, contrasting the old and the new. I chose a few of my favorite pictures to put together into this slideshow. I feel that these pictures represent the rich culture of the area and capture the resilience of the community.
Johnson Park Photo Essay
3-27-09
Joe Brady
As was required for this assignment, I recently spent some time in the Johnson Park Neighborhood taking pictures and trying to learn about the community. A pleasant Sunday afternoon found the neighborhood quiet, but also showed signs of a neighborhood in transition. Most streets were calm, quiet, and lined with many new or recently renovated homes. However, in contrast to the numerous charming new homes, there were still several old, dilapidated structures that serve as reminders of some of the problems that have faced the neighborhood in the past.
In garages and driveways men tinkered under the hoods of cars, taking advantage of the warmer weather. Children played on the playground in the park, or played basketball at the Brown Street Academy. Residents got on and off of city buses, or sat outside to enjoy the weather.
It seems as though the spring season will also breathe a new life into the neighborhood, as evidenced by the garden. Though the growing season is not yet under way, signs of life appeared in the garden in the way of brightly painted tools and equipment that had been recently used.
The neighborhood showed much promise for further progress. Several lots are under construction now, and some houses were being renovated as we watched. There were also advertisements detailing further development of the area, offering lots for sale in the developing neighborhood.
The neighborhood’s personality showed in the murals adorning the buildings. Depicting a group of working class people standing together, devoted to maintaining pride in their neighborhood. The more the neighborhood improves, the more likely it will flourish as new residents and businesses are attracted to it.
Photographing the neighborhood allowed me to get a little more insight into life in the neighborhood. Seeing each street and house from a different angle gives you a better understanding of how residents may view their neighborhood, or how someone might view yours.
