The Tree Doctor and The Ripple (More Boonville)
Monday, September 10, 2007
Photographing Petey, the Tree Doctor, Boonville, NC
(photos: Jonathan David Phillips)
A few days ago I was shadowed by the associate editor of The Yadkin Ripple (the local paper here in Boonville, North Carolina), Mr. Jonathan David Phillips. He met me at Trish's Restaurant to talk about the project, pry into my goals, my vision, my personal life and to take some photographs.
Trish's Restaurant, September, 7, 2007, Boonville, NC
"Boonville Park," September 7, 2007
Yes, that is my tent. And yes, I am currently the homeless man living in the park. The Boonville Park! Harvey Smith, the Mayor (for 33 of the last 50 years!), offered up Boonville's Park as my new home for the next few days, weeks or "for however long you need it." It is actually quite comfortable: As comfortable as packed dirt and wet grass can feel while your laying on it for long periods of time. Tom and Sharon Arnold, a couple I met in town, have brought me a couple of chairs and extra blankets to make my stay here in Boonville a bit more cozy. Now, if only someone could bring me a shower and four solid walls. Just kidding. I truly enjoy camping and I am just lazy enough to enjoy not having to shower.
Shortly after Jonathan and I arrived to camp, "Petey," the Tree Doctor, stopped by to say hi. Petey has come to visit with me a number of times since I have lived in the park, as he often works just around the corner. We all hit it off and Petey quickly left, returning just as fast with three bottles of non-alcoholic Sangria. Good times, the non-alcoholic way! Note: Boonville, NC is a dry town...NO BEER!
Jonathan, Petey, and me, September 7, 2007
Our time with Petey was well spent and I am grateful that he wandered over, again, for Petey was the first person that I have photographed in Boonville, North Carolina. And now the fun begins...
P.S. Yesterday, Petey took me to a breakfast spot about 15 miles outside of town called Mom and Papa's Restaurant. The characters in that place could rival anyone in Turners Falls and the beards on at least two of the men were almost down to their knees!
Check out more stories and info at: WWW.BOONVILLEUSA.COM
posted by Timothy Briner @ 1:16 PM,
3 Comments:
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At September 10, 2007 1:33 PM,
Faith Dugan Photography said...
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Tim-You mean to tell me there are some weird characters in Turners? Really??? Geez, I'll have to look for them the next time I'm up that way..
=) =) =) Just kidding everyone!!! -
At September 10, 2007 2:41 PM,
AmberRaeJohnson said...
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Haha... awesome.
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At September 12, 2007 3:54 PM,
Wayne Wallace said...
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Tim
Thanks for sharing your adventures from the road.
Keep it coming!
