May 29, 2015
After a long hiatus, I'm finally clearing the dust off my "100 Strangers" Project. I'm driven to get this thing completed. Mark my words.
I needed to clear my mind, so I hopped in my car and hit the downtown streets just to take in the sights. Brought along my camera, but had no intentions of capturing anything. I decided to text my photo buddy, Joe on my way out and see what he was up to. Luckily, he decided to meet me downtown. I made my way up towards 4th street to his studio when I glanced over at the Imperial Room and saw this woman sitting outside the door reading a book (If you're not familiar with the Imperial Room, you can't miss it! There's giant tentacles creeping out of the building). From far away, I didn't think too much, but the sun was setting and a glimmer of sunlight stretched over towards her as the sun was trying to steer me in that direction.
Everyone, please meet, Jill!
I approached her and asked her if she was reading anything good.
"Of course! It's Ron Rash."
Jill, a genealogist, had so much interesting facts to tell me about the history of Canton. I believe she told me she's also a historian as well for the city and loves going around teaching various stories. Back in the early 1900s, Canton was the hottest stop between Chicago and New York. Gangsters would keep their wives over at the Onesto and their girlfriends across the street over at the hotel. They would navigate through the city using underground tunnels without getting caught. At the time, the place was also littered with cigar shops and gamblers. She even mentioned an Opera House where various celebrities would visit and stay. I was blown away with the history of Canton. It's a shame I haven't brushed up on the past here as I love learning of 'days of old'.
Thank you so much, Jill for allowing me to shoot a few shots for my project. It feels good to get back out shooting people again.
Photographer Notes:
Camera:
Nikon D600 (Updated)
Lens:
Nikon 105mm f/2.8