Modern and dynamic Atlanta, Georgia, adheres to the fashionable high-tech style in its architectural forms but at the same time, it maintains its historical roots, as well as unique charm and elegance. For instance, in Midtown, famous Atlanta’s skyscrapers and low-rise buildings are included in the urban fabric on equal terms. The intertwinement of the past and modernity in Atlanta’s Midtown has always been a lure for me. Therefore, a city block on Ponce de Leon Avenue in Midtown was selected for the ethnographic research.
Specifically, the chosen city block on Ponce de Leon Avenue is bounded by Myrtle Street and Penn Avenue (Figures 1 and 2). As distinct from these tree-lined streets, the greenery and community landscape of Ponce de Leon Avenue in this block are very scarce. Electric power lines are supported by poles that look some ramshackle against the background of skyscrapers that are distinctively visible from this block. The impression is exaggerated by saggy electrical wires. Furthermore, street lamps designed in the style of the 1960s enhance the atmosphere of the past.
However, although the city block seems to be almost the same as it was many decades ago, first impressions revert to the reality of a contemporary metropolitan city due to colorful graffiti-covered edges of pavements, as well as heavy traffic in this district. Numerous cars are parked at the side of Ponce de Leon Avenue.
During the observation period, several buses (routes 2 and 120) operated by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) were noticed. The regularity of buses testifies to the efficient transport connection between this part and other Atlanta districts. Nevertheless, unexpectedly, in this city block, the bus-stopping lane is not supplied with bus stop shelters, thus, posing discomfort to waiting passengers.
Within two-hour observation, different categories of passersby, both grown-ups and children, walked down the street. They did not resemble time-sensitive busy persons that are typical of Midtown’s district of skyscrapers. For ethnographic research purposes as recommended by Guest (2013), I contacted two people and asked the way to the nearest hotel. They willingly explained to me how I could get there. Some people passed the street without stopping; others came into the restaurants or Poncey Laundry and Dry Cleaners.
Many amenities are located in this city block. On both sides of Ponce de Leon Avenue, in one-storey brick buildings, there are restaurants, such as Torched Hop Brewery, Boogalou Restaurant Lounge, and Mary Mac’s Tea Room. Although most of the customers visited Torched Hop Brewery, I decided to improve observation conditions and go to Mary Mac’s Tea Room, which is famous for its iconic Southern cuisine.
The restaurant’s external design is simplistic; it is in line with architectural traditions specific to the time of its foundation, including a tabernacle roof and gridded windows (Figure 3). However, inside the restaurant, its interior and decorations are far more attractive than outside. Discreet but enticing flavor tempted the appetite.
An attentive and polite waiter took me to the window seat so that I could continue my research while trying delicious dishes. The widest breadth of the menu offerings amazed me. Prices were not low but affordable. I ordered fried chicken tenders ($13.50) and southern salad ($6.95). Undoubtedly, Mary Mac’s Tea Room is worth visiting because of its hospitality, national color, exceptional gustatory qualities of dishes, and excellent services.
Summing up, this city block occupies a unique niche in Atlanta in general and Midtown in particular. Despite the modernization of the urban fabric, traditions specific to the past are reflected in the buildings’ design. This peculiarity of the city block creates the past-oriented environment and allows immersing in the United States’ history.
Reference
Guest, K. (2013). Cultural anthropology: A toolkit for a global age. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company.