Creating Your Story Map
or The Buildings That Hold Our Memories
"We always want to bring the past into the present so we can hold both at the same time. And that's what buildings do. That's so extraordinary in a way that nothing else does. They're there to carry people through." - Thaler Pekar
What a fascinating conversation that was with Thaler Pekar! Among many insightful points, she highlighted how the same place can mean different things to different people. While she mentioned this in the context of organizational values, it rings equally true for the memories we have of the same places and the stories we tell about our cities and communities.
Our conversation about the Glicks' trolley tour in Cleveland and my friends' wedding double-decker bus tour in Hamburg made me think about the buildings that are characters in my own Jersey City story – the structures that trigger special memories or stories worth sharing. I found myself mentally planning a tour I might give to visitors, showcasing not the typical tourist spots, but the places that have personal significance in my twelve years here.
Unlike official city histories or landmark designations, which often focus on architectural significance or famous figures, these personal geographies reveal how ordinary places become extraordinary through our lived experiences. They tell us not just what happened, but how it felt to be there.
My Jersey City Story Map
Dixon Mills would be our first stop. I still remember scouting downtown JC alone, trying to decide if I could imagine living here after moving from Germany. Walking down Wayne Street and coming upon the cobblestone street with its old factory buildings, I was instantly captivated by the industrial architecture nestled in the heart of the city. I had no idea what "Pencil #2" meant (that knowledge came later), but I was drawn to the history embedded in these walls.
When we returned with our apartment list, Dixon Mills was our first viewing – and we took it immediately. This became my first American home, where I kept a diary about cultural differences I was noticing, where Liquitex surprised me with art supplies knowing I couldn't bring mine from Germany, where I made my first local friends, and where I began researching the building's history at the library. The sounds of passing ambulances and apartment windows opening, releasing different music genres into the fall night created a soundtrack to my early days here. It's where many overseas friends visited, easing my homesickness, and where I began putting down roots in this new place.
512B Jersey Avenue would be our second stop – the former location of Beekman Lane, an antique store owned by my friends Julie and Lori. This storefront is where I made my first neighborhood friends. Almost daily, people would wander in, bring treats to share, and simply hang out. The scent of old maps, antique furniture, and the occasional nice cool golden foamy drink out of a can filled this cozy space. Many of these friendships have endured even though most of these wonderful people have moved away. This modest storefront also hosted my very first small art exhibition during JCAST. Every time I walk by, I'm filled with memories of the community this place nurtured.
The Powerhouse would definitely be on our tour. This building caught my attention during my first visit to Jersey City and became one of the first structures I painted – and have continued to paint over the years. This magnificent industrial relic sparked my interest in historic preservation and adaptive reuse, leading me to discover the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy and deepening my connection to the city's architectural heritage.
Liberty State Park and the old train station would be essential stops. While I'm cheating a bit by including an entire park, this place holds countless memories: bicycle tours, long walks with my husband, pandemic strolls with friends Paula and Cindy, concerts, and those million-dollar views of Manhattan and Lady Liberty. The constant backdrop of sea gulls and occasional bike bell intermingled with a curse asking you to step aside creates a rhythm that feels distinctly Jersey City. I'd especially want to visit while "Secret Beach" (Caven Point) is open to the public – it's truly a magical spot that reveals another side of our urban environment.
St. John's Episcopal Church would be our uphill destination. I was fascinated the first time I saw this sad, crumbling place, but my connection deepened when I learned about Reverend Castle and the church's importance to the Civil Rights Movement in Jersey City. You can still see the craftsmanship. Each new conversation, like the one with Thaler, reveals another piece of this building's remarkable story. The fading beauty of this structure, which I've painted and sketched repeatedly, reminds me how buildings can be vessels for powerful community histories.
Our Jewett Avenue home would be next – our second Jersey City residence. Every time I pass by, I think about the wonderful little garden that brought us so much joy, especially during the pandemic. The fragrance of tomato plants warming in the sun and the evening chats with our next door neighbors over the fences defined our summers there. I remember the stained glass window we commissioned from Keith van Pelt, co-founder of Deep Space Gallery, who drew inspiration from the engravings in the original fireplaces. We left our mark with an antique tile we found in Jersey City and placed in the brick posts at the entrance gate – a small signature of our time there, like a dog marking its territory! These little visible marks remind me of a meaningful chapter in my Jersey City story.
Finally, I'd invite everyone into our current home for Kaffeeklatsch (I am German, after all!). We'd share coffee and cake while making new memories to associate with this place – memories that might linger for someone on the tour long after we've moved on. Perhaps years later, someone would remember "that fun afternoon in the “old lady house” when the woman with the funny German accent went all nuts talking about buildings in Jersey City."
Create Your Own Story Map
What if we all created story maps of the places that hold special meaning for us? Imagine taking someone on a personal trolley or double-decker bus tour of your neighborhood or city. Which 3-5 places would you include? What stories would you tell about each stop? How have these buildings and spaces shaped your connection to where you live?
Your Story Map Template:
For each meaningful place in your neighborhood or city, consider:
The Place: What is it? When did you first encounter it?
The Sensory Experience: What does it look, sound, smell, or feel like?
The Personal Connection: What happened here that matters to you?
The Transformation: How did this place change you or your relationship to your community?
I'd love to hear about your personal landmarks in the comments below!
This post accompanies my conversation with Thaler Pekar on Nat's Sidewalk Stories podcast. Listen to our full conversation here
This made me want to map out my own city's hidden landmarks. Thank you for sharing. Nice painting too
Love that painting inspired by Wayne Street, Nat! So moody. Also enjoyed your tour of meaningful places.