PAGE Forward

02/15/2025

"We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men." – Herman Melville

This quote beautifully encapsulates the essence of community and interconnectedness, emphasizing that our lives are intertwined with those around us.

02/14/2025

Initiatives to Foster Connection

Innovative programs like the Chatty Café Scheme in the UK designate tables where strangers can sit and chat, aiming to reduce social isolation. Such initiatives remind us of the power of simple conversations in building community. Let's explore and support similar efforts in our own neighborhoods.

Photo: An example of the Chatty Café Scheme flyer

02/13/2025

The Importance of 'Third Places'

Beyond home and work, "third places" like cafes, community centers, and libraries play a crucial role in our social lives. They serve as informal public gathering spaces where relationships are built, and communities thrive. Revitalizing these spaces post-pandemic is essential for reconnecting with one another.

The Library Journal has given the Best Small Library in America Award annually since 2005 to showcase "exemplary work" in U.S. public libraries serving a population of 25,000 or fewer

02/12/2025

Rebuilding Our Social Foundations

Over the past decades, our social infrastructure has seen decline. Journalist Derek Thompson points out that it's "dilapidated compared to where it was 50 or 70 years ago." It's time to invest in and revitalize these communal spaces to foster connections and strengthen our communities.

Photo: Page, AZ BBQ Oct. 12, 1961

Read more: https://www.npr.org/2025/01/29/nx-s1-5276197/loneliness-isolation-derek-thompson-atlantic

02/11/2025

The Role of Social Infrastructure in Combating Loneliness

Loneliness is more than just a feeling—it's a public health concern. Strengthening our social infrastructure, like parks and libraries, can help bridge the gap. These spaces provide opportunities for connection, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Let's support and cherish these communal areas that bring us together.

Photos of Empire House Pool and Playground in 1960 and 1967 (Page, AZ)

02/08/2025

💡 Forward Thinking Friday 💡

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."
— Henry Ford

Revitalizing Page is a shared effort. It’s about collaboration between residents, businesses, and leaders to create a thriving community. When we support each other and work toward shared goals, incredible things can happen.

What does success for Page look like to you? Let’s envision it together!

02/01/2025

💡 Forward Thinking Friday 💡

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
— Theodore Roosevelt

Revitalization doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built on small, meaningful actions. Whether it’s starting a new project, supporting a local entrepreneur, or simply participating in conversations about Page’s future, we all have a role to play.

What’s one action you can take this week to contribute to our town’s growth? Let’s keep moving PAGE Forward together!

01/25/2025

💡 Forward Thinking Friday 💡

"A small business is an amazing way to serve and leave an impact on the world you live in."
— Nicole Snow

As we think about revitalization in Page, let’s remember the unique power of small businesses to shape our town’s identity and economy. Every purchase at a local store, café, or service provider is a step toward building a community we can all be proud of.

What local businesses make Page feel like home to you?

01/24/2025

The Lake Powell Motel sign is a gem of mid-century modern graphic design. This relic captures the playful and optimistic use of:

🔠Bold, sans-serif fonts and minimalist graphics, hallmarks of the era's advertising aesthetic.
⚡Neon lighting, which once lit up the night and drew travelers in with its futuristic glow.
🚘Streamlined shapes, echoing the sleek designs of 1950s automobiles and furniture.

Reimagining signage in Page with a nod to this style could evoke nostalgia while creating a cohesive identity for our town.

01/23/2025

This building showcases the distinct style of mid-century modern architecture, with its bold, angular rooflines and innovative use of materials. Key features include:

🎓Dynamic roof angles, which create visual interest and emphasize the forward-thinking design of the era. This angular design was both aesthetic and functional, giving the building a sense of movement and modernity.
💼Adaptation of cinderblocks into breezeblocks, a signature mid-century design element. These blocks allow light and air to pass through while adding a geometric pattern to the facade, blending functionality with decoration.
🕶Timeless simplicity, as seen in its clean lines and minimalist materials, making it an enduring symbol of mid-century architecture in Page.

As we consider revitalization, this building inspires us to incorporate bold design and innovative materials that connect to our community's history while addressing contemporary needs. How could we use these design principles in new public spaces or businesses?

01/22/2025

What is Mid-Century Modern Architecture?

Mid-century modern architecture, a style born between the 1940s and 1960s, is renowned for its clean lines, functional design, and connection to the surrounding landscape. Characterized by flat planes, large windows, and integration with nature, this style reflects the optimism and forward-thinking spirit of its era.

In Page, AZ, mid-century design tells the story of a town built with purpose and vision during the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam in the late 1950s. From its iconic buildings to the landscapes they inhabit, Page showcases a unique adaptation of mid-century aesthetics in a desert setting.

Stay tuned as we explore some historic photos that highlight the essence of mid-century design in Page and consider how these elements can inspire our revitalization efforts.

(RDs July 12, 1961)