That motel was the Downtown Motel on Walnut Street. My grandmother was the manager there in the 1960's-70's. I visited there every summer as a youngster and always stayed in room #2. Great to see it in your video.
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
@@amypatterson9851 l walked up and down those streets alot and all those businesses were open. I got to know alot of the locals. I would go to a barbershop and talk to a one legged barber alot. I remember going down to a closed down movie theater and watch bats fly out of it every night. I had some great times there in Helena.
I just arrived in Helena yesterday for a wedding, and was absolutely shocked at the sheer scale of the abandoned and crumbling buildings. The architecture and layout of the the town is so beautiful, and I can only imagine how wonderful it was during its heyday. I can see the opportunity for a revival.
I want the thank you for putting my hometown in your videos even though im 10 months late im glad someone took interest in its history and culture of the town
My mother was born here and had ancestors here such as my grand and great grand parents. How would I be able to research them where there censuses back in the late 1800s and early 1900s
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
A fantastic exploration of the town. I loved the abandoned motel and church. It's great that you're out there doing such thoughtful and detailed architectural preservation.
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
Wow. I grew up in helena right down Hwy 44. Going into town on the weekend was the highlight of my youth. Looking at the old buildings remind me of the cafes and teenage clubs that I would visit once I was old enough 😆. The memories and teachings from my grandparents in that town still remain as the center of my foundation
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
This is the town of my birth. I moved away to California in 1986. Growing up in Helena it was a small town but thriving. but slowly over the years the town went into serious decline. I went home to visit my family in 2018 and I was stunned to the core to see whole neighborhoods virtually abandoned. streets that families lived in my childhood were empty houses empty in disrepair and being reclaimed by nature. It was jarring. in some of the more upscale neighborhoods decay was setting in. But there is a ray of hope i saw quite a few people fighting the good fight people becoming entrepreneurs starting successful businesses. It still is a beautiful community it just needs the light to keep shining. I will always love my hometown💖💯
The town still has a lot of character and beautiful old architecture. I hope they can save some of it. Encouraging to read what you said about entrepreneurs in the town. That's a good sign! Also -- the people I met there were so friendly.
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
Helena was hoppin' back in the day! Sad to see the state of disrepair that its fallen into. We go every year to the King Biscuit Blues Festival and it seems every year the town has crumbled a little bit more.
At 5:38...your looking at what used to be the old Helena Pawnshop. The owners son and I grew up with each other. Spent many nights in their upstairs HUGE apartment. Crazy to see how dilapidated everything is.
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
Excellent video, Keith! I've never visited but it looks like an interesting place to photograph. It seems like Helena used to have an annual blues festival (maybe they still do?). I love all your images and, especially, your details of the old buildings, one of my personal favorite photo subjects. I like your description of preservation.
Super friendly people, and even though I make the town look dead, it's still very alive and they probably do still have the festival going (except maybe not this year)
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
A damn shame, and they only wanted fix Cherry. Walnut Historical, Missouri Historical as well. The Famous Sony Boy Mills die in a Loaft in Helena, Arkansas on Walnut Street. Dr. Robber Miller Dad had a office on Walnut St.
That Malco theater in the mid 80’s…there was an entrepreneurial fellow who would place a tv on the front “stage area” with a VCR attached and show bootlegged copies of movies to anyone with $.50 He also sold drinks and snacks.
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
The "old church with a collapsed roof" was destroyed by a storm that went through a few years ago. If I recall right it was being rebuilt as part of historic recreation project.
@@Keithdotson was being rebuilt before the storm. I don't know if it still is. Most of the city council has no interest in doing things that don't benefit themselves
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
Yes I was born and raised in Helena Arkansas no I just go to visit siblings still there my mother and father still there if a hot mess but I still love it I always said if I ever hit the lottery I'm moving back ❤😅
The level of decay here is almost akin to that of some places here in the northeast or the Midwest. Like East Cleveland, Gary, Detroit. Camden here in NJ is really run down, so are parts of Trenton. I wouldn't visit any of them. If you like old architecture and you're ever up in the northeast here, Cape May has beautiful old houses, no decay. Batsto village is one of my favorite places here in south Jersey. I live about 25 minutes from there. Joseph Wharton had a mansion there. It's still there. Batsto village made munitions for the Revolutionary War out of bog iron back in the day. People that have never been here think NJ is all industry and Superfund sites, but that's all you see along almost any interstate coming into the state. There's a lot more to see, but it is very crowded and traffic can be awful, especially in the summer.
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
A city right on a major river. The Mississippi River. Between 2 major cities. Memphis & Little Rock. With a major connecting highway. Highway 49. But, A city with not enough businesses, a depleted population, and a racial divide. No Progress. People are constantly leaving. I left. This city used to be booming. God Help It Now!!!!!!
@@Keithdotson I seen it up to 9 years ago it Still them had the painted iconic Red Coke on the side and all 4 walls were standing but no glass It was only on the front side It’s there near the delta river front so it was easy to ship. I loved it so much I helped re tile and install tile In the 1930 pool house in the original park with the iconic pool I was there 5 years running ever summer for two weeks CBF ministries with Ben and Leonora Newell. I fell in love with the place And the original yellow antique fire truck They unfortunately put it outside so last I see. It wasn’t holding up good The stories and pictures The blue grass music festivals Thank you for reminding me Have a great day
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That motel was the Downtown Motel on Walnut Street. My grandmother was the manager there in the 1960's-70's. I visited there every summer as a youngster and always stayed in room #2. Great to see it in your video.
Thanks for the new information! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I liked visiting Helena a lot.
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
@@amypatterson9851 l walked up and down those streets alot and all those businesses were open. I got to know alot of the locals. I would go to a barbershop and talk to a one legged barber alot. I remember going down to a closed down movie theater and watch bats fly out of it every night. I had some great times there in Helena.
@@rgowens1015 It was once great but now as whites left it is a crack head dump. The answer to the 70's question "what it is what it's gonna be like?."
@@rgowens1015no doubt our town has gone to shit
I just arrived in Helena yesterday for a wedding, and was absolutely shocked at the sheer scale of the abandoned and crumbling buildings. The architecture and layout of the the town is so beautiful, and I can only imagine how wonderful it was during its heyday. I can see the opportunity for a revival.
I want the thank you for putting my hometown in your videos even though im 10 months late im glad someone took interest in its history and culture of the town
Thank you the nice message. I enjoyed visiting Helena very much.
My mother was born here and had ancestors here such as my grand and great grand parents. How would I be able to research them where there censuses back in the late 1800s and early 1900s
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
THATS MY HOME TOWN I WAS BORN AND RAISED THERE
A fantastic exploration of the town. I loved the abandoned motel and church. It's great that you're out there doing such thoughtful and detailed architectural preservation.
Thank you :-)
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
Helena is a sad place to see, but the history is amazing! There are some beautiful old homes here
Wow. I grew up in helena right down Hwy 44. Going into town on the weekend was the highlight of my youth. Looking at the old buildings remind me of the cafes and teenage clubs that I would visit once I was old enough 😆. The memories and teachings from my grandparents in that town still remain as the center of my foundation
Sounds like great memories!
Beautiful memories.
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
@@amypatterson9851 wow. How long did it take you to come up with that one
@@sincerely9187 Noting to "come up with" just stating facts.
This is the town of my birth. I moved away to California in 1986. Growing up in Helena it was a small town but thriving. but slowly over the years the town went into serious decline. I went home to visit my family in 2018 and I was stunned to the core to see whole neighborhoods virtually abandoned. streets that families lived in my childhood were empty houses empty in disrepair and being reclaimed by nature. It was jarring. in some of the more upscale neighborhoods decay was setting in. But there is a ray of hope i saw quite a few people fighting the good fight people becoming entrepreneurs starting successful businesses. It still is a beautiful community it just needs the light to keep shining. I will always love my hometown💖💯
The town still has a lot of character and beautiful old architecture. I hope they can save some of it. Encouraging to read what you said about entrepreneurs in the town. That's a good sign! Also -- the people I met there were so friendly.
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
@@amypatterson9851typically grievance response. Still some great people living those are the ones who can make a difference.
@@amypatterson9851 plus you sound like someone who builds walls not bridges.
@@robertmartinjr.4537 I we blacks had ANY sense we'd beg the whites to come back.
wauu beautifull pics in black white.Thank you.
Thank you 😊
That hotel w
as a very popular place for a long time.
It used to be such a great place to grow up…so picturesque. I hate going there now…it’s just depressing
Helena was hoppin' back in the day! Sad to see the state of disrepair that its fallen into. We go every year to the King Biscuit Blues Festival and it seems every year the town has crumbled a little bit more.
Had been in Helena at the King Bisquit in Oct. 2023... sad to see this town falling apart. Had taken some photographs on main street....
At 5:38...your looking at what used to be the old Helena Pawnshop. The owners son and I grew up with each other. Spent many nights in their upstairs HUGE apartment. Crazy to see how dilapidated everything is.
Richard Bass Thanks for that information. The town is still beautiful but definitely in decline
@@Keithdotson yep grew up running around all those streets.
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
I grew up there.
Check out the old homes too.
Excellent video, Keith! I've never visited but it looks like an interesting place to photograph. It seems like Helena used to have an annual blues festival (maybe they still do?). I love all your images and, especially, your details of the old buildings, one of my personal favorite photo subjects. I like your description of preservation.
Super friendly people, and even though I make the town look dead, it's still very alive and they probably do still have the festival going (except maybe not this year)
@@Keithdotson Fest is still being held and at this time, still on for 2020.
kingbiscuitfestival.com/
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
My whole family from HELENA and West Helena so Sad 😞
A damn shame, and they only wanted fix Cherry. Walnut Historical, Missouri Historical as well. The Famous Sony Boy Mills die in a Loaft in Helena, Arkansas on Walnut Street. Dr. Robber Miller Dad had a office on Walnut St.
Hey family it is said
Are related to James kelly we were childhood friends
That Malco theater in the mid 80’s…there was an entrepreneurial fellow who would place a tv on the front “stage area” with a VCR attached and show bootlegged copies of movies to anyone with $.50
He also sold drinks and snacks.
I love that story! Thanks for sharing
Cool story
I was born and raised in Helena Arkansas. I use to live on Ohio Street graduated in 87 from Central high school.
Thats my home town
I loved visiting it.
I’m from there to Straubs Lane
Good video..🤠
When i lived in west helena and helena ark. I always hated crossing the miss bridge.😮😮😮😮😮
beautiful.... Keith
Many thanks!
My home town.
Oops! My mother spoke of Helena . Just from her stories I fell in love with the comfort of southern living.
Yes -- places like Helena still offer a slower pace of life I think. Thanks for watching!
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
@@amypatterson9851 It's just amazing what the spirit of hate does to people as well as a community!
@@InGoshen Yep and HWH is one of the worst racist, white hating areas.
The school at 1.11 use to be completely abandoned and covered with kudzu top to bottom it was because the town mismanaged/ran out of funds
The "old church with a collapsed roof" was destroyed by a storm that went through a few years ago. If I recall right it was being rebuilt as part of historic recreation project.
Thank you for the information. Great to know it's being rebuilt!
@@Keithdotson was being rebuilt before the storm. I don't know if it still is. Most of the city council has no interest in doing things that don't benefit themselves
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
Never been here but just read online its the worst place in Arkansas to live. High unemployment, crime, and decline of property was the reason.
Thanks for the video! What kind of mic do you use to record the voiceover? The quality is great
Hey thanks Christopher. I appreciate the comment about the audio - it took a while to find the right setup. I'm using the Shure SM7B
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
west side new edition
Helena is a LOT like Cairo, Illinois, about 4 hours north up the river.
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
I walked most of those streets growing up there. Moved away in my 20s. Used to be a beautiful place but now barely recognizable.
Thanks for watching! Keep in mind I tend to zero in on the decay. The town may not be as bad as I make it look!
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
My city
I wish you could find videos of back when everything looks good in Helena Arkansas it's got to be a video somewhere😢
Bro I've been trying all day
makes me wonder wy i miss it so bad
Helltown 🔒 NAWFSIDE 187
Wasn’t that the Downtowner Motel?
What do ya shoot on?
Also I'm intrigued in your choice of just BnW.
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
Now days the last thing I would be doing is walking around walnut st with a camera
Yes I was born and raised in Helena Arkansas no I just go to visit siblings still there my mother and father still there if a hot mess but I still love it I always said if I ever hit the lottery I'm moving back ❤😅
I think it’s a beautiful place even with the ruins. I hope they save the rest
The level of decay here is almost akin to that of some places here in the northeast or the Midwest. Like East Cleveland, Gary, Detroit. Camden here in NJ is really run down, so are parts of Trenton. I wouldn't visit any of them. If you like old architecture and you're ever up in the northeast here, Cape May has beautiful old houses, no decay. Batsto village is one of my favorite places here in south Jersey. I live about 25 minutes from there. Joseph Wharton had a mansion there. It's still there. Batsto village made munitions for the Revolutionary War out of bog iron back in the day. People that have never been here think NJ is all industry and Superfund sites, but that's all you see along almost any interstate coming into the state. There's a lot more to see, but it is very crowded and traffic can be awful, especially in the summer.
Thanks for the recommendations! I’ve been through NJ several times but haven’t made it a destination yet. Food for thought!
It's a shame to see Main Street like that hope they can bring it back
I hope so too because it's got so much beauty if they can turn it around.
Helena-West Helena is now a garbage dump. Now you know the answer to the 70's question "what it is, what it's gonna be like." These towns were thriving a like 30 years ago but now a dump. This is what happens when racist caucasiophobes chase the white people out of town.
A city right on a major river. The Mississippi River. Between 2 major cities. Memphis & Little Rock. With a major connecting highway. Highway 49.
But, A city with not enough businesses, a depleted population, and a racial divide. No Progress. People are constantly leaving. I left. This city used to be booming. God Help It Now!!!!!!
Thank you for this reply; my wife and I were about to place an offer on a gorgeous home off the golf course. Now we are in serious doubt...
much closer to Memphis tho. it is a delta community more in line with the delta region than inner Arkansas.
Why are there no people in the streets? Someone explain to me, please.
The town is losing population but also there were some people out, but I try to avoid filming people whenever possible, for privacy reasons
Ok.
Did you see the Coke building where they bottled Coke
No -- I missed that! Is it a great building?
@@Keithdotson I seen it up to 9 years ago it
Still them had the painted iconic Red Coke on the side and all 4 walls were standing but no glass
It was only on the front side
It’s there near the delta river front so it was easy to ship. I loved it so much
I helped re tile and install tile In the 1930 pool house in the original park with the iconic pool
I was there 5 years running ever summer for two weeks CBF ministries with Ben and Leonora Newell.
I fell in love with the place
And the original yellow antique fire truck
They unfortunately put it outside so last I see. It wasn’t holding up good
The stories and pictures
The blue grass music festivals
Thank you for reminding me
Have a great day
As a kid I remember going on a class trip to see the Coke bottling plant when it was still in operation......R.E.
My p
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