Our Vanishing Americana

South Carolina ETV

Southern Lens

Upcoming Films

David’s Boat Voyage of the Swamp Fox

Children of All Ages

Threads of Victory: Upcountry South Carolina during World War II

Film Series A-Z

Stay Connected

Our Vanishing Americana

In 1999, photographer Mike Lassiter began traveling across North Carolina documenting the hardware stores, groceries, drugstores, theatres and other businesses which have been rapidly fading away in the shadow of "big box" stores. Six years and more than 30,000 miles later, he published a book entitled Our Vanishing Americana. His book inspired him to produce a documentary which retraces some of his travels through backroads and along Main Street, with interviews of some of the fascinating people he met during his journey. This hour-long program provides an amusing and sentimental glimpse of days gone by.

Response by: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 09/23/2011 at 08:01 AM

I grew up in Horse Creek Valley in South Carolina and am fascinated with it's history.

Response by: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 09/09/2011 at 12:14 AM

I had to smile at the segment on the old hardware store in Mooresville and the comments about old-style customer service versus "big box" stores.

Lowe's Home Improvement, Inc. has its corporate headquarters in Mooresville.

Response by: AShumaker on 06/15/2011 at 09:42 AM

The book by the same title by Mike Lassiter is available on Amazon. Just type it in the search engine and it will come up.

We will re-air this episode of Southern Lens this Fall. Please check your TV schedules or the Southern Lens series webpage on scetv.org

It's always great to hear from ETV viewers! Thank you.

Amy Shumaker
Executive Producer

Response by: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 06/14/2011 at 06:39 PM

I saw yesterday (06-13-2011) on TV the film "Our Vanishing Americana" based on a wonderful book. Is it possible to buy this book and what is the title?

Response by: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 06/10/2011 at 04:59 PM

I would like to know if/when the Southern Lens episode Our Vanishing Americana may be re-aired on ETV? It was a great episode and I would love to see it again.

Response by: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 06/10/2011 at 04:46 PM

How can I get a copy of the documentery that aired on June 9, 2011, "Our Vanishing Americana"??

Response by: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 06/10/2011 at 04:36 PM

I enjoyed the trip down memory lane. Iam so happy that Mike took the time to document this on film and and book. The world is changing so fast that our country sides will vanish before we know it. Thanks and well Done!!!
Richard

Response by: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 06/09/2011 at 10:03 PM

I have always been a conservative at heart, believing in the freedom of property rights and consumer choice. But this show certainly demonstrates the unseen loss that comes from consumers choosing to patronize only the places that sell the cheapest product. I figure if you could somehow impute the loss of American culture into the cost of Wal-Mart's products, we consumers would choose to send our business to places like those highlighted in this wonderful film.

Page 1 of 1 pages (comments)

South Carolina ETV

Southern Lens

Upcoming Films

Stay Connected

Our Vanishing Americana

Comments