THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 22, 1995 TAG: 9509200147
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: Ida Kay's Portsmouth
SOURCE: Ida Kay Jordan
LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines
Get a little nip in the air and watch what happens in Portsmouth.
People appear on the streets, almost as if on cue. They're smiling and speaking. Relieved of the need to escape the heat and humidity, many stop to talk to each other.
Where there are seats - whether at coffee houses, restaurants or simply benches along the sidewalks Downtown - people take advantage of them.
Until they experience it, people can't understand the charm of this town. Reality does not match up with the image so many of them have of Portsmouth.
As a city of about 104,000 souls with the highest murder rate reported in South Hampton Roads so far this year, Portsmouth seems an unlikely candidate for the city with the greatest hometown atmosphere.
But, sure enough, it does have a down home feeling that few in this region can match.
Paradoxically, the falsely negative image that we deplore may account for some of the things that give the city character.
Since the big, impersonal stores have deserted the city for bigger, more impersonal stores in suburban areas, we are left with merchants who want to please their hometown customers. A major plus for shoppers is the presence of the owner or the visibility of the manager in most businesses. Their future is in the bottom line, so they are willing to offer services and benefits not available in many places.
To paraphrase a well-known ad, they do business the old-fashioned way.
Since our office is Downtown, I naturally gravitate to High Street on the days that beckon folks outdoors. We've had a few of those lately, and my belief that Portsmouth is comfortably different from other places was mightily reinforced.
A number of places Downtown where you can sit outdoors are meeting places for people. Even people who don't know each other just fall into conversation.
But Downtown is not the only place in Portsmouth to experience the remarkable friendliness of local business people.
Any number of places all over town offer personalized service. I dare not call any names because I can't list them all. But check out the stores and you'll know who I'm talking about.
Try Midtown or Churchland, Port Norfolk, Alexanders Corner or Cradock. Talk, even discuss your problems, with the people who run the businesses. If you haven't tried it, you'll be amazed at the help you get. Usually they're more than happy to find a solution and, furthermore, they'll probably remember you the next time you stop in.
Of course, some people don't like all this friendliness and feeling of community. I've heard folks from other parts of the country complain about gregarious Southerners who talk while they're helping you.
Granted, if they're telling you personal problems or talking about themselves, there is reason to complain. On the other hand, if they're helping you find the right product or offering suggestions, that's a really pleasant experience. Most good business people know the difference.
The outdoor cafes and benches on Downtown streets encourage a friendliness newcomers and visitors find charming.
The fall days recently have emphasized that side of the city that many people have trouble seeing or believing.
I wish we could package it or put it on a postcard or do something to transmit this truly pleasant atmosphere.
Of course, there are many people living right here in Portsmouth who have not found it.
Not only do they not go Downtown and enjoy the opportunities to be outside and visit with friends - many of them don't even try shopping with old friends before they rush across the city line to spend their money with strangers.
Maybe we all need to resolve to spend at least one day - and maybe a few dollars - next week getting to know the charming, positive side of our city.
It's fun! by CNB