Northborough Exposure is a Blog from local photographer Joyce Maranto. It is a blog about everyday people that we meet in the course of daily life in and around our town. It combines some snippet of their lives with Joyce’s powerful portrait imagery, in hopes of creating new bonds within this community.
Duke (the human) & Luke (the dog) . .
I first met Duke several years ago. Almost daily, I pass by the textured amazingness of his automotive garage and see it with a photographer’s eye. It’s the best backdrop in town. One day, I stopped in to introduce myself and ask if I could use the exterior of his place for a senior shoot that evening. Like most of the private property owners I approach, he initially appeared “a little leery” but was more than generous and gracious to allow me the access. The session that evening was a huge success and the girl had the most amazing, unique senior images. But more importantly, an instant friendship was formed.
When considering the start of this project and the interesting people I’ve met, Duke topped the list. That ZZ Top beard is photographic ‘eye candy’ but that just scratches the surface of what makes him enchanting. He is soft spoken but easily driven to engaging conversation. He has an appreciation for health—and a ‘life well-lived’—that only comes from overcoming a serious health crisis. Duke has an incredible encyclopedic knowledge of this town and the surrounding area. During our photo session I uncovered a hidden hobby and he enlightened me with some local history about the renowned raceway that once existed on the site we now know as Speedway Plaza. “I was in a demolition derby there in 1973—and I won, too! In a 1961 Oldsmobile!” he says with a proud smile. Clearly, this is a long-time local who has first hand knowledge of the past and things forgotten. The stories he shares not only make me smile, but leave me refocused on things that matter. Don’t we all need that from time to time?
So, any time you are in the market for a used but impeccably restored Jeep or just want service on any vehicle with some friendly conversation thrown in, stop in to Duke’s Automotive on West Main St in Northborough. You will be rewarded with so much more than honest car service.
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