Being Helen
Helen Humphreys lives in a house on University Avenue in Columbia, Mo., a place filled with family history. Her grandparents rented the house 50 years ago, and five years ago, Helen moved in to continue that legacy. Over time, she has connected with people in the region who were once her grandparents' friends, and now they have become her friends too. She keeps in touch, calling them from time to time, drawing from their shared memories. Her days are a rhythm of grocery shopping, shifts as a bartender, and finding peace in quiet moments after a long week. Helen has a love for Europe and often travels there, enjoying photography and backpacking along the way.
Helen Humphreys, right, poses with her mother, Syd McClard, while drinking tea on the couch of the house her grandparents once rented on University Avenue, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2024. Helen moved into the home five years ago, continuing her family’s connection to the house. "Out of all my four daughters, she is the most nostalgic and sociable," McClard said. Her mother is visiting after evacuating from a hurricane-affected area.
Helen Humphreys, right, poses with her mother, Syd McClard, while drinking tea on the couch of the house her grandparents once rented on University Avenue, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2024. Helen moved into the home five years ago, continuing her family’s connection to the house. "Out of all my four daughters, she is the most nostalgic and sociable," McClard said. Her mother is visiting after evacuating from a hurricane-affected area.
The historic house on University Avenue, built in 1930, once served as a dormitory for female students. Now home to Helen Humphreys, who moved in five years ago, the house carries a legacy, as her grandparents once rented it over 50 years ago. The residence stands as a testament to family history and continuity amidst Columbia’s evolving landscape. Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
The historic house on University Avenue, built in 1930, once served as a dormitory for female students. Now home to Helen Humphreys, who moved in five years ago, the house carries a legacy, as her grandparents once rented it over 50 years ago. The residence stands as a testament to family history and continuity amidst Columbia’s evolving landscape. Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
Helen Humphreys chats with the cashier while paying for her groceries on October 22, 2024.She chooses the human checkout over self-checkout for the chance to engage in a brief conversation.
Helen Humphreys chats with the cashier while paying for her groceries on October 22, 2024.She chooses the human checkout over self-checkout for the chance to engage in a brief conversation.
Helen Humphreys returns from her weekly grocery trip, October 22, 2024. She has to come back home to prepare for her shift at the bar. "Driving here is so different," Helen Humphreys says. "Backpacking in Europe showed me how amazing it is to get around without needing a car all the time. I wish we had fewer cars and more walkable spaces — it makes everything feel more connected and gives you a chance to really take in where you are."
Helen Humphreys returns from her weekly grocery trip, October 22, 2024. She has to come back home to prepare for her shift at the bar. "Driving here is so different," Helen Humphreys says. "Backpacking in Europe showed me how amazing it is to get around without needing a car all the time. I wish we had fewer cars and more walkable spaces — it makes everything feel more connected and gives you a chance to really take in where you are."
Helen Humphreys mixes drinks behind the bar counter on October 22, 2024, serving visitors at the restaurant. With a quieter evening and fewer customers, she takes her time crafting each beverage. "Working at Cherry Street Cellar has taught me so much about connecting with people," Helen says. "It’s not just about serving food and drinks; it’s about creating a comfortable place for people to unwind. I get to hear so many stories from customers, and it reminds me of why I love this community."
Helen Humphreys mixes drinks behind the bar counter on October 22, 2024, serving visitors at the restaurant. With a quieter evening and fewer customers, she takes her time crafting each beverage. "Working at Cherry Street Cellar has taught me so much about connecting with people," Helen says. "It’s not just about serving food and drinks; it’s about creating a comfortable place for people to unwind. I get to hear so many stories from customers, and it reminds me of why I love this community."
Helen Humphreys recommends drinks to regular visitors at the bar on October 22, 2024, skillfully preparing one right in front of them. Her expertise and friendly demeanor enhance the experience for the guests, who frequently come to Cherry Street Cellar.
Helen Humphreys recommends drinks to regular visitors at the bar on October 22, 2024, skillfully preparing one right in front of them. Her expertise and friendly demeanor enhance the experience for the guests, who frequently come to Cherry Street Cellar.
Helen Humphreys relaxes on the balcony of her apartment, taking a moment to watch the birds and passers-by on October 27, 2024. She often sits there to unwind, finding solace in the sights and sounds as she sets the mood for the upcoming work week. "I don’t drink very often, but whenever I’m at the store, I pick up a bottle just in case," Helen Humphreys says. "It’s nice to have something on hand for when friends or family come over—it makes those moments together feel a little more special."
Helen Humphreys relaxes on the balcony of her apartment, taking a moment to watch the birds and passers-by on October 27, 2024. She often sits there to unwind, finding solace in the sights and sounds as she sets the mood for the upcoming work week. "I don’t drink very often, but whenever I’m at the store, I pick up a bottle just in case," Helen Humphreys says. "It’s nice to have something on hand for when friends or family come over—it makes those moments together feel a little more special."
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