Mickey had a schizophrenic breakdown in New York City decades ago. He was said to be an extraordinarily bright student.
His stepbrother George Forss, the famed landscape photographer who moved to our town in the 1970’s, brought Mickey to live with him. Mickey has vanished into New York streets for years until one day George ran into him in a coffee shop.
George too him in, and Mickey is cared for, he has a a room of his own, food and assistance.
During the day, in all kinds of weather, Mickey can be found walking up and down Main Street. At night, he goes to his apartment in George’s house to watch television and eat dinner.
I have been photographing Mickey for a couple of years now, he is the only portrait subject I pay – $3 to $5 a shoot.
In that time, I have noticed what is to me a remarkable and touching demonstration of community. Many people in the town watch out for Mickey and help take care of him. Teenagers on bikes pull over and give him coffee and sometimes, a cigarette or two.
People regularly stop by at George’s Gallery and drop off clothes, sweaters, shoes and parkas. Mickey is well dressed. At the Round House Cafe, Scott has told Mickey he is welcome to come in anytime an have a cup of coffee. Sometimes, Mickey sits down at the table.
Almost every time he does, another diner in the care will come over and ask him if he wants something to eat. He usually says chile, and the person – all ages, farmers and artists, young and old – will go to the register and pay for his meal, which Mickey eats hurriedly. If it is warm, he takes it outside, if not he eats a table.
He rarely speaks to people, and never joins in on other people’s conversation. He will speak if spoken too, and is gentle and courteous. He is also shy.
Like so many rural communities, my town of Cambridge has lost a lot – young people, good jobs, small businesses. But it has never lost the sense of community that is so pervasive a characteristic of rural America. Here, somebody is always taking care of Mickey when it would be so easy to ignore him.
We don’t always love one another here, but we know each other and we help each other if we can.
I appreciate Mickey’s giving me permission to take his pictures. His face is so full of character and emotion.