Photo Essay: Closed Until Further Notice

Mayra Linares Rodríguez

On March 25th, 2020 Gov. Tony Evers issued a “Safer at Home” order for the state of Wisconsin. Madison, the capital, prides itself on shopping local and taking care of its small local shops. This order affects the local economy not just financially but emotionally. Madison thrives on small business and close relationships with their loyal customers. Especially on Willy Street, where the love between consumer and retailer is more than just a monetary transaction.

These photos represent just a few of the locally owned shops on the eastern blocks of Willy Street that closed until further notice. I captured the images on the day the issue was ordered though many had already closed their doors about a week earlier. Since, the community has rallied and started initiatives to help those who are doing touch-free curbside pick-ups or delivery. Unfortunately, most of the shops pictured here do not have the infrastructure or means to keep their business running.

Cultural and Personal Reflections

Handwritten signs beg for business during this crisis.		Mickey’s Tavern, a staple in Madison since 1902, urges its patrons to stay safe with a heartfelt handwritten note, a tenderness the is characteristic to Madison’s east side.	The walk to Willy Street down the Yahara River Path may be empty these days, but there is still laughter and warmth radiating from the few that stroll the path.
Cha Cha’s is fairly new yet its loyal customer base pines for the day when the hair salon reopens its doors.	Ace Hardware, a locally owned franchise, struggles to keep its doors open.	Batch Bakehouse is a female owned shop that opened its doors in 2009. By 2020, it drew its curtains and put up signs stating its closure, for the time being.	Sunday Brunch, one of Madison’s favorite weekend activities, will have to do without the famous Lazy Jane’s lemon scones.

Mayra Linares Rodríguez

Mayra Linares is a freelance photographer and filmmaker in Madison, Wisconsin. As a Fulbright-García Robles Graduate Studies grantee, she received an M.A. in Film and Digital Media at American University in 2016.

The Covid-19 Pandemic

Perspectives from the COMEXUS Community

Photo Essay: Closed Until Further Notice

Cultural and Personal Reflections

Handwritten signs beg for business during this crisis.

Mickey’s Tavern, a staple in Madison since 1902, urges its patrons to stay safe with a heartfelt handwritten note, a tenderness the is characteristic to Madison’s east side.

The walk to Willy Street down the Yahara River Path may be empty these days, but there is still laughter and warmth radiating from the few that stroll the path.

Cha Cha’s is fairly new yet its loyal customer base pines for the day when the hair salon reopens its doors.

Ace Hardware, a locally owned franchise, struggles to keep its doors open.

Batch Bakehouse is a female owned shop that opened its doors in 2009. By 2020, it drew its curtains and put up signs stating its closure, for the time being.

Sunday Brunch, one of Madison’s favorite weekend activities, will have to do without the famous Lazy Jane’s lemon scones.

Mayra Linares Rodríguez