the back of the building

 

Often, the rear of a structure has more character than the streetside.  This is the case of the former ice house in Raton.  The building has been around since 1903 when the Raton Crystal Ice and Cold Storage Company was started.  Over the years it has been a feed store, an oil distribution hub and in 2000, it opened as the Icehouse Restaurant -- currently it is a BBQ place.  Since the ice house was near the railroad tracks, its early business was probably the rails cars transporting foods.  Regardless of its occupants, the barred windows and bricked-up openings, the rear of the building retains the ghost sign of the original business.  Don't just journey down the main drag, explore the alleys and by-ways as well--the backside may be more interesting.

 

Raton, New Mexico

8.18.2013