what's for breakfast?

 

My Spanish isn't that great but does this place have donkey (burro) intestines, tongue and guts on the menu?

 

Plainview, Texas

2.27.2016

rustwater, kansas

 

This really is a "ghost sign" advertising for a diner in the non-existent town of Rustwater, Kansas.  In 1992, Plainview was used for scenes in the movie "Leap of Faith" starring Steve Martin.  A water tower still bears the faded fictional town's mascot.  And here, on the alley-side of Broadway Brew, is the sign for the Quick Lunch Diner.  Wonder if Heinz Ketchup paid a promotional fee?

 

Plainview, Texas

2.27.2016



ghost sign

 

Imagine my surprise when a quick search on "Bob Hooper" to learn more about this ghost sign on an empty building turned up stories about "ghost car dealerships"!  The Hoopers, father and son, had the Plymouth Dodge dealership in Plainview from the 1930s to the '70s.  It seems that Bob, through the years, stowed about a dozen or so new cars with low miles in his barn.  After his death his heirs sold the entire collection to Barrett-Jackson classic car auction.  The 1957 Plymouth Savoy two-door

blue coupe with 29 miles sold for $52,800!  There's more to the story than faded paint!

Bob Hooper Plymouth-Dodge
7th and Ash
Plainview, Texas

light and airy

 

Although not historic, another Lubbock landmark bites the dust.  Hub Homes, off 4th and Sherman Avenue was one of the housing projects built after WWII.



Old brush arbors by the side of the road,
Where the mighty light of God's great mercy flowed.
There was praying, shouting, singing,
Till the country side was ringing.
Brush arbors by the side of the road...

George Jones, 1965

Although it has a tin roof, this structure is reminiscent of old brush arbors. By definition, brush arbors were rough, open-sided shelter constructed of vertical poles with poles laid across the top to support a roof of brush or hay. Located in the middle of nowhere, with the Neal church across the road and the Neal Cemetery adjacent, this arbor was probably the site of many a revival, gospel singing, dinner on the grounds, and funerals.

Neal Cemetery
FM 500 and 211
San Saba County, Texas
2.19.2016

do not block alley

 

The sign on the corner admonishes motorists "do not block alley."  That's because what appears to be a ghost sign actually advertises a working dry cleaners.  There is easy access in the alley to the door as well as a 24 hour drop box. I found historic downtown Coleman quite interesting and well-worth the detour from the highway.

 

Rhyder X-Press

108 E. Liveoak

Coleman, Texas

 2.19.2016

gothic window

 

The gothic style of this abandoned church says more "haunted house" than "house of God."  Early photos of downtown Santa Anna about 1900 show the structure gleaming white with steeple intact.  Santa Anna is not named after the infamous Mexican general but rather for the Penatuhkah Comanche war chief who controlled much of this area of Texas from the 1830’s to 1850 until his death by cholera in 1850.  From cattle to trains to oil, Santa Anna has survived with its small town charm.  Except for the wooden church falling into ruins- with a sole, smudged stained glass pane.

 

photo Santa Anna Historical Development Organization



Santa Anna, Texas

2.19.2016

Except today in Coleman, Texas!  There was a Piggly Wiggly in this building at 114 Pecan Street in 1929.  The popular grocery chain started in 1916 and has 600 stores in 17 states, just not Texas! The second story of the building was the Central Hotel.  The fancy ironwork on the fire escape and sidewalk railing are neat.

Coleman, Texas
2.19.2016

If, in Sweetwater, you'll take the backway instead of the highway, you'll find the Midway.  A popular place in the 50s and 60s, the drive-in is now closed. At some time the "mountains" on the screen structure were painted - now more abstract than landscape.

Midway Drive-In Theatre
Photos courtesy Mike Price, December 2007

 

Midway Drive-In

Sweetwater, Texas

 

 

 

 



tribute to stevie

 

Although not so honored by his hometown,  Austin's adopted son Stevie Ray is honored with a statue off Riverside Drive, near where he played many Riverfests. Today there was a tribute rose in his hand - in honor of the spring day.

 

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Lake Lady Bird

Austin, Texas 

comprende?

 

I glimpsed this sign on my brief tour of Goldwaithe this morning.  I think I worked at a place with similar language issues once.

 

RRR Feeds

Goldwaithe, Texas

art stillife

 

Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts

Lubbock, Txas

It's boots and chaps, it's cowboy hats
It's spurs and latigo, it's the ropes and the reins
And the joy and the pain and they call the thing rodeo.

Garth Brooks

Ranching Heritage Center
Lubbock, Texas
4.11.2015



through these gates

 

Ever wonder why cemeteries have gates?  Is it to allow or to deny access?  Who is being kept in or out?  Sometimes it's the cows.

 

Fluvanna Cemetery

2.20.2015

escalator to the tearoom

 

It was sad decades ago when this landmark building emptied as the business moved to newer spaces.  It's downright depressing to see it abandoned again.  Recognize it?

 

1212 Avenue J

Lubbock, Texas

watering hole

 

A lone cow at a watering hole spotted while driving the back canyon roads from Slaton (turn north at Bunk Feed on Industrial Avenue).

 

CR 7300

Yellow House Canyon

Lubbock County, Texas

segregation

 

Wonder who thinks other horses aren't as good as Red Raider horses?

 

Texas Tech Equestrian Center

Lubbock, Texas

cabin in the cottonwoods

 

While looking for "nature" shots for the Facebook challenge that was bestowed upon me, I came across this image from a few years ago and decided it could use some work.  I think the enhanced light in the window adds interest.  Otherwise, the cottonwood were great in the fall sunshine.

 

El Rancho de las Golondrinas

Santa Fe, New Mexico

October 2010