mac is back

 

I don't know where Mac has been but a neon sign announces that he has returned.  Since this is an automotive store, maybe Mac is the best mechanic in town.  The plate glass window of the NAPA Auto Parts reflects the brightly-painted liquor store across the street.  Historic downtown Trinidad reflects century-old buildings with their distinctive architecture of pioneer days of the Santa Fe Trail.  Just a few streets over, it's business as usual. (By the way, in the 1960s Trinidad was known as the sex change capital of the U.S.)

 

NAPA Auto Parts

160 E. Elm

Trinidad, Colorado 

got mail?

 

The country store houses the former post office in corner-- keeping with Cuchara's motif in maintaining a turn-of-the-century mountain town.  Highway 12, known as the Highway of Legends, is one of Colorado's Scenic Byways.  From Trinidad to Walsenburg, the picturesque drive circles the Spanish Peaks and offers vistas and historic views.  My favorites were the charming village of Cuchara, the Dakota Wall and the coal oven ruins at Cokedale.

 

Cuchara, Colorado

mountain flowers

 

 

Thanks to the recent rains the usual drab landscape of Raton is lush with green grasses and acres of sunflowers.

 

NRA Whittington Center

US 64

Raton, New Mexico

deja vu all over again

 

I've passed the old gas station on Raton's main drag many a time, but today I thought "wow I just photographed this place."  It is an exact replica of the Sinclair station in Houma, Louisiana.  (See blog posts August 6 and 7).  While the Houma location is still a working service station, the Ration building now houses 1950s memorabilia including a life-size Elvis.  There is no indication of whether the place is ever open to the public.  One difference is that the restrooms are switched to opposite sides.  The room with the "gentlemen" sign (as opposed to "men" in Louisiana) boasts of "sanitary seat covers."  Women evidently don't have that assurance but our room is "locked for your security."  I wish I could learn more about these stations with green tiles, a circular design and round service bays -- a piece of the past worth preserving.

 

Raton, New Mexico  

to auction, to auction

 

It's not unusual to see loaded cattle trailers in Lubbock -- but at lunch, in front of MamaRita's Mexican Café off Slide Road!

school days

 

Throughout the South Plains are scattered the remains-- whether partial walls, foundations or bricks uncovered by plows-- of country schools.  In Texas in 1935–1936 there were 6,953 school districts, including 5,938 common school districts. The State Board of Education commissioned school district consolidation with the financial support of the Works Progress Administration [WPA] (Journal of Texas Public Education, Vol. 1, Winter 1993, p. 51, TASB). My alma mater, New Deal, was the result of the combining of Grovesville, Caldwell, Center and Monroe Schools.



study in textures

 

The corrugated tin, chicken wire fence, bullet-pocked windows and peeling paint make the county warehouse a study in textures.  In the "early days" of Lubbock, the building housed a millworks or cabinet shop.  A walk along the alley will show where the exhaust fans and incinerators were. The County put the building on the auction block this summer so its fate is unknown.

 

801 15th  Street

Lubbock, Texas

for sale

 

To the best of my memory, this player piano has been for sale at least 10 years -- that's how long I've noticed the sign as I travel along Texas Avenue.  Maybe there's not much of a resale market for used player pianos or the method of advertising is ineffective.  By the way, we had a rain shower this afternoon.

 

702 Texas Avenue

Lubbock, Texas

stars and bars

 

Flags were fluttering for the Saturday sale at the Disabled American Veterans Thrift Store (wonder if they had a banner permit?)  One never knows what bargains are to be found -- from knickknacks to glassware to Christmas decor to a potty chair.

 

Disabled American Veterans Thrift Store

1301 Buddy Holly Avenue

Lubbock, Texas

 

victory in jesus

 

The large letters "Victory in Jesus" attract attention as one drives along 34th Street.  The Faith Temple was built in 1952 from a metal Quonset hut with a stone façade.  The cornerstone on "The House that Faith Built" shows Boyd and Helen McSpadden as the "Singing Pastors."  What I didn't know was that the son Gary McSpadden is an award winning gospel singer who sang with The Statesmen and the Oak Ridge Boys and worked with Bill Gaither.  To hear some the Boyd and Helen gospel music on 78s, google them on YouTube.

 

Victory Christian Center

501 34th Street

Lubbock, Texas

mahony's

 

This building in downtown Houma is reminiscent of the French Creole style found in New Orleans-- or maybe it was just the balcony.  If the French Quarter has Pat O'Briens, then Houma has Mahony's.  Unfortunately, I didn't make it to Ladies Night on Monday.

 

Mahony's Irish Pub

7832 Main Street

Houma, Louisiana

8.4.2013

 



men's restroom

 

Same gas station as yesterday's post -- new image.  Can you spot 5 differences between the two?

Answers: 1. sign is "men" versus symbol for women  2. bay is on right not left  3.  flower pots  4.  brick around window different color  5.  no red stripe under window

Conoco Gas Station
Houma, Louisiana
8.6.2013 

women's restroom

 

The 1950s era Conoco station sports green and white tile and a rounded front office area.  It also has old-fashioned service -- they will pump your gas and clean your windshield!

 

Conoco Gas Station

Corner of Barrow and Schools Streets

Houma, Louisiana

'nuff said

 

I don't want to leave the impression that I only visited bars during my visit to Houma but the most interesting places had interesting bar signs.  I did dine at an upscale restaurant this evening -- Cristiano's.

 

The Comfort Zone Bikini Bar

717 US 182

Houma, Louisiana

welcome to louisiana

 

People are curious.  I stopped in the parking lot of a no-name bar to take a photo of this great old sign.  This Cajun in a wife-beater undershirt wandered over to ask what I was doing.  Seems he works at Baba's Lounge (closed on Sunday).  The sign blew away in THE hurricane (Katrina, 2005) but will be replaced.  He was checking on the eight-foot baby alligator in the canal which he had been feeding.  We took a look but the alligator was not there this evening (seeing an alligator was on my "wish" list but I approached with trepidation).  Being a courteous photographer I asked if I could take his picture--resulting in this image.  Amazing what one comes across on an evening drive in a new town!

 

Baba's Lounge

500 New Orleans Boulevard

Houma, Louisiana

by morning's early light

 

I visited some interesting backyards on today's pond tour sponsored by Lubbock Arboretum.  I wonder if the turnouts for open houses and garden tours are related to avocational interest or voyeurism?



leatherwork

 

I went to First Friday Art Trail to support my friend Melinda on her photography exhibit at the Tornado Gallery and found long-time friend Ray Dawson with his debut booth.  His hand-crafted leather goods are extraordinary.  Check him out -- a hand-tooled leather ipad case melds Western style with high-tech!

First Friday Art Trail
Tornado Gallery
Lubbock, Texas

coke and cacti

 

The beverage of choice at the Freiheit Country Store and Dance Hall is the $2.00 longneck on Friday nights.  Karaoke goes better with Coors than Coke.  However, the old coke box makes a dandy planter.

 

Freiheit Country Store

New Branfels, Texas

5.3.2013

robin hood

 

The Mother Road, Route 66, gets all the press but Route 64 through Raton also reflects some of the 1950s culture.  Raton still has some motels with individuality -- unique names, neon signs advertising amenities and swimming pools.  US 84 through northern New Mexico is known as a great motorcycle road.

 

US 64

Raton, New Mexico

(from the archives)

the pier

 

When I visited The Pier last December, it was almost deserted with empty storefronts.  Come to find out, the pyramid-shaped tourist attraction constructed in 1973had out-lived its popularity.  May 31, 2013 was the last official day for the public to visit the pier.  It will be demolished and replaced with the new and improved St. Pete Pier.

 

The Pier

St. Petersburg, Florida

12.10.2012

study in red

 

What first drew me to this red building was the pile of auto parts.  As I got closer I admired the decorative, corrugated tin door.  Then I noticed the shadow of the nearby water tower and the filigree of the power line connectors.  Red became the background.

 

Anthony's Collision7.27.2013

220 South 5th Street

Brownfield, Texas



study in green

 

Corner of S. 1st and W. Buckley Streets

Brownfield, Texas

7.27.2013

r.i.p.

 

Like crosses in a forgotten cemetery, wooden stakes mark the gnarled and dead grapevines in an abandoned vineyard. 

 

Hockley County, Texas

CR 200 and US 62/82



how the west was won

 

Whiskey--apropos of a Friday evening. Ever wonder how those cowboys endured?  It's not just for snakebite!  The secret ingredient of chuckwagon cook-offs.

 

National Cowboy Symposium

Lubbock, Texas

9.9.2011

tin bucket and fake flowers

 

Santa Fe, New Mexico

3.8.2012

radiator repair

 

I drive by this repair shop several times a week and it intrigues me that you can leave your broken radiator on the rack with your name and phone number and it gets fixed.  First of all, I don't know how to disassemble the radiator from the engine and, if my car is disabled, how do I transport the radiator to the shop?  Evidently there are those with this skill as shown by the pile of radiators.  Family-owned Crawfords has been in business since 1952.  They repair all types of radiators and sell hard-to-find varieties.  They may be an old-fashioned business but have a website and Facebook page!

 

Crawford Radiator Shop

1601 Buddy Holly Avenue

Lubbock, Texas

willie jean, age 4

 

July 23 is Mother's birthday.  She was born in 1926 in Trent, Texas and named in part after her father E.W. (Ellis Willie) Smith -- but dropped the first name when she could!  It's hard to believe she's been gone 14 years.  I count 4 candles on the cake -- same age as great-granddaughter Clara.  She would have so enjoyed and spoiled the four great-grandchildren.



charging ram

 

I wonder at the subtle semantics related to classic, vintage and junk.  The friend who has this 1950 Dodge pickup parked in his driveway has a ways to go before reaching "classic" and "restored."

 

Here's one story about the ram as the Dodge hood ornament:

 

"For two weeks father (Avard Fairbanks) worked on all sorts of models from mythology creatures to various powerful animals. Finally, he called the designers and Mr. Chrysler in to see three models of a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, a ram. He proposed the charging one. They asked, "why a ram?" Father responded, "It is sure-footed; it's the King of the Trail; it won't be challenged by anything." They nodded their heads. Then father, with a bit of corny humor, added, "And if you were on the trail and saw that ram charging down on you, what would you think?-DODGE!" To which Walter Chrysler excitedly replied "THAT'S IT! THE RAM GOES ON THE DODGE!"
The Bighorn "charging ram" hood ornament of 1932 became more stylized in the 1940s.



poppies and pickets

 "he comes in golden splendor"

 

 

Job 37:22

Bobby Plunkett Ministries

Power Holy Ghost Fire Revival

36th and I-27

Lubbock, Texas

7.19.2013

let the light shine

 

Today, as I drove by the street ministry tent, the sun was shining and the sky was blue; the tent reflected the sunshine and the side walls were rolled up.  I parked to get a closer look.  The light shining through the tent really emphasized the revival as "Street Light Ministry."  If you wish to attend, Brother Plunkett is preaching at 8:00 p.m.

 

 Power Holy Ghost Fire Revival

36th and I-27

Lubbock, Texas

www.bpmworldreach.org

religion for sale

 

I don't know if it were just poor positioning, but it appears that the Power Holy Ghost Fire tent revival is offering religion for sale.  Or maybe the tent is up for sale because the collection offerings are down. Or maybe it's the vacant lot.  If the mission of the tent revival was to pray for rain -- it's working.

 

Power Holy Ghost Fire Revival

36th and I-27

Lubbock, Texas

before the picnic

 

Along the Waterfront

Beaufort, North Carolina

6.27.2013

birthday boy

 

William celebrated his second birthday in fine fashion.  In addition to the toddler set guests, I counted one great-grandfather, two grandmothers, two grandfathers, two aunts, three uncles, two great-aunts, two cousins, one second cousin and three third cousins.  Not all participated in the bounce houses.

 

Jump N Jungle

Lubbock, Texas

7.13.2013

party guest

 

After the jumping and the running, the cupcakes and the ice cream -- guests really aren't ready to leave the birthday party.

 

Jump N Jungle

Lubbock, Texas

7.13.2013

hannah

 

 

Compared to some names on the wall, Hannah has a traditional name with a traditional spelling.  She can quickly point out her handprint which immortalizes her second birthday celebrated at Jump N Jungle.

 

Jump N Jungle

122 Street and Geneva

Lubbock, Texas

7.13.2013

railroad man

 

Very different experience for me today.  I attended a two-year old's birthday party at Jump N Jungle with a dozen or so guests 5 and under, as well the requisite attending grandparents, aunts and uncles.  Tommy the Train was the theme (whatever happened to Strawberry Shortcake?)  Collier is stylin' in his conductor's cap party favor.

killer

 

Killer invites you to the photo exhibit featuring dogs now hanging at the International Cultural Center on the Texas Tech campus.  Killer is the resident "guard" dog at the Gold King Mine Ghost Town in Jerome, Arizona.  The Chihuahua spends most days enthroned in Don Robertson's abandoned race car, barking and snarling at the tourists.

 

Jerome, Arizona

10.12.2012



order here

 

Sweets Shop

"Home of Frozen Pickle Juice"

2505 Avenue G

Snyder, Texas

7.7.2013

sweet and sour

 

"Frozen Pickle Juice" is a treat I've never heard of -- nor one I wish to sample!  The Sweet Shop is a hamburger drive-in advertising "made the same way since 1954" without specifying which way that is.  The mailbox holds empty wine bottles -- that I would have ordered but didn't see on the menu.

 

Sweet Shop

2505 Avenue G

Snyder, Texas

7.7.2013

the ritz

 

The Ritz Theater, located on the square, has recently been renovated.  While no longer strictly a movie theater, it is a community gathering place.  It was a backdrop in 2001 for the George Strait movie "Grand Champion."  Not only did I miss the theater -- I don't even remember the movie!  If you're a fan of the Duke, the Ritz will host a John Wayne Fest over Labor Day.

 

The Ritz

1810 26th St
Snyder, Texas
7.7.2013

marks the spot

 

To Julie Andrews' list of favorite things, I would add doors.  This door is apropos on so many levels:  old building, corrugated tin, strong graphics, triangles and rectangles!  Evidently I'm not the only photographer fascinated by doors -- visit  the Legion of Door Whores for more portals.

 

2401 Avenue Q

Snyder, Texas

7.7.2013

July 7, 2013

29 cent gas - 10 cent coke

 

On a triangular lot on what was a previously busy highway, the 1935 Sinclair Station has been restored.   For those who have never known anything but "self pump," the station offers a glimpse into the past with the pumps, the wringer for the chamois (when was the last time your windshield was washed?), the flat-fixing machine.  Peek in the minuscule office to see the pay phone, the map rack, and the "free" glasses offered with a fill-up.

Sinclair Station
701 Coliseum Drive
Snyder, Texas
www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/36403

July 6, 2013

don't mess with texas

 

The Buddy Holly Center has joined the "Don't Mess with Texas" campaign by adding the trash can.  It's just down the wall from the geodetic marker placed by the U. S. Coast Guard in 1933.

Wonder which one attracts more attention?

 

Courtyard of the Buddy Holly Center (former Lubbock Railway Depot)

1801 Crickets Avenue

Lubbock, Texas

2010images.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html

.

July 5, 2013

art and overhead door

 

Often I don't get "modern art" however I am appreciative of strong graphics, blocks of color and shadows.  This gallery was once the shop for Central Fire Station.  Minimal renovations left the industrial aspect -- including the garage's overhead hoist.

 

Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts

511 Avenue K

Lubbock, Texas

July 4, 2013

let freedom ring

 

 The Washington Monument is an enduring symbol of America's freedom.  Its cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1848.  Each Memorial Days tens thousands of veterans convene in Washington for a motorcycle ride to commemorate the sacrifices for freedom.

 

Washington Monument

Washington, D.C.

Memorial Day 2005

July 3, 2013

hev e. load and the spin cycles

 

Connell's Laundromat is all washed up.  Even an attraction like Hev E. Load and the Spin Cycles didn't help.  Or maybe it was the 25 cent dryer loads that hung it out to dry.

 

Connell's Laundromat

Main Street in Denver City, Texas

6.22.2013

July 2, 2013

forgotten

On the Waterfront

Beaufort, North Carolina

6.27.2013

July 1, 2013

rent-a-bike

 

A popular way to see historic Beaufort is by bicycle. More masculine models than those pictured are available. Some even come with beer bottle holders!. Cycling in coastal heat and humidity was not for this West Texas gal -- I did my touring by boat.

Historic Waterfront

Beaufort, North Carolina

6.27.2013