Category Archives: Downtown
March 8
Not even these signs could brighten up the morning.
along A Avenue
Kearney, Nebraska
photographed 9.17.2011
February 26
The back of the Baker Hotel is just as run down as the front.
It used to be a glorious place, famous far and wide for the healing waters, but those days are long gone. Or, as the song “Mineral Wells” says:
There’d be no healing return to the past;
the fountain of youth had dried up.
– Tom Russell
Mineral Wells, Texas
photographed 8.15.2010
February 25
Boarded up church, somewhere along Main Street
Hale Center, Texas
photographed 2.23.2012
February 24
Dear Residents of Hale Center,
Yes. That was me you saw on Thursday afternoon, driving around downtown. I wasn’t there to case the joint, or to make fun of your quaint Texan customs. I wasn’t looking for a bathroom, or a liquor store.
I was there to take pictures. You probably don’t know this about me, but I am exceedingly fond of taking pictures of old buildings. I recognize the sadness inherent in their demise – and what it means for the future of Hale Center, or Earth, or Littlefield, and all the rest of our towns. But there’s just something I love about capturing a moment, just one moment, of their decline.
And so, yesterday, when I was in your town, I saw the way the light slanted down across that brick wall. And I thought it was lovely. And I drove around the block, just so I could take its picture.
I hope you like it.
Sincerely,
the photographer
Hale Center, Texas
One Day | One Image 