Saturday, July 26, 2008

Thematic Photographic 8: "Monochrome" v.4.0


"Wise Counsel"
Rochester, NY - August 2005 (Click to embiggen)

Thematic Photographic hosted by Carmi - Button Image by Smarmoofus Hosted by Written Inc.

"Bethlehem Steel"
Bethlehem, PA - November 2005 (Click to embiggen)

Thematic Photographic hosted by Carmi - Button Image by Smarmoofus Hosted by Written Inc.

"Carm's Cafe"
Oswego, NY - June 2006 (Click to embiggen)

Thematic Photographic hosted by Carmi - Button Image by Smarmoofus Hosted by Written Inc.

I'm thinking of going out hunting for some new material specifically for this if I can find the time to do it. For now though, I'm still working from film shots from the archives.

The first shot shows the wall on one side of the front door to the Rochester Public Library. As obvious as the science in this statement is, how often do we forget it?

Next up, since everyone seems to be so fond of my collection from Bethlehem, I thought I'd toss out a few more for you. I don't know enough about the steel business to tell you what used to go on in this building. I know enough about it to tell you what goes on there now though.

I'm not sure what prompted me to take the third shot, but the trip to Oswego was a detour on the way to my son's freshman orientation. It was a pilgrimage of sorts in a way. The Canes had just won the Stanley Cup a week or so earlier, and Oswego is Erik Cole's hometown. And since we were passing right by, it seemed only right to stop and see what Oswego was doing now that it's most famous son had brought home the biggest of prizes.


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6 comments:

Barbara said...

Bethlehem has such an important place in the industrial history of this country. I think that is why I love these photos so much. These old buildings might be quiet now, but it was the noise of production that was one their heart beat. Now they are still for a well-deserved rest. Thanks for the reminder that we owe a lot to the industrial pioneers, too.

Mojo said...

There's a melancholy kind of quiet in that part of the town. But the silence around the mill itself is almost unearthly. What's always surprised me is that (according to my research at least) Bethlehem Steel didn't shut down until 2003. These photos were taken only about two years later. I wouldn't have expected this degree of "decomposition" in that short a time. I suppose the decay probably began long before the final whistle sounded, but still...

Pam said...

the mill pic is 'lonely'.

i love all the photos...i love how carm's place has 'chance' in it.

smarmoofus said...

Go out photo hunting? You want to be like me! Weee!

I love the quote in your first picture. And talk of light and shadows seems so appropriate for the monochrome theme.

I'm sure you're right that the decomposition began long before those pictures were taken. That must be more than 2 years of decay.

Now I think I'll go out for some ice cream (without coffee, I think). You're welcome to join me. *heads to Carm's*

-smarmoofus

Mojo said...

@ciara: I think that was a thrift store or secondhand store upstairs from Carm's. I'm pretty sure the full name on the window was "Second Chance".

@smoofus: You inspired me, what can I say? I love your stuff. (Take it any way you want to. *wink*)

tiff said...

I do love the pictures of the abandoned buildings. Sad that they're not still in operation though.