What is it about abandoned, decaying buildings that I find so interesting! For as long as I can remember I would jump at the chance to explore any structure lacking a door and in danger of collapse. I drove past this old gas station a thousand times headed to or from work before finally going there early on weekend morning with camera in hand.
Imagine it the first year it existed, perhaps in the 1950's... They were truly "service" stations back then. "Check you oil, Sir?" This being Montgomery Alabama it would have been segregated, as was the city and as was life. Did housekeepers walk past it during the 1955 bus boycott? The building is only a few blocks from the church where the boycott decision was reached. Did Rosa herself come by? Notice the attention to detail in the brickwork! Even though it was a utilitarian structure, there was probably an architect involved. When did the decline start? Did the Interstates and the clustering of gas stations around them kill off traffic? Was the little building too small to handle the goods expected at a convenience store? There's a "for sale" sign on the property now. What could YOU do with such a place, in such a place?
Nice Photos Tim--glad to see you have a blog :0
ReplyDeleteChet
Nice brickwork. Don't see much of that any more.
ReplyDeleteI was talking with my husband just a few days ago about old service stations that actually serviced your car/truck when you pulled in. We pulled up to a service station and the pump said "Self-serve" (like they all do) and we wondered why because there do not seem to be anymore full-service stations around.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you blogging Tim!