(Photograph copyright 2011 by Dan Routh)
Neighbor Alvin Ward changes the oil in a car at his shop, Alvin’s Automotive, in Grays Chapel, North Carolina.
Friday Faces, Alvin’s Automotive
Author: danrouth
Greensboro, NC based commercial and editorial photographer.
Millboro, along the old Railroad Spur
I’m continuing my posting today with more architectural shots. Millboro is a community near my home in Grays Chapel, North Carolina that grew up on a spur line of the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad as a supply point for local textile mills. The railroad also provided access for rich Northerners to bring their private railroad cars for bird hunting in the 1920s at the Halliday Hunting Lodge. The shot above is of a wooden water tank used at the hunting lodge and the image below is of the old Millboro Store.
As I wander around Randolph County, I use a copy of a book, “Architectural History of Randolph County, N.C.” written by attorney and friend Mac Whatley. It is an extensive guide of the interesting and important buildings in the county. Unfortunately, Mac wrote the book in 1985 and as I search for many of the structures, I learn that more and more of them no longer exist. It’s amazing how fast these great pieces of architecture can disappear. I haven’t counted, but as many as half or more of the structures in the book are gone. In addition, the railroad line that once ran through Millboro is itself gone, having been torn up and removed several years ago.
(Photographs copyright 2011 by Dan Routh)
Wooden Silo
An old wooden silo stands sentinel near Julian, North Carolina. These farm structures were once relatively plentiful, but this particular one may be the very last standing in our community.
(Photographs copyright 2011 by Dan Routh)
In the Greenhouse
Cousin Thomas Routh works in his greenhouse on a warm afternoon last week in Grays Chapel, North Carolina. Thomas and his wife Lula Mae raise a large tract of vegetables they sell at the local farmer’s market. This year they are branching out into hanging flower baskets as well.
(Photographs copyright 2011 by Dan Routh)
Farm Truck in B&W
(Photograph copyright 2011 by Dan Routh)
Old Chevy farm truck in black and white. I’ve shot this scene several times, different light, different times of year.
Afternoon at Rising Meadow Farm
Seems like all it takes on a farm is a little warm weather and things start to get active. I stopped by my neighbors, Rising Meadow Farm in Grays Chapel, North Carolina on such a warm afternoon this week and found the sheep curious, a couple of early lambs about and farm owner Ron Fay out in the pasture doing a little dog training. I plan on going back next week for the annual shearing.
(Photographs copyright 2011 by Dan Routh)
Old License Plate
(Photograph copyright 2011 by Dan Routh)
Still-life from the car shed across the road.
Denim Shirt
(Photograph copyright 2011 by Dan Routh)
Women’s commercial casual fashion image.
Sit-In Counter
(Photograph copyright 2011 by Dan Routh)
One year ago today, the International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro, North Carolina opened its doors. Located in the old Woolworth building in downtown Greensboro, it is the site where four students from North Carolina A&T University began a historic sit-in at the lunch counter on Feb. 1, 1960 and helped ignite the Civil Rights Movement in this country. If you’re in town, plan a visit to the museum.
Gumballs
(Photograph copyright 2011 by Dan Routh)
This weekend was pleasantly warm and a walk outside was in order. It’s the end of January though, so things are still pretty brown as seen in this still life of gum tree balls and leaves.
