Whimsical Windows - Old style and spirit

Toby hosts the fun architectural meme Whimsical Windows/Delirious Doors where we look at portals and such of interest. Readers know of my fascination with my family over the decades since I inherited in 1981 the box full of family pictures taken by my grandfather.

As I continue to scan the old B&W prints, I often have to make a guess at where/when they were taken...I think this would be in 1941 as this may have been a 25th anniversary (from 1916). That would be my father at 13 in the steel town of Weirton WV, 32 miles/51 kM west of Pittsburgh. The building behind looks like a typical structure built in the early part of last century, if not earlier. Any guess may explain the mystery...or maybe not!

Shadow Shot Sunday - Driveway meandering

Shadow Shot Sunday 2 is back this week - and simple summer shadows were jumping at me with camera in hand...who can resist? The weather has been strange up here with lots of humidity and lots of rain with bold sunny hints on occasion - such as on Thursday where the electrical contractor attaching the wiring on a new utility pole in our yard - and the electricity was wisely shut off. With no lights or computer inside, like kids our playground was moved outside. The flowers, mulberry tree and ramp had shadows both amorphous and well defined which adds another dimension to the usual and ordinary...see more of the shadowy world at SSS2

Ruby Tuesday - Educational rubies ca. 1900

Trap Fall School, built in 1872

The school bus of its day - who needs windows?

Ruby Tuesday 2 is back, and its rules simple: a lot or a little red. For me today, it falling into the 'little' category. Both views were taken at the father's Day car show at the Shelton (CT) History Center with cool items on its grounds. On top is the (1872) one-room Trap Fall schoolhouse, in use until 1911 or so, and moved to its current location in 1971.The bit of red is of course, the brick chimney...the second set of rubies are found on the wheels of this Carryall, the school bus of its day transporting students to school. It seems primitive to our modern eyes - but quite up to date in its day...Happy RT2

Whimsical Windows - Historical presence

1762

1913

Toby hosts the fun architectural meme Whimsical Windows/Delirious Doors where we look for doors and windows of interest and/or whimsy...our daughter Allegra has a great interest in history, and participates as a docent in two local historical societies in two different eras: to the left, it is for the Derby Historical Society at the 1698 Humphreys House - dressed for the year 1762. On the right, it is for the Shelton (CT) History Center at the 1822 Brownson house where she is in the year 1913 - two different eras are showcased not by just the attire, but also by portals from long ago. History is ignored by most - happily though she helps to maintain a love of the past...

Shadow Shot Sunday - Plush Packard Panama

Shadow Shot Sunday 2 returns, and a subject such as an old car may be passé to some…obviously not to me! Last Sunday was Father’s Day and the car show and open house at the Shelton History Center.

It was not Just the chrome and size of this 1955 Packard Clipper Super Panama captured my attention, it was the color that brought me over. Not pink, nor mauve, I think it is a dusty rose. Under the slightly overcast gray humid sky and shadows, here it is a rich and understated hue, not at all garish.

Of course today one will not get colors like this and certainly not in two-tone. Nor interesting touches like the ships wheel emblem (for a Clipper ship). However as art, the overstyled and colorful cars were artistic rolling sculptures then…and now