Last year, I shared a picture of this sweet little old school just outside Frankfort. It was for sale at the time and I had stopped for a quick look.
If I had limitless funds I would transform it into a home.
Well, I’m too late. The last time I drove by late last year it was nothing but an empty yard. The for sale sign was gone and someone had demolished my little old school.
Time marches on, I suppose, but I sure was sad to see that another old building didn’t keep up with the pace.
Denver’s Union Station isn’t just a place you go to get somewhere else. It’s a destination unto itself.
The train station, in the city’s downtown, is over a century old and home to a hotel, shops and restaurants. Soaked in light streaming through enormous windows and decked out with fancy chandeliers, crown molding and antique art, this place is a fantastic reminder of the golden days of train travel.
Declining train travel had left this amazing building at risk and facing a wrecking ball less than a decade ago. Fortunately, a multi-million dollar restoration and revitalization project put the place back on track.
Get it? Train track? Hahaha…ahem.
Forgive me. I do like a good pun occasionally.
Anyway, I paid a quick visit to admire the space and imagine all the people who have made their way through this amazing terminal throughout the decades.
Another local icon, The Tattered Cover Bookstore has a small shop here so I popped in to buy something – my idea of payment for using the station’s public restroom.
The old ticket office is now a bar. While I don’t drink, I had to stop and admire their work. The adaptation was ingenious and well done.
During these Covid days when many of the businesses were closed or limiting occupancy, there were few people lingering to enjoy the historic vibe of the place. In fact, I seemed to be the only person even remotely interested in the soaring 65 foot ceilings or the spectacular Christmas decorations. Although, most commuters might not do that sort of thing anyway. Pity too because it really is an impressive place.
All the same. I really loved it there and fantasized about how fun it would be to hop on a train to somewhere near or far.
Most of all, I was completely taken with this sign.
There is a lot of outdoor seating but the city has a sizable homeless population and it seemed that several were hanging out in this space. I chose a near the door and experienced no problems but it is something to consider.
If you’re in Denver, stop by and check out Union Terminal. My new favorite bookstore is also in the neighborhood along with many other shops and restaurants.
This Presbyterian Church in Frankfort, Ohio is one of several interesting things I photographed in the village one summer morning last year.
It features some of my favorite things – including these beautiful doors.
And these gorgeous stained glass windows. Notice the angels are African American. That’s not something you see every day in southern Ohio. Aren’t they spectacular?
Churches often have the most stunning architectural features and works of art. I would love to see inside this one someday. People were gathering for a funeral across the street that day so I didn’t linger long but am contemplating returning for a service someday. The windows illuminated at night would be worth the trip.
I spent last evening at the movies, watching one of my favorite films on the big screen. A local historic theater hosted a screening of The Princess Bride for free and I just had to go. It is, after all, one of the most quotable movies of all time!
If you aren’t familiar, or if the line “as you wish” doesn’t ring any bells, please stop reading and immediately go watch the movie. Then come back and we’ll chat about how fabulous it is!
The Markay was on the brink of loss several years ago but an amazing group of people with the Southern Hills Arts Council rallied to bring it back to its present glorious state. The project was enormous. It was costly. It took years because they paid cash for the whole thing through donations, fundraisers and grants.
The thought of all they accomplished by rolling up their sleeves and diving in makes my heart swell with pride and hope for other historic structures that are in trouble.
I’ll tell you more of their story someday but, for now, here’s a couple of pictures from my fun evening there.
