Category: Architecture

With a last name like Dallas, it isn’t surprising that my dad’s nickname was “Tex”.  Add to that the fact that dad loved everything country & western.  He often wore a cowboy hat and boots, loved country music, especially George Strait, was always reading a western novel, and loved Clint Eastwood, who is known for starring in some pretty well-known western movies.  What a surprise for me to be photographing at Steel Stacks in Bethlehem, Pa. and see my dad’s name, “Tex”, right up there on a wall on the outside of one of the buildings!  I’m pretty sure that was my dad stopping by to say hello and let me know that he’s still with me all the time no matter where I go! 

 

One of the places I visited last weekend in search of Fall color was Eckley Miners’ Village in NE Pennsylvania.  Not much color in the leaves but there is always plenty to photograph in this tiny little historic spot.  It’s worth a visit any time of year.  At one time there were 2 streets, now only one, and over 1,000 residents.  Today only some of the homes are inhabited while others remain as historic landmarks. 

Last month after a snow I visited Eckley Miners Village near Hazleton, Pa. for a little outdoor photography.  This was my first ever visit to Eckley when there was snow on the ground.  The town is desolate to begin with, but even more so in winter.  Only when there are summer historic events does the town come alive with visitors and activity.  That is a good time to visit if you have never been to Eckley.  All of the historic buildings are open, guides are dressed in period clothing, and you will learn a lot about the history of this old mining village.  To see more images from my visit to Eckley, follow this link:
  http://www.betsydallasphoto.com/Eckley%20Jan%202011.html

This is the 3rd in my series of winter barn images taken about a month ago.  How can you resist a red barn and white snow?   I never seem to be here with my camera when the horses are out….hopefully someday!

Ahhh….my alma mater, Muhlenberg College.  What a beautiful campus with amazing architecture!  Most of the buildings have red doors as a sign of welcome and typical of the European/Protestant [Lutheran] heritage of the college.  The dome/bell tower is the focal point of the campus.  I spent many a happy day here and have some wonderful memories of interesting classes and inspiring professors.  It was at Muhlenberg that I learned to develop film in their darkroom.  It was a summer photography class and I loved most every aspect of it … except being in that tiny room, in total darkness, with a canister and a can opener.  I’ll never forget the time we were assigned to photograph motion, so I went to an amusement park and shot a roll or two of film.  Something went terribly wrong in the developing and the negatives were blank!!  I had to drive all the way back to the amusement park [1-1/2 hours each way], reshoot the assignment, go back to the college and develop and print the images all before the next class.   Aaaacckkkk!!   I still am thankful to have had the opportunity to learn to develop and print my own images in the darkroom!  Thank you Muhlenberg!!