The other day, I got to do something I haven't been able to do in quite awhile. An early morning, what I call, a "drive-by photo-shoot." I drive around, on the lookout for something unique, and take a quick picture. Sometimes I don't even get out of the car!
I had a full tank of gas, my Canon, a Starbucks Venti Chai Latte, my Byrna (just in case) and my Khaleesi along for the ride (and extra protection; she definitely doesn't like strangers approaching the car!)
I feel like I've photographed most everything interesting in this area, so I headed south to a small town that I haven't tried yet. I really had to scrape and scrounge, but I think I got some neat shots.
At first, it didn't look promising, but I've learned that if you look hard enough, you're bound to see something old and interesting. And if it's just old and run-down, I can make it look interesting with the right angles and some creative editing.
"Liminal Spaces" photography is popular right now. Not sure if the next five qualify, but I gave it a go.
I did a couple angles of the above building. Check out the graffiti in the close-up!
Yay! Rusty pickup trucks are always a fun model for me.
The next building is my favorite because I stumbled on it quite by accident. I made a left off Main St. intending to circle the block and head out of town. Another left, and I saw a wonderful stone building, pretty much intact. When I drove past the front, I saw what it was - a National Guard Armory from 1936. This building has been standing for 90 years!
I can't help but wonder why an armory was built in this tiny town in the boondocks of Oklahoma.
Well, just a quick internet search and I found the answer.
Construction of the Haskell Armory was the first major WPA project within the community. It provided wages from some 71,000 man-hours of labor that were infused into the local economy in an attempt to buffer it from the ill effects of the depression and enabled unemployed, destitute workers to provide for their families. It also provided the city with the opportunity to engage young men in military training and preparedness during World War II. Architecturally, the building is unique within the Haskell region in terms of type, style, scale, materials, and workmanship.
This rectangular shaped (141′ x 120′) structure is made of cut, coursed, and rusticated native stone of buff colors laid randomly. The roof is flat over the garage section, while over the central drill floor unit it is arched. Parapets capped with oversized cut stones are associated with both. The front entry is framed by side walls as well as pilasters and a cornice that extend above the roof line. There are also pilasters at each corner. Elongated windows with cut stone sills are metal encased, above which on the front is decorative red brick work. Four vehicle entries are on the south side. Source: The History Exchange / New Dead Admin
Not sure what happened to the police station, but, like I said, if you look with an artsy, curious eye, you'll always find something worth noticing.
The date on this church building is 1907.
Below - what is this the "Great Seal..." of? A patriotic raccoon? Help me out, somebody.
Love these murals! A fitting way to wrap up tonight's blog.
