The closest town of any consequence is 15 miles from me. A small town by most standards with about 7000 population. It has my family doctor, several gas stations,a couple of decent grocery stores, several restaurants and of course a Walmart. The history of the town is what makes it unique. It was once a coal mining town but the mines were shut down years ago. It was once known as the Rose capital of the world. Back around the turn of the century it was deemed ideal for greenhouses because it seldom ever had hail in this area. At it's hight it had as many as 109 greenhouses and untold flower shops. Most of these greenhouses were as long as a city block. They specialized in roses and sold between 18 & 19 million roses a year. There are still several flower shops with their own small greenhouses but the last of the big ones was torn down several years ago. There is a truck stop on the outskirts of town that still bears the name the RoseBud and is a favored restaurant.
A few years ago the town had some murals painted to depict it's history. I think this is a lovely idea.
There was once a train station in town. This mural faces the old water tower, the only thing left of it. It's painted on the side of the Chinese restaurant.
The history of the coal mining. Notice the canary in the cage.
The flower beds and greenhouses.
The town Rose parade they used to have.
Taken with a Casio EX S880
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Comments: 69
Thanks for posting this to BEST ORIGINAL PHOTOS, ART AND WRITING FOR 2008.
Thanks for posting this to All Photo Essays Here!!
Hello Glitter Graphics
My grandpa was a coal miner, he has awards from JFK we cherish, gained from a not uncommon disastor and his saving of and attempts at saving co workers lives. Too many died, but he kept going back in until stopped. Died of black lung of course as well.
10 4 u
glitter-graphics.com
And the Murals taken is sheer love displayed !!!
Lexa
How nice!
wow History painted!
a wonderful photo essay! 10