The murals of Farish Street

Farish Street in Jackson

I took my photo buddy Robert Walker over for a tour of Jackson early Saturday morning. We started on Farish Street. The street is right across from the recently renovated King Edward Hotel. I  hope that renovation continues down Farish Street in the future. That's been talked about for years, however, but not much has happened so far. The building featured at top is right near the King Edward and I just love these shots. Trying to figure out a symbolism angle for the kudzu growing through the windows, but I haven't quite got it yet. Peaches Cafe had just opened for business for the day while we were down there and the Open sign was just a-flashing. And the Alamo is an iconic Jackson location and must be saved! Some folks at one time or the other tried to beautify the empty buildings along the street with murals, such as the one you see in the photos at top. I'll show some more of those next.

The moon at midday

My wife, Karen, and I were in Jackson Saturday. While riding down Capitol Street we looked up and saw the moon in the sky. It was around 1:30 p.m. I thought it was unusual to see the moon so well at that time of day, so I did the only thing I could think of — I took its picture!

Photos 1 and 2 are of the moon with the State Capitol dome in the foreground.

Photo 3 is of an American flag near the Governor's Mansion in the foreground.

Photo 4 is the Old Capitol Museum dome in the foreground.

Photo 5 is the American flag flying on the grounds of the State Capitol in the foreground.

I love when God throws little surprises like this into the sky! Look at the sky tonight. It is just about a full moon and will be glorious! Rain, you say? Maybe. Maybe not. The moon will still be behind the clouds in all its glory and the clouds may open just a wee bit to give us a peek at it! That's how I think!

Jackson signage

I can't explain why, but I just like old signs, especially old neon signs. I always look for unique signage in my travels and hit upon a motherlode in my recent treks to Jackson. The finest old neon sign I have seen in a long time is the Redwood Court sign on Terry Road. Right below the sign is the Jackson manhole cover which I thought would be pretty neat. It's sideways because my shadow would have been over the manhole if I had taken from in front. The pictured looked stupid when I rotated it, so I just left it as is.

The Crechales sign should bring back a lot of memories for folks for I think every couple in Mississippi has eaten there at one time or the other. I don't know how they can pack so many people in such a tiny space. But it is worth it. 

The First Baptist Church sign may not really be called a sign. It's etched across their original sanctuary that resides right across the street from the state Capitol. It's so ornate, it is nearly too hard to read!

And I have seen the Horace Slay corvette all my life. I don't know if that is the same car that has always been up there, but it sure catches your eye. Not much business on that end of State Street anymore, however.

The Bel Air shopping center sign is on Hwy. 80 between Ellis Avenue and Terry Road. The Sun-n-Sand in downtown Jackson was home to many a legislator for many a year. It's a rather bleak sight now with the chainlink fence up all the way around the hotel.

State Capitol: Part 2

Here are some more photos taken of the State Capitol on my last few visits to Jackson. I wonder what the lions on the side of the building represent. Maybe they will come alive and eat the lawmakers who can't make the tough decisions this states needs made!

State Capitol: Part I

I have been spending some time in Jackson and have enjoyed viewing the architecture of the State Capitol. It's an impressive building of which all Mississippians should be proud. These photos were taken while the sun was setting, thus the extra golden glow to the capitol building and eagle. 

Farish Street in Jackson

One of the preservation dreams for some Jackson folks is the revitalization of Farish Street. Here's hoping it happens.

Capitol Street in sepia: 2 of 2

I don't know the purpose of the running fire hydrant in the bottom photo. Besides me, that was the only other thing moving downtown when I took these photos. I have been shooting Farish Street and the State Capitol lately and will post some of them later on. 

I would have liked to have seen the Bon-Ton Cafe in its heyday. Bet it was a pretty place with plenty of character.  Sometimes I get tired of these restaurants nowadays that try to plaster their character on the walls and ceilings with old stuff, sports stuff, other stuff. Things on the wall don't give a place character, it's the people who work there, especially the owner. That's what's missing from most restaurants today. Gee, sepia pictures may make things look a little bit too gloomy. I got all melancholy all of a sudden!

Capitol Street in sepia: 1 of 2

I love how these photos appear in sepia tones. (That top photo is a keeper!) The nostalgicness of what that area used to be like is more easily visible in my head in these photos. I never visited this part of Jackson when it was a vibrant part of the city. But I can imagine what it used to be. I've already heard a couple of stories from people who remember the street in its heyday. Quite a place. One that is missed by all. When was the last time you went into a store and they knew your name? Have to think about it, I imagine.

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 Like I mentioned in a previous post, take a look at the fourth picture of the Cohen Bros. store. See the horizontal Cohen Bros. wording? A week after I shot this photo in January, about half that sign had disappeared. The Cohen part is now completely gone. I guess that is how it happens. Just a piece at a time disappears and before you know it, it's all gone. Then it's too late.

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And here is the sepia version of the tall building that is also available in black and white and color in posts below. Compare the three and let me know which one hits you the best.

Capitol Street in black and white: 3 of 3

This concludes the posts of black and white photos. You will notice that this last shot is identical to one I shot in color that was posted last week. Next week I will post a shot similar to this in sepia. Each is a powerful photo to me, so I did one of each. Let me know if you prefer one over the other.

The straight-on shot of the Bon-Ton Cafe is a good photo in black and white. It didn't do anything for me in color, just looked like an old building. But the black and white image makes the forlornness — if that is the right word — of the scene so much more real. It's a sad picture in black and white. Kind of tells what's happening to downtowns all across America.

Next week we will explore the street in sepia tones or as some would call it, "antique." To me, they are the best shots I have taken of this street and have had a hard time waiting this long to show them to you.

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Grab your own camera and go exploring this weekend! An added bonus by doing so is you can postpone that yardwork or housework for one more day! Those dusty baseboards or those yucky leaves will be there next week, but I can't say the same for that sunrise, sunset, flower, critter or whatnot that is waiting to be photographed! Enjoy God's Glory while you can!