Help Save A Drive-In!
This drive-in is in danger of being torn down for a Walmart. We drove past it this weekend while out taking pics and I found out about its plight in a search for more information on when it closed.
As far as I can tell, a bit of “trivia” I turned up is correct-this is the only drive in in the US with commercial rental space built into the base of the screen. There is a grass roots effort underway to save it. Even something as quick and easy as sending them an email to forward to the town and Walmart can help, by showing support and interest in saving this treasure. Drive ins across the country are going dark, this is a chance to save one from that fate. The site for the group trying to save it from the wrecking ball can be found here: http://members.bluefrog.com/ttroidl/
Drive-ins and classic cars go together as part of our culture. The loss of drive ins and decay of places like Route 66 just chips away at the automotive past…
If you can, write them a quick letter of support and spread the word. the more interest is shown, the more likely that this one place can be saved…
Aquarama Update
It’s with sad regret that I have to post this update. I’ve been quite busy this summer with my own business in addition to a regular job and other matters and missed the Aquarama’s departure from her mooring in Buffalo. After a drive down the waterfront revealed her empty berth, I jumped online and begain searching, hoping her fate would be different than the Canadiana. Unfortunatly, it’s only different in that she is now in a Turkish scrapyard, rather than a Canadian one. The information I have found shows she arrived at her final port October 4th, 2007. R.I.P. Aquarama.
Bicentennial Barn
The first of 12 barns to be painted with the Niagara country bicentennial logo, the 30-by-50-foot front half of the Sweeney barn dates to the 1840s. It currently houses a dairy herd-it’s a wonderful thing that the county chose a working farm for the first barn to be painted. As the painting is completed, we will be driving out to each barn to photograph it-it would be great if each barn chosen was still in use! We were a little disappointed that the logo being painted on the barns is really just the falls and doesn’t take into account the rest of the county’s heritage. Although Niagara Falls is certainly the most well known part of Niagara County, there are many other historic and interesting parts to is. At the south. there is North Tonawanda, once the largest lumber port in the world. It is bordered on it’s south end by the Erie Canal, and is home to the famous Herschell Carrousel factory. At the north of the county, there is Youngstown-home to the historic Old Fort Niagara, which dates back to the 1700’s. In between, there are many wonderful little towns like Wilson, Lewiston and Hartland-as well as acres of grapes, apples, peaches and other crops. If you’d like to bring some of this unique Niagara County heritage into your home or office, click on the photo above or follow this link to our Americana and Rustic Country section in our shop: http://www.cafepress.com/photographz/2633112.
Eternal Flame Falls
This unique and unusual photograph is of a natural phenomenon known as the Eternal Flame Falls. Located in Shale Creek Preserve in Orchard Park New York, this naturally occurring flame behind a waterfall is the result of a small natural gas leak. The day we visited the water was pretty low due to a dry spring, but the flame was high enough to touch the top of it’s cavern. It is about a 1 mile hike into the park and up the creek bed to get to the falls-but it’s well worth the walk to view this amazing site. We have heard that there are times the flame goes out, however it’s usually relit by a hiker with a match or lighter. There are several natural gas wells in the area, so it’s no surprise to find a leak or two that has reached the surface-it is rather unusual to find one behind a waterfall! If you’d like to add this unique sight to your home or office decor, click the photograph above or follow this link to the Scenic Photography section of our shop: .http://www.cafepress.com/photographz/2633138
Garden Cherub
This adorable little cherub was found relaxing in a garden filled with irises and chives. A traditional garden statue, cherubs can be found sharing space with gnomes and flowering plants in gardens everywhere. This little guy would make a great addition to any home or office-or a super gift for a hard to buy for gardener! You can take him home on framed prints, a mousepad or journal-even coasters and tote bags! To purchase any of our great products featuring this cute photograph, click the photo above or follow this link to our Garden Photography section in our shop: http://www.cafepress.com/photographz/2725638.
Another Barn
I have loved this farm for years-as a kid, we used to go fishing nearby, and I always looked forward to seeing this farm when we drove by. It’s on a nearly 90 degree bend in a road, so it makes a grand statement when you come around the corner! This is a working farm and bed and breakfast. It’s nice to see that some of the original barns and farms in western New York are still in use today! If you’d like to add this beautifully kept barn to your home or office decor, click on the photograph above or visit our Americana and Rustic Country section in our photography shop here: http://www.cafepress.com/photographz/2633112 .
Pink Shrub Rose
A nearly wild rose, this beautiful shrub rose is bursting with pink blooms! Shrub roses are found in landscapes everywhere as an easier care alternative to the more delicate varieties. They make a great hedgerow, or specimen plant in an English or Cottage style garden. These photographs make great gifts for rose or garden lovers, mom, a hostess, or beautiful accents to any home decor. Available on products from prints to mousepads and journals, this rose never needs water and won’t wilt! To purchase items featuring these pictures, either click on the photos above or follow this link to our Flower Photography section in our shop: http://www.cafepress.com/photographz/2688373 .
Niagara Falls at Night
The beautiful city of Niagara Falls looks even more striking at night. Lights from the various buildings create a fantastic skyline view for those on the American side of the falls. This photograph would make a great souvenir from a vacation to the falls, or just beautiful accent to an urban styled decor. Available on framed prints, mousepads and more, your sure to find the right item to suit your taste! To purchase products featuring this photograph, click on the photo above or follow this link to our Architecture & Urban Photography section in our shop: http://www.cafepress.com/photographz/2633153 .
Whirlpool State Park-Niagara Falls
Just beyond the tourist attractions of the city of Niagara Falls is a state park situated on the edge of the Niagara Gorge. Down river from the falls, the water here is a beautiful blue-green and the rapids and whirling eddies add frothy white to the top. You can take a set of stone steps down from the top to the water below-it’s a popular fishing spot for anglers. This isn’t a trip for the faint of heart (the steps have had some erosion issues through the years and some sets are set at an intersting angle) or the out of shape (there’s A LOT of steps!), but it’s well worth the climb. Once at the bottom, there are several stone picnic benches as well as a nice walking trail that winds along the river. If you’d like to bring home some of the beauty of the gorge, click on one of the pictures above (a flight of stone steps as well as a view of the beautiful blue water), or visit our scenic section in our shop for those and more here: http://www.cafepress.com/photographz/2633138 .
Niagara Whirlpool Jet Boats
The jet boat tours of the Niagara river rapids (below Niagara Falls) are a very popular attraction-for locals and out of towners alike. They have run for 15 years, with daily rides up the Niagara through the whitewater created by swirling water running down river from Niagara Falls. Those not interested in getting soaked now have an option of riding in an enclosed boat! There’s no doubt the scenery is beautiful as well. There is a growing debate on these boats however, as residents living along the river find the constant noise and wake disruptive and question it’s effect on wildlife and shoreline erosion. For now however, the boats will continue to run the river rapids, providing excitement for every one who’s brave enough to ride. If you’d like a great action shot of the boats in action, they are available on a variety of products in our shop here: http://www.cafepress.com/photographz/3061429 as well as some great souvenir items here: http://www.cafepress.com/photographz/2571294 - or, click on one of the photos above to be taken directly to items featuring that photograph.
