northy challenged me to photograph a new beginning. This is both a new beginning, and an ending.
My parent's worked in and owned this building for seventy years. Here is where dad started his law practise, where mom worked by his side all those years (nothing left the office without mom's stamp of approval!), where my sisters and I ran up and down the halls when we were little, and where I came home to practise with my parents until I left to care for my growing family.
The building was home to a grocer, jeweler, veterinarian, optometrist, women's dress shop, Western clothing store, health clinic, flower shop, beautician, winery, photography studio, insurance agency, and, of course, the ever present law office. Across the street you can see a small park where my parents dedicated a bench in memory of my sister after she died. Dad was its heart, and with him gone the building slowly emptied and shut down. My time with it is ending.
But ... there is hope for a new beginning. I've sold the building to a wonderful couple who have so many plans. It may house a bakery, and an art studio. Perhaps a small cafe. They are excited and full of plans. First, though, it needs a lot of TLC to bring it up to code and breathe new life into its tired and worn interior.
I was surprised how sad this image makes me. Yet, I'm hopeful with new owners it will bring a spark of new life to a tired small down town main street and provide a happy space for many new ventures.
I love how you shot this out, looking at the bench dedicated to your sister. Whenever I see a photo of an old building, I wonder what stories it could tell. And here it came with a story. Hope the new owners are successful.
I feel for you but maybe once you see the new owners plans come to fruition it will breathe new life into your beloved building which would be much better than having to pull it down. You have captured the memories beautifully
Before I read the last part those thoughts were going through my mind. So very hard to part with the physical connection to the memories. What wonderful memories they were❤️
I love this. Love the history in it and the hope. It makes you really think, especially as you drive through old towns and whatnot - what kind of memories do each little building hold?
January 9th, 2024
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