Thebes Courthouse - Thebes, Illinois | Landmark Landing

 

Thebes Courthouse, taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog! Today I bring you to the "Little Egypt" area of Southern Illinois, to share with you a place that I only learned of thanks to a small roadside sign. Sitting proudly on a hill overlooking the Mississippi River, is the Thebes Courthouse in Thebes, Alexander County, Illinois. I travel through this area occasionally, and I noticed some time ago, the small sign that reads "Thebes Courthouse" along with an arrow, on the side of Illinois Highway 3. This always confused me, as I knew the county seat of Alexander County is Cairo. I decided to do some research, and realized this is a place I must see. When my mother and I were traveling to Tennessee in 2023, I pointed out the sign to her as we passed and mentioned that I'd like to visit. Without hesitation she made a right turn into the small village of Thebes. After navigating a few winding streets and following the occasional signs, we reached the impressive structure. The road and parking is in the rear of the courthouse, but the breathtaking view comes when you make the walk to the front.

Rear of Thebes Courthouse, taken by Jennie Moore

    

Since 1860, Cairo, Alexander County's only city, has been the county seat. However it was not the first, not the second, not even the third, but the fourth county seat that Alexander County has had since its creation. Alexander County was formed in 1819, and originally included what we know today as Pulaski County. There, a small town called "America" in the spirit of patriotism, was selected to be the county seat the same year. America would serve as the county seat until 1833, when it was decided that the county seat should instead be the newly founded and promising community of Unity. Unity residents had a courthouse built for $270, and the town prospered for nearly a decade. Unfortunately, in 1842, a fire consumed the Unity Courthouse and it's precious documents inside. It's approximate location was 37º08'59"N89º16'22"W. In 1845, it was decided once again to move the county seat, this time, to the riverside village of Thebes.

Thebes Courthouse, taken by Jennie Moore

    Settled in the early 19th century, Thebes, Illinois quickly became an important steamboat port due to its prime location on the Mississippi River, and the river's deep waters in this area. Plans began on the Thebes Courthouse in 1845, with Thebes being officially designated as the Alexander County seat in 1846. In 1848, construction on the courthouse is complete, and it is a standout structure. The style is Southern Greek Revival, (a personal favorite) and the architect is L.L. Lightner. The contractor is Henry Ernst Barkhausen, who built the courthouse for $4,400. Its walls are made of sandstone, and its large pillars leave a bold first impression on those arriving on the river. This courthouse has been touched by greatness, with visitors such as Abraham Lincoln during his time as a frontier lawyer. Other reports tell of Dred Scott, an enslaved man and history making black rights activist, being imprisoned in the Thebes Courthouse dungeon. If only these walls could talk.

Dyer Cabin, taken by Jennie Moore

    Also on the Thebes Courthouse grounds, is this quaint historic cabin. This cabin originally sat on Pigeon Roost Road in Thebes, and was built sometime around 1880 by William and Nancy Dyer. William and Nancy's great grandchild just so happens to be a member of the Thebes Historical Society! When given the opportunity to preserve the cabin, the answer had to be yes. The cabin was carefully dismantled, moved, and reconstructed piece by piece at its present day home overlooking the mighty Mississippi. This was made possible by the love and passion of the people of Thebes. Many volunteered, and the project has been a great success. The society says the cabin is intended to be a tool for education, and I think that is wonderful. Projects like these are made possible mainly through donations. If you would like to donate to the Thebes Historical Society, you can mail donations, made out to Thebes Historical Society, to this address: 26086 Rock Springs Rd., Thebes, IL 62990. 

Myself in front of the Thebes Bridge, taken by my mom.

    Another historic structure that can be admired from the courthouse grounds is the Thebes Bridge. Thebes Bridge is a railroad trestle, a five span cantilever truss bridge, to be exact. The bridge spans across the Mississippi River, connecting the small community of Illmo, Missouri to Thebes, Illinois. Opened in 1905, Thebes Bridge has been carrying vital rail traffic over the rushing waters for more than a century. Just as Thebes was an important steamboat port, Thebes was also a notable railroad hub, even for years after it's title of county seat was stripped away. Prior to the bridge's construction, rail cars had to be taken by ferry over the river, a huge slow down for the railroad. Thebes Bridge was a game changer. It is 3,910 feet in length, and at the time of construction, was the only railroad bridge across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri to Memphis, Tennessee. 

    If you ever find yourself cruising on Illinois Highway 3, take the extra time to stop and visit this small village with deep history. Although population has heavily declined in Thebes, there is a strong sense of community among those who want to preserve their history. Today the Thebes Courthouse serves as the Thebes Historical Society HQ, and a museum. Places like Thebes deserve to be cared about, and now you and I can do just that! Thank you for reading, as always.

1904 Red Bridge - Potosi, Missouri | Landmark Landing

 

1904 Red Bridge in Potosi, Missouri taken by Jennie Moore

    

    Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog! Today I want to share with you a quaint and charming landmark Walter and I stumbled upon some time ago. Potosi, Missouri is deeply rich in history, and I admire the historic preservation measures taken in the city. Potosi is filled with elaborate historic homes, classic brick storefronts, and a noble courthouse. Among its many points of interest, is this little red bridge, which is initially easy to miss. 

    Constructed in 1904, this bridge is a pin connected, three panel, half-hip Pratt pony truss design. Originally built for horse and wagon use, the bridge was accompanied by a wooden deck, which was common for the time. Built by Stupp Brothers Bridge and Iron Co. St. Louis, MO, the bid price for construction was about $775, which would be split and paid by the city of Potosi and Washington County. Amazingly, Stupp Brothers is still in business today, and is run by the 6th generation of the founding family.

1904 Red Bridge in Potosi, Missouri taken by Jennie Moore

    

    In 1968, the bridge's wooden deck would be replaced with concrete, presumably to better accommodate motor vehicles. In 2014, a walkway accompanied by a curb and safety rail were added to the bridge, making it safer for pedestrians to cross. The historical marker on the bridge (pictured above) was erected thanks to the Mine-au-Benton historical society. I am unsure who chose the iconic red color for the bridge, or how long it has been sporting it, but I believe it suits it well. I can almost hear the sounds of the horse's hooves clacking across the former planks, guiding their owners across Mine A Breton creek all those years ago. 

    This year (2024), the bridge will reach its 120th birthday, a feat that many historic bridges do not get to see. If you are in the Potosi area and are a fan of industrial era history, I recommend paying this little red bridge a visit. It is located on S Missouri Street, just behind the business district on the main drag through town. Thank you for reading and I hope you learned something new! If you know of any other historic bridges I need to visit, leave a comment or send me an email!

Bonne Terre, Missouri | Historic Depots

 

Bonne Terre Depot, taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello all and welcome! Today we are going to be looking at our 2nd historic railroad depot on the blog, that being one in Bonne Terre, Missouri. Off the bat, I will tell you that this is one of the most beautiful depots in southeast Missouri, and the most ornate depot I have seen in person. This structure is a gem in its community, and is one of the best examples of Bonne Terre's array of Victorian/Edwardian architecture. Built in 1909 by the Mississippi River and Bonne Terre Railway, (I'll share more on that topic in future posts) it consists of two and a half stories, and boasts a mix of the Queen Anne and Stick style.

Car and Caboose beside Depot, taken by Jennie Moore

    The Mississippi River and Bonne Terre Railway inaugurated their first portion of rail line in 1890, which ran from Bonne Terre to Riverside in Jefferson County. This was a time when mining in the area was in its prime, so a reliable rail route was a necessity to continue industrial growth. A depot was built in Bonne Terre in 1898, but it would be lost to fire. Its replacement would not be taken lightly, as elaborate plans for the present depot began. At its peak, the Bonne Terre Depot would see up to twelve trains per day. Activity would continue, until the 1950s when owner's St. Joseph Lead Co. moved operations westward. This would leave the once bustling station abandoned for over 30 years, despite being placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

Bonne Terre Depot when abandoned, unknown photographer, reach out for credit

    This was until Doug and Catherine Goergens purchased the Bonne Terre Depot in 1989, with the intentions to restore it. With demolition diverted, new life would breathe into the historic landmark. The first floor would be turned into an English style pub, known as the Whistle Stop Saloon (which is open for certain events) along with an event space. Upstairs, you can find suites, as the Depot also serves as a Bed & Breakfast. Bonne Terre is a prime location for scuba divers, as the Bonne Terre Mines is home to one of the largest underground lakes in the world. Divers need a local place to stay, and the Depot is great for just that, especially because the Depot and Bonne Terre Mines are operated by the same people.

Depot photo taken by Cletus H. Faircloth in the 1950s, courtesy of Dennis Faircloth

    The photo above was taken by the late Cletus H. Faircloth around the 1950s, which I was generously given permission to use in this article by his son, Dennis Faircloth. Dennis is knowledgeable about the Mississippi and Bonne Terre Railway, and he is kind enough to speak with me in the future for my deep dive on the rail line, and allow me to show you more photos that his father had taken. Thank you Dennis for your help, and let us all remember his father who's photos and stories will aid us in preserving local history.

Bonne Terre Depot Antique Postcard

    

    Over the past 115 years, the Bonne Terre Depot has seen its fair share of imports, exports, and passengers. It was an architectural feat of its time, and is still one the most beautiful buildings in the area today. The construction of this railroad and Depot further elevated the booming local mining industry, and brought numerous jobs to St. Francois and Jefferson Counties in a time of expansion. We have the owners of the Depot to thank for its preservation, and I'll have to agree that this building is far too important to be lost to time. Thank you all for reading and I hope you learned something new. If you have any memories of the Bonne Terre Depot to share, leave a comment!

 

Bufordville, Missouri Antique Shop | Small Business Sunday

 

Antique Store in Burfordville, Missouri taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog. Today I want to share with you a neat shop that my father and I went to a few months ago. Many drive right past the small community of Bufordville, Missouri each day. Though history and nature lovers alike may know this village for it's historic Bollinger Mill and covered bridge (you can read my article on those by clicking here.) Just across the street from the landmark sits this quaint, colorful antique store. It had been closed during my previous visits to the mill, but this day was my lucky one.

"The Little Blue Free Library" on front porch taken by Jennie Moore

    

    The front porch alone boasts an array of interesting pieces, luring the curious minds inside. My favorite would have to be the "Little Blue Free Library". I love the concept of these libraries, as it is a way to encourage reading to any community with no cost needed, just the generosity of book donations. Upon entering, we were greeted by a warm hello from friendly gentlemen, and a soft spoken lady. I couldn't help but feel as if I had known this duo for years, although that surely wasn't the case.

"Antiques" Sign on side of building taken by Jennie Moore

    The building itself I would estimate dates from the mid to late 1800s, being covered in wooden siding accompanied by wavy glass in the windows. In the rear, the wooden floor boards bow where flood waters have repeatedly tested the structure's integrity. Though it still stands, telling the stories of years ago. I wonder how many people have walked in and out of the same doors, roaming the same routes that I myself would take through the winding antiques. 

Nuts from the neighboring covered bridge, taken by Jennie Moore

    While browsing, I came across these nuts on display that once were home to the Bufordville covered bridge, which itself dates to 1858. These were much larger than any I had seen before, definitely not something you will find at your local hardware store. I always enjoy learning about America's historical building methods, as the craftsmanship and talent required to make these engineering feats are nothing short of impressive in a time before power tools and electronics.  

Vintage vinyl section in store, taken by Jennie Moore

    As an avid vintage shopper, I always enjoy flipping through the albums in any store. I must say that this collection was the best I had ever seen in a secondhand shop. Perfectly curated from soft to psychedelic rock from the 1960s to 1980s, I could've taken them all home. The gentlemen at the counter came over, and we began to chat about music and our favorite artists. We had much in common in that department, and I could've spent the day listening to what he had to say about each album.

Front porch of store, taken by Jennie Moore

    If you are ever in the area, rather just passing by or paying a visit to the bridge and mill, I recommend taking the time to stop and look around. It is a little slice of heaven for a vintage collector and music lover, run by the kind of people that strike you like a breath of fresh air. I always treasure my conversations with strangers, especially those as kind as these. I see the beauty in humans among these people, a reminder we all need at times. If you stop in, let me know what you found! Thank you for reading, as always.

Ullin, Illinois | Historic Depots

 

Historic Depot and Caboose in Ullin, IL taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello all, and welcome to a new series on the blog where we will cover one of America's most recognizable relics, the railroad depot. With thousands scattered across the country, the railroad depot has become a symbol of American life, tradition, and progress. Found in the smallest of villages to the largest of cities, the architecture and design of these buildings are a stand out within their communities. The first depot we will cover in this series, I came across by chance when traveling back from Paducah, Kentucky. While making our way through southern Illinois, we passed through the village of Ullin, and to my surprise saw this beautifully restored depot and caboose. Needless to say, I asked Walter to pull over.

    Ullin was first established around 1854, when the Illinois Central Railroad laid their line through the area. An original depot was built in 1854, but no longer exists. Another would be built in 1863, though it would meet the same fate as the first. The location of these former structures is approximately where the parking area for the current depot is today. The current depot was constructed in 1897, and provided both freight and passenger service. Ullin was a prominent exporter of limestone, lumber, and produce in it's day. After the great Chicago fire on October 8-10, 1871, lumber was sent from Ullin to help rebuilt the city of Chicago. Also among the depot's purposes, it served as a telegraph station.

    It is somewhat common to hear of historic buildings being moved to another location to be preserved, but have you heard of such buildings being moved back to its original location years later? I had not, until I began researching the Ullin Depot. After the discontinuation of passenger and freight service in Ullin, the Illinois Central Railroad sold the depot to Wilborn Goines sometime around 1970. In 1972, Mr. Goines would sell the depot to William Bruchhauser, who owned Ullin's Phoenix Flour Mill. Bruchhauser had the depot moved to the mill site, where it was used as a warehouse. After a devastating fire at the mill in 1979, William Bruchhauser relocated his business, and with the depot being deemed too expensive to move, it was left behind.

Historic Depot and Caboose in Ullin, IL taken by Jennie Moore

    An important note is that the Phoenix Flour Mill was located near the railroad tracks, and when the depot was relocated, it was placed on Illinois Central Railroad's property that was being leased to William Bruchhauser. Therefore when the depot was abandoned and the lease ran out, ownership of the building returned to the Illinois Central Railroad. After some time, I.C.R.R. shared their plans to demolish the structure, which quickly received pushback by the Ullin Village Board and the Ullin Civic Club. I.C.R.R. responded to the villages concerns with an offer, one month to move the depot, or it would be destroyed. Amazingly, the village came together, and made a miracle happen. The Village of Ullin was able to purchase the trackside former location of the depot, and soon, the building was on the move. On December 3rd, 1997, 100 years after its construction, Ullin's depot would be taken back home to its original site for restoration. 

    The same year, the city of Ullin would pass an ordinance to protect the depot, and acknowledge it as a community landmark. In 2012, the depot would also become Ullin's library, and village hall. This small structure has had quite the journey over the years, and is still adding to its resume of purposes. I love a story in which a community comes together to save what is theirs, and Ullin is a beautiful example of that. For a deep dive on the Ullin Depot, including much more information and several photos, I recommend reading this great piece by Historic Structures, by clicking here. Thank you all for reading, and I hope you enjoy this series as much as I do!

Catherine Place House | Abandoned

 

Catherine Place, Missouri taken by Jennie Moore

     This humble home has sat proudly in it’s spot along northbound Highway 67 for years, greeting motorists to the quaint community of Catherine Place, Missouri. For all of my life, it has mostly remained the same, with few changes ever taking place. It has also appeared to be empty for as long as I can recall, with no family filling these walls. However, the house has stood the test of time, with little visible decay. This was until October 24th, 2021. 

     That grim Sunday night, multiple tornadoes ripped through the area, including an EF-3 that struck Catherine Place, Fredericktown, Junction City, and more. The damage was extreme, like nothing I had ever seen. Catherine Place had been destroyed. Homes and businesses were swept away, and shredded debris filled the trees. My mind went to the little white house that I had admired on every drive into town growing up. I had accepted that it’s time had finally come. 

     The following day my father and I went into the area to deliver care baskets to the tornado victims. As we crested the hill into Catherine Place, I was met with a sickening feeling, as I saw the damage in the daylight for the first time. Though the dread was soon interrupted by a realization. Among the rubble, stood the little white house. It seemed bigger when there were no other buildings to compare it to. It had been beaten and battered, but standing as straight as ever. The white siding had been peeled off in places to reveal the older siding underneath, telling more of the house’s story. I don’t truly understand how the home survived, considering the damage in all directions, but I would like to think it is a  metaphorical reminder for us, a glimmer of hope. 

     The photo you see of the house was taken on May 6th, 2023. It still wears the scars of the tornado, as the community rebuilds around it. I regret not taking more photos over the years, but I’m glad to have finally taken this one. I would like to see life in this home someday, like there once was. I would also like to ask the builder what the secret is to building such a strong house. If you know any information on this place, feel free to comment, message, or email! I would love to hear it. 

Lakeforest Mall - Gaithersburg, Maryland | Abandoned

     

Lakeforest Mall, taken by Jennie Moore

     Today’s blog post is a bit different than usual, but exhibits an interest of mine that I have had for a long time. Abandoned retail is a niche but passionate community that I stumbled upon several years ago. Something about the fallen empires of the modern world is alluring, yet haunting. My favorite content on the subject is created by Jake Williams (Bright Sun Films) and Dan Bell (This is Dan Bell) on YouTube. I highly reccomend you check them out. 

Lakeforest Mall, taken by Jennie Moore

     I visited Lakeforest Mall on my 8th grade field trip to Washington D.C. It was around that time that my eye for dated architecture began developing, giving me some new found inspiration for my photos. The photos I took, at age 14, are the ones you see in this post. Although they are far from professional, they are still some of my favorites in my portfolio solely because of the subject matter. 

Lakeforest Mall, taken by Jennie Moore

     Lakeforest Mall was built in 1978, at the height of the American mall boom. It was wildly successful, as most were at the time. People flocked from all over to the trendy stores and flashy food court. The facility became a local staple, continuing to grow throughout the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. This trend was steady, until the arrival of the 2010s, when the mall began to see a change. This change, is known as online shopping. The wide variety along with availability that could once only be found in a mall, had come to the people’s fingertips. 

Lakeforest Mall, taken by Jennie Moore

     In 2012, the mall was valued at $100 million dollars. This would ultimately be the last hoorah for Lakeforest. In the following years, all four anchor stores would leave the mall, along with their smaller counterparts. Lakeforest was sold for $19.1 million dollars in 2017, a minuscule amount compared to just five years earlier. I visited the mall in 2016, and I remember it’s quiet, echoey wings were far from active. 

Lakeforest Mall, taken by Jennie Moore

     Lakeforest Mall’s final day in business was March 31st, 2023. It was open 44 years. It is set to be demolished in 2024. I wanted to share my photos of Lakeforest, to forever capture it in time. They are my first photos in the genre, and ignited my interest in liminal spaces. I hope you find these interesting and inspiring like I have. 

Patti’s 1880s Settlement | Landmark Landing

     

     At the time I’m writing this post, my mother and I are traveling. We’re making our way through western Kentucky, bound for Tennessee. Our appetites were growing, and she had made a suggestion of where we should stop to eat. She recalled a place she had eaten once before, called Patti’s 1880s Settlement. Just from the name, of course I was interested. 

     This restaurant is completely 1880s themed, even down to the clothing of the employees. The entrance features a fair sized gift shop, full of decor, knickknacks, and souvenirs. We were seated after a short wait, (and after I had purchased a magnet for my already overcrowded refrigerator door) and greeted by the kindest staff. 

     Imagine my surprise when the waitress brought to the table a terracotta flower pot with fresh homemade bread flowing out of it. She placed a small cup on the table, filled with their specialty, strawberry butter. I’ll admit I was skeptical, but now I insist that you all try it. The sweet and savory combination is to die for. Both my mother and I both ordered seafood, and we both agree it was fabulous. 

     If you are ever near Grand Rivers, Kentucky, I highly recommend stopping by Patti’s 1880s Settlement. Not only a great eatery, but it is surrounded by a quaint, charming village. If you ever visit, let me know what you think! 

An Impromptu Trip to Arkansas | Landmark Landing

     

Abandoned House, Calico Rock, Arkansas, taken by Jennie Moore

     Sometimes the best things in life are unplanned, or so they say. After my first “on a whim” trip in February, I think I agree. I’ve always been a fiend for travel, even to, or especially to, typically bypassed areas. I am just as eager to road-trip on two lane roads through rural, small town America, as I am to see sprawling cities. The lesser known, the under documented, the elusive, is what entices me. 

Jon’s New Thunderbird, taken by Jennie Moore

     So when a close friend, Jon, asked my partner Walter & I to take a two day, one night trip to rural Arkansas to pick up one of his dream project cars, (a round of applause for the Thunderbird) I couldn’t resist. I couldn’t help but think of all of the sightseeing I could do, made even better by the presence of my loved ones. 

The Dogwood Motel, Mountain View, Arkansas, taken by Jennie Moore

     We left on a Friday night, stopping for pancakes and spontaneously being questioned by the police. An omen for a good trip, I’d say. We drove through the night, long highway straights led us across the state line. From there, Jon guided us along the curviest roads we had ever been on. The second segment of the trip felt much like a rollercoaster ride, and I would like to give major prop’s to the manufacturer of our breaks. We arrived at our motel, a family owned mid-century modern place called the Dogwood Motel. I can’t lie, I loved it. 

Calico Rock, Arkansas, taken by Jennie Moore

     We woke up in Mountain View, Arkansas to a cool, crisp morning. We headed out early and grabbed some breakfast pizza on the way to the seller’s home. The seller was a kind man, and even welcomed us to see his personal project, a shiny red Nova. We loaded the precious cargo onto the trailer, and set off for home. 

Poster in our motel room, taken by Jennie Moore

     Although this trip seemed short, the amount of things you can see in 24 hours is incredible. Communities like Salem, Oxford, and Onia have so much to offer if one wants to look. Mountain View is a beautiful town, and even claims itself as the Folk Music Capital of the world. A unique quality of the city is just how many of its buildings are constructed with local rock, giving a uniform aesthetic to its streets. 

     From chatting with locals, to admiring the architecture along the way, I loved every second of our trip. I hope to find more opportunities to travel and document these hidden gems even further. I did strike gold on one location this time, so expect an article on that soon! Thank you for coming along with me. 

Easter Lilies and Their Secrets

Knob Lick, Missouri, taken by Jennie Moore

     Friends, today I want to share with you one of my favorite things about the spring season. Although Easter Lilies are beautiful in their own right, what I love most about them is the history they hold. It may seem silly to say that flowers can talk, but I assure you it’s true. 

Homan St., Knob Lick, Missouri, taken by Jennie Moore

     Growing up in a former boom town, I quickly learned that a lot of people have passed through our small community over the past two centuries. I wondered about those people, and where they laid their heads at night. I was probably only four or five years old when my father told me I could find that answer in the flowers. He explained to me that the way my mother planted all kinds around our house, is something those people had done too. He led me to the southeast corner of our property, where Easter Lilies had sprouted in a perfect square, outlining where a small house had once sat. 

Plummer Rd, Knob Lick, Missouri, taken by Jennie Moore

     Since then, I look for shapes, lines, and angles in the spring flora every year, looking for the next piece of the forgotten puzzle. I find many of these shapes in our humble town of Knob Lick, Missouri. The photos I share with you today are from a walk I had taken earlier this week. To my neighbors, I’m sorry if me taking pictures of nothing was startling. I plan to match these photos with their former structures and add it to an interactive map project I am working on for the Knob Lick Historical Society. Click here to follow our page for updates! 

Plummer Rd, Knob Lick, Missouri, taken by Jennie Moore

     Next time you see Easter Lilies off on their own, remember the mother like mine who had planted them all those years ago. Time goes on, but the small joys of being a human never change. Maybe someday your Lillies will tell your story to a curious soul. 

Rivermines IGA | When It Stood

 

Rivermines IGA, taken by Jennie Moore December 2018

        In small town America, places like your local grocery store are so much more than the items they sell. They became a place to socialize, hang out, or find your favorite treat. A great example of this is Rivermines IGA, in the once bustling town of Rivermines, now within the city limits of Park Hills, Missouri. My father, Gary Moore, recalls fond memories of visiting the IGA as a child.

        Gary, his mother, and his siblings were from North St. Louis, a place of hustle and bustle. They took a leap of faith and moved to what is now Park Hills, in 1967. This was a change of scenery for the bunch, and somewhat of a culture shock. My father expressed to me that he quickly fell in love with how small town folk took such pleasure in the most mundane of tasks. Grocery shopping was not a burden, but an opportunity leave the house, visit with friends, and try something new. What was once viewed as a drag, became a highlight of one's day.

        Although I was unable to find an exact build date, my father recalls riding bicycles with friends and siblings to Rivermines IGA from the time they moved to the area, and well into the 1970s. The ride from their home in Elvins was a treat, one enjoyed as often as possible. "Mom got her hair done at the beauty shop near the IGA, and we would go into the store while we waited on her." he said. He recalls the staff as being "very friendly", always wearing a smile on their faces. "You couldn't leave without seeing someone you knew." he continued.

1977 Rivermines IGA Advertisement, courtesy of The Daily Journal

        At the time, IGA ran a red, white, blue, and beige theme. Yellowed tile ran the floors, shelving filled the open space, and florescent lights hung from the ceiling. "What was your must have item that you always got at Rivermines IGA?" I asked my father. "Honestly..." he said, "plain ole bologna." he chuckled. You see, IGA stores were kind to lower class families like my father's. Prices on basics were competitively low, a blessing for those in a pinch. It was a place you could go, and know you would come out with something to put on the table, free of judgment. 

        Rivermines IGA did a good business until, my father guesses, the late 1980s. When big box stores came into the area, mom and pop grocery stores found it impossible to keep up. Like many others across the country, massive chains, would force Rivermines IGA to close their doors. Now on the lot, ironically, sits a Dollar General. I am thankful to have snapped the photo above, just months before the original building was razed. Not only was it a symbol of mid-century culture, but a remnant of the former town of Rivermines, as it read on the building's face. I encourage you to share your stories and memories in the comments, as they are so valuable.  I would also like to thank my dad, for sharing your memories with us. Now they will be preserved for those like me, who missed that time in history. Thank you all for taking this trip with us, and I hope you enjoyed.