Corsicana Daily Photo

Under wraps....for now!

2009-01-31T07:53:00.002-06:00

#9 in the Top Ten Stories of 2008 from the Corsicana Daily Sun:

Number 9

Interurban Railcar finally back

In early November, the city went and fetched back its partially renovated railcar from Alabama, where it spent five years in the yard of the Edwards Railcar Company, a professional restorer that specializes in trains.

The No. 305 spent much of that time exposed to the elements in what was to be an on-again, off-again process. The owner of the company admitted that he underbid the project, and didn’t have the funds to finish the job. In the end, local residents urged the city to say “enough,” and bring it home.

While the project wasn’t completed as contracted, the company was paid in full by the city for the contract to restore the railcar.

The next step is to build a protective metal shed for the railcar, so the reconstruction process can resume locally.

SWF -- Leaning Tower of Corsicana?

2009-01-30T08:00:00.002-06:00

No, the tower is still perfectly upright. But it was too cold to get out of the car (OK, I'm a wimp) so I just lowered the driver-side window and held the camera up!

This is the way our sky has looked the last few days. Today there's sunshine, but I really wanted to use this picture!

More Skywatch here.

Calling TIME OUT ....

2008-08-26T07:49:00.002-05:00

Life is a little crazy right now and I have to admit that I can't do it all! So, I'm taking a breather from the Corsicana Daily Photo Blog. If anyone out there wants to take my place at City Daily Photo for Corsicana, PLEASE DO! In the meantime, I'll poke my head in once in a while, but not on a daily basis. I will try to continue Gun Barrel City Daily Photo on a near-daily basis! Thanks for your understanding.

Sky Watch Friday -- We can't do it justice!

2008-08-22T07:13:00.002-05:00

Believe me, this rainbow was much more beautiful than you can see here! Taken between Hubbard and Corsicana. Click the link above to see more Sky Watch photos from around the world!

Odd Shots Monday -- who moved the courthouse?

2008-08-18T07:40:00.002-05:00

When I was coming home so late the other night, I got the idea to see if I could get a night shot of the military memorial at the courthouse. I was a little nervous...it was late...I was stopped in the middle of the road between the courthouse and the jail....guess something startled me because I apparently made a jerky movement just as I snapped this first one! The second is better but shooting from the car wasn't the best idea!
Click the logo above to see more Odd Shots this Monday!

Camera Critter Sunday -- Are you gonna eat that???

2008-08-17T09:15:00.002-05:00

They say there's a place for us all in nature. I'm glad my place is not eating bird poop off of plants! Anybody know what this critter is? He's dining on an upper level of a plant who's name I cannot spell! But I know it's leaves are often used to wrap fish for cooking.
Click on the logo above to see more Camera Critters around the world....

Photo Hunt: Colorful --- sometimes it takes nerve!

2008-08-16T09:52:00.003-05:00

There's just something about this house that strikes me every time I see it. It's hard to put my finger on what it is really. I think it's just the striking color! How many of us have the nerve to paint our homes in some out of the ordinary color like this? I know I don't! This photo has been sitting in my folder for weeks now because I just couldn't figure out how to use it. But with TnChick's Photo Hunt subject for today being COLORFU L, I decided to pull it out. This home is in the little town of Hubbard, between Corsicana and Waco. There are a lot of wonderful old homes in Hubbard, carefully and lovingly maintained or restored. If you're ever passing through there, do yourself a favor and get off the main highways to see more of this lovely town!
Click on TnChick's link to see more colorful entries today.

Sky Watch Friday -- from the archives

2008-08-15T08:14:00.002-05:00

When I lived in Corsicana, I drove by this field almost every morning on my way to work. I saw many wonderful sunrises! But I wasn't a CDP blogger then and had never heard of Sky Watch Friday, so I usually made it to work on time! LOL. This particular morning I just had to stop and shoot a few. Click the SkyWatch Friday logo above to see the sky around the world!

Late arrival....

2008-08-14T11:08:00.002-05:00

Missed yesterday's post because I was in San Antonio for a couple of days. Came in pretty late last night and was struck by how pretty the fountain at Navarro College is at night. My photos don't do it justice!

On the road again.... no words needed for this one.

2008-08-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

One I had considered for our August 1 theme of "metal" .... pulled from the few photos I brought with me on my thumb drive ... taken west of Waco.

Odd Shot Monday-- Why didn't I think of that?

2008-08-11T06:51:00.002-05:00

It's a little hard to see what this is...I had to shoot it quickly while "pausing" in a traffic lane on a state highway! The front "wheel" of this bicyle is actually a rotary push mower! What a novel idea! Wonder how well it works? Good for the environment and good for the lawn caretaker!
Click the logo above to see more Odd Shots at Katney's Kaboodle!

Camera Critters -- Elusive Locust

2008-08-10T08:10:00.002-05:00

This locust was on the outside of our screened porch so I had to shoot thru the screen. Our property is very sloped, so to reach this critter from outside, I would have to fetch the extension ladder and climb about 15' off the ground. Passed on that little chore! The 2nd shot shows the shell left behind by another locust. We were serenaded nightly for a week or so, but they seem to have moved on again now.
Creep, crawl, trot or fly over to Misty Dawn's for more Camera Critters!

Cloudy Sunrise in Corsicana

2008-08-08T05:56:00.002-05:00

I'm being indecisive again! Couldn't decide which of these to post. I like the first because the landscape orientation shows more of the clouds. But I like the second because you can just see the line painted on the edge of the road (click to enlarge) that adds some dimension. What do you think? These were taken on highway 31 on the eastern edge of Corsicana.
Click the Sky Watch Friday logo below to see sky views from around the world! And have a great Friday and a great weekend!

Another one caught my eye....

2008-08-07T00:01:00.002-05:00

I've already posted photos of this building ... Smith's General Store ... The color combination between the red-painted brick and the green-painted doors and window trim just really struck me today, though I've looked at it a dozen times. Today I saw a better way to crop it.

Sometimes I don't see the small details like this and sometimes it's all I see. Does your photographer's eye have "moods" like that?

ABC Wednesday-- C is for Corsicana CDP Challenge -- Arte y Pico

2008-08-06T00:01:00.003-05:00

Today marks my 106th post on this blog. The photo above is the first one I posted, on March 30. I started this CDP blog in hopes that someone else would take it over and I could concentrate on just the Gun Barrel City/Cedar Creek Lake CDP. I must admit that I haven't put as much energy or thought into this one as I do the other. But with the encouragement of Babooshka (see note below) and others, I've a renewed interest and I pledge to do better! Thanks for the CHALLENGE!

I was deeply humbled to receive the Arte y Pico award from Babooshka last week. It's my first award ever! It's been hard to decide which five of my favorite bloggers to pass it on to. I decided to spread them around the world and to a very diverse group:

1) Steve Buser--New Orleans Daily Photo for the spirit of New Orleans people and nature, captured beautifully
2) Michelle at Rambling Woods NY -- for showing us how close we are to nature at all times
3) Strangetastes--Saint Louis Daily Photo -- for showing us how to take one subject and see it in so many different ways (plus there's much more there than the arch!)
4) Fotka po Fotka -- Belgrade, Serbia Daily Photo -- for sharing a part of the world I'll probably never see
5) Dina -- Jersusalem Hills Daily Photo -- for helping me relive a childhood dream of becoming an archeologist.

Now, you five get to spread the award! Here are the rules:

1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also for contributing to the blogging community, no matter what language.

2. Each awardee has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.

4. Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of Arte y Pico blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award: http://arteypico.blogspot.com/

5. Display these rules.

For those of you looking for more ABC Wednesday posts, please be sure to head on over to Mrs Nesbitt's Place!

It just caught my eye...

2008-08-05T06:33:00.002-05:00

I was sitting at a traffic light in Corsicana yesterday morning and this scene just caught my eye. I zoomed a bit to get it and was thinking that it was a quick "grab what you can get and crop as needed later" shot. But seeing it on the computer screen, I decided to leave it as is. What would you have done?

This is a portion of the front of a chinese buffet restaurant on Highway 31, Summer Palace.

Odd Shot Monday -- car body shop

2008-08-04T06:05:00.002-05:00

This was taken on one of my West Texas trips.....I'm pretty sure it was in Brownwood. See more Odd Shots at Katney's Kaboodle!

And check in here Wednesday to see who gets the next Arte y Pico Award!

Have a GREAT Monday!

Camera Critter Cool-off

2008-08-03T07:42:00.004-05:00

I think the first one has the right idea.....it's so hot here that the only way to stay cool (other than inside with the air conditioner) is to stay wet! I've certainly used that trick! But the 2nd porker has fairer skin and seeks to avoid sunburn by staying in the shade and enjoying her mud pack!
Spotted on a farm on the western outskirts of Corsicana.
Swim on over to Misty Dawn's Camera Critters site for more Critter Captures from around the world!

Photo Hunt: Cloud

2008-08-02T11:31:00.002-05:00

As I was driving home yesterday about sunset, I was admiring the pink clouds and blue sky on the eastern horizon leaving Corsicana. Maybe it's just me, but can anyone else see a face here? I see the face of the Native American that was once on our nickel!
When I realized that today's Photo Hunt subject was CLOUD(S), I knew I had to share even if you all think I've lost it! LOL. Check out TnChick's site...she hosts Saturday Photo Hunt and you can follow the comments to see lots and lots of Clouds today!

August Theme: Metal --- Sky Watch Friday

2008-08-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

Double-dipping on themes today! Our City Daily Photo theme for August 1 is METAL. As Babooshka is fond of pointing out, I am a very literal person. Different CDP bloggers were talking about heavy metal music. Well, that's not a big interest in Corsicana. So I decided to post our version of HEAVY METAL HEADS! Each of these statues have been posted on this blog before, so you'll have to go digging to find out more about them!
Since Friday is always Sky Watch Theme Day, I've made sure a couple of these have the sky in them and used a blue sky background (there's that literal me again). Click the Sky Watch logo to see more entries and scroll on down to see all the participating City Daily Photo Bloggers' more creative takes on the theme! And have a great Friday!
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Cash Crops

2008-07-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

Two cash crops out in this field! I love the early morning colors and this field plus the bright yellow on the pump "horse" just caught my eye.

ABC Wednesday -- B is for Bowling in Corsicana

2008-07-30T07:02:00.004-05:00

I've been wanting to shoot this interesting entry way to the bowling alley for some time and waiting to catch the morning light/no cars/no banners posted on it, etc. Yesterday I decided the time had to be right, because I could use it for my "B" post on ABC Wednesday! Click the ABC Wedneday logo above to see MrsNesbittsPlace and her posts, as well as others. She will also direct you to the shiny new ABC Wednesday blogspot!

Odd Shots Monday --- FOD or Not?

2008-07-28T07:35:00.003-05:00

Back in the old days when I was in the U.S. Air Force, birds and planes were a really undesirable combination. A bird sucked into the wrong orifice or crashing into a windshield became deadly FOD -- Foreign Object Debris. But it seems that these pigeons are enjoying the ride! Of course, if you take a look at the next shot, you'll see that this plane has served her time and has been retired to the campus of Navarro College in Corsicana. I hope she's not feeling degraded by becoming a pigeon roost, but realizes that she still has a role to fill and can now peacefully co-exist with them!

Fly on over to Katney's Kaboodle to find more Odd Shots.

Westminster Presbyterian Church

2008-07-26T09:18:00.003-05:00

I promised a better photograph and a bit of history on this lovely church. Because of it's location between downtown and the county courthouse, it's a bit difficult to find a spot to take a good photo without a lot of other interference (or getting hit by a car!). Hope you get the general feel. The lovely trees and the brick street in front really complement the architecture.
From RootsWeb: Click to see a "Brief History" of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Corsicana.
There's actually quite a bit of information on the history of the Presbyterian Church in general and in Texas as well as how this particular building came to be.

SkyWatchFriday --- not in Corsicana!

2008-07-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'm unexpectedly stuck away from home and my folders full of Sky Watch Photos....so I'm running through the CF cards in my camera bag and decided to post this one from a trip last May. This was taken from the airplane window. How many can identify the peak? Bet Raf and Kim and Chuck know! Click the SkyWatch logo above to see hundreds of sky shots from around the globe!

A friendly little corner bank.....

2008-07-24T07:32:00.002-05:00

I have no idea whether or not that's true, but it sure LOOKS like one! I was just passing through the area and happened to look to my right at the stop sign. The scene just struck me as very pleasing, so I lowered the window and shot through it then had to move on. You can see the shadow of my car in the 2nd. I'm posting both photos because I just can't decide which one is best. Your opinion, please??

ABC Wednesday -- A is for Allyn

2008-07-23T19:02:00.003-05:00

The Allyns were one of the early families of Corsicana. Here's a family marker found at Oakwood Cemetery and the placque displayed outside the Corsicana Visitor Center.

I've had internet issues today and haven't had a chance to figure out the new ABC Wednesday posting process, but check out the new site for other ABC Wednesday entries!

Lover of Liberty....Foe of Despotism

2008-07-23T07:04:00.005-05:00

I had a request to show the words engraved on the back of the statue that I featured on Father's Day. I am so glad for the opportunity because I don't think I'd ever read them! Please click to enlarge.

Sky Watch Friday

2008-07-17T19:45:00.003-05:00

I was mesmerized for a few moments by what looked like a mirror reflection of clouds! Just had to pull over and capture it. When it came time to post, I debated with myself about this one. To Crop or Not to Crop? What do you think????

Please click the Sky Watch Friday logo above to see our sky all around the world!

Westminster Presbyterian Church

2008-07-17T11:38:00.002-05:00

I'm digging through archives this morning for an emergency post! See my Gun Barrel City site to see why I'm posting very quickly today! This is not a great photo of this lovely church, so I promise to submit a better one later, with some history.

ABC Wednesday-- Z for Zion in Zephyr

2008-07-16T06:16:00.002-05:00

From thefreedictionary.com:
Zi·on (zn)

a. The historic land of Israel as a symbol of the Jewish people.

b. The Jewish people; Israel.

2. A place or religious community regarded as sacredly devoted to God.

3. An idealized, harmonious community; utopia.

For the last entry of Round 3, I had to resort to photos from one of my trips to West Texas. This very small town (Zephyr) had some wonderful photo ops. See another on my Gun Barrel City Daily Photo blog.

Thanks to Mrs Nesbitt for hosting through Round 3! Check out her site for links to "Z" around the world!

Two Fer Tuesday -- Saving old RR buildings

2008-07-15T06:30:00.002-05:00

One day last week, I alluded to a similarity between a building I'd found in Brownsville and one I'd posted earlier in Corsicana. For the meme, Two Fer Tuesday hosted by Jonna, I decided to post both buildings together today. The first is an old RR depot now used as the Corsicana Visitor's Center. The 2nd is an old depot building in Brownwood, Texas. Both are now enjoying an easy-street retirement in city parks! I always love to see old buildings rescued and given new life, don't you? Click Jonna's link above to see more "Two fer Tuesday" posts.

Odd Shots Monday

2008-07-14T08:35:00.004-05:00

Click on the photo to enlarge....if you look closely, you'll see why riding behind these guys can be interesting...especially in an open car or on a bike!

Not really an odd sight around here at all....but it might be to some of you around the world! As you might imagine, it takes a lot of hay to feed all the cattle in Texas! This time of year you'll find these huge round bales everywhere.....in the fields (one of my favorite sites), impaled on the back of tractors or pick-up trucks, on small flat-bed trucks like this one or on huge 18-wheelers. I came up behind this load near the small town of Marlin. Click on the Odd Shots Logo above to see the blog roll of other Odd Shots at Katney's Kaboodle.

Camera Critters Sunday -- Reflection

2008-07-13T07:07:00.003-05:00

I've posted a photo from this location before, but this is a new shot taken on July 1. It's one of my favorite photo spots just outside of Corsicana.

Ride on over to Camera-Critters, hosted by Misty Dawn, for more critters from around the globe!

Beautiful Clock Tower

2008-07-12T09:28:00.002-05:00

Clock Tower on the Campus of Navarro College.

From The Growl, a Newsletter for Alumni and Friends of Navarro College:
"A highlight of Homecoming 2005 was the dedication of a clock tower in honor of the first students at Navarro College who attended classes at the original campus at the Air Activities of Texas from 1946-1951. They call themselves the Barracks Bunch."

Sounds like an opportunity for some research and a future post! I've posted a photo of this tower before, along with the "UFO", but wanted to feature it by itself today.

Sky Watch Friday -- Sunset Pointe

2008-07-11T07:18:00.003-05:00

This was taken on the 4th of July before the fireworks show ... it's no wonder our friends call their place "Sunset Pointe". Head on over to WiggersWorld where Tom is the gracious host of Sky Watch Friday and see the sky around the world!

One more from West Texas

2008-07-10T06:07:00.002-05:00

As Corsicana is proud of their Tigers, it looks like Brownwood is proud of their Lions. This sculpture is in front of a radio or TV station just off downtown.

ABC Wednesday -- Y

2008-07-09T05:00:00.001-05:00

I'm still out in West Texas and spotted these "Y's" coming into San Angelo. These lamp posts are in the medians of many of the highways around town.

Posting from the road.....

2008-07-08T18:18:00.002-05:00

I'm out in West Texas for a couple of days and decided to post photos from my trip out here. These reminded me of the railroad history in Corsicana that I've posted, so I thought they'd be a good choice for today. These were taken in Brownwood, Texas.

Camera Critters Sunday

2008-07-06T08:55:00.001-05:00

Scamper on over to Misty Dawn's for more Camera Critters this Sunday. Thanks, Misty Dawn, for featuring my Roger's Wildlife Rehab story from my Bird's Eye View blog!

The big finale!

2008-07-05T07:32:00.002-05:00

We were treated to a wonderful fireworks display at the home of great friends last night. A perfect night, a perfect location and a perfect performance! My first attempt at photographing fireworks doesn't do them justice! But you are welcome to come see more at my home blog: Bird's Eye View.

Sky Watch Friday -- cheating a little

2008-07-04T08:37:00.002-05:00

Maybe cheating a lot....you be the judge! I didn't take this photo, my nephew Zach did. And it's not in Corsicana, but near Bryan/College Station. I just wanted to show off his talent! Hey, that's what aunts do, right? THANKS, ZACH! LOVE YOU!
Click the Sky Watch logo to see the 200+ bloggers' entries so graciously hosted by Tom and Jane at WiggersWorld!

Photography -- Then and Now

2008-07-03T08:48:00.005-05:00

Many of you CDP photographers have inspired me to start trying to see photos in something other than their "natural" colors. This semi-abandoned building in Corsicana caught my eye the other day and I decided to take the same shot in color, black and white and sepia. Which one do you think "pops" the most? What suggestions and tips can you share with me about how you would have done this?

Below is my favorite of the day. I'll take tips on it, too! Cropping?

ABC Wednesday --- X marks the spot!

2008-07-02T08:11:00.005-05:00

This one is probably familiar to all...it was inside the city limits.

But have you seen this one? It was at a rural crossing.

Head on over to Mrs Nesbitts Place to see more ABC Wednesday postings from around the world!

July Theme Day: NO Signs

2008-07-01T05:00:00.002-05:00

Maybe it's just me, but this struck me as particularly funny!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Odd Shots Monday -- Back to Rogers Wildlife Rehab

2008-06-30T08:55:00.004-05:00

Ok, it's not really that odd. I just wanted to give Rogers Wildlife Rehab Center another spot of publicity. If you look closely, the center bird has a badly damaged wing that does make him/her differently abled, but not odd. At least not at this place! If you want to see more of the story about these wonderful people who rescue and rehab our feathered friends, please see below and see my Gun Barrel City Daily photo blog. And my Bird's Eye View blog.
For more Odd Shots this Monday, click on over to Katney's Kaboodle.

Camera Critters Sunday

2008-06-29T07:14:00.002-05:00

Yesterday's post about the rescued pigeon promised "the rest of the story....". So, how did I get from there to these cute owls? I discovered a hidden treasure just south of Dallas. It's the Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Hutchins. Please check out their website.
See more photos and more of the story at my other sites, Gun Barrel City Daily Photo and Bird's Eye View.
Most of the photos will be at Bird's Eye View, since City Daily Photo asks us to limit daily postings! See more Camera Critters over at Misty Dawn's!

Pigeon Rescue

2008-06-28T18:05:00.002-05:00

Last night we saw something floating in the water and checked it out....this pigeon with a broken wing was just floating to his eventual demise. No way could he/she ever have gotten out of the water. I was prepared to go in and get him, but he floated right up to our pier and I was able to snag him with our fishing net. Tune in tomorrow for "the rest of the story....."

Camera Critters Sunday -- our boy Nate

2008-06-22T14:24:00.002-05:00

Today's photos are by our guest photographer, my amazingly talented nephew Zach. He and Nate have cornered the market on action and coordination today!
Check out another of Zach's shots on my Gun Barrel City Daily Photo site and click on over to Misty Dawn's to see more Camera Critters.

And let me know if you think Zach should start CDPB in his hometown!

Saturday Photo Hunt: Water

2008-06-21T09:07:00.003-05:00

Corsicana is home of Richland-Chambers Reservoir...another in the series of reservoirs supplying Tarrant County Water District (my other CDP blog is about Cedar Creek Reservoir).
This shot is just one section of the spillway. I just liked the angles and action. Hope you do, too.
Click on over to TnChick's site for more Photo Hunt: Water photos.

Sky Watch Friday -- In Waco

2008-06-20T08:17:00.003-05:00

Stepped out of our Waco office for a minute yesterday and saw this incredible (at the time) VERY STRAIGHT LINE in the sky. Ran back inside to get my camera. Tried to do a quick Stitch Photo series. In less than a minute the sky changed from the first photo here (shots 1 & 2 stitched together) and the 2nd (which would have been shot 3). And after all that, we only 1/10" of an inch of rain!
Head on over to WiggersWorld to see more Sky Watch Friday! Photos.

Father's Day --- Pioneers of Corsicana

2008-06-15T07:51:00.004-05:00

From www.downtowncorsicana.com

HISTORY OF CORSICANA, TEXAS. Corsicana was established in 1848 to serve as the county seat of newly-established Navarro County. José Antonio Navarro, a hero of the Texas Revolution, after whom the county was named, was given the honor of naming the new town; he suggested Corsicana after the island of Corsica, the birthplace of his parents. David R. Mitchell, an early area settler, donated 100 acres for a townsite, and with the assistance of Thomas I. Smith, platted the land and began selling lots. The new town was centered near a log tavern built in 1847 and owned and operated by Rev. Hampton McKinney.

I've been trying to find the graves of Mitchell, Smith and McKinney but have been unsuccessful so far. I'll keep trying!

Happy Father's Day!

Saturday Photo Hunt: Emotion-Anticipation

2008-06-14T09:18:00.001-05:00

TnChick's PhotoHunt subject for this week is EMOTION. Here's one from the archives of days lived in Corsicana. Nate and Cagney (Pembroke Welsh Corgis) watching mom come up the drive in anticipation of hugs and treats! Click HERE to see more Photo Hunt entries.

Sky Watch Friday --- on the way to Corsicana

2008-06-13T06:59:00.002-05:00

Head on over to WiggersWorld to see more Sky Watch Friday photos.....

ABC Wednesday-- U is for Union Pacific Railroad

2008-06-11T17:25:00.006-05:00

Noticed there was suddenly a lot more equipment and activity behind the Corsicana Visitor's Center lately and did a quick Google search. Here's what I found:

From the website of Railway Track and Structures:

UP rail work getting under way near Corsicana, Texas

Crews from Union Pacific got started June 2 on a railroad tie and crossing replacement project through Corsicana, Texas, local newspapers report. Preliminary work done in May prepared several crossings through Corsicana for the replacement work. Crews are working on track and crossings from Corsicana to Grosebeck as part of a $4.7-million improvement project, according to UP spokesman Mark Davis.

Over 100 crewmen from throughout the Southwest are taking part in the work in the area. Cars, trucks and campers filled parking areas in the vicinity of the Union Pacific station near Seventh Avenue and Beaton Street over the weekend as they arrived to start work.

“There are 32,000 railroad ties and about 28,400 tons of rock to be placed,” Davis explained. The work is part of a system-wide improvement plan through the 23 states that Union Pacific operates in, he added.

Approximately 10 crossings in Corsicana will be rebuilt in the work. In May, crews removed large metal plates at the crossings and filled in the gaps with blacktop.

Davis said all the crossings should be returned to normal by August. The rail tie replacement should be completed by the end of June, he said.

Anyone who's ever driven through Corsicana knows we have a LOT of railroad crossings and chances are very good that they spent time parked at one of them. I know I have!
Head on over to Mrs. Nesbitt's to see more ABC Wednesday posts!

Two Fer Tuesday: NJC campus statue

2008-06-10T06:31:00.003-05:00

I don't know anything about this statue except that it really struck me. It's on the campus of Navarro Junior College, in front of the Cook Science and Technology Building (see past posts). I chose it for Jonna's Two Fer Tuesday meme because I shot it with the sun both behind it and in front of it. I dedicate this post to my friend Bill.

Corsicana--Then and Now: Memorial to IOOF Children

2008-06-09T08:41:00.006-05:00

One more posting on the I.O.O.F. Childrens Home. This memorial is in Oakwood Cemetery (I've posted on Oakwood before, too). I recently found the old photo on RootsGenWeb and realized that the statue of the child in the center section of the tall memorial is now missing. Wonder what happened to it. The inscription on the base of the memorial is rather odd, at least in today's vocabulary. It says "In memory of inmates I.O.O.F. W.&O. Home 1906". The term "inmates" sounds odd to me!

Except for that, I don't really have an Odd Shots Monday post, but you can click over to Katney's Kaboodle and see plenty!

More from the Odd Fellows Home for Children

2008-06-08T08:14:00.004-05:00

This bell tower has been erected in memory and in honor of those who once lived or worked here. The low brick wall around the tower has placques honoring some of them. It is on the grounds of the buildings I posted a few days ago.

Color Project--Blue Take II

2008-06-07T12:03:00.005-05:00

Don't look here for Take I -- it's at my Gun Barrel City Daily Photo blog and Take III is at my Bird's Eye View blog. This is all to join in with Anna's Color Project, where you can see lots more creative captures of the color blue. My goal today was to shoot all the blue I see in the first 5 minutes of walking into my house. The first here is my door, the 2nd is on my kitchen bar and the 3rd is from my recycle bin....hmmm, wonder who drank that???? Uncle RJ hasn't been here in a LONG TIME!

Sky Watch Friday in Corsicana & Austin

2008-06-06T09:26:00.003-05:00

I missed yesterday's post due to travels without my trusty jump-drive, left cozily sitting by the home computer. So, I give you a two-fer today! Obviously the first is in Corsicana. I love this water tower. It's on the east edge of town and looks different depending on the time of day, weather, or crops in the field around it. I may start a series! The 2nd shot was taken on my way home yesterday as I sat through a traffic signal 3 times in afternoon rush-hour traffic! Have a great weekend, everyone! But first click over to WiggersWorld to see more Sky Watch Friday posts!

Corsicana Then and Now: IOOF Home for Children

2008-06-04T07:10:00.003-05:00

There are still several buildings on the site and other memorial markers that I will post at a later date. Below is the text from the Historical Marker above.

TEXAS HISTORIAL COMMISSION MARKER, PLACED IN 1977

IN 1885 THE GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS, INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS, FOUNDED THE I.O.O.F. WIDOWS AND ORPHANS HOME, ONE OF THE FIRST FRATERNAL ORPHANAGES IN THE STATE. CORSICANA LODGE NO. 63 AND OTHER LOCAL CITIZENS GAVE 200 ACRES AS A SITE FOR THE FACILITY. ON APRIL 26, 1886, THE CORNERSTONE FOR THE FIRST PERMANENT BUILDING WAS LAID. ONLY ONE CHILD WAS RESIDING HERE IN 1891, BUT ENROLLMENT AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT SOON INCREASED.

THE HOME BECAME A SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITY WITH IT’S OWN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, FARM AND DAIRY, POWER PLANT AND WATER SUPPLY. ABEL RICE AUDITORIUM, BUILT IN 1911, WHEN ENROLLMENT WAS OVER 300 CONTAINED A SWIMMING POOL AND GYM, AND HOUSED THE FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT SPONSORED BY THE REBEKAH LODGES. THIS INSTITUTION ALSO SERVED AS A HOME FOR THE AGED FROM 1905 UNTIL A SEPARATE FACILITY OPENED IN ENNIS IN 1928.

AFTER PEAKING AT NEARLY 400 IN THE 1920S, ENROLLMENT DROPPED SHARPLY IN THE 1930S AND 1940S. THE SCHOOL CLOSED IN 1943, AND STUDENTS BEGAN ATTENDING CORSICANA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. CAMPUS BUILDINGS WERE MODERNIZED IN A 1940 “RECONVERSION PROGRAM”. RENAMED IN 1948, THE ODD FELLOW AND REBEKAH CHILDREN’S HOME HAS PROVIDED CARE FOR OVER 5500 PERSONS.

Two Fer Tuesday Theme Day

2008-06-03T14:00:00.005-05:00

Can you see the connection? That tree at the right of the first shot is the same one at the left of the second shot! I was really struck by the contrast between the green field and the golden one and suddenly realized I had a series for the

Two Fer Tuesday theme hosted by Jonna over at Jonna's Life. Check out the others!

These fields are west of Corsicana on Highway 31. Here's an additional shot with the two stitched together.....

Odd Shots Monday -- West of Corsicana

2008-06-02T04:00:00.001-05:00

I stopped at a cemetery west of Waco on Memorial Day because they had flags on the veterans' graves and I wanted some pictures. Toward the back of the cemetery, I came across this and I found it odd. Do you?

For more Odd Shots this Monday, click over to Katney's Kaboodle.

June 1 Theme: Favorite Corner Shop -- Dee's Place

2008-06-01T07:41:00.006-05:00

Actually on a corner, Dee's Place is a local legend! Following is a quote from the Corsicana Daily Sun with a link to "the rest of the story....". The Dr. Pepper mural on the side of the building is probably the most photographed spot in town! I went on Memorial Day to be able to get these shots without cars parked everywhere!

By DEANNA PAWLOWSKI/Daily Sun Staff
Dee's Place has achieved celebrity, of sorts.
Segments have been done on the shop by Leeza Gibbons with PM Magazine, Jeff Crilley of Fox 4 News, Doug Fox with Channel 8, and Channel 11, with their "Tank of Gas" series. Bill Clinton and Al Gore stopped by, and Phil Gramm and his wife ate lunch at the counter. Two Hollywood talent scouts stopped in, along with various ones from Las Colinas. Dee's Place was an alternate site for the filming of a Bonnie and Clyde movie, it is registered with the Texas Film Commission in Austin, and it was the filming site for a documentary on capital punishment by a Swiss film crew.
But what about Dee himself?

See more of this story by clicking here.

And....be sure to check out all of the other entries in today's theme
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants
Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey by afyonblog, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Ararat, Australia by Digger, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Aspen (CO), USA by IamMBB, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Avignon, France by Nathalie, Barrow-in-Furness, UK by Enitharmon, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Belgrade, Serbia by Bibi, Belgrade, Serbia by BgdPic, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Brookville (OH), USA by Abraham, Bucharest, Romania by Malpraxis, Budapest, Hungary by agrajag, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Cavite, Philippines by Steven Que, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Château-Gontier, France by Laurent, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chennai, India by Shantaram, Chennai, India by Ram N, Chicago (IL), USA by U R us, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Corsicana (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, Edinburgh, UK by Dido, Evry, France by Olivier, Folkestone, UK by Clare Unsworth, Forks (WA), USA by Corinne, Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA by Gigi, Gainesville (FL), USA by Leah, Geneva (IL), USA by Kelly, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hangzhou, China by Chanin, Haninge, Sweden by Steffe, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Old Hyde, Hyde, UK by Gerald, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jogjakarta, Indonesia by Jogja Portrait, Katonah (NY), USA by Inkster1, Knoxville (TN), USA by Knoxville Girl, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Le Guilvinec, France by ds2944, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Mo, London, UK by Ham, Los Angeles (CA), USA by Martha Perez, Mainz, Germany by JB, Manila, Philippines by Heyokity, Melbourne, Australia by John, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Mexico City, Mexico by Poly, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Misawa, Japan by misawa mama, Monroe (GA), USA by Tanya, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montego Bay, Jamaica by Ann, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by MumbaiiteAnu, Mumbai, India by Magiceye, Nancy, France by yoshi, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Delhi, India by Delhi Photo Diary, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by • Eliane •, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Oklahoma City (OK), USA by ananda.tashie, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Oslo, Norway by Lothiane, Owasso (OK), USA by Jennifer, Paderborn, Germany by Soemchen, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Perth, Australia by Elevation7, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Petoskey (MI), USA by Christie, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Townsend (WA), USA by raf, Portland (ME), USA by Corey, Posadas, Argentina by Lega, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea by Jules, Ramsey, Isle of Man by babooshka, Reykjavik, Iceland by Vírgíll, Riga, Latvia by Fotos. Riga Photos, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Rouen, France by Bbsato, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by Eric, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Diego (CA), USA by Zentmrs, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, San Francisco (CA), USA by Louis la Vache, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Seoul, South Korea by Phil, Sequim (WA), USA by Norma, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, Springfield (IL), USA by Aubrey, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Ann, Sydney, Australia by Julie, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tacloban City, Philippines by agnesdv, Tel-Aviv, Israel by Olga, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torino, Italy by Fabrizio, Torun, Poland by Glenn, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Turin, Italy by Livio, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Urayasu, Japan by Zono, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,

Corsicana -- Then and Now: CHS/Drane Intermediate

2008-05-31T06:00:00.001-05:00

What was once the "new" Corsicana High School (see old postcards) is a great building still in use today. Now it's Drane Intermediate. I've gone by several times to try to get photos for this "Then and Now" series, but it's always been so congested that I couldn't get a good shot. The street in front of the school is closed during school days. So, I went by on Memorial Day when the campus was closed! You can see that the building and campus are still well-maintained and fully functional.

Sky Watch Friday -- UFO Over Corsicana?

2008-05-30T08:27:00.006-05:00

Is that a UFO coming up (or going down) behind the Cook Planetarium building???

There it is again behind the clock tower!

Just having some fun with a cleverly painted water tower on the campus of Navarro College!
Hope everyone has a Fabulous Friday! Be sure to go to Wigger's World to see more Sky Watch Friday posts!

Corsicana--Then and Now: Merchants Opera/Beckett

2008-05-29T07:36:00.003-05:00

Veering a little off of my Then and Now themes used before.....this building is the NEW building on this block. As you can see from the Historical Marker, there was originally an Opera House on this site. I've read that there was never any opera there, though. They just used the word Opera rather than Theater because it had a better connotation at the time!

ABC Wednesday -- S for STAR

2008-05-28T00:01:00.001-05:00

Out of town and unprepared, so I'm SCROUNGING for SCRAPS and SEEKING SHOTS STORED on my camera chip or flash drive. Here's a SHOT of Cook SCIENCE and Technology Center on the Navarro College Campus , which houses Cook Planetarium....where you can SEE the STARS! SEE this link for more STATISTICS: http://cookplanetarium.us/

If you're SEEKING a SPOT for that SPECIAL occasion, here's a SHOUT OUT for STAR Hall at American RV in Corsicana. SEE this link for more SPECIFICS: http://americanrvcorsicana.com/starhall
OK, I'm going to SHUT up and get some SLEEP now as I SET up this post for SOMETIME tomorrow morning! Remember to go to Mrs. Nesbitt's Place to SEE more ABC Wednesday posts that will probably make more SENSE of the theme SUBJECT of the day!

Corsicana Vistors Center

2008-05-27T19:31:00.002-05:00

Memorial To Capt Q.L. McDonald

2008-05-26T07:51:00.003-05:00

When I first spotted this monument, I assumed this young man had been killed in war. According to information I've found so far, the 4th Texas Regiment of the Spanish American War never left Texas. It was mustered in just a few months before the short war ended in late 1898. Capt McDonald died on October 22, 1899 not long before his 28th birthday. His parents were apparently quite proud of his service (their stone is to the left of his and they passed in 1910 and 1921) and I would assume by the elaborate stone that they were "prominent citizens" of Mexia. However, I've been unsuccessful in finding anything about them on the internet. So, let your imaginations fill in the blanks.......

Camera Critters Sunday -- Hawk on fencepost

2008-05-25T07:30:00.001-05:00

One more example of a day that I suddenly whipped the car off the road and the camera out of the bag! This was outside Corsicana, going toward Waco. There are farms and ranches and open fields all along that highway. Some of the old fences are disappearing daily, as the highway department is preparing to widen the highway from 2 to 4 lanes very soon. This was shot out the passenger window, probably with a little zoom involved!
Looking to give you a little more information on this bird, I've discovered that I don't know what type it is! Can anyone help me out here? This was taken on 9/22/05 so it could have been in migration from summer to winter grounds. See more Camera Critters at Misty Dawn's.

Memorial Weekend --- Back to Mexia

2008-05-24T11:05:00.005-05:00

I found another intriguing monument at the Mexia City Cemetery this past week (see my Thursday post below for my first one). Since this is Memorial Day Weekend, I thought I would use some photos of it. I will post more tomorrow and Monday. I've been trying to research the story of this Spanish American War veteran, but am having no luck so far. I will share a question begging for an answer in another post over the weekend.

Look up....QUICK! Sky Watch Friday

2008-05-23T07:09:00.004-05:00

Tuesday as I was on the outskirts of Corsicana (and near the shores of Richland-Chambers Lake) I happened to glance up and see these American White Pelicans circling gracefully above. I literally had to whip my car off the side of the road and grab my camera and stick it out the window to grab two quick shots before they were gone. Check this site for more details on these wonderful creatures. We only get a chance to see them briefly as they pass to and from their winter retreats each year. And be sure to head on over to Wiggers World for more SkyWatch Friday shots!

Road trip ....

2008-05-22T19:59:00.004-05:00

I stopped in Mexia....a nice town near Corsicana....on Tuesday and stopped by their cemetery (a friend is buried there) and came across this eye-catching monument. A little Google-ing turned up information on a song writer named Cindy Walker. Check this link to find some songs you probably know (at least in the US) but I wonder if you knew who wrote them. I certainly didn't. I've lived in this area since 1977 and don't ever remember hearing of Ms. Walker. And yet she was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame!

ABC Wednesday---R for Rainbow

2008-05-21T20:05:00.002-05:00

If you enlarge this, you may notice the beginning of a double-rainbow on the left edge of the photo. This was taken in the country just NW of Corsicana several years ago. Click over to Mrs Nesbitt's place to enjoy more ABC Wednesday posts.

Odd Shots Monday

2008-05-19T07:31:00.003-05:00

Anybody guess what it is? On the eastern edge of Corsicana, in the industrial district, I've noticed acres of these iron wheels/axles and long thought it might make a good odd shot. I kept looking for a time when I was passing through with good weather and no trucks rushing in and out. I gave up on that! So Friday, I grabbed just a couple of quick shots and still got in the way of an 18-wheeler! There are more photos below that show you the full perspective.
See other odd shots at Katney's Kaboodle and read more if you'd like about the railroad wheel repair business below. Apparently, this facility does repair work primarily for Union Pacific.

The following is an excerpt from a 8-K SEC Filing, filed by GREENBRIER COMPANIES INC on 10/16/2006.With over 25 years of experience in the rail industry, Meridian Rail Services

supplies both new and reconditioned wheel sets to railroads, maintenance centers

and repair shops across the U.S. and Mexico. Headquartered in Birmingham,

Alabama, Meridian operates six full service freight car wheel facilities in

Chicago Heights, IL; Corsicana, TX; Kansas City, KS; Lewistown, PA; San

Bernardino, CA; and Mexico City, Mexico. Meridian also operates a coupler

reconditioning facility in Chicago, IL and a car repair facility in Mexico City,

Mexico. Greenbrier operates four full service freight car wheel facilities in

Tacoma, WA; Pine Bluff, AR; Portland, OR; and Sahagun, Mexico.

The Greenbrier Companies (www.gbrx.com), headquartered in Lake Oswego, OR, is

a leading supplier of transportation equipment and services to the railroad

industry. The Company builds new railroad freight cars in its manufacturing

facilities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico and marine barges at its U.S.

facility. It also repairs and refurbishes freight cars and provides wheels and

railcar parts at 30 locations (post Meridian acquisition) across North America.

Greenbrier builds new railroad freight cars and refurbishes freight cars for the

European market through both its operations in Poland and various subcontractor

facilities throughout Europe. Greenbrier owns approximately 9,000 railcars, and

performs management services for approximately 136,000 railcars.

A founding father....

2008-05-18T07:31:00.002-05:00

Taken from RootsGenWeb:

David Reed Mitchell

David Reed Mitchell, born in 1797 in North Carolina, arrived in Robertson County, Texas. In 1845 he was a surveyor by trade, and had surveyed the upper Trinity and Brazos river areas in 1844. He became surveyor of the Robertson County land district, as well as the original land of Navarro County and Corsicana. Mitchell was also a land speculator of sorts, and by 1847 he owned a large amount of land in Navarro County. With two partners, Thomas I. Smith and James C. Neill, he donated one hundred acres on which the town of Corsicana was founded. For a time he operated an inn in the town, sometimes referred to as the "lower hotel" because of its location in proximity to another hotel run by pioneer Hampton McKinney.

David Reed Mitchell married Mary Ann Higgins, and they were the parents of five children. Mitchell continued to live in Corsicana until his death on Oct. 7, 1863. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, and the citizens of Corsicana erected a monument at his grave in 1899. Of the three partners who donated land for the city of Corsicana, Mitchell is the only one buried here.

Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1996

The Arts -- Palace Theater

2008-05-17T08:37:00.002-05:00

From their website:

Built in 1921, the first film shown at The Palace was Cecil B. DeMille's Something to Think About starring Gloria Swanson, plus a Max Sennett comedy Salome vs. Shenandoah . This theatre has been completely restored and updated with the latest lighting and sound equipment.

Coming Events

The Spinners -- Sept 20

Michael Martin Murphey – Dec 16

Please click on the link above if you are interested in more photos and history. There are photos of the inside, too. This theater is on one of our brick side streets downtown, half a block from the Warehouse Living Arts Center and across from the WLAC Children's arts building. There are posts below about those two.

ABC Wednesday: Q

2008-05-14T08:54:00.004-05:00

I've been away for a couple of days and am admittedly grasping for ideas today! It's raining like crazy here, so new photos are impossible. Here's one of a QUIET spot at the Navarro County Courthouse. Be heartened...there are many more talented and imaginative photographers participating in ABC Wednesday posts at Mrs Nesbitt's Place. Please go see their work!

Camera Critters Sunday/Mother's Day

2008-05-11T09:08:00.003-05:00

In honor of Mother's Day and in participation with the Camera Critters Sunday meme, here's a scene sure to make you go "awwwwwww.....". There's still lots of open country around here and spring is a great time for a drive.

Children and the Arts

2008-05-10T13:51:00.002-05:00

This is an extension of the Warehouse Living Arts Center that I posted on Thursday. If the inside is as colorful as the outside, the kids must have a great time!

Sky Watch Friday

2008-05-09T10:49:00.004-05:00

Clear skies, quite blue....click to enlarge to see the real subject in the sky. This was taken last month when I did the post on Smith's General Store. This building is across the alley from Smith's. The brick building in the left edge of the photo is Smith's.

Thanks to Wigger's World for hosting the Sky Watch Friday theme!

Arts in Corsicana, Part II

2008-05-08T09:40:00.000-05:00

Celebrating over thirty years of excellence in entertainment. Showcasing performing arts, visual arts, children's theatre and classes
(according to EastTexasGuide.com), this building is kitty-corner to the Post Office in yesterday's post. Now there's a word that might need explaining!

Adverb

kitty-corner

(with to:) located diagonally across from something, especially across an intersection
- The library is kitty-corner to the supermarket.

(From Wiktionary)

The theater offers rotating art shows and occasional plays, as well as other forms of entertainment.

ABC Wednesday: P for Post Office, Then and Now

2008-05-07T10:57:00.002-05:00

My ABC Wednesday Photo is of the Post Office in Corsicana. Our cars have sure changed more than this building has! Click the icon below to see more ABC Wednesday photos linked to Mrs. Nesbitt's Place.

Corsicana -- Then and Now: Carnegie Library

2008-05-06T07:41:00.001-05:00

The "then" shot is a postcard from 1906. The "now" shots are of a mural painted in 1998 by Brad Smith (who also did the Malakoff mural I posted on my other CDB blog). I took these April 21 of this year. If you check out the story below (link: 32 Carnegie libraries) you'll see photos of the mural that someone else took in 2000. The mural is on an outside wall of the current library.

Corsicana had a literary magazine in the early 1880s and a Carnegie Library in 1904. The library was originally built at a cost of $25,000, which put it in the middle range of the 32 Carnegie libraries that were originally built in Texas. Of these, 13 remain with only 4 serving their original purpose.

While the Carnegie library in Corsicana was razed in 1967, it still lives in the 1998 mural by Brad Smith. This mural is a fine example of a forgotten building brought back to life in an affordable manner.

Odd Shots Monday

2008-05-05T02:00:00.001-05:00

This one made me hit my brakes and back up! You may need to click it and enlarge it to appreciate it! It's outside the door of the Capehart Telephone Museum.

If you have any interest at all in the history of communications, you must visit the website if not the museum. I must confess that I've never been inside the museum, but just taking a peek at the website while preparing this post has certainly convinced me that I must check it out!

See more Odd Shots at Katney's Kaboodle.

Camera Critters Sunday -- Corsicana Tigers

2008-05-04T11:20:00.000-05:00

This may be a stretch, but I couldn't resist! The Tiger is the Corsicana ISD's mascot. This is painted on the side of a business right on Highway 31 through town. See other Camera Critters Sunday participants.

Corsicana, Then and Now: Oakwood Fountain

2008-05-03T09:46:00.001-05:00

TnChick hosts a Theme Day called Photo Hunt. Today's theme is TIME. Since this blogsite is mostly about time...Corsicana Then and Now....I decided the whole blog is applicable today! I hope TnChick agrees. Please click her link to see more.

For more information about the history and restoration of this fountain, please click here. You'll see where I found the old postcard photo above, posted in 1906. I took the new shots on Monday of this week. My ABC Wednesday post below is the gate to this cemetery. Your comments indicated an interest in old cemeteries, so I will be going back to find some more interesting shots to share.

Here's a teaser from the story in the Corsicana Daily Sun linked above:

By JOAN SHERROUSE/Daily Sun Staff

A skeptical parks department employee initially dismissed an elderly resident's claim that a turn-of-the-century fountain in Oakwood Cemetery once overflowed into a large pool beneath it.

"An elderly fellow came out here after this thing had been knocked down and he said there used to be a pool there about three feet deep," Tim Roop said.

Curious, however, Roop decided to investigate. After all, the cast-iron bowl and base of the fountain were pushed over by vandals at Christmas time and the city was thinking of raising money to restore the structure.

Sky Watch Friday

2008-05-02T09:36:00.000-05:00

These were taken on April 20 within 1 minute. Things change so quickly in the sky that we miss a lot, don't we? Thanks to Wigger's World, we stop and look at least once a week! Click on Wigger's link to see some great sky shots today!

CDPB May Theme: Numbers

2008-05-01T06:31:00.000-05:00

For all the years I lived in Corsicana, I was confused by the fact that numbered avenues crossed numbered streets. Long time Corsicans just seemed to instintively know where "5th and 23rd" or "7th and 9th" was, but I always had to ask "5th St or 5th Ave?". One of these days I'll figure out the secret code! Check out the other participants:

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants
Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Arradon, France by Alice, Aspen (CO), USA by IamMBB, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Avignon, France by Nathalie, Barrow-in-Furness, UK by Enitharmon, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Belgrade, Serbia by Bibi, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Bucharest, Romania by Malpraxis, Budapest, Hungary by agrajag, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Busan, Korea South by iamnbinb, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chesapeake Daily Photo (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Chicago (IL), USA by Focused Light, Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Clearwater (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Clearwater Beach (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Cologne, Germany by April11, Concordia Sagittaria, Italy by Patrizia, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Corsicana (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Dallas (TX), USA by turtle, Darmstadt, Germany by Elsch, Dunedin (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, East Gwillimbury, Canada by Your EG Tour Guide, Evry, France by Olivier, Forks (WA), USA by Mary, Geneva (IL), USA by Kelly, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hampton (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hong Kong, Hong Kong by Rachel A., Hyde, UK by Gerald, Inverness (IL), USA by Neva, Ioannina, Greece by Christos-Ioanna, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jogjakarta, Indonesia by Jogja Portrait, Joplin (MO), USA by Victoria, Katonah (NY), USA by Inkster1, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Le Guilvinec, France by ds2944, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Mo, London, UK by Ham, Mainz, Germany by JB, Malaga, Spain by Paula, Manila, Philippines by Heyokity, Maple Ridge, Canada by Susan, Marseille, France by Alex, Medan, Indonesia by KT, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Melbourne, Australia by John, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico City, Mexico by Poly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Minsk, Belarus by Olga, Misawa, Japan by misawa mama, Monrovia (CA), USA by Keith, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Montpellier, France by Marie, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by Magiceye, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Nancy, France by yoshi, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by • Eliane •, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, Newport News (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Norfolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, North Hampton (NH), USA by Amy, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Nottingham, UK by Gail's Man, Ocean Township (NJ), USA by Josy, Omsk, Russia by Nataly, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Oslo, Norway by Lothiane, Owasso (OK), USA by Jennifer, Paderborn, Germany by Soemchen, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Penang, Malaysia by Maltelda, Perth, Australia by Elevation7, Phoenix (AZ), USA by Cheryl, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Townsend (WA), USA by raf, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Portsmouth (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Quincy (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea by Jules, Ramsey, Isle of Man by babooshka, Riga, Latvia by Riga Images, Rollag, Norway by Stormel, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salem (OR), USA by jill, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by Eric, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by atc, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Diego (CA), USA by Zentmrs, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, San Francisco (CA), USA by Louis la Vache, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Seoul, South Korea by Phil, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, St Francis, South Africa by Sam, Stanwood (WA), USA by MaryBeth, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Suffolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Julie, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tacloban City, Philippines by agnesdv, Tel-Aviv, Israel by Olga, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torun, Poland by Glenn, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Turin, Italy by Livio, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Vichy, France by Delphsnl, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Virginia Beach (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Washington (DC), USA by Rachel, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Williamsburg (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,

ABC Wednesday -- O is for Oakwood Cemetery: Then and Now

2008-04-29T23:52:00.001-05:00

This series includes an old postcard of the gate to Oakwood plus photos I took this week. Visit Mrs Nesbitt for more ABC Wednesday posts.

Corsicana Army Air Field

2008-04-29T18:41:00.000-05:00

This great mural is on the side of a building downtown. The placque in the 2nd photo explains the reference to the Army Air Force flight training in Corsicana during World War II.

Odd Shots Monday

2008-04-28T21:36:00.001-05:00

Any idea what's going on here? See 2nd shot below..... This was the 2nd time I'd driven by this old building in Corsicana and been struck by the shadow of the stairs on the wall. This time it dawned on me that a zoom would be a decent Odd Shot!

Visit Katney, our theme hostess for more Odd Shots.

Camera Critters Sunday ...

2008-04-27T12:49:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite locations just outside of Corsicana for taking photos. With the pond, the paint horses, the hay bales, the reflections....there's just always something there to appreciate. Please go to Misty's Camera Critters Sunday site to see more wonderful animals.

Behind the scenes---Project Green

2008-04-26T09:08:00.001-05:00

Sometimes it's good to get off the Beaton path (that's our main thoroughfare downtown) and see what's going on behind the old buildings. I found this ivy growth with the green to red contrast interesting. I hope you do, too. The light wasn't the best, but sometimes you just have to take the shot you're given, right? For more interesting Project Green shots, see Anna Carson's site. She does a great job herself and is a wonderful moderator.

Sky Watch Friday -- Sun and Moon

2008-04-25T08:06:00.000-05:00

When I realized that I was looking at the moon in front of me and the sun in my mirror, I just had to pull over and try to capture it. It was much more awe-inspiring that my photo suggests!
See other Sky Watch Friday contributions at WiggersWorld.

Corsicana -- Then and Now: Methodist Church

2008-04-24T05:51:00.002-05:00

Methodist Church NOW......Methodist Church postcard from 1906.....

My NOW shot is taken from the side street to the right of the church in the post card view from 1906. If you enlarge the new photo (taken 4/14/08) you'll see the moon up near the steeple. That was the reason for taking the shot from this angle.

N is for Navarro on this ABC Wednesday

2008-04-23T20:22:00.000-05:00

I'm running really late today, so I'll let the Historical Marker tell the story! See other ABC Wednesday posts at Mrs Nesbitt's Place.
Please click here for more fasinating information about Jose Antonio Navarro and Texas, Navarro County and Corsicana history.

Follow-up: Then and Now: Pace Building

2008-04-22T19:53:00.001-05:00

When I mentioned in the previous post that retail businesses had been added to the side of the old Pace Grocery building, I realized that would be hard for you to visualize. Yesterday when I went through town, I grabbed another shot. I appreciate these efforts to keep a historical building alive and well. I think, like most of us, old buildings appreciate being needed! ;-)

The Arts in Corsicana, Part I

2008-04-21T10:02:00.000-05:00

There are several venues for art and entertainment in Corsicana. One of the newest is the Corsicana Opry/Martin's Music Hall. It's right downtown on Beaton. This is an older building that has seen many reincarnations....before the Opry, it was a workout facility.