The Flickr Vanishingamerica Image Generatr

“The reality is that old houses that were built a hundred years ago were built by actual craftsmen, people who were the best in the world at what they did. The little nuances in the woodwork, the framing of the doors, the built-in nooks, the windows—all had been done by smart, talented people, and I quickly found that uncovering those details and all of that character made the house more inviting and more attractive and more alive.”
― Joanna Gaines, The Magnolia Story

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

The Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons on Columbus Avenue has long served as the center of operations for masonry in Texas and is one of the largest freemason lodges in the world.

The Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M. is the oldest continuously operating organization in Texas, established through the Grand Lodge of Louisiana in 1835 and becoming its own entity in 1837, with Sam Houston presiding over the organizational meeting. It developed into the fifth-largest masonic lodge in the world as well as the headquarters for Texas freemasons. On December 6, 1904, it moved from Houston to Waco. Twentieth-century modernization and rapid economic expansion made Waco’s central location in the state the perfect location for the masons, establishing prime conditions for the growth of the Grand Lodge.

The fraternal organization initially shared a building with the National Guard in Waco but needed more space as the lodge grew. The masons formed a committee, purchased land, and crafted a building design. On December 23, 1947, the Masons held a groundbreaking ceremony. The two million dollar project was completed in 1949, and the One Hundred & Fourteenth Annual Communication was the first event held in the new lodge.

The building, located on Columbus Avenue between Sixth St. & Seventh St., is grandiose. The Grand Lodge’s granite white stone finish and design are inspired by the description given in the Bible of King Solomon’s Temple—a massive, elegant structure constructed to hold the Arc of the Covenant. The impressive structure attracts many viewers and draws interest to downtown Waco.

At first glance, eyes are drawn to the two large pillars in front of the building with globes situated on top. One globe is terrestrial while the other globe is celestial. Contemplating these two bodies is meant to inspire the studies of geometry, astronomy, geography, and navigation through which more extensive knowledge of the mysteries of nature and laws which govern the universe may be obtained. The other noticeable feature on the outside of Grand Lodge is a stone bas-relief illustrating people quarrying, transporting, and setting stones for the construction of King Solomon’s Temple. Raoul Josset, a French-born American sculptor whose work can be seen throughout Texas, received a commission in 1948 to incorporate the sculpture onto the side of the building. This architectural feature separated the building from any other in Waco or Texas.

Internally, the lodge contains facilities such as offices, meeting halls, a library, and a museum. Additionally, items such as Sam Houston’s gavel, the Masonic constitution, petitions, books, speeches, communication notes, and portraits are on display within. This impressive building, which combines both a visual experience and a practical space, accomplishes more than just sharing the knowledge of the history, of the Texas Masonic Order. The Grand Lodge preserves information on Waco and Texas history making it an important part in understanding the surrounding region.

In addition to meeting the needs of Texas freemasons, the Grand Lodge of Texas has served as a center for the fraternal organization’s charitable operations as well. The Masons largely centered their efforts upon the provision of education for children, establishing both Masonic-sponsored and public schools throughout Texas. Some other charities of the Texas freemasons include the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children and the Shriners Burns Institute in Galveston.

Today the Grand Lodge of Texas remains the center of freemasonry in Texas, in addition to standing as one of the hallmark architectural pieces of the city.

wacohistory.org/items/show/110

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

The vicinity of Brabson's Ferry Plantation is rich in early East Tennessee history. In 1776, a force of 1,800 men (most of whom were Virginians or settlers of the Holston and Wautauga River Valleys) were led by Colonel William Christian across the French Broad River at War Ford, the same site as the Brabson Ferry located on the property above. The force continued up Boyd's Creek toward the Overhill Cherokee towns to offer retaliation for Cherokee raids upon the Holston-Watauga settlements. Isaac Thomas, guide for the expedition, later settled in the Sevierville area a few miles from the Plantation.

In 1780, John Sevier (namesake of Sevier County and the town of Sevierville) led another force of settlers upon the Cherokees. He and his militia of about 100 frontiersmen also crossed at War Ford and engaged in battle with the Cherokees in the area of the Brabson land. This was the first of 35 encounters that Sevier had with the Indians and became known as the Battle of Boyd's Creek. The county was later named in honor of Sevier.

John Brabson, one of the earliest settlers in Sevier County, came to the Boyd's Creek area in 1794 from Frederick County, Virginia (now Berkeley County, West Virginia). He farmed his homestead of 10,000 acres which was purchased from North Carolina (B.D. Brabson II still has the purchase note); he ran the ferry service at War Ford, only a hundred yards from his log home; and he raised ten children. Two sons, Thomas and Benjamin Davis, followed in their father's ways in continuing the various operations on the property. They were the original owners of the two homes which are part of the described district. A daughter, Mary Reece Brabson Shields, married second Dr. Robert Hogsden who was the attending physician on "The Trail of Tears".

The Brabson/s were pro-Confederacy during the Civil War. Under extreme harassment from the local majority Unionists, they left their Boyd's Creek homes and moved to Texas. They returned to a neglected farm after the War. One son, William Brabson, fought under General McCowan of the Confederacy and was captured at Chickamauga. The homes described previously have not been modernized or appreciably altered. The exteriors and woodwork of the interiors are fine examples of 19th century architecture of the East Tennessee area.

The Brabson's Ferry Plantation District is located on land important in early military history of Tennessee. It was also an important industrial site, and buildings of architectural & historical importance still exist on the property. Some of which are seen in the photograph above include the B.D. Brabson house (constructed circa 1856), barn, and shed. The entire district was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on June 25, 1975. And, all of the information above was found on the original documents submitted for listing consideration that can be viewed here:
npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail/3f711f09-e687-40ff-b58...

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

Sabine Parish was created in 1843 and Many, Louisiana was selected as the parish seat. The first court met in the rented premises of the Methodist and Baptist churches. In 1880, J.T. Lunt built the first courthouse, a wood structure at a cost of $2,500. The second courthouse was built in 1889 at a cost of $17,000 and was constructed by a firm from Louisville, Kentucky which was probably Falls City Construction Company. The third courthouse was designed by W.L. Stevens and constructed by Caldwell Brothers in 1916. The fourth and the present courthouse, seen in the photograph above, was constructed in 1956 to 1957 by Southern Building Inc. of Shreveport, LA after being designed by J. Cheshire Peyton & Associates also from Shreveport. This Moderne Style of architecture building faces west and is a three story buff colored brick and stone structure. In the interior, the Parish District Court courtroom is located on the north side of the second story where the Parish District Court of the 11th Judicial District is housed.

courthouses.co/us-states/h-l/louisiana/sabine-parish/

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

“To some it’s just metal, but to me, it’s a time machine.”
– Billy Gibbons (American rock musician, best known as the guitarist, primary vocalist, and only constant member of ZZ Top)

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

Although famous primarily for its antebellum suburban mansions and grand tollhouses, Natchez has an impressive and remarkably intact old town area which is composed primarily of 19th century buildings. Within this cohesive and architecturally significant old town area, twenty-four buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and four buildings have been designated National Historic Landmarks NHL). During the early 19th century, Natchez was politically, commercially, and culturally pre-eminent in the region which now includes Mississippi and upper Alabama. Its nearest rivals among Mississippi River towns were Memphis and St. Louis to the north and New Orleans to the south. Older even than New Orleans, Natchez was one of the earliest settlements on the Mississippi River and was the terminus of the Old Natchez Trace from Nashville to Natchez at one time the most southwesterly settlement of the United States. The boundaries of the Natchez On-Top-of-the-Hill Historic District are based on the street grid plan of the Spanish as depicted on the 186U Map of the Defenses of Natchez. The district is naturally bounded by the bluff park area to the west and by bayous to the east and south. Railroad tracks located in the center of Monroe Street and running its full length make Monroe St. the logical northern boundary. The district stands out within the city by its street regularity and the high concentration of antebellum buildings within its boundaries.

This building, the Dumas Drug Store (as seen by the ghost sign on the side above) is located on Franklin Street and was the anchor of the black business community in Natchez for several decades after it opened in the 1930's. Dr. A.W. Dumas, Sr., a well respected and admired Natchez physician, and his son, Dr. Albert W. Dumas, Jr., located their medical offices above the drug store. Another son, Michael Dumas, operated the drug store at the street level for ~44 years. Today, all that is left is the ghost sign above which still reminds Natchez daily of the history of the building.

The On-Top-of-the-Hill Historic District (including the Old Dumas Drug Store building seen in the photograph above) was added to the NRHP on September 17, 1979. All of the information above (and much, much more about the rest of the historic district) was found on the original documents submitted for listing consideration and can be viewed here:
npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail/2e94ccd2-4f5c-4ae9-ab6...

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

Set in the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee, the 1523-acre park is located on the former estate of the late Henry H. Horton, 36th governor of Tennessee. It was constructed in the 1960's on the shores of the historic Duck River, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Remnants of a mill and bridge on the river that were operated and used by the Wilhoite family (the family of Horton's spouse) for over a century may be seen on the Wilhoite Mill Trail. The park offers several lodging options including an actual lodge, cabins, and campsites. There are 4 hiking trails, a restaurant, camp store, picnic pavilions, a playground, swimming, and a skeet/trap range as well as the Buford Ellington Golf Course. This golf course is an 18-hole championship, par 72 course and driving range. This challenging course, one of the finest in Tennessee, is heavily treed with hardwoods and measures 5,625 yards from the Forward tees and 7,060 yards from the Championship tees. Additionally, Henry Horton and the Buford Ellington Course was the first state park golf course to be built in what would later become the Tennessee Golf Trail.

tnstateparks.com/parks/henry-horton

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

Rose Glen is located at the junction of Bird's Creek Road and the Newport Highway near the East Fork of the Little Pigeon River. The home which was built in 1845 was said to be designed on a Monticello plan. Bilateral symmetry is notable in both the home and grounds. Standing beside the road (the Newport Highway) about sixty feet from the house are two small buildings which, along with the greenery of the hardwood,frame Rose Glen. The small building to the right (seen above) was the office of Dr. Hogsden (the original owner) and Dr. Hicks (the second owner); the one to the left was the loom house which was operated by the servants. The house itself is built upon a "T" plan with the central portion being two stories and the wings of the facade are one story high with fireplaces at each end. The exterior was covered in white clapboard and shutters trim the windows. The recessed entrance to the home is the most attractive aspect where two square columns and matching pilasters support the second floor.

The woodwork of the home, both the frame and interior decor, were completed by hand and put together by pegs. The ceilings and walls were plastered at the time of construction and the floors are of heart pine. There are four rooms on the first floor: a parlor and sitting room form the two wings which are separated by a piazza (designed as part of the entrance). The ceiling of the parlor is embossed with a cameo-like design. There is also a large bedroom and dining room downstairs. The kitchen is in the basement and access is gained by the exterior from which servants brought the meals upstairs. Upstairs there are three large bedrooms. A porch also runs down each side of the rear section and is enclosed in latticework (also seen above).

Rose Glen is important not only because of its exemplative architecture but also because of the prominence of Dr. Hogsden, the original owner of the property. The 1840's might be termed the "developing years" of Sevier County. Settlements had previously been made; it was a time when the fruits of one's toil were realized. Dr. Hogsden came to the Harrisburg vicinity from Maryville where he married Mary Brabson Shields in 1842 and set up practice in the county. Rose Glen was constructed from 1845 to 1850; the unusual design is like "The Maples" in Jefferson City. Dr. Hogsden had his office, a small two room structure, built to the side of the front yard; a house of the same design stands on the other side of the yard to complete the symmetry which is so apparent in the layout of the home. During his early medical career, Dr. Hogsden was the attending physician to one party of Cherokees (roughly 2000) during their forced migration to Oklahoma—commonly known as "The Trail of Tears" and later he was President of the State Medical Society. During the Civil War, he was a representative to the Confederate legislature. Rose Glen remained in the hands of another physician, Dr. Hicks, in the later nineteenth century and the property has remained in his descendants' possession.

The photograph above is through a chain link fence that surrounds the abandoned, decaying property even though it was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on July 18, 1975. I hope that someone somewhere will be willing to obtain and save this piece of East Tennessee history. And, all of the information above was found on the original documents submitted for listing consideration that can be viewed here:
npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail/b984a07e-69f5-4421-bb7...

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

Memorial for the soldiers of World War I in Lufkin, Texas. The full inscription reads:
IN GRATEFUL MEMORY OF OUR BOYS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE WORLD WAR 1917 ~ 1918
ERECTED BY THE CITIZENS OF ANGELINA COUNTY SPONSORED BY ANGELINA POST No.113 AMERICAN LEGION

Memorial Day 2025 - Remember those who have gave all they had for our country and honor their memory by remembering why our country was founded and continues to exist as the greatest country in the world.

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

Wheatlands Plantation (also known as Ler-Mac) is a two story brick structure with an ell built by John Chandler in 1825. It is located on the Old Knoxville/Sevierville Highway at the bend of Boyd's Creek where John Sevier and his militia engaged the Cherokees in battle. The highway, now a secondary road, was once one of the major routes to Knoxville from upper East Tennessee and Virginia. The home remained in the hands of John Chandler's descendants until the late 1960's. Only minor alterations have taken place; the present owners, with their respect for the structure's Federal lines, have kept the exterior appearance intact and have made only necessary renovations inside. The house originally contained a parlor, sitting room, dining room and adjoining kitchen on the ground level. Upstairs were two large bedrooms and two smaller rooms which were probably servant quarters. The dining room, kitchen, and servant quarters form a rear wing. Unlike the other rooms of the home which have 12 foot ceilings, these rooms have ceilings which vary in height from 7'6" to 9'. The large rooms were heated by fireplaces; and the ornate wood mantels are found in all rooms. The kitchen has been modernized with range and other conveniences, however, the fireplace and hearth are still utilized. The home underwent three series of renovations. During the late 19th century the home was somewhat "Victorianized" with the major alteration being the installation of "Queen Anne's" windows (i.e. varying stain glass panes which are set in a bordering sash in each window) and the addition of a one-story balustraded front porch. In the present century, plumbing fixtures were added. Around 1930 the entrance to the living room was widened to an archway from the central hall. The height of the walls inside the home are broken by chair and picture rails; various patterns of wallpaper from the Williamsburg collection have replaced the faded paper. Outbuildings include a former servant cabin which is now an apartment and the smokehouse and storage shed are still in good condition. A small black community nearby bears witness to the descendants of Chandler's servants; these people were given a tract of the Chandler land and have remained there over the years farming the land and teaching in the county.

The earliest recorded history connected with the Wheatlands site is the Battle of Boyd's Creek. This engagement with the Cherokees was the first of John Sevier's battles with the Indians. Sevier led his 200 men across the French Broad at War Ford (or Christians Ford) and attacked the Cherokees at the bend in Boyd's Creek—the same area where Wheatlands now stands. The original owner, John Chandler, came to the Boyd's Creek vicinity from the Rocky Springs Community in 1791. Chandler added various tracts of land to this original land grant and eventually accumulated about 46,601 acres. His original home burned in 1824 and the home known as Wheatlands (later known as Ler-Mac) was built of handmade brick, heartpine floors and plastered walls & ceilings; the tin roof, now covered with shingles, was imported from England. The name Wheatlands was derived from Chandler's extensive wheat fields. The farm also included a commissary, tannery, and a distillery. Chandler was a slave owner, but deplored the practice of breaking up families and selling individuals to different owners. By the outbreak of the Civil War he had, accumulated 188 slaves.

Wheatlands is an important landmark in the community being the home of a prominent early settler. And, it is a significant example of the Federal style architecture in East Tennessee during the first quarter of the nineteenth century. Typical is the adaptation of late 19th century changes to reflect the Victorian era, a common practice of those who were financially able to "keep up with the times". For these reasons, Wheatlands was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 7, 1975. All of the information above was found on the original documents submitted for listing consideration that can be viewed here:
npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail/bb652d18-9558-4156-994...

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

The 1938 Houston County Courthouse is the last of five courthouses to be located on the public square in Crockett, Texas, the county seat. Designed by architect Blum E. Hester, the courthouse was one of several new civic buildings constructed in the town under the New Deal's Public Works Administration. The building is an excellent example of late-1930's Art Moderne public architecture and, among the Texas courthouses of the period, one of the most straightforward, yet elegant, interpretations of the style. Since its construction, this structure has continued to serve the important role as the center of civic life in Houston County as well as the principle seat of county government.

This current courthouse was built at a time when Houston County was looking back on its first hundred years, having celebrated its centennial in 1936-1937. Under the administration of Crockett Mayor John Gordon Beasley, Sr., improvements included a new city hall, the David Crockett Memorial Building, and a new 50-acre city park. Unsurprisingly, Houston County commissioners were also interested in the building loans offered under the New Deal's National Recovery Act program and the Public Works Administration. And since the funding through this Act and completion of the construction in 1939, the courthouse and the public square have also been the site of numerous public events. Celebrations, such as the Fiddler's Festival, occurred yearly on the ground ending with street dances until midnight. Election results drew citizens to the square. All parade patterns circle the square. U.S. Bicentennial (1975-76) and Texas Sesquicentennial (1986-87) events were held on the courthouse steps and inside. And, the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Merchants Beautification Committee use the steps of the building for their public events.

All of these things have made this beautiful courthouse eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) at the local level of significance under criterion A in the area of Politics/Government and as an excellent example of the Art Moderne style as applied to a public building under Criterion C for Architecture. It was added to the register on May 10, 2010. All of the information above, and much more, was found on the original documents that were submitted for listing consideration and can be viewed here:
catalog.archives.gov/id/40972618

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

The City Library is architecturally one of the most sophisticated structures in Hillsboro every since its construction in 1914. Designed by architect James K. Taylor, the structure's Renaissance Revival form appears to be related to McKim, Mead, and White's Boston Public Library of 1888-92, and Florence's Foundling Hospital. Other Texas cities such as Plainview, Temple, and Huntsville possess similar post office buildings. As both post office and library, the ornate Hillsboro building has served major governmental and educational needs in the community for over 110 years.

The lot which the building occupies was the site of the city's first fire department, founded in 1883 and officially organized in 1885. Although the property was purchased by the federal government in 1910, actual work did not begin until 1912. After continuous operation through the 20th century and increasing service demands, the Post Office constructed a new building on West Franklin Street in 1967. On February 14, 1968, the City of Hillsboro gained possession of the building and selected architect William Chambe of the firm of Rucker and Chambe in Temple, Texas to draft exterior restoration plans. Renovation of the interior was begun a year later. Dedicated in 1971, the newly restored library has continued to serve local civic, cultural, and education needs every since.

On March 30, 1984, the Hillsboro City Library (and former Hillsboro U.S. Post Office) was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) for its local contributions to the areas of Architecture, Education, and Government. All of the information above was found on the original documents submitted for listing consideration and can be viewed here:
catalog.archives.gov/id/40969621

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

The Texas Centennial Exposition was not only a celebration of Texas independence, but also of Texas and Western culture. The 1936-37 Exposition was also a festival of architecture, which embraced the then-new International style of architecture. Traditionally, worlds fairs are the testing grounds for new ideas in building design; Dallas and its Exposition architects chose to reflect the style of the Exposition Des Arts Decoratifs in Paris in 1925. They were also influenced by the recently completed "Century of Progress" in Chicago (1933-34), where the International style of architecture was prominently displayed.

The significance of Fair Park also extends beyond the architectural theme of the remaining buildings. Fair Park is one of the largest intact grouping of Exposition buildings remaining in the United States. Most World's Fairs or Exposition grounds in the United States have been demolished, except for one or two exceptional buildings. However, many of the original 1936 buildings and open spaces remain today from the Texas Centennial Exposition, even though several were constructed as "temporary" structures.

Fair Park is also significant in terms of urban design, open space design, and artwork and sculpture. The Exposition architecture expressed monumentality in design, but this was reinforced by the open spaces and landscaping that the buildings were sited around. The grounds were planned on two landscape design themes: a Beaux Arts theme that involved grand plazas and vistas that intersected or were terminated by major buildings, and a pastoral theme that used winding paths, random landscaping, and building siting to create a very informal atmosphere. The majority of these open spaces, both formal and informal, exist today in one of America's most well-planned parks. Four major open space areas (and their buildings) still remain: Esplanade of State (Grand Plaza—Esplanade of State—Texas Court of Honor); Agrarian Parkway and The Chute; Federal Concourse (Federal Concourse—Constitution Place—Stadium Plaza); and the Lagoon and Centennial Drive. These spaces combine to create a series of monumental spaces, formal vistas, landscaping, and pastoral images unparalleled in a planned park in Texas and the Southwest.

The sculptures, murals, and other artwork remaining from the Exposition are also significant. Often intended to be "temporary" artwork, they reinforced the monumentality of the buildings and the open space design in Fair Park. Many of the artists studied in Paris; their work remains in exterior spaces as sculpture and murals, and inside many of the buildings in the Park.

This structure, now known as the Hall of State, at the head of the Esplanade and seen in the photograph above, was constructed in 1936 and is regarded as an excellent example of Art Deco architecture and was the showpiece of the Centennial Exposition. It features a large curved central mass with lower rectangular wings. The Centennial Corporation Architects (George Dahl and staff, including Donald Nelson) prepared the design and construction documents for this building, only to have the board of Control (a State agency established to oversee the entire Centennial effort) select another group of architects to begin again. This group of architects was called the Centennial Architects Associated, and included H.B. Thomason, Dewitt and Washburn, Fooshee and Cheek, Walter P. Sharp, Ralph Bryan, Anton Korn, Mark Lemmon, Flint and Brass, T.J. Galbraith, Arthur Thomas, Donald Barthelme of Houston, and Adams and Adams of San Antonio. Donald Barthelme was the principal designer for the project, and Adams and Adams were the interior designers. Unfortunately, the building was only partially completed in time for the Centennial Exposition opening. It houses many pieces of art, including statues, friezes, murals, medallions, and stenciled ceilings. The building is dedicated to the State of Texas and her heroes. Above the entrance is a carved sculpture by Harry Lee Bigson. In relief, a female figure, which represents Texas, kneels behind the Texas flag. Below, the owl of wisdom holds the key to progress and prosperity. In the background are branches from the State tree, the pecan. Focusing attention on the entrance is an heroic bronze and gold-leaf statue of an Indian, which stands on a dais 20' high. This "Tejas Warrior" by Dallas sculptor Allie V. Tennant is 11' tall. The figure acts as a terminus for the bronze floors at the entrance. The inner wall of the niche is faced with ceramic tiles of deep blue and orange. Inside the size and drama of the art is overwhelming. In the Hall of Heroes, on marble pedestals, are six heroic-sized bronze statues of great figures of the Texas Revolution. These statues by Pompeo Coppini are considered to be the finest examples of his work. Above and along the walls is a frieze that records the battles of the Texas Revolution. The Hall of Heroes opens onto the Great Hall, which is 94' long, 68' wide, and 46' high. Murals span the north and south walls. They depict Texas history beginning in 1519 and ending with figures representing the arts and the development of the cotton, grain, oil, lumber, and agricultural industries. The murals, by Eugene Savage of New York, with the assistance by Reveau Bassett and James Buchanan Winn, Jr., both of Texas, were the largest murals in the world at the time they were painted. And, finally, a magnificent medallion representing the six nations that have ruled Texas is mounted on the far wall of the hall. Designed by Joseph E. Renier, the medallion, 25' in diameter, is a bas-relief in three tones of gold.

The Texas Centennial Exposition Buildings (or more commonly referred to as Fair Park or Site of Texas State Fairs) was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on September 24, 1986 for its long standing history described above and includes The Women's Museum above. Most all of the information above was found on the original documents submitted for listing consideration and can be viewed here:
npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail/c6f55c0d-ef32-44ca-950...

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

The Vandergriff Building is the oldest standing commercial structure in the original town site of Arlington, Texas. The building, a two-part commercial block type, was designed in 1928 by Fort Worth-based architect Harve Withers for J.C. Thannisch, a local automobile dealer. While Thannisch was an early pioneer in automobile sales in Arlington, the industry greatly expanded in the city due to the involvement of W.T. "Hooker" Vandergriff, who purchased this building in 1938 for his own Chevrolet dealership; Vandergriff and his son Tom, the city's mayor at the time, brought a General Motors assembly plant to town in 1952. After its purchase and for the next 28 years, the Vandergriff family's Chevrolet business continued to operate in this building until 1966, when it relocated a few miles to the east. Today the Vandergriff family owns three automobile dealerships in the area, and the General Motors plant remains in operation; this building stands as the earliest physical remnant of the American automobile industry's impact on the city of Arlington.

The Vandergriff Building was therefore nominated to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under Criterion A in the area of Commerce/Trade at the local level of significance as a property strongly associated with the growth of the automotive industry and greater commercial development of Arlington. After this nomination, this historical building was added to the list on July 26, 2010. All of the information (and much, much more) was found on the original documents submitted for listing consideration that can be viewed here:
catalog.archives.gov/id/40973494

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

The area now known as "Hot Springs National Park" first became United States territory in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. The Dunbar-Hunter Expedition came here in 1804, sent by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the southern reaches of the recent purchase. Soon a bustling town grew up around the hot springs to provide services for health seekers. The resultant bathing industry led to Hot Springs becoming known as the "American Spa." But, even before becoming a U.S. territory, Hot Springs National Park had a long and colorful history, beginning long before its designation as Hot Springs Reservation in 1832. American Indians came here for thousands of years to quarry novaculite for their tools and weapons. Finally, on April 20, 1832, President Andrew Jackson signed legislation to set aside "...four sections of land including said (hot) springs, reserved for the future disposal of the United States (which) shall not be entered, located, or appropriated, for any other purpose whatsoever." This makes Hot Springs National Park the oldest national park among current National Park units, predating Yellowstone National Park by forty years.

West Mountain Drive has entrances on Prospect Avenue and Whittington Avenue. It is a two way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. This is the first overlook which affords a good view of the former Army/Navy Hospital (seen in this photo in the center) which was the first general hospital in the nation that provided treatment to both Army and Navy patients and is included in the Army and Navy General Hospital Historic District (NRHP #05001590) that is included on the National Register of Historic Places. Also seen from this overlook is the Hot Springs Mountain Tower (on the middle left) that is 216 feet above Hot Springs Mountain and 1,256 feet above Sea level. The second overlook has a historic trail shelter and picnic tables and the summit has a view south to the Trap Mountains and Lake Hamilton. This shelter was built in 1924 making it one of the oldest mountain shelters still in use today at Hot Springs National Park. Addtionaly, at the third overlook, there is access to sunset trail at the summit.

www.nps.gov/hosp/planyourvisit/scenic-overlooks.htm

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

Although Sevierville is one of the older towns in East Tennessee, there are not many buildings which date prior to 1870 because of a widespread fire during the late 1850's and the lack of development during the Civil War period. Toward the late nineteenth century, the town began to expand and select residences were built in the ornate Victorian style. The Waters House (as seen above) was built around 1895 and represents one of the finest Victorian houses in Sevierville. It is located on Cedar Street, one of the older residential sections of town and was originally the home of Dr. A.W. Trotter who practiced dentistry in Sevierville. The home is a three story clapboard structure which is highlighted by the exterior decor (and interior) of craftsman, Louis Buckner, a 19th century black carpenter of exceptional skill. Gables abound on the home at various levels; three are formed on each side of the house to terminate the bay windows at the roof. "Butterfly wings" drape the sides of the bay windows at the second floor; the wings are the work of Buckner. The porch is trimmed with "Dumbbell" dowels and gingerbread trim; it is rounded at the corner toward the rear of the home. The yard is nicely landscaped and outlined by an iron fence in front.

Louis Buckner learned the carpentry trade as an apprentice to Colonel C.C. Stump just after the Civil War. Originally they worked together in a small shop in Sevierville. Later they moved to the Catlettsville vicinity. Buckner did both interior and exterior decor. His furniture and his mantels are most often oak; the lines are not overly extravagant, however, the result of his geometric and floral designs is one of charming and elaborate beauty. Buckner usually designed a piece of furniture for the space which it would accommodate; thus his furniture complements rather than overwhelms a room. Buckner ultimately worked on his own. He was noted to carry only a small bag of tools and his shop was located diagonally behind the Waters House. Unfortunately his own home was not completed when he passed away. Besides the Waters House, other fine examples of his work are to be found at the Denton Home (on Douglas Dam Road) and at least one piece of furniture is located at Rose Glen on the Newport Highway.

The Waters house is significant both as a excellent example of Victorian architecture and as a building which represents the outstanding talent of a wood craftsman of the time. For these reasons, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on June 18, 1975. All of the information above was found on the original documents submitted for listing consideration and can be viewed here:
npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail/52cbce44-edcc-46ad-8cb...

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

The New Salem Baptist Church is located in Sevierville and Sevier County it Tennessee. This 1886 brick church stands as a fine example of vernacular Gothic detailing as interpreted by Isaac Dockery, a Black craftsman from the county. The historic church is located in a floodplain along Middle Creek. The well-maintained and little-altered place of worship has served the Black community and other congregations for nearly 125 years.

The New Salem Baptist Church, built in 1886, was originally named the New Salem Union Church. It was built for the use of Black worshippers of all denominations. Before the construction of the church building, services were held in a log house overlooking Middle Creek and also at a school near Pleasant View Cemetery. The Trustees of the church obtained land for the church from Squire Bob Henderson. Oral history states that Henderson and Isaac Dockery, the builder of the church, were good friends and neighbors. When Dockery asked the Squire for land for the future church, he cordially agreed and gave permission to use the adjoining land for the brick kiln as well. It remained New Salem Union Church for eleven years and was renamed New Salem Baptist Church on October 11,1897.

From the time of its construction, the New Salem Baptist Church has been the focal point of the Black community serving not only the community's religious needs but its social and educational needs as well. Juanita Burden Lundy, a Sevierville native and descendant of the church founders, states, "Any type of entertainment, education, worship or funeral service was located and centered around the Church." Until 1922, for example, Black children were educated either in their homes or at the New Salem Baptist Church where classes were taught for 26 years. In 1922, education stopped at the church and began at Pleasant View School, which was constructed with Rosenwald school funds. However, this church building is significant not only for its connection to Sevierville's Black community, but also for its builder, Isaac Dockery. Dockery (1832-1910) was a master brick mason who began his career in Sevier County during the 1860's. He first tried his hand at framing and chimney work on homes around the county. As the years passed and Dockery obtained more experience, he progressed to larger projects including the Murphy College Building (1891), Sevierville Masonic Lodge (1893, NRHP 2/7/80), and the Sevier County Courthouse (1896, NRHP 3/24/71). Although these and other buildings throughout the county were fashioned by his hands, the New Salem Baptist Church (1886) is regarded as his most significant work, representing the beginning of his career as well as his talent and legacy.

For all of its significance, the New Salem Baptist Church was itself added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 24, 2003. All of the information above (and much more) was found on the original documents submitted for listing consideration and can be viewed here:
npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail/49a8ae33-4c2d-47fc-bf4...

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

About 900 years ago, mound building began along Bear Creek. Before the mounds, the site was used by semi-sedentary groups for thousands of years. Typical of a Mississippian period village, a ceremonial building sat on Bear Creek’s flat top, providing a focus for spiritual life. Nearby, Bear Creek acted as an early highway that allowed people in dugout canoes to travel hundreds of miles. The creek supported ample fish and plant life, and large animals came to its banks to drink. Food and tools were plentiful. Nearby, Cave Spring was, and still is, considered pure and sacred.

Bear Creek Mound reminds us of the rich physical and spiritual resources that attracted people to this site for thousands of years. Food and tools were plentiful and nearby Cave Spring was, and still is, considered pure and sacred. After the NPS acquired the property in 1965, it has been maintained as a sacred Indian site but open to the public traveling the Parkway. You can visit it at Milepost 308.8 and take in a piece of Native American history.

www.nps.gov/places/bear-creek-mound.htm

*Note: The Alabama/Mississippi state line is visible from the parking area if you're looking directly east.

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

The Leon County Courthouse & Jail have both architectural and historical significance. The courthouse & old jail are simple yet dignified expressions with Classical lines; the 1918 jail (seen in the photo above) displays Medieval military architectural elements. All are located on the Centerville public square which has been the center of governmental activities since the founding of the town.

Late in 1885, the courthouse at that time burned and a resolution was introduced to build a new courthouse on the same plan as the old. Several years later the county judge and four county commissioners determined to build a new jail. Facilities for the detention of criminals up to this time had never been satisfactory. The orders which had authorized a new jail in 1873 culminated in the purchase of a store building from V.H. McAnnally for $2,500. This served as a temporary jail which was entirely also unsatisfactory.

Finally in 1893, a contract for the construction of a new jail was awarded to contractors Robb and Wilson for $3,850 and shortly there after the old temporary jail was sold at public auction. Early in 1894 it was completed and a new fence was set up around the building. In 1906, new cells furnished by the Southern Structural Steel Company were installed, and various repairs were made. Since this jail still proved inadequate, a second jail was built near the courthouse and the earlier jail. In 1918, the Southern Structural Steel Company of San Antonio was contracted to build a new jail, according to plans they furnished. The building was completed and accepted that year. The style of the 1918 jail symbolized strength. Incorporated into the design are corner towers and crenellations — representations of Medieval military architectural features.

Although the building is no longer used for detention, it is still sound and serves county functions such as the office of the county surveyor and others. And, for its political & governmental history and its architecture, the jail (along with the county courthouse) were added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 12, 1977. All of the information above was found on the original documents that can be viewed here:
catalog.archives.gov/id/40972831

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

"Cars are like rolling sculptures, and it’s the old ones that are the most beautiful."
-- Unknown

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/