Monastery at Large

From the Notebook

  • Postcards from the South: Entrance to Westview Cemetery – Atlanta

    Postcard view of Entrance to Westview Cemetery (1890), Atlanta

    This postcard depicts the Entrance to Westview Cemetery in Atlanta, designed by W.T. Downing and built in 1890.

    On the back, Nellie Winslow of 186 Nelson Street in Atlanta wrote to Mrs. Emma Tabler of “R.F. #2, Morris, Ill”:

    “Will exchange with pleasure. Come again.”

    So much fuel for a dirty mind.

    Postmarked in Atlanta on January 16, 1908, the card was published by Raphael Tuck & Sons, who always provided the most exquisite illustrations. The back identifies the card as part of ‘Post Card Series No. 2428, “Atlanta, Ga.”‘ and includes the following description:

    ENTRANCE TO WESTVIEW CEMETERY.

    Westview Cemetery, in the western section of the city, is the most prominent burial place in Atlanta, and one of the most beautiful in America. The entrance of stone, with its massive tower, is almost completely covered with ivy.

  • Public Comfort Building, Piedmont Park (1911) – Atlanta

    Harry Leslie Walker of King & Walker. Public Comfort Building (1911), Piedmont Park, Atlanta.
    Harry Leslie Walker of King & Walker. Public Comfort Building (1911), Piedmont Park, Atlanta.1 2 3 4 5
    Piazza on the Public Comfort Building, Atlanta
    Piazza on the Public Comfort Building, Atlanta
    Keystone on the Public Comfort Building, Atlanta
    Keystone on the Public Comfort Building, Atlanta
    Capital on the Public Comfort Building, Atlanta
    Capital on the Public Comfort Building, Atlanta
    Window on the Public Comfort Building, Atlanta
    Window on the Public Comfort Building, Atlanta
    Cornice on the Public Comfort Building, Atlanta
    Cornice on the Public Comfort Building, Atlanta
    East elevation of the Public Comfort Building, Atlanta
    East elevation of the Public Comfort Building, Atlanta

    References

    1. “Handsome Building For Piedmont Park”. The Atlanta Constitution, April 20, 1910, p. 7. ↩︎
    2. “Plans Adopted For New Public Comfort Bldg.” The Atlanta Journal, April 20, 1910, p. 6. ↩︎
    3. “Parks Will Divide Up The $57,000 They Got”. The Atlanta Constitution, January 21, 1911, p. 3. ↩︎
    4. “Barring Of Kinfolks Makes Cochran Tired”. The Atlanta Journal, January 24, 1911, p. 9. ↩︎
    5. “Refreshment Bids.” The Atlanta Constitution, July 16, 1911, p. 5. ↩︎

  • Postcards from the South: Furlow Public School – Americus, Georgia

    Postcard view of Furlow Public School (1890), Americus, Georgia.

    This postcard depicts the Furlow Public School in Americus, Georgia, which received a renovation and expansion designed by G.L. Norrman in 1890.

    Published by the American News Company of New York and printed in Germany, the card was postmarked in 1908 and addressed to Marie Smetzer of “808 S. West Grand Ave., Springfield, Ill.”

    Corrine from nearby Plains, Georgia, wrote the following note on the back:

    “Recd card many thanks.
    Hope you will like this one
    Come soon again”

    Not very eloquent, but that’s a Sumter County education for you. Trust me, I know.

  • Watts Building (1928) – Birmingham, Alabama

    Warren, Knight & Davis. Watts Building (1928). Birmingham, Alabama.
    Warren, Knight & Davis. Watts Building (1928). Birmingham, Alabama.1 2
    Looking at the top of the Watts Building from the southwest
    Looking at the top of the Watts Building from the southwest
    Looking up at the Watts Building from the northwest
    Looking up at the Watts Building from the northwest
    Windows on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Watts Building, Birmingham, Alabama
    Windows on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Watts Building, Birmingham, Alabama
    Looking at the 14th floor of the Watts Building from the southwest
    Looking at the 14th floor of the Watts Building from the southwest
    Windows on the Watts Building, Birmingham, Alabama
    Windows on the Watts Building, Birmingham, Alabama
    Looking at the southwest corner of the Watts Building, Birmingham, Alabama
    Looking at the southwest corner of the Watts Building, Birmingham, Alabama
    Looking at the northwest corner of the Watts Building, Birmingham. Alabama
    Looking at the northwest corner of the Watts Building, Birmingham. Alabama
    Looking up at the Watts Building from the northwest
    Looking up at the Watts Building from the northwest
    Canopy and entrance on the south elevation of the Watts Building, Birmingham, Alabama
    Canopy and entrance on the south elevation of the Watts Building, Birmingham, Alabama
    Looking up at the Watts Building from the southwest
    Looking up at the Watts Building from the southwest
    Watts Building, Birmingham, Alabama
    Watts Building, Birmingham, Alabama

    References

    1. “Watts Skyscraper Opens Doors”. The Birmingham News (Birmingham, Alabama), September 23, 1928, Watts Section, p. 1. ↩︎
    2. “Architects Well Known”. The Birmingham News (Birmingham, Alabama), September 23, 1928, Watts Section, p. 2. ↩︎

  • Relic Signs: Diana – Birmingham, Alabama

    Diana (circa 1979). 1916 2nd Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama.

    It’s hard to pin down an exact date for this sign in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, but the earliest newspaper ad I can find for the Diana store is from Christmas 1979.1

    Previously, the space had been occupied since 1934 by Peggie Hale,2 a nationwide retailer of women’s clothing. Diana Stores purchased Peggie Hale, Inc. in 1945,3 operating stores under both brands.

    By 1955, the company opened a Diana Outlet in Birmingham, two blocks north at 313 North 19th Avenue.4 Between 1975 and 1977, advertisements for the outlet noted sales and discounts that were also available at Peggie Hale.5 6

    It appears the Peggie Hale store transitioned to Diana at some point between 1977 and 1979, and the last ads for the store are from late 1983.7 It’s unclear when Diana closed, but the space has long since been abandoned, and the sign remains untouched.

    References

    1. Advertisement. The Birmingham News (Birmingham, Alabama), December 25, 1979. p. 15D. ↩︎
    2. Advertisement. The Birmingham News (Birmingham, Alabama), August 23, 1934, p. 11. ↩︎
    3. ACQUIRES PEGGIE HALE, INC.; Diana Stores Get Entire Capital Stock of Company – The New York Times ↩︎
    4. Advertisement. The Birmingham News (Birmingham, Alabama), May 12, 1955, p. 20. ↩︎
    5. Advertisement. The Birmingham News (Birmingham, Alabama), March 6, 1975, p. 30. ↩︎
    6. Advertisement. The Birmingham News (Birmingham, Alabama), April 13, 1977, p. 8. ↩︎
    7. Advertisement. The Birmingham News (Birmingham, Alabama), September 11, 1983, p. 16A. ↩︎

  • Gambrell Hall (1972) – Atlanta

    Stevens & Wilkinson. Gambrell Hall (1972). Emory University, Atlanta.
    Stevens & Wilkinson. Gambrell Hall (1972). Emory University, Atlanta.1 2 3 4
    South facade of Gambrell Hall, Atlanta
    South facade of Gambrell Hall, Atlanta
    Southeast corner of Gambrell Hall, Atlanta
    Southeast corner of Gambrell Hall, Atlanta
    Windows on the northwest corner of Gambrell Hall, Atlanta
    Windows on the northwest corner of Gambrell Hall, Atlanta
    Inscription on Gambrell Hall, Atlanta
    Inscription on Gambrell Hall, Atlanta
    Southwest corner of Gambrell Hall, Atlanta
    Southwest corner of Gambrell Hall, Atlanta

    References

    1. “Emory Gets 1 of 4 Luce Professorships”. The Atlanta Journal, February 18, 1971, p. 2-B. ↩︎
    2. “Legal Notices”. The Atlanta Constitution, March 3, 1971, p. 7-B. ↩︎
    3. “Legal Notices”. The Atlanta Constitution, April 14, 1972, p. 3-C. ↩︎
    4. Stevens, Preston. Building a Firm: The Story of Stevens & Wilkinson Architects, Engineers, Planners Inc. Atlanta (1979), pp. 52-53. ↩︎

  • Postcards from the South: Lucas Theatre Supply Company – Atlanta

    Postcard view of Lucas Theatre Supply Co. Inc. in former Miller-Brady Feed & Sale Stables (1889), Atlanta.

    This postcard depicts the Lucas Theatre Supply Company in Atlanta, housed in the former Miller-Brady Feed & Sale Stables, designed by G.L. Norrman and completed in 1890.

    The following promotional copy is printed on the back:

    “PICK THIS UP!”
    (Things You Should Know)

    That we are the South’s largest, oldest and most progressive exclusive Theatre Supply House.

    That we have established a National Reputation for quick service, individual attention and courteous treatment.

    That we carry a tremendous stock, embracing all make machines as well as the thousands of minor theatre accessories.

    That we will appreciate the opportunity and pleasure of serving you.

    Published by L.H. Forster of 209 Rhodes Building in Atlanta, the card was postmarked in Atlanta in 1917 and addressed to the Idle Hour Theater in Marion, South Carolina.

  • Northeast Natives: Pennsylvania blackberry

    Pennsylvania blackberry (Rubus pensilvanicus)
    Pennsylvania blackberry (Rubus pensilvanicus)

    The delightful flowers of this hardy shrub are a sign of new life to come — or at least, that’s how I’m looking at it.

    The thorns remind me that there will always be prickles, but the future is still beautiful and full of promise.

    Brighter days are on the way.

  • Peep Show

    I keep peeping in your window, but I only see ghosts.

    I guess the demons of today have forgotten you.

    There’s money to be made and fresh people to fuck over,

    And you must be ill-suited for those pursuits.

    You’re a pretty old shell, decorated and vacant—

    That describes most of us at the moment.

    Maybe one day we’ll think about you again:

    Give your interior some honor and purpose.

    We’d have to do the same for ourselves, though,

    And I’m not holding my breath on that front.

    In the meantime, thanks for the somber show.

  • Department of Housing and Urban Development (1968) – Washington, D.C.

    Marcel Breuer with Herbert Beckhard. Department of Housing and Urban Development (1968). Washington, D.C.
    Marcel Breuer with Herbert Beckhard. Department of Housing and Urban Development (1968). Washington, D.C.1 2
    Looking at the Department of Housing and Urban Development from the northeast
    Looking at the Department of Housing and Urban Development from the northeast
    Looking at the Department of Housing and Urban Development from the southeast
    Looking at the Department of Housing and Urban Development from the southeast
    Entrance of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Entrance of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Granite cladding on the northeast corner of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Granite cladding on the northeast corner of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Pre-cast concrete and granite on the southeast corner of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Pre-cast concrete and granite on the southeast corner of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Entrance arcade of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Entrance arcade of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Windows on the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Windows on the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Looking at the Department of Housing and Urban Development from the northeast
    Looking at the Department of Housing and Urban Development from the northeast
    Entrance sign of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Entrance sign of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Columns on the entrance arcade of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Columns on the entrance arcade of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Looking toward the northwest corner of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Looking toward the northwest corner of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Granite cladding on the northeast corner of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Granite cladding on the northeast corner of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Windows on the northeast corner of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Windows on the northeast corner of the Department of Housing and Urban Development

    References

    1. McCarter, Robert. Breuer. New York: Phaidon Press Limited (2016). ↩︎
    2. Nolan, Martin F. “LBJ Speeds Slum Housing”. The Boston Globe, September 10, 1968, p. 2. ↩︎