Old Electric Appliances Neon Sign - Benton Harbor, Michigan - 3/28/09
Benton Harbor, once a very prosperous hub in the fruit belt of southwestern Michigan, was a unique and wonderful old city. It didn't hold up well after the money went the way of flight to the suburbs or to St. Joseph, across the bridge. Even when the downtown area was nearly abandoned, the city never lost that mystique so intrinsic to the flavor in the surrounding landscape and architecture.. Finally, serious developers have followed a loyal artist's community, and are bringing this town back to life with numerous restoration projects.. Benton Harbor, once the jewel of Southwest Michigan, is starting to shine again. We should all look forward to seeing further progress. I appears that developers are keeping a close eye on authenticity. It is exciting to see. There are a number of fab little art galleries and the like that have been open for some time.
The best thing we found today, in our tour of Benton Harbor, are the cheesecake brownies and peanut butter with peanuts & cream bar (both out of this world delicious); both from a selection of other really good looking stuff at the "Euneek" Bakery (pic in my stream). It's a wonderful place with a fabulous baker. She is also the owner if this fine place and a very nice lady indeed! It's a must stop bakery, for sure.
There is interesting history attached to this old jewel of a town. Many of the old structures are still as they were and through the lens, the deterioration adds to the fascination, enabling the viewer to capture a strong glimpse of what it was like back when. Also, to know Benton Harbor is to know how inextricably linked it is the the infamous House Of David. There is a plethora of information about the House Of David, and it's famous founder, amusement park, baseball team, fruit factory, art shops, printing presses and so much more. If you haven't read one of the many books on the subject, or especially if you have, you should go to The House Of David Museum in nearby Riverside. The vast collection of HOD and related items is simply, amazing. The curator and owner, Mr. Chris Siriano, has an encyclopedic depth of knowledge about this area.
Old Electric Appliances Neon Sign - Benton Harbor, Michigan - 3/28/09
Benton Harbor, once a very prosperous hub in the fruit belt of southwestern Michigan, was a unique and wonderful old city. It didn't hold up well after the money went the way of flight to the suburbs or to St. Joseph, across the bridge. Even when the downtown area was nearly abandoned, the city never lost that mystique so intrinsic to the flavor in the surrounding landscape and architecture.. Finally, serious developers have followed a loyal artist's community, and are bringing this town back to life with numerous restoration projects.. Benton Harbor, once the jewel of Southwest Michigan, is starting to shine again. We should all look forward to seeing further progress. I appears that developers are keeping a close eye on authenticity. It is exciting to see. There are a number of fab little art galleries and the like that have been open for some time.
The best thing we found today, in our tour of Benton Harbor, are the cheesecake brownies and peanut butter with peanuts & cream bar (both out of this world delicious); both from a selection of other really good looking stuff at the "Euneek" Bakery (pic in my stream). It's a wonderful place with a fabulous baker. She is also the owner if this fine place and a very nice lady indeed! It's a must stop bakery, for sure.
There is interesting history attached to this old jewel of a town. Many of the old structures are still as they were and through the lens, the deterioration adds to the fascination, enabling the viewer to capture a strong glimpse of what it was like back when. Also, to know Benton Harbor is to know how inextricably linked it is the the infamous House Of David. There is a plethora of information about the House Of David, and it's famous founder, amusement park, baseball team, fruit factory, art shops, printing presses and so much more. If you haven't read one of the many books on the subject, or especially if you have, you should go to The House Of David Museum in nearby Riverside. The vast collection of HOD and related items is simply, amazing. The curator and owner, Mr. Chris Siriano, has an encyclopedic depth of knowledge about this area.