take 43 photos of 43 places within 43 minutes of where I live

hot dogs, burgers, fries, and root beer just like way back then (no, the carhops here don’t wear roller skates, there are curbs)

Coldwater

in Coldwater

Isn’t the castle theme fun?

The Stampede Steak House has struggled under several previous incarnations – mostly bars – but the newest is definitely promising. Great food, good service, nice ambiance and reasonable prices – one could not ask for more!

The clock used to be on the building where the county offices were 30+ years ago. After the building (it was brick!) burned in a spectacular fire one night, someone saved the clock. Years later, this tower was built to hold it. There’s pictures and plaques underneath. I still have some of the bricks from the building; they were sold as a fund raiser shortly after the fire.

Built in 1882, Tibbits Opera House is one of the oldest theatres in Michigan. In the shimmering glow of 306 gas lights, Tibbits Opera House greeted its first opening night audience on September 21, 1882. A stunning variety of programs streamed across the stage, but performances never guarantee audiences. Movies were brought in in 1919, and in 1934, it was “modernized” it into a movie theatre. A flat front was constructed, covering the “gingerbread” facade. In the late 1950s, dedicated local thespians scrubbed and dug, and begged for donations. Some stayed up nights to stoke the old furnace. The first performance was punctuated by holes in the curtain, but live theatre was back. The Tibbits Opera Foundation was formally organized in 1963. Community enthusiasm and support continue, but age has taken a toll on the opera house. Foundation members have accepted the massive challenges of planning, funding and completing crucial renovation and restoration. Tibbits Opera House has endured successes, failures, a string of owners, and repeated threats of demolition. It survives as a community treasure, and is eminently worth preserving.

C. W. Bennett chose to donate his entire estate to founding the Quincy Library. The land and the money were given to Quincy Township, and the building was erected in memory of his son. Unlike steel tycoon, Andrew Carnegie, who also offered to build a library in Quincy, Bennett’s only restriction was that his name not be on the building.

Isn’t it funky? It’s crammed full of antique furnishings and miscellaneous stuff, including the huge button-up shoes of a circus fat lady.

Stop by this coffee and gift shop in Coldwater, Michigan, for delicious gourmet coffee and teas as well as an eclectic selection of one-of-a-kind gifts.

You may also occasionally find a BookCrossing book!

Albion, Michigan, home of Festival of the Forks

I just realized that some of us assume “43 minutes of where I live” is by foot, and some of us assume it’s by auto. Interesting perspective. I have to use the automobile option, unless I want 43 pictures of other people’s houses, since I live near a lake outside of town.

Five minutes from home at the outside, this fountain is an unexpected delight in a small town, and right next to the best paperback book exchange! I sat there for half an hour just a few days ago, reading and enjoying a snack (purchased at the aforementioned book store), then left a BookCrossing book. That’s why I took the picture, but I like the picture so well, I think it deserves double exposure. ;)