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Today we take a quick look at another building that is being razed in downtown Pittsburgh. The interesting part of about these buildings is the way in which they are being torn down. But first just a little back story. The building have been empty for several years and have been purchased by Point Park University. The school has decided to tear them down to make way for their new state of the art play house. Now for the interesting part. The facades of each of these building is being taken down brick by brick for the purpose of erecting them as part of the new building, thus preserving the most historic parts of the building. And luckily, I work right across the street from this project and can watch the progress daily. #2eightphotography

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Well it’s winter here in Southwestern Pa and with that comes the Annual Ligonier Ice Festival, to be exact the 25th annual ice festival. Yesterday’s weather cancelled many of the events as the winter storm Jonas, dropped around 20 inches of snow on the festivities. But today the sun was out, the skies were blue and the people were present. During my visit today they held a speed carving contest where the contestants were give 30 minutes to make their carvings come to life out of just a single block of ice. And I have to say that they done an amazing job. Below are several photos of the carving and many of the ice sculptures. Hope you enjoy the photos. #2eightphotography

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The Star Fish was the winner of the speed carving contest.

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In with the new out with the old, seems to be the story when it comes to a lot of the buildings in the city of Pittsburgh. Todays photos are of the Saks Fifth Avenue Store which is currently being razed to make way for a 585 space parking garage and 22,000 square feet of retail shops. Saks was open for business in Pittsburgh for for some 60 years before closing its doors in 2012.

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I’m sure that most of you have heard of the impending doom the this part of the country, by way of a massive snow storm. Well I have to say, typically I don’t think much about things like that and I never run to the grocery store and get the milk, eggs, bread, and so on. Reason being as far as I can remember, in my lifetime, we have at most been snowed in for a day or two, and I typically have enough food in the house to sustain myself for that period of time. So when this one was announced I didn’t think much about it either. Until, I got to thinking that I travel nearly 50 miles each way to and from work and this particular storm, would be arriving during my shift at work and then continually get worse the closer to home I got. Enter the thought that I need a different winter vehicle.

So on Wednesday I started doing research on different vehicles and their respective on and off road capabilities, ride, dependability, and of course price. The vehicle that I came up with was a smaller SUV, with plenty of interior room, good reviews from actual owners, and something that I could afford for a second vehicle without breaking the bank. So yesterday I purchased a 2003 Nissan Xterra SE. It’s a little older, with a few minor issues, but I was happy with the decision.

Now let me tell you about the first trip to work and back in my “new” old vehicle. The “X” as they have come to be know, lived up to the reviews that I read, not a lot of power, rides a little like a truck, no frills or extras, yet a sold vehicle. The trip to work was uneventful, from Uniontown, where I live, to Greensburg then on to downtown Pittsburgh. And as the day progressed the storm proceeded as they had forecasted, move in from the south and arrive in Pittsburgh by around 6 or 7pm. So at 7 we close up the store and I head for home. And as predicted the weather got worse the further south I drove towards home. At about the halfway point I had to put my new vehicle in 4 wheel drive where it would remain the rest of the way home. By the time I got to the house there was around 7-8 inches of snow and my “new” old car brought me right up the hill to my house without spinning a tire. I have to say that I am impressed. And if I was driving my Ford Focus I might have had to stay overnight in the car.

I’m looking forward to many great adventures in my “new” old car and I’m sure that from time to time I’ll post a little something about the day.

Tonights photo isn’t great, it’s off the porch in the dark but I just wanted to show off my new toy.

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Before the time of the mass production of iron and large industry mills, iron was produced in much smaller furnaces. In Pennsylvania between the 1700’s and 1840 more than 200 of these furnaces were erected throughout the land. These furnaces were often located in rural areas so that they could take advantage of iron ore deposits and timber to make the charcoal. Many of these furnaces would employ upwards of 60 people and therefore small communities would also spring up around the furnace. These communities would have blacksmiths, grist mills, saw mills, houses for the workers, and farms to produce food for the entire community.

Where I live, I’m fortunate to have several of these close by and today I’m posting photos of Mount Vernon Furnace, which was placed on the National Register of Historical Place on September 6, 1991. This furnace is located in Bullskin Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania and might I say it is being restored beautifully by the Bullskin Township Historical Society.

The Mount Vernon Furnace was originally built by Isaac Meason in 1798 the re-built in 1801, this was a cold blast charcoal furnace which was 26ft square at the base, 16ft square at the top, and 33ft high. It used 800 bushels of charcoal and 1 acre of trees per day. Up to 60 men were employed at this furnace until it was blown out in 1830. The metal was used to cast kettles, utensils, and other products which were then carried to Connelsville for shipment.

#2eightphotography

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The restoration is underway.

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Sources:

http://www.bullskintownshiphistoricalsociety.org/mt__vernon_furnace

http://explorepahistory.com/story.php?storyId=1-9-17&chapter=2

And for photos of the furnace before the restoration began;

http://www.r2parks.net/MtVernonF.html

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Many of you may remember a time when the “Country Store” was where you went to get everything you needed. Unfortunately as with many of the “Mom and Pop” store they have been devoured by the big box stores and our own personal need to move so quickly through our day, our week, and our life.  Today after meeting a friend for a late lunch, I took a ride out through the countryside and came across Barbs Country Store in Rector, Pa. Nestled among the pine tress lies a simple wood structure with an American Flag proudly displayed, a mail box, ice chest, and two well used gas pumps out front. At first glance it doesn’t look like much but a quick read of the quaint road sign gives you a little indication of what awaits their patrons. Today, being Sunday they were closed for the day so to see the inside you’ll just have to stop by and visit.

#2eightphotography

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You can see some of their offerings on their website.

http://www.barbscountrystore.com