Snowed in since 1950 ?

Art Deco diner from the 50's 

Illusions of Grandeur

These photos are taken inside the The GoodWill Theatre.   It was designed by Sanford Lacey and built by George F. Johnson of Endicott Johnson Corp. in 1920 for the his employees and residents of the village of Johnson City.   Though it opened briefly a few times after, it  was largely closed in 1960.    The Goodwill Theater is renovating the theater and surrounding properties into a professional performing arts complex and magnet training academy.   The details that can still be seen,  despite the the deterioration, show how grand it once was and hopefully will be again. 

Dirty Bird

I took this photo yesterday, but the retro car with the retro diner would make you think if was from a different era.   This stainless steel diner is still in business.  

For more about the Red Robin Diner, click here.

When the walls come tumblin' down

Endicott Johnson was a big employer in the Binghamton area and changed the way of life for many of its workers through its welfare capitalism policies.  It operated in the area from the late 19th century into the late 20th century though there was a steep decline throughout the last several decades.    There are several remnants of the old factories that produced all kinds of shoes that are mostly abandoned now.    This one referred to as the "Jigger Factory" used to produce "summer sport shoes".    I think that might mean sneakers.     It is with a bit of melancholy that we watch this factory come down since Endicott Johnson meant so much to the Binghamton area.      

The Underpass

The Underpass 

Under the train tracks in JC  - it has been there since I was a kid - always has had graffiti and many years later it still smells the same.

Graffiti Garage

I have no idea what is in here, but wonder if the inside is as colorful as the outside.