a differant era

Yesterday, late afternoon, I got 'called-out' while taking a photo, in a public place, at South Lido Park.

A young woman in a wedding gown had quietly appeared. Passing from a distance, a low cross-light shimmered off of her white sequined dress. I reached for my phone, never resisting an off-guarded moment.  I took one shot, and as I approached with a good friendly explanation, the female photographer attending, when she saw me, went into a hysterical rage. She demanded that I delete “all the photos". 

Bemused and amused, I gladly handed her my phone. And she did just that - deleted the one and only photo taken, and a great one at that. I would have willingly shared it with my blessings.

Which brings me back to an earlier era, an easier historic subject.

The once simple, mid-century attractive, and now the unoccupied Doctors Gardens building directly across from our long-standing Sarasota Memorial Hospital, is slated for an early fall demolition. My pediatrician from the 1950's, my early doctors and dentist - my oldest daughter's pediatrician (mid 70's) -  once, all had offices there. The property is now owned by a huge, expansive SMH hospital complex - and for them, now seems about the right time.

Doctors Gardens, 1880 Arlington Street, Sarasota, Fla.

 

The rear parking area showing the outside entrance to each medical office, with the upstairs balcony entrances approached after using either, the centrally located elevator and /or the outside stairs.

A missing 'D' has fallen from the word 'Doctors'.

Now that the Physicians are long gone, the hospital's contractors have moved in. 

Thomas with his ductwork pressure tester.

  

objects bought and found

"Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki" - A native Seminole (Mikasuki) description of a place to learn, a place to remember.

Some, forty some years ago, I purchased several articles of Seminole clothing, all used, and worn from years past. Men and women's personal clothing, all found neatly hanging from a 'sales' rack at the tribe's Miccosukee Cultural Center, then a roadside attraction off the old Tamiami Trail, in the heart of the Everglades. 

I remember the individual pieces being somewhat expensive for the time - a man's detailed, cotton patchwork jacket that I still wear on that rare occasion, and for my new wife, the outfit below, who wore the skirt once upon my insistence, but in reality buying all just to photograph each.

Recently, I came across one of my prints from back then, from 1978 - honoring those reclusive Seminoles, all who had purposely hidden deep within South Florida for nearly a hundred years.

 

Women's Seminole patchwork velveteen 'long skirt' - with sheer white (over-lay) cape top.  (1940's?)

 

 

waiting for that 1st student

I'm impressed. After 6 months (and possibly years), my darkroom is once again functional and well organized. Cleaning up from the flooding, from way back in November was the initiative. Keelie, my niece, was the helpful inspiration. Now just waiting for that first student. Someone who won't mind getting their hands wet.