A Tear Down - Day 8

This poor building has been standing semi-naked since June, when the back of it unexpectedly fell down around 5:00 am. Thankfully, nobody was hurt since it was so early in the morning. It sits on one of our most busy streets, Galena, and is right downtown across from the courthouse. And yet, braces remain against the building and traffic has to be rerouted for safety because the city is out of funds to tear down any more buildings.

More New Construction - Day 7

More new construction is happening at Highland. The old greenhouse is in the process of being replaced by  --  mmm, I don't know what it's going to look like. I did spend some time in the old greenhouse photographing beautiful orchids and other blooming plants but just can't locate any exterior photos. It was warm and cozy but definitely in need of repair after 30 some years in existence. The next greenhouse is one of several projects on campus with monies from a 2010 Bond Issuance. Now, the greenhouse will match the age and feel of the south side of the new nursing wing.

Freeport's Windmill - Day 6

This little pond one had so much potential. I know the previous owner and he had huge plans for the area with camping in the summer to sleigh rides in the winter. Unfortunately, he had to sell and it was purchased by somebody from Chicago, I believe. So, the little windmill sits in the distance on Forest Rd. Fenced off behind a chain with a No Trespassing sign.

Little Cub's Field - Day 5

A "happy place" in Freeport is Little Cub's Field. Built to look exactly like Wrigley field in Chicago (down to the ivy growing on the brick), it has already drawn many tourists and and lots of activity. On the day I took this photo, my nephew was meeting friends from Rockford for their annual "Wifflefest". Ron Santos visited here while he was still alive as did Harry Carey's widow.

New Construction Coming - Day 4

I had a different vision for this corner. This is the intersection as I leave Highland at Kiwanis and Pearl City Road. I think it's the perfect place for a convenience store with gas station. Since I started working at Highland fifteen years ago, so many businesses have been added along this "Kiwanis Corridor" but there still isn't a place for us to get gas, a gallon of milk or a snack. I understand it's due to a zoning problem. Then, a bank was built on one corner and on the other corner, another assisted living facility will be built. The Journal Standard has some details in this article. That's one type of business that has grown in Freeport during the last decade. The only evidence, so far, is this contractor's trailer.

French Fry - Day 3

A former coworker at Highland called this sculpture "French Fry" so I never bothered to learn the real name. Since I was out at the campus this afternoon photographing students for the Highland Foundation Awards ceremony, I decided to use this shot taken with my fisheye. Thankfully, the rain moved on while we were inside.

Another Bridge to Nowhere - Day 2

When I first "discovered" the Van Buren Street bridge it was situated in a park-like setting. The street ended here with old bricks, blooming flowers and a young Bradford pear tree. The turquoise house next door added an additional backdrop to the quaint feeling. Now, the whole area is neglected with weeds taking over the bricks, the tree is dead and the turquoise house is empty and full of junk. 

The Bridge to Nowhere - Day 1

I cannot believe we have lived in Freeport for twenty-two years. We have never lived any place for this extended of a period of time and it has created some unique experiences for us. One of the primary results of being in one place for so long is seeing the changes in a town or city that take place; some good and some not-so-good.

The inspiration to do this photo project came from the Iowa City Patch newspaper that I subscribe to so I can know what's going on in Iowa. I was shocked to learn that when we moved East of the Mississippi all news of Iowa would be ended except for what our family would relate.

I hope to post daily photos of my excursions around our town of about 25,000 people. Feel free to leave suggestions on places for me to photograph in the Comments section of the blog. Because even though I consistently scope out new locations, I agree my scope can be limited.

I have photographed many places in Freeport that have been transformed in different ways. This post is about one of them.

Do you know where this beautiful bridge is located? It's at the site of Tutty's Crossing where a park is planned and a boat launch is being built. A few months ago while I was wandering around town I was surprised to come across this bridge. I had used this area for a photography location three other times but didn't have a clue why this bridge had suddenly appeared or when. Since then, I have read some articles in the Journal Standard and Rockford Register Star about the lack of funding necessary to complete our hookup to the Pecatonnica Prairie Path. This much has already been completed and the cement for a boat launch has been poured.

The area is eerily isolated but has such beautiful potential. I love the shape of the bridge, the natural materials, and the variety of wildlife that I saw during my short walk: the most spectacular was a Bald Eagle fishing from a high perch along the river. Best of all, it would be pretty easy to create an extension into Freeport that would lead right to Union Dairy!

From September 23, 2011

From A Photographer's View of Freeport

From September 23, 2011