As you know we recently visited the U.P. For a camping trip and while we were camping we discovered this small town. Stephenson is a very small town but it had two gas station and a Grocery store. The reason we drove there was to get a bag of marshmallows for smores. The grocery store was closed and neither gas station had any.
This town was very interesting so I thought I would take a few shots with turning then into black and whites or aged as I have done.
I did notice immediately that focal point of this town was the train tracks as they were placed directly in the center of town. As I began to edit my photos I realized I should have thought a little more before just snapping pictures.
The BIG MISTAKE. I really should have included the train tracks in every shot.
I am guessing this town started out as a watering stop for the old steam driven trains. Without the train this placed never would be here. Oh well the next time I go through I will take more time and do it right. As look at the photos there is much more of a story going on that what I saw or felt when I was there. At the time it looked like any other place that exists only because the resident decided to hold on to their roots.
This place is amazing in that they have preserved their past yet allow the future to filter inward.
Despite the empty buildings they do try to maintain them. Just take a look at these shots and start imagining the stories that could be told and the past this place has. I am glad I stopped even if we didn't get marshmallows. We did get Cheap gas 2.88/gallon.
This shot is dead center in town, the main cross road,note the small gazebo in the distance, typical for an Americana town center, that gives me the feel of community.
There must be enough people around to support a movie theater. They have a double feature like they did in the 60's or later. Pirates of the Caribbean and Shrek 3.
On the grassy area they have various planter and trees with small hand painted plaques dedicating to someone deceased. That is another way they hold and honor their past. The tree is actually a metal sculptor of a tree trunk used to hold hanging baskets, they even have a little art culture here.
Off in the distance an very old Iron Bridge crossed the gap created by Little Cedar River. The past is also off in the distance, yet still within reach.
I am not sure but I think at one time this building was an old Hotel but now it appears to be chiropractor's office.
Does this not look like a 50's shot? Yet the posted prices and the lottery tell you it's today.
But they still handle their own meat and produce.
Now this building has had to have been a Bank at one time , now empty but maintained.
I hope you enjoyed your trip into the past.
