Abernathy, Texas: Scenic Vistas

Oh, yes, more of the sights to be found there. If I'm not mistaken, Abernathy is one of many towns in this area where "public dancing" is considered a crime and can get you thrown in jail. Used to be a music festival there, many years ago, but they would warn everybody attending not to try dancing to the music because it could bring down the law. 

After Abernathy, we'll move on to a toxic dump near the Lubbock International Airport. It's a dump, for sure, and I assume that it's toxic because of the sickish, sweetish, solvent odor we encountered there. We should probably have worn hazmat suits. And yet, this area is unfenced and unposted, and open to the public.
 

Alleys Are More Interesting Than Streets

And that is certainly true of Abernathy.

I missed yesterday's update due to computer problems but I seem to have that issue sorted out, for now. 

Returning To Abernathy

Seems like there's a lot of abstract expressionism going on, every place we visit. Strange. Abernathy is no exception...

And I thought Mark Rothko was dead. Seems he, and his ilk, got around...

 

Fort Griffin Update

Well, the other day I had a pleasant encounter with the Fort Griffin Site Manager and his family. We discussed the artifact and examined the place where I found it. It did not originate at that site but had been transported there. The stone slab was limestone, and there is no limestone within miles of that location. The nearest limestone deposits MIGHT be in McKenzie Park. It would have been logical to locate a supply depot where there was water and shelter to be found, and the area around what is now McKenzie Park would have offered that. After poking through the ruins for a while I located a "notice to employees" stapled to a shard of drywall. That document was in reference to labor law but gave the name of the establishment: "Carl's Corner", and listed the owner's name. By this time the artifact has probably been returned to Fort Griffin and forensic work will begin, in an effort to determine origin. Lots of fascinating history and a mystery to solve-- what could be better? If the gentleman I met is at all representative, Texas historical sites are in very good hands. I only regret that my wife could not take part-- she'd had a sleepless night due primarily to diabetic neuropathy. If only there were effective treatments! We've tried everything.

Another Look At Abernathy

Yep, we decided to take another look at this little town north of Lubbock. Abernathy has its share of abandoned homes and derelict businesses. I checked out a few alleys, since these are often more interesting than the main streets.

These places always turn out to be more colorful when viewed through the camera lens...