Unique Mailbox

Tomorrow is theme day, and I decided to participate this time. The theme is metal. I considered this photo for my metal shot, but decided instead to post a series of shots for the theme. My "official" metal photo will appear tomorrow.

Middletown Library 2

This banner is attached to the roof overhang on the Middletown Library.

Middletown Library

A comment to a recent post mentioned the Middletown Library. Here it is.



I knew there was a Middletown Branch of the Frederick County Public Library because I had seen their web site; but I hadn’t seen the building. I’ve been walking up and down Main Street, camera in hand, for a couple of months now, yet I didn’t notice this sign until today. The sign is right there on Main Street at the intersection with Prospect Street, pointing the way to the building located just one property back from Main. The library is easy to find, yet I believe it is surprisingly hidden considering the important function it serves.

Less Than Four

Just two weeks ago, gasoline was selling for $4.01 per gallon at this station. Today it is down to $3.91. That's great! It's going down ... for now. I bet the roller coaster price ride continues.

Victorian 2

Here is a closer view of the detail work above the porch.

Victorian Home

There are many stately Victorian homes in Middletown.

Named For What It Is

Streets are often named for what they are. Middletown has a Main Street, a Church Street and a Schoolhouse Street. No surprise there. Those names appear in many towns. But this is the first Garage Drive I've ever seen. We can probably guess its origin.

Flag, Faith and Freedom

Middletown is very patriotic and religious. Here is a little of both.

Runners

I've been shooting mostly "things" so I decided to post a picture of "people" today.

Red, White and ...

Golf Anyone?

I wonder if htese homeowners need extra insurance to cover damage from flying golf balls.

Gazebo 3

This sign explains the small park and tells other parts of the Middletown story.



Click on the picture for a larger, more readable version.

Gazebo 2

Here are some of the welcome signs I mentioned in the previous post and a view of Main Street (US Hwy 40 Alt) looking west.

Gazebo 1

This gazebo is the centerpiece of a small park along Main Street, east of the center of town. It is a nice little park with benches, a pretty garden and welcome signs representing various civic groups. I have never seen anyone in the gazebo.



More pictures of this coming tomorrow and the next day.

Over Four

Middletown recently joined the 'over four dollars per gallon' club.

Never Stop Learning

Pilates - Who Knew?

I was composing this shot of reflections when I first realized this is a pilates studio. I walk or drive past this building all the time, yet I had no idea what was inside.

Don't Try This At Home

OK, maybe a one-handed grab shot while driving at 65 miles per hour isn't a good idea. So I shouldn't tell you this is one of seven or eight such shots.


Interstate 70 slices through the northern tip of Middletown Valley and I get to see a valley sunset several days a week as I drive home. Middletown doesn't actually have its own exit. The town sits about 5 miles northwest of one exit and about 4 or 5 miles southeast of another. Many residents probably like it that way because it cuts down on some of the increased commuter traffic in the area. I've heard there are plans for an exit much closer to town, but I've seen no evidence of right-of-way clearance or construction yet. Maybe that plan is still being debated.

Porch View

I'm not sure if this porch is attached to a business or a residence, but either way, wouldn't it be cool to sit here with your morning coffee and watch the world go by?



And if the weather is too hot or too cold, just walk up the street to The Main Cup, sit inside with a cup of their coffee and watch the world go by.

Carnival Food and Music

Carnival Rides

The Middletown Carnival is this week. Here are some of the rides.



Wheeeeeee!




Is this guy really on a cell phone on the ferris wheel?

Farmer's Market

This banner, strategically located across the street from Safeway, reminds me that my wife and I have not been to the farmer's market yet. City folks are just 'discovering' farmer's markets, especially with the high-gas-price related food price increases, but the farms are literally right here, some are even within the city limits. Talk about fresh produce.



I wonder of the corn behind the sign will be for sale in a few weeks.

The Carnival Is Coming

The annual Middletown Volunteer Fire Department Carnival is this week. I bet this trailer with a carnival ride is heading that way. He's going in the right direction and I shot this on Sunday, the day before the carnival started.


Hopefully I'll have time to go to the carnival. I know from past years that it is very photogenic.

Memorial Town Hall - II

A closer view ...

Memorial Town Hall

I've been driving through Middletown for six years and I don't think I've ever seen this building in use for anything. I'll have to do a little research to find out if there are any plans for development or rehabbing.

The Bank

In the days when a bank held currency and not the digital representation of money, a solidly built building was an important asset. It gave customers confidence that their funds were safe.

Doorway on Main Street

Happy 4th of July

Storm Clouds

This storm cloud shot was taken from the grocery store parking lot. I still have a lot to learn about photographing clouds and sunsets.

Rock Wall

This rock climbing "wall" was set up at the Middletown Independence Day celebration event at the Park.

More of the Celebration

This trackless train takes kids (and adult kids) on a tour of the park.