Middletown Daily Photo: Storm Clouds

Thursday, July 3, 2008

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.

2 comments:

Jane Hards Photography said...: It's quite a good shot. You got drama, light, contrast, and subtle pastel colours. I bet the light was poor when you shot it too, so pat yourself on the back for a fabulous effort inprobably not the best conditions.; July 4, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Bernie said...: Thanks. True, the light was poor and I used my car as a tripod. I only made the transition from film to digital a few months ago and I find I have to relearn how to shoot some of my favorite subjects.; July 4, 2008 at 10:06 PM

About Middletown

Middletown, Maryland was founded in 1767 and is said to be named either for its position midway between South Mountain and the Catoctin Mountains or its central location between the larger Maryland cities of Frederick and Hagerstown. A few years earlier, a visiting surveyor and future “Father of our Country” George Washington referred to Middletown Valley as one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen.

The town was incorporated in 1833. After the Civil War battles of South Mountain and Antietam, Middletown churches served as hospitals for both Union and Confederate soldiers.

Today Middletown boasts a delicate balance of old and new. Instead of a Mayor, the town leader is a Burgess. Some of the buildings were built in the 1700s and 1800s. There are large Victorian homes as well as the typical cookie-cutter subdivisions that dot the edge of the Washington DC commuter exurbs.

The only franchise restaurant in town is a Subway; the only Starbucks is inside the Safeway.

If you really want to understand what small-town America feels like, visit Middletown during the Independence Day festivities and fireworks at Middletown Park, the Volunteer Fire Department’s annual mid-July Carnival or the Middletown Heritage Festival held in the fall.