Repurposing Architecture ... Mines to Picnics by auntietk
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
A hundred years ago this building was the Torpedo Storehouse at Middle Point (Manchester) Washington. These days it provides shelter for picnic tables and barbeque grills.
The old railroad tracks still run through the building, and it's easy to imagine men working with ropes and pulleys, moving the mines (they called them torpedoes at the time) off the railcars and onto a waiting wagon.
Active from 1900 to 1910, and then again briefly during WWI and WWII, the Torpedo Storehouse has officially been a picnic shelter since 1981, according to a plaque on the wall. I imagine more people have eaten their lunch in this building than ever worked there when it was a military installation!

Comments (26)
And hopefully the cuisine has been a little less explosive than the previous items.. A lovely shot of this interesting structure, Tara! And you actually got a shot of the whole building! LOL!
Intriguing title. I've eaten more than my share of torpedos that have proven explosive. One memorable night in a rocking boat on Santa Monica Bay comes to mind. Needless to say my pre-chewed sandwich wound up feeding the fish. Interesting history and a much better use for it in my mind.
A great shot and a great history Tara and I love that word "Repurposing"!
Great shot and story Tara! Those two uses have to be at opposite ends of the spectrum. The building is quite interesting and looks as though it were designed by someone who also designed railroad roundhouses. In fact though I suspect the many openings were really there in the event of an accidental explosion, because although all the workers present would surely die, the blast would escape leaving the building still standing.
cool pov and light/shadows
That is SO interesting! Your photo looks so romantic, quite the opposite of the original function.
I like the looks of this old building cool shot.
Thanks for the info Tara. I like all the detail in the photo.
Very cool photo and great title nice to see this building is put to a great use now
It's a lovely structure, I'm glad they decided to use it for something else. Beautiful capture!
Stunning capture Tara. God Bless.
Great capture and title for this wonderfully lit photo!!
Nice shot. Great lovely light expecially sun beam on the wall and on the grass. Great POV. Brava Tara
Great capture and lighting!!
This work of art is perfect. I thank you for it. 5+!
A much better use for the building.
Wow I might have thought it was an old church, boy was I wrong. Really great capture and light.
Beautiful old architecture. I also thought it was an old church.
Wonderful shot of history. One would think that we would learn someday not to need such things as torpedos. I saw a commercial the other day. It asked, "What would happen if people went fishing instead of going to war?" A much better way to spend time, don't you think? Beautiful lighting on this. One of my favorites.
A very handsome photo of an equally handsome old architectural gem. The strong lines, graceful arches and dappled light really make this presentation for me. Hey, Hon...your 2000th upload is just around the corner:)
Great bit of History and what a complete change of use for the building! Looks in great shape, well shot Tara! Rob
brilliant idea and beautifully captured.
Beating swords into ploughshares - I like the concept. Also like the colorful play of light on the bricks here...
SUper shot, Tara :)
Would love to have a little picnic here :))
Well, it looks almost too good for the job, it was originally meant to be for? Those roman arches are so unbelievably sumptuous - great for a theatrical backdrop or it rather looks more like a mausoleum fit for a great King or Queen ... Love the soft light-play! BB