Saturday, May 29, 2010

(Day 148) A look at the past

We are lucky to live within a 15-minute drive of 'Canada's most beautiful village' - Merrickville (no, I didn't make that up - it's official), situated on the Rideau River. I went there today to make a few photos of some of the relics of yesteryear's industry. The earliest setllement there dates back to 1791 (fairly 'modern' compared to Europe). With abundant power from the river, over 50 industries thrived in Merrickville in the 19th century. Today, the oldest foundry in Eastern Canada, dating back to 1840, still crafts metal products. Hope you don't mind a bit of history.

(18-55mm  f5.6  1/1250 sec  ISO200)

wall of the old mill; inscription reads 'S. H. Mirick  1848'















(18-55mm  f5.6  1/320 sec  ISO200)

'interior' of mill















(18-55mm  f8  1/160 sec  ISO200)

old turbine mfg'd by Northern Electric















(18-55mm  f8  1/100 sec  ISO100)


current resident















(18-55mm  f8  1/60 sec  ISO200)

old abandoned boiler





















 (18-55mm  f18  1/6 sec  ISO100)

the Rideau water that drove industry

18 comments:

Scott Law said...

Looks like a great place to visit. Wonderful ops for some great pictures and you found several. I'll bet there are a lot more for next time you go.

Anonymous said...

Going with black & white was a great choice.
I really like the perspective in the first shot.

['รด ] Avery

Rick said...

@Scott - you can hardly drive through it in the summer because of all the visitors! It's been the scene of several of my photo shoots, and you're right - the ops are endless. Thanks for stopping by.

Rick said...

@Photog Ave - thanks Avery; I thought it brought out the textures of the stone and old metal better than colour would have.

darlin said...

Wow, these photos are beautiful Rick, I love the b&w! The old stone buildings, do you know if there's any truth to the story that claims that the prisoners used to build these old stone buildings? Today the prisoners watch tv, some punishment... no wonder there's so many repeat offenders, the consequences are three square meals a day, an allowance, television, plus, plus, plus!

Have a great one, tty tomorrow and wonderful post once again Rick! I love the history by the way, maybe because it's history of our beautiful country.

Katherine said...

Great B&W's Rick... historical places always make for great photos... Enjoy what's left of the weekend! Love the spider web picture...awesome!

imac said...

Rick, perfect works of art - and B/W just perfect.

Rick said...

@darlin - thank you. I find it fascinating too - not sure about prisoners building the stone buildings - the history books say the military built the Rideau Canal and associated buildings. I think it would be a much better use of their time - and OUR tax dollars - to have them do useful work. Of course, the bleeding hearts would be screaming about their rights being violated blah, blah, blah ... Oops, gotta get off my soapbox :)

Hope your weekend is looking as great as ours!

Rick said...

@Katherine - thanks Katherine; I'd been meaning to go there for some time - I agree that there's always lots of photo ops there. Weekend is going very nicely - hope yours is too!

Rick said...

@imac - thanks mac; I thought colour would detract from the overall feel of the place.

Unknown said...

I love the "The Rideau Water That Drove Industry " photo - Great B&Ws :-)

Greetz,

Joseph

Rick said...

@CarreraCaballo - thanks Joseph!

Jeanne Frances Klaver said...

Glad you did it in B&W. Thanks for the trip into the past. I needed a vacation today.

Unknown said...

lol@"current resident." Story of my life! ;o)

I really like these B&W shots, that was a great choice for all of them. The spider web is really fun and my eyes keep getting drawn back to it. I love how it is perfect because of its imperfections. As you know, I'm all about imperfections. :o)

Rick said...

@Jeanne Klaver - you're welcome Jeanne - glad you enjoyed your little 'vacation' :)

Rick said...

@Krista - ha ha, yeah I think that spider was also in PV and had a couple of drinkie-poo's before he started that web! Thanks for dropping by Krista.

Unknown said...

LMAO! Indeed! Silly spider. Doesn't he know you set up the hammock and THEN have the drinkie-poos? First rule of camping. haha!!!

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing, the 2nd image looks a lot like the old forts here in Newport,RI.