Well today a little something for the guys. I pass these old Mobilgas pumps almost every day, as they are in my neighborhood. I stopped late one afternoon when I spotted this nice reflection. Tire Engineers Too has taken the care to enclose this old "filling station" so we can all still enjoy them. The sign on the side of the building says "Matthew Wehby Building - With his hands". I am guessing that at one time this fine old place was owned by Mr. Wehby. How nice that the new owners chose to preserve this slice of Birmingham history.
Tire Engineers has been in business since 1948 right across the street on the corner of 32nd and 6th Avenue South, and continues to be run by the Johnston family. I like that!
Update 5/13/11
This from the folks at Tire Engineers. I thought you'd like to hear the story:
Update 5/13/11
This from the folks at Tire Engineers. I thought you'd like to hear the story:
Just noticed the picture of Tire Engineers Too on the web…
Thank you for noticing - I would like to tell you the story behind the "sign". Mathew Wehby remodeled that ole run down building with his own 2-hands, almost by himself. Not long after he completed the project - that won a Historical Award, he died suddenly at 29-years of age.
This building is named after him, because of his dedication to create something really nice out of a dilapidated old building.
Thanks for your interest.
Fred
24 comments:
Hi V!
It's been a while since I commented on your post. Been a bit busy to comment, but I follow your post (your blogs are on my following list).
This one looks surreal - the light, the reflection, the colors and elements ...
magnifique reflet et tonalité d'un autre temps
I love the Mobil "moon"! I so enjoy seeing these old pumps; there's a place in a suburb of Seattle that has them...I think it's now a cafe.
A great capture that led to a quick trip down memory lane this morning. Thanks.
Let me see if I understand this correctly, are you saying we have gas? 6 days to go, V.
Not many of these old gas pumps left. This one is superb.
Very nice reflection. There is so much going on in this photo. Really nice.
Nice capture. I like the reflections as well as the subject matter.
A very cool shot V!
Neat.. and a little history .. I like it, V.
When I was a kid, I thought the flying horse was the most beautiful thing. I couldn't understand why my parents got their gas at Union 76.
Great old pumps. It is nice that they are in tact and cared for.
Wow, did you nail that. Really, really good observation and execution. Makes me think of the famous Ed Ruscha painting - http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/shared-blogs/austin/seeingthings/upload/2009/03/dont_forget_famed_pop_artist/Ruscha%20-%20Standard%20Station.jpg
Flying Red Horse
by John Gorka
The flying red horse from the gasoline wars
Took off from her station in the sun
Turning her back on the pack at the pump
She jumped down from the sign to run
Full serve attendants were spilling their hoses
Self-serve was doing the same
The manager dialed the emergency numbers
Insurance man won't take the claim
The sight of a horse crossing highways is frightening
But not with the breed that can fly
She's risen up to the level of oak trees
Too low for the radar man's eye
I am not much of a joiner she says
That's not where I draw my strength
Some of them go for the depth of field
While most of them go for the length
Me I will go for the hard combination
'Cause I have some need to belong
But I'm leaving this unkind of sign life behind me
I'll take what is mine and be gone
If you see something red flash across the horizon
It's not that your eyes aren't right
She's taking her place with the red-tailed hawks
And the broadwinged birds in flight
The flying red horse from the Ruby Red North
Took off from her station to the south
And I swear to you that this story is true
I heard it right from her mouth
They think they can tame you, name you and frame you
Aim you where you don't belong
They know where you've been but not where you're going
And that is the source of the songs
Wow Mr. E...an explosion of talent!!!
I love that building. I have a few pictures of it myself. I discovered it when I worked nearby about 8 years ago.
Eki,
SO glad to see you here again. Come back soon.
Earl,
You never let us down! Where on earth do you find this stuff and how do you remember ?
Thanks everyone for your nice comments.
V
Chieftess: I did not write that. It's a song by John Gorka, who is a brilliant songwriter and has a wonderful singing voice.
Mr E...I read that very, very late last night...totally missed your acknowledgement to Gorka!!! LOL!!!
Love the photo V!!!
Very intricate yet with a genuine Norman Rockwell presence to it.
Nice nice nice.
Love the old pump! Great shot, V.!
Memories, nice capture.
I like this. Norman Rockwell in a dream....
Mathew Wehby was s great young man
He was my cousin from Homewood Al. We played pool together and I will miss him always
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