Pingle's Drug and Book Store

This downtown location in Medicine Hat, Alberta became a focal point after the Central Block fire in 2007. When 'the Block' was demolished it revealed this painted Sweet Caporal cigarette ad, along with the name of the original vendor, Pingle's Drug and Book Store. The painted wall actually made this rather plain building into a landmark.

Looking at the building today you can get a sense of the various facades the structure has had over the years. You can even see the mark from where a neon sign used to hang off the front of the building.

Pingle's was likely constructed around 1907-1910, obviously a few years before the Central Block went up in 1911. Over the years the building housed several different drug stores, and the Medicine Hat Credit Union in the 1960s. Today the location is abandoned, however the painted wall remains a popular spot for photographers. I was particularly proud of the shot I got of the gas lamp and historic painted wall with the arch of a jet plane flying overhead. The times have certainly changed.

Stay tuned, as I was fortunate to get a look inside of this abandoned building.

Tamblyn Drug Store ca. 1970

Medicine Hat Credit Union ca. 1960s

Beveridge Block Interior: Part 2

This photo set is a continuation from Part 1 of my look inside the Beveridge Block.

A New Badge for a New Ride

While I expect most of you missed the drama regarding the downfall of my Jaguar play out on my other site, this weekend my mood changed for the better when I finally purchased a new set of wheels. I decided on a 2006 Chrysler 300 (Touring Edition) with the complete luxury package. 

After nearly 3 years in the Jag, I knew there were a lot of amenities that I'd become accustomed to and that frankly I wasn't willing to give up if I could help it.  I did a lot of research and review scanning to find a vehicle that had exactly what I was looking for. In the end, we had to drive 4 hours to pick it up, but my expectations were surpassed when I finally got behind the wheel. 

What's best is that  in the switch I've sacrificed nothing except a badge. My 300 has all of the latest bells and whistles, from heated leather seats, to a sunroof, to bluetooth connectivity, and even a little analog clock in the dash just like the Jag had.  Even better, there's more head room, I can fit more than one suitcase in the trunk, and there's no hood ornament for someone to rip off.  

I'm really happy with how things have panned out, and despite the heartache from the death of my Jaguar, the outcome has been surprisingly brilliant. The 300 looks awesome, drives beautifully, and is considerably more affordable to maintain. This can only mean good things for a new year of road trips and my other travels ahead.