All images © 2008 by Robert E. Pence
The forecast called for heavy snow starting in the evening of January 31. I had wanted to get some night photos downtown during snowfall, and thought this might be my last chance for this winter. As of 10p.m. there were only snow flurries, so I curled up in my recliner with a blanket and set my alarm for 4a.m.
Sure enough, when I awoke the snow was coming down vigorously. I fueled myself with a cup of fortified hot chocolate, grabbed my camera and tripod and headed out. I didn't get everything I wanted; I quit when my fingers could no longer feel the shutter and my jeans were soaked through from kneeling in snow. Here's what I gleaned from my efforts.
Summit Square; I had hoped for a more dramatic shot of snow swirling around the building, but the floodlights don't spill over as much as I thought I remembered. Anyway, I like the way the building dominates the downtown skyline.
Calhoun looking south from Berry Street. This was once the heart of downtown's shopping district. The only old-time retail store that still exists here is Klingler's Jewelers, the store on the right with the lighted show window.
Allen County Courthouse, possibly the grandest county courthouse in the U.S.
Allen County Courthouse and Lincoln Tower.
Calhoun Street north of Main Street. The corner of the City-County Building is in the foreground. The bail bondsman is conveniently located next door to the pawn shop.
Calhoun Street looking south past Main Street.
Looking across Washington Street, over the bank lobby of One Summit Square and across Calhoun Street from the parking garage.
Looking south on Harrison Street from the lobby of the Grand Wayne Center.
Embassy Theatre
Looking north on Harrison Street from the lobby of the Grand Wayne Center.
Cindy's Diner. Garbage.
Seriously. Garbage
Allen County Public Library, noted as one of the top genealogy resources in North America. The building reopened in 2007 after a 3-year expansion and reconstruction and it's one of the best I've seen for comfort and convenience of use.
It's also one of the best facilities I've seen for quality of outdoor lighting. It looks like it approximates daylight, avoiding the annoying yellow or green cast of so much exterior lighting along streets and public buildings.
