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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

South James Street


South James Street, Ludington

These pictures are from last week, but today wasn't a picture day. I did computer work all morning, and drove to Grand Rapids this afternoon to pick up my repaired printer. All good things, but I don't think you'll find a picture of my printer box too exciting!

So, this is a good day to share an observation I made last Thursday. South James Street, in Ludington, was the original "downtown," when transportation focused on the harbor of Pere Marquette Lake. But, as transportation shifted to roads, the downtown moved north to Ludington Ave. And, as often happens, the older section became run down and ratty looking. But, I haven't really looked at it for quite a while.

I was pleasantly surprised to take a look from a side street, and discover that this block has been repaired and repainted. It looks great! Here's a closeup.

South James Street, Ludington

And, on the side street, another of the murals that Ludington is becoming noted for. This one celebrates Pere Marquette. He may have died at Ludington. There are about five places that claim to be his death site, but we have a memorial and a lot of local lore.

Jacques Marquette Mural, Ludington

Here's a closeup of one section.

Jacques Marquette Mural, Ludington

I'm actually going to cook tomorrow, so... prepare for food.



7 comments:

Ganesh eshwar said...

hi,

An excellent post you have published. I would love to visit the place one day. thanks for sharing the facts and pictures sharkbytes. This is Ganesh Eshwar from Adg.

rainfield61 said...

Have a good day.

Ann said...

I love seeing little towns like this. It's like taking a step back in time. I remember when I was a kid, before there were shopping malls, the big thrill was going "down town" with my mother shopping.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving

Russ said...

Happy Thanksgiving Day. I love to see a place like this that has been fixed up.We need to keep our small shops and restaurants going. And a little History just adds the finishing touch. Great Post.

Duxbury Ramblers said...

We need to preserve some history, I love places like this, happy thanks giving.

spinninglovelydays said...

I love the word "downtown" (and love singing the song for kicks, lol). Nobody said it anymore when I was growing up and the actual place here went to seed as new commercial areas rose elsewhere. My mom and her friends still refer to it as "downtown" though. I agree that these areas should definitely be preserved.

Sharkbytes said...

Hi Ganesh- Thanks for stopping by!

rainfield- you too! I know you like the bugs better. Me too, but once in a while I find man-made things of interest.

Ann- Several small restaurants and shops have managed to re-create an interesting shopping area on S. James.

Russ- I like it too, although I can't honestly say that I've shopped at any of those places.

Carol- I agree, but they don't sell anything I buy, really!

Ivy- "downtown" still works here. I grew up calling it "overtown." I think it was a very local idiom.