One in a series entitled Portraits: Faces and Profiles of Utility
Pictured this way, this particular subject grouping becomes iconic – almost too much so perhaps. For me it is precisely this issue. This is the quintessential farmstead of 1904 pictured in 2006. Do we really see these farmsteads as symbols anymore or has this way of life receded into personal memory only?
More of my project work here: www.mattniebuhr.com
This is part of an initial collection of photographs from a Saturday afternoon on Ingersoll Ave. A lunch time hangout – the Manhattan Deli is part of a unique collection of diversity that can be found along this street. A “mom and pop” ambiance – with terrific picture windows. This is the sort of business along this street that embraces the sidewalk and the street – as opposed to the fast food chain businesses. It’s the sort of place you want to become yours and sit and read a paper. There is a delicate balance between new development along this street and redevelopment of existing businesses. This collection is intended to show over time how the community treats these opportunities.
More here on Ingersoll
![Untitled [Crib, North elevation, East central Iowa]](https://i0.wp.com/farm1.static.flickr.com/49/137258663_4208175746.jpg)
Untitled [Crib, North elevation, East central Iowa] 2006 – Matt Niebuhr
Found another crib structure – alone on a hill top. Suppose it was convenient at one time to store ear corn close to where it was harvested. Peeked inside to see a sturdy set of “X” bracing of 2×12’s. The sides of this one have horizontal flipper style doors at the bottom of the bins that would likely have been used to rake out the ear corn upon either feeding time or shelling. The structure appeared in generally good shape – good bones… skin weathered. Somewhat time worn but sturdy for years to come, pending no further attention, I’d imagine this old bruit will be around. Here in east central Iowa, the land is gently rolling – the landscape as depicted in a stereotypical portrayal like Young Corn by Grant Wood.
One in a series entitled Portraits: Faces and Profiles of Utility
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