Sunday, June 19, 2011

Passing Through Filley...

First of all, I would like to wish all the Dad's out there a Happy Father's Day!  Today is always bittersweet for me, I had one of the best Dad's there were and have wonderful memories, but I sure do miss him!

Friday we made a trip to Kansas City and spent the night and drove home yesterday.  My hubby had some union business to take care of.  He enjoys seeing old working buddies and catching up on each other's lives in general.  Kansas City is only 3 hours from our place but on our way home we always take the scenic route.  This always proves to be interesting and gives me several good picture taking opportunities.  Little towns intrigue me.

This trip we happened through a little town called Filley.  I quickly asked him to pull over before we missed it, so I could take a few photos.  You know some of the towns if you blink they are gone, and believe me I am not making fun, I love little towns.  I sure do get some strange looks when I am out taking pictures at times.  There were a couple of men that came out on the porch of a  building back the other way, I just kind of waved to them and kept taking my pictures.  
This was one of the main buildings in Filley.  It looked like it was probably a little store and gas station at one time.  Well pretty obvious a long time ago, look at the old gas pump in front.  I couldn't help notice the pony on the side of the building.  I bet this was a hopping place once upon a time, but now just an abandoned building.  If you really use your imagination, you can almost hear the screen door slam as the attendant comes out to pump the gas.  There were two or three other buildings also.
This was a sign over a pavilion close to the station.  It said Filley Community Park, as you can see the tree has grown a lot since the sign was put up.
Here is the Community Park.  It consisted of hand made tables and wooden benches.  A lot of work and determination went in to building all the tables and benches.  The community probably had a work day and they joined in and made it a fun time.  That does not happen much anymore, kinda sad, now you have to hire someone to do the work.  At one point in time I bet this was a busy place, the hustle and bustle of the women getting the food ready for the community picnics or potlucks, and of course the sound of the children's laughter and excitement.  But now, it looks deserted.
Just beyond the Community park was this old barn.  As many of you know I love old barns, and this one was no exception.  This barn had so much character, if it could only talk, the stories it could tell.  I am sure it has seen a lot of activity in the little town of Filley over the years.

It was a fun day, I love exploring and thinking about what might of been.  Thanks for going on my journey with me.

until next time... nel

"Let me pass through thy land:  I will go along by the high way, I will neither turn unto the right hand nor to the left."   Deuteronomy 2:27

6 comments:

  1. I share your interest in little towns, and I also get sad when I see a deserted one. I usually try to imagine the life that went on there before it became deserted.

    You took some fine pictures in Filley, Nel.

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  2. That sounds like my kind of road trip! It also looks like the small town that I live near!

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  3. I mentioned KC in my post today-have you ever had Jack Stack bbq? I had it for the first time this weekend and it was so good!

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  4. Ok, that's just a gift, Nel. To see the "what could have beens" in old buildings of a small town. Loved the tour!

    The gas pump reminded me of the gas station scene in Private Eyes with Don Knotts and Tim Conway. The gas station scene is my favorite so the picture brought a smile to my face.

    Have a great week!

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  5. How fun. I really need to start doing this when we're out driving.

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  6. Loved this post, Nel. I find those small abandoned towns interesting, too. We pass through a small "has-been" of a village on our way to our good friends up north. It is situated at a crossroads. There is an abandoned church on one corner. An abandoned gas station on another and a meeting house of some sort on another.
    Enjoyed reading about your adventures.

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