The former Security Bank building anchors a corner of Central Avenue in downtown Faribault.
PHOTOS DEVOID of distracting color possess a certain surreal, dreamy quality and a vintage feel that have always appealed to me.
Some of the best images I’ve seen hearken from years ago which just goes to prove that technology doesn’t always equate better results.
While filing through photos I shot in historic downtown Faribault on Saturday afternoon and evening, I decided to play with my photo editing tools and desaturate several images. I liked the results so much that I stripped every frame of color.
The results, I think, impress even more upon the viewer the history of this early Minnesota community that stretches back to its founding by fur trader Alexander Faribault in 1852.
We’re a city rich in history with 40 properties on the National Register of Historic Places.
With that perspective, please join me on a quick photo tour of the downtown area. Certainly much more comprises our downtown than what you see in the seven images here.
I invite you to explore on your own, to immerse yourself in the history that defines Faribault.
Historic buildings along Central Avenue.
Dandelet Jewelry occupies the former 1882 Dandelet Dry Goods building, which was renovated in 1985.
A scene from the movie, "Grumpy Old Men," was shot in the former drug store to the right in this image. Today the building houses a pawn shop.
A holiday display window at Erickson Furniture, in business since 1956 and located along Fifth Street Northwest just a block off Central Avenue. Erickson Furniture won first place in the Main Street window decorating contest with its suspended green chairs, holiday ornaments and lights.
Holiday decorations in a business window along Third Street Northwest just off Central.
A sign in the window of Burkhartzmeyer Shoes, a third-generation family-owned shoe store founded in 1949.
CLICK HERE to read a previous post about Faribault’s historic downtown.
Copyright 2011 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
great black and whites. keep up the good work
Thanks. I looked at your work, too, and see that you’re experimenting with film. You have some pretty sweet images.
I went digital several years ago and love the freedom of shooting without worrying about how much film I’m burning up. I’ve become much more creative in my work as a result.
Now, if I can learn more about photo editing…
Fabulous B&W.
Thank you.
Audrey, you must love what you do, it shows in your work!! Thank you again for highlighing the Downtown area!
You’re right, Laura. I’m passionate about writing and photography.
Downtown Faribault lends itself to some great photo ops. I’m happy to showcase our downtown.
Audrey, thank you for linking me to the Faribault Preservation Commission website–beautifully designed, written and produced. I hope many people visit and appreciate just one pocket of Minnesota history. What a treasure!
You’re welcome, Sheila. I agree that the website is well done.
I need to explore your town of Waseca more, too. You also have some lovely old buildings in the heart of your downtown.
[…] of holiday work in this area: holiday decorations on light posts, garlands strung across streets, window decorating contests, street-tree lighting, etc. Other, snowier years, a Design Committee might make send friendly […]