The Swiss Avenue Project
The Swiss Avenue Project began as a way to lose a few pounds and to walk my way back to health. If you're not confused yet, allow me to continue.
On October 11, 2007, I checked into Parkland Hospital for surgery to remove a cancerous tonsil and 24 lymph nodes in my neck. Not long after, when I ran across an ad placed by a young woman who had found the job of her dreams in Billings, Montana, I knew I'd found the right spot to recover and heal from the surgery — a carriage house on Swiss Avenue.
On October 11, 2007, I checked into Parkland Hospital for surgery to remove a cancerous tonsil and 24 lymph nodes in my neck. Not long after, when I ran across an ad placed by a young woman who had found the job of her dreams in Billings, Montana, I knew I'd found the right spot to recover and heal from the surgery — a carriage house on Swiss Avenue.
An Oasis When I Needed It
This little place has been an oasis for me while I've continued to heal from surgery and Swiss Avenue has been something of a metaphor for my life since then. It's surrounded by much more chaotic neighborhoods, yet it's peaceful on this little street.
My connection to Swiss Avenue actually dates back more than 40 years to a time when I attended, on a somewhat regular basis, Scofield Memorial Church at Swiss and Carroll, and often would have breakfast at Brink's, a coffee shop at Carroll and Gaston Avenue before services. And I remember, vividly, a young girl on whom I had a devastating crush. After I discovered she lived on Swiss Avenue, I'd often insist we drive by after church so I could look longingly at her house. Ahh, the sweet pain of unrequited love.
So, you see, my link to this beautiful boulevard is long, however shallow it may be.
The intervening years saw the neighborhood go through a period of, shall we say, transition. I always felt connected to the street, though, however it might have fared. The 1984 reconstruction of the Swiss Avenue Gates at Fitzhugh, originally built in 1907, helped to revitalize the area. Ongoing improvements keep this hundred year old neighborhood on the upswing.
My connection to Swiss Avenue actually dates back more than 40 years to a time when I attended, on a somewhat regular basis, Scofield Memorial Church at Swiss and Carroll, and often would have breakfast at Brink's, a coffee shop at Carroll and Gaston Avenue before services. And I remember, vividly, a young girl on whom I had a devastating crush. After I discovered she lived on Swiss Avenue, I'd often insist we drive by after church so I could look longingly at her house. Ahh, the sweet pain of unrequited love.
So, you see, my link to this beautiful boulevard is long, however shallow it may be.
The intervening years saw the neighborhood go through a period of, shall we say, transition. I always felt connected to the street, though, however it might have fared. The 1984 reconstruction of the Swiss Avenue Gates at Fitzhugh, originally built in 1907, helped to revitalize the area. Ongoing improvements keep this hundred year old neighborhood on the upswing.
Back to My Walks
Since moving in on December 29, 2007, I've been rather sporadic in getting the exercise I need. Like so many others, I'm a bit too sedentary and spend way too much time working at the computer. Then, again, practically living at Parkland two-to-three days a week on average didn't help.
A year out from my surgery I was given a clean bill of health and suddenly my hospital visits dropped to a more manageable bi-monthly frequency. Now, with time on my hands, I get out and walk, jogging a bit, and enjoy being out on the street I love so much.
Because I'm hardly ever without my camera, I've come to treasure some of the photographs I'd take on my circuit up toward La Vista, down to Peak and back to my carriage house at 4812 Swiss.
A year out from my surgery I was given a clean bill of health and suddenly my hospital visits dropped to a more manageable bi-monthly frequency. Now, with time on my hands, I get out and walk, jogging a bit, and enjoy being out on the street I love so much.
Because I'm hardly ever without my camera, I've come to treasure some of the photographs I'd take on my circuit up toward La Vista, down to Peak and back to my carriage house at 4812 Swiss.
There Are No Accidents
I've now had a couple of coincidences that have lead me to believe that I should do something to give back to the community where I live.
My friend, Jeramy, recommended a chiropractor who was taking one of his Argentine Tango classes as someone who might help me with some of the after effects of surgery. When I called to make an appointment, I spoke with his office manager, Jackie Cook. Turns out, she lived in my carriage house for five years and now lives across the street.
One day, recently, on a walk up and down Swiss, I was photographing some of the beautiful homes when I noticed a couple of antique cars in the driveway of one across the street. When I stopped to photograph them on the return side of the street, a young lady came out, introduced herself as Vicki Campbell, and in conversation about the old cars (a '36 Ford pickup and '38 Plymouth convertible) I mentioned where I lived. She and her husband, Randy, owned and lived in my carriage house for a while before they sold it to Jim and Dolores Serroka, my landlords. And they know Jackie and her boss, the chiropractor.
Pay attention, Larry. There are no accidents.
My friend, Jeramy, recommended a chiropractor who was taking one of his Argentine Tango classes as someone who might help me with some of the after effects of surgery. When I called to make an appointment, I spoke with his office manager, Jackie Cook. Turns out, she lived in my carriage house for five years and now lives across the street.
One day, recently, on a walk up and down Swiss, I was photographing some of the beautiful homes when I noticed a couple of antique cars in the driveway of one across the street. When I stopped to photograph them on the return side of the street, a young lady came out, introduced herself as Vicki Campbell, and in conversation about the old cars (a '36 Ford pickup and '38 Plymouth convertible) I mentioned where I lived. She and her husband, Randy, owned and lived in my carriage house for a while before they sold it to Jim and Dolores Serroka, my landlords. And they know Jackie and her boss, the chiropractor.
Pay attention, Larry. There are no accidents.
Come Full Circle
That was my tipping point. I realized what I needed to do — photograph Swiss Avenue from top to bottom and document it as it is today, 2009, creating, if you will, an historical document of what it looks like, who lives and works on the street, and showcase not only the homes of Swiss Avenue but the people.
Why me? Well, I've been shooting for about 35 years and have developed some skill as a photographer and as a digital artist. I'm a writer, a designer of web and print media. And I love telling stories.
It's actually a bigger project than I realized in the beginning. That's why I'm planning to talk to the Swiss Avenue Neighborhood Association (or the Historic District) about the project. I figure I might need some help and advice.
Should you have some advice on who or what I might include in the project, please contact me.
Why me? Well, I've been shooting for about 35 years and have developed some skill as a photographer and as a digital artist. I'm a writer, a designer of web and print media. And I love telling stories.
It's actually a bigger project than I realized in the beginning. That's why I'm planning to talk to the Swiss Avenue Neighborhood Association (or the Historic District) about the project. I figure I might need some help and advice.
Should you have some advice on who or what I might include in the project, please contact me.
