Traveling Camera Project

Back in January, our friend and fellow photographer, Dave, found 2 expired disposable cameras. He decided to pass them around to different volunteers, one from each state. So, we volunteered for Pa.

Not too many people have ever heard of Scranton until the show The Office hit the air. Back in the day, Scranton was a big coal mine city. The nation's first successful, continuously-operating electrified streetcar (trolley) system was established in the city in 1886, giving it the nickname "The Electric City". After World War 2, coal was losing preference to oil and natural gas, as the chosen energy source. Due to this, coal mines closed, and the population of Scranton began to diminsh. In the 80s the city started to make a revival. A lot of the older buildings were restored, a new mall was built. A minor league baseball stadium was built. People started taking an interest in the city, and a pride in where they live.

Now, as you know, I do not live in Scranton. But I do live about 10 miles away in the country. But, our mission was to shoot local color. Or something that represents the state's nickname. Our nickname is the Keystone State. What is a keystone? Something that holds everything together, or something which surrounding things depend on for support. So, I guess Scranton is the keystone of the northeast of Pa.

Next question was, what do I shoot? I opted for the Scranton Times building in Scranton. No matter which side of Scranton you come in, you see the tower on this building. The tower was added to the building in 1950, when they added a radio station to the top floor. It was first decorated for Christmas in 1960. At Christmas time, it's lit up, and I belive it was said that it was the tallest "Christmas Tree" east of the Mississippi.

When I was little, I remember being driven around Scranton to see the lights on the houses. This building was always on the tour.

If you'd like to read more on the traveling camera project, Dave's blog can be found here. http://travellingcameras.blogspot.com/