As I mentioned in a previous Buzzyblog post, I am in the process of having the four posts holding up the front porch replaced. The current ones are in pretty bad shape. (If you look closely at the porch roof line you can see where the porch is actually sagging. No jokes please that it is merely emulating the owner.)
Here is an 80’s photo sent me from Nancy Shuman whose family started Buzzy’s back in 1887.
I picked this photo to show you for a couple of reasons not really having anything to do with the posts specifically. (Although I am thinking about having the new posts painted the original darker green color shown here. Still mulling that major Buzzy change/decision over however.)
First off, as for time of this photo, I can tell that it was taken before the Buzzy fire in 1983. I know this because the store fascia (upper left corner of photo) is the painted dark green versus the white aluminum fascia that A&A Construction installed during the 83 fire renovation.
Looking at the background you see the Coke machine on the left along with the ice machine to the right. The ice machine was subsequently moved more to the center of things to accommodate a doorway entry to an apartment that Buzzy had installed in that corner of the store. I have since turned that area into a store room.
As for the signage to the left of the entry store door, you can see where Buzzy was catering to the influx of Oriental visitors to the area back then. I recall some Asian visitor in the Store asking Buzzy who the owner was. After Buzzy told him, the guy appeared surprised and said “No Korean?’ Buzzy said “Nope. Only me.” I often wondered how many others dropped in with the same expectations only to find themselves dealing with Buzzy.
As for the signs to the Store entry door’s right I enlarged them to find that they were political signs. However, the only two I can make out are the two Johns – Slade and Bohannan signs when they competed for Delegate. (This too would confirm the time frame as being 1982.) Note that Slade’s sign appeared above Bohannan’s which at first glance would appear to a be a Slade endorsement. However, this was Buzzy’s way of offsetting any show of favoritism because he let Bohannan put a second sign in the Store’s front window.
Back to the new posts. Mike Raley at 84 Lumber made me a deal I couldn’t refuse for the four new posts so my thanks to him for all his help. Pat Guy is currently priming them and should have them painted by week’s end (as soon as we decide on the color.) We will then move into construction phase with Duncan Lepper and Teeney Boy set to do the install/replacement(s) Date for the Porch Post Party tbd but it’s getting close.
Pearl Jam “Porch” song for you. May or may not be about being Pro Choice (2:37) (click here.)