The Ghost of Buda, Illinois - at last!

            It’s a classic, inspired by a British artist’s painting from the 1890s. The dog Nipper is listening to a wind-up gramophone and tilting his head. It was the trademark of the Victor Talking Machine Company, which became RCA Victor. Sadly, chunks of the paint have fallen away, yet you can still make out: His Master’s Voice, Earl Taylor Agent. 

Years ago, while chasing the amazing Nebraska Zephyr with my son driving, we raced through Buda for the first time. I spotted this splendid old ghost sign and screamed, “STOP! Just for 15 seconds! Let me shoot that sign!” 

Being a railfan myself, I knew he would not stop. And most likely I would not have stopped had I been at the wheel. (When the train you want is moving towards the location you want, foamers do not pause.) Still it grieved me to miss the chance to get this rare gem. Buda is not my backyard, and as the poet Robert Frost said, “knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back”

But last September, on my way to Route 66 in Illinois, my second chance presented itself. Sure, more detail had been lost from the sign, but there are losses everywhere all the time. That's why we go out to practice preservation with a camera, saving at least an image of the old things we value before they disappear. 

Standing at this corner, I knew there was not much remaining on Main Street, no train depot left on Depot Street, no beautiful old searchlight signals in command over the railroad line. Still I had my happy moment here and successfully stopped all time for one sweet click.

And by the way, the kid made the right choice all those years ago. Yes, we stopped the magnificent Nebraska Zephyr in her tracks enough times to capture a few gorgeous views to gaze at in wonder forever.

Taken in: United States / Illinois / Concord Township / Buda (show map)

Taken on: September 2, 2023

Tags:

Buda

Bureau County

old

vintage

ghost

sign

painted

wall

mural

small town

roadside

His Master’s Voice

Victor

Nipper

dog

gramophone

RCA Victor

Earl Taylor

Agent « less

Sets appears in: • Signs from old times • Ghost signs more » • Illinois • Every picture tells a story « less

Groups appears in: • Faded Signage (FADED!) • beautiful decay. more » • Americana • Ghost Signs • Fading America • Small Town America • old painted wall advertising • Roadside America (Please read the Group Desc!) • The Changing Face of America • I Love Old Signs! • Ain't That America • Society for Commercial Archeology • All Gone to Look for America (USA, United States of America) • True Vintage Signs (New) • I see a sign • Vintage Signs of the Midwest (VSOTM) NO 30/60 Limit. • American Typologies • in explore • Small Town Photojournalism • PBWA - Photography By Wandering About • This Was America • Sign of the Past • Blast from the Past Signs « less

Stats: 6,686 views / 18 comments

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