Leigh Street Armory - 1975

Happy New Year everyone! With over 100,000 page views in a little over a year, it's been a fun ride. And lots more is on the way. Thanks to everyone for stopping by, commenting, reposting, sharing, etc. And thanks to great local blogs for sharing my posts, like Hills & Heights, Fan of the Fan, Greater Jackson Ward News, West of the Boulevard, Church Hill People's News, and probably more that I'm forgetting.

For the first post of 2012, a little good news. A few days ago it was reported that the Leigh Street Armory would receive a $600,000 grant from the state for renovations. Today I've got a shot of it from 1975, not long before it was abandoned and fell into decay. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see what this landmark building looks like today (but not for long).

The armory in 1975:

The armory in 2011:

Top photo courtesy of VCU Libraries

Byrd Airport Christmas tree lighting - 1960

Now THAT'S a Christmas tree. From Byrd Airport (AKA Richmond International Airport), taken on December 15th, 1960.

Photo courtesy of The Library of Virginia's Adolph B. Rice Studio collection

1975 Richmond Billboard

"This billboard proclaimed a slogan adopted by the Richmond Chamber of Commerce in early 1975."

It wouldn't be the 70s without a rainbow...

Photo from the book Richmond: Her Triumphs, Tragedies & Growth

VCU - skating and biking Shafer Ct - 1968

Some great shots from the year RPI became Virginia Commonwealth University. Proving that even in the late 60s, Shafer Court was the place to hang out/show off, and that skaters were a part of Shafer Court a lot earlier than I realized. Too bad first the gravel, then bricks ruined that. Check out those Schwinn Stingrays!

Photos courtesy of VCU Libraries

Richmond skyline - 1968

Today I've got a great shot of the Richmond skyline from across the James in 1968, another amazing picture from VCU's archives. I love the Chesterfield and Marlboro signs. In the foreground is the original Lee Bridge, the old factories that still operated on Belle Isle, and just a hint of the old train yard that was at the South end of the Lee Bridge.

Photo courtesy of VCU Libraries