I-95 James River Bridge - Before and After

Here's an angle I'm sure most of us are very familiar with: The view from North I-95 as you cross the James River into downtown Richmond. Below is what it looked like nearly 50 years ago, and just 2 days ago. Interesting that from the 1964 skyline, I only see one constant building. West Hospital is another (for now, more on that in future posts), but it's hidden today.

1964:

2013:

1964 photo courtesy of VCU Libraries

400 Block of East Grace St - Before and After

Here's a shot of West Grace Street downtown from close to 40 years ago, and a modern comparison. Although all these stores are currently empty, there's a lot going on around this stretch of Grace Street these days with 525 at the Berry Burke, Pasture, and the Rappahannock Restaurant just a block or two away. The two main signs in the 1975 shot—Alan Furs and Rooke Dickerson Shoes—Are still there today, just painted over.

1975:

2012:

1975 photo courtesy of VCU Libraries

Fun in the snow at VCU - 1979

In honor of the snowstorm that became rain that became snow again today, here's a great shot of a VCU student "skiing" down Franklin Street in front of Rhoads Hall in 1979.

Photo courtesy of VCU Libraries

Corner of 14th and Canal St - Before and After

I love this old painted sign for the Phillips Lewis Company at the intersection of 14th Street, Canal Street and Cary Street. You can just barely see the faded remnants of it today behind the trees.

1970:

2012:

Top photo courtesy of VCU Libraries

The National - 1929

Here's a great photo from Dementi Studio of The National taken in 1929. At the time, The National was part of Richmond's Theater Row on Broad Street, some of which can be seen here: The Broadway, The Colonial, and in the distance The Orpheum and the Bijou.

Photo courtesy of Dementi Studio

Confederate cannons in Richmond - 1865

I love the two guys in the shot below. I combined two halves of a Civil War era stereograph to create the full image, which can be found just below this close up of two Confederate soldiers:

The full picture:

Photo courtesy of The Library of Congress

Cab Calloway at The Mosque - 1947

Here's a great ad from the Richmond Afro American - 66 years ago today Cab Calloway played The Mosque (now The Landmark Theater). Tickets were $1.88 to $3.13, including tax! Wish I could have been there...