Monday, September 11, 2017

Kalamazoo, MI: Gibson Guitar started production in 1917

(Satellite, Street View)

Ray Peacock posted nine photos with the comment:
This past weekend was the 100th anniversary of guitar (stringed instruments) production at 225 Parsons St. in Kalamazoo. The Gibson Company started production there in 1917 and it's been the site of guitar building ever since, even though Gibson moved to Nashville in 1984. Now, it's been announced, the entire block will be renovated and turned into a music destination, with entertainment venues, recording and performance studios, and more. This us the building that produced the iconic Les Paul electric guitars, among others. It's even rumored that Elvis was in the building once. Not sure on that.
It sits hard by the ex GR&I (PRR) on Kalamazoo's north side. Grand Elk operates over it these days. Though down to a single main line, trains roll by this iconic building still. Her are some then and now shots. In the day 40' boxcars with tonewoods from Maine and elsewhere were spotted by the plant.










The 2005 SPV Map indicates that NS operates the part of the Penn/GR&I route. But according to Ray's comment it has been leased to Grand Elk. [mlive]

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