Kalamazoo, MI: Gibson Guitar started production in 1917 and Cities Service Gas Station

Gibson: (Satellite, Street View)

Gas Station: (Satellite)

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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Cities Service Gas Station

Rick Sawicki posted two photos with the comment:

Totally satisfying after & before.

Wife & I have lunch & a fresh cold one a couple times a year in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Bells is the #1 brewery on my list. 2 weeks ago, when ordering lunch my wife said look at the menu picture.

They have a pretty large vintage venue for food & beer & music. On the front corner of the building is their general store which is on the corner. After, then before.

Patrick Kowalski: Great that so much of the original structure remains.

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Street View, Jul 2023