For all it's erosive potential, the desert also often preserves things. The dry climate and the transient nature of visitors make change a slow process. Without constant expansion of the business or housing districts, there is little need to tear down the old, to make way for the new.
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| Barstow BNSF station. ©Mike Vega 2015 Originally called the Casa del Desierto train depot. Minolta X-700 28-70mm f2.8-4 125asa Ilford 35mm B/W film. |
The site of the Barstow BNSF/Amtrack station was home to an original Harvey House that operated from 1885 until it burnt down in 1908, the current facility was built as a replacement and opened in February of 1911.
Along with train operations, the current site is home to the Barstow Route 66 Mother Road Museum and Western America Railroad Museum.
The iron First street bridge was constructed to replace a narrow foot bridge which, for years, provided the only passage over the railroad tracks.
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| First Street bridge, Barstow, CA. ©Mike Vega The historic bridge was opened on April 26th, 1930. Minolta X-700 28-70mm f2.8-4 125asa Ilford 35mm B/W film. |
The iron First street bridge was constructed to replace a narrow foot bridge which, for years, provided the only passage over the railroad tracks.
The rail station was originally a key hub for transportation of borax and silver mined locally form Daggett and Calico.
Then became a major hub for immigrants coming to California from the east during the depression and Dust Bowl era.
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| The Casablanca Inn. Barstow, CA. ©Mike Vega 2015 Minolta X-700 28-70mm f2.8-4 125asa Ilford 35mm B/W film. |
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| Dance Hall. Barstow, CA. ©Mike Vega 2015 Minolta X-700 28-70mm f2.8-4 125asa Ilford 35mm B/W film. |
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| El Rancho Motel. Barstow, CA. ©Mike Vega 2015 Minolta X-700 28-70mm f2.8-4 125asa Ilford 35mm B/W film. |
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| El Rancho Motel. Barstow, CA. ©Mike Vega 2015 Minolta X-700 28-70mm f2.8-4 125asa Ilford 35mm B/W film. |
The El Rancho Motel was built in 1943 with wooden railroad ties from the Tonepah and Tidewater railroad line, and is said to have once been frequented by Marilyn Monroe.
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| Cactus Motel. Barstow, CA. ©Mike Vega 2015 Minolta X-700 28-70mm f2.8-4 125asa Ilford 35mm B/W film. |
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| The Village Motel and Chinese Food "To Go". Barstow, CA. ©Mike Vega 2015 Minolta X-700 28-70mm f2.8-4 125asa Ilford 35mm B/W film. |
Downtown Barstow is populated by motels in various states of repair or decay, fast food restaurants (Barstow is the home of the first Del Taco restaurant), auto-repair shops and any number of sketchy people milling about...
Standing proudly against an endless horizon, is the still functioning, two screen Skyline Drive-In movie theater constructed in 1966.
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| Skyline Drive-In Box Office. Barstow, CA. ©Mike Vega 2015 Minolta X-700 28-70mm f2.8-4 125asa Ilford 35mm B/W film. |
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| Skyline Drive-In. Barstow, CA. ©Mike Vega 2015 Minolta X-700 28-70mm f2.8-4 125asa Ilford 35mm B/W film. |
Coming soon, the third installment... Stay curious!
-Mike
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