Contemplating.

Contemplating.
Wayzata, Minnesota

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Thematic Photographic - Downward

They say "Those things that go up, most commonly at sometime or another come down as well.  Downward is much more common when dealing with upward movement, but not so much in reverse.

THEMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC

Carmi is sending us on a downward motion this week with

Downward as our theme.



 
Downward
beneath the presence of eagles rests
the
downward gaze of a protector.
 
 
Eight of them to be exact.






 
There are eight, 18-foot-tall "Guardians of Health"


These "Guardians of Health" encircle the Washburn Park Water Tower to protect it from intruding water pollutants, with the assistance of eight eagles that reside atop the structure as well, to keep a watchful eye downward.
 
"Bad-tasting or bad-smelling water pollutants from contaminating the water supply were thought to be the cause of many typhoid fever outbreaks around this time." - Harry Wild Jones, Architect.



 
They've been looking downward since 1931.




"He rides in the game like heavy cavalry getting into position for the assault, trots about, keenly watchful, biding his time, a master of tactics and strategy." - Patrick Thompson


 
 
The Washburn Park Water Tower is located within the Tangletown neighborhood in south Minneapolis, Minnesota and is perched on top of one of the highest points in south Minneapolis and serves as an unofficial "beacon" for incoming planes landing at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport and yet it remains hidden from much of the residents and visitors that pass by the base of the hill.
 
Hopefully it will never be caught going
downward.
 
 
To view more TP posts or perhaps put down your own go here
 
 

16 comments:

Max Sartin said...

When I first glanced at your pictures I though you'd lost your mind. The theme is "Downward" and your pictures are clearly looking upward. But it always helps to read what you've written, and it all came clear. Great pictures, great story and great job at confusing me at first.

TexWisGirl said...

i had the same thought - thinking 'upward', but then i got it. :)

Michèle et Jean-Claude said...

Karen, this tower reminds me a little of the Vimy Memorial to the first world war. Guards with their sword looking downward. Great shoots!

Bob Scotney said...

A but of lateral, sorry downward, thinking needs to be applied here.

21 Wits said...

Note Carmi's photo was so clever I had to post something not so obvious too!

Unknown said...

Oh how I wish more structures were built with such class these days. Now, I am all for functionality, but adornments like those guardians of health are not an exercise in frivolity in my sight.

Unknown said...

Impressive knights and eagles! Never seen a water tower like that before. It's a pity it is not in plain sight.

Snowcatcher said...

Stunning architecture! What a nice haven for clean water.

Cloudia said...

how COOL!!!!!!!!!!



ALOHA from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
><}}(°>

Filip and Kristel said...

Impressive sculptures on such a height.

Greetings,
Filip

Gilly said...

Great Guardians, and stunning architecture!

JJ said...

Love the downward/upward concept. Very cool!

Alexia said...

I thought this was a wonderful choice for this theme! I hope these guys do their job properly and keep the water clean - no chemicals needed...

Jess Brady said...

What a beautiful and creative feature for a structure that has a very practical purpose. Wonderful pictures!

sage said...

They don't make watertowers like they used to...

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

"Don't mess with this water, or we'll cut your heads off!!!!!"
~