I don't often show the aged and decrepit side of the village of Johnson City, New York, but today I feel I need to show a contrast of past and present.
The major industry in this area, back in the early to mid 20th century, was shoe manufacture. In fact, the Village of Johnson City was named for shoe manufacturers - twice. First, Lestershire, after the Lester Brothers Boot and Shoe Company. And then, the village became Johnson City, renamed in 1916 in honor of George F. Johnson, who was originally hired by the Lester Brothers Boot and Shoe Company and eventually became co owner of the shoe company with another man, Henry Endicott as the Lester Brothers sold out to them.
The story is a lot more complex, but for today's purposes you should know that Endicott-Johnson, at one time, was the largest shoe manufacturer in the United States and employed thousands in Johnson City, in nearby Endicott (yes, named after Henry Endicott) and other nearby communities.
The Victory Plant was built in 1921, and named Victory after our victory in World War I. Just think, at the tail end of a pandemic which killed some 50 million people worldwide, this shoe manufacturing plant was state of the art. This is what it looked like at one time (third photo down on the page this links to).
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| A view today of the defunct Victory Plant, Johnson City, New York |
Today, it lies in ruins, closed up in the 1970's.
But, within walking distance is CFJ Park (named after another member of the Johnson family), and near that, tents have gone up near a closed newspaper printing plant. A vaccination facility is supposed to open there tomorrow.
Hopefully, thousands will receive COVID vaccines there in the coming months.
Two view of victory - past victory from 1921, and what we hope is eventual victory over COVID in 2021.
That's pretty cool, it just shows you how fast things can change. I have seen similar things in my lifetime in the oil industry. Rigs drill faster and so less are needed and with the economy's change over to renewables the demand side is going down also. It kind of pains me in a way since I was part of the industry but it is what it is.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting bit of history. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteInteresting way to make use of the site. But fitting, I think.
ReplyDeleteCool. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMoving forward, hopeful before mid year over 75% of people will have there shots.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on and stay safe
Hi Alana - that's good things are changing ... and that vaccinations will be held there ... so pleased. All the best - Hilary
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