Awesome oak & otherwise updating the Square

My last try at photographing the lovely oak accents at the downtown post office was a flop -- I didn't think to use the flash, of all the beginners' boo-boos. Fortunately, today I had business with the postal people, giving me a chance to redeem myself.

A brass accent in the center of that beautiful, heavy oak table in the first picture. I would imagine that those round empties once held bottles of ink. Anybody reading this remember fountain pens or brass quills?

More oak framing: here, high windows to help light the in-coming box mail sorting room.

What the ceilings of this 1930s building look like. Quite as pastel as the picture, BTW.

There was one wrong note in the post office lobby -- a scabrous looking radiator, against the marble paneling.

Out on Goodwin Street, I came across my first piece of good news; the Talking Rock real estate office is leaving the center of town for its on-site office out at Inscription Canyon. One less real estate office on the Square, though I'm sure that this location will not revert to its original use (a wonderful bookstore, The Satisfied Mind).

I couldn't resist the clock in front of the Chamber of Commerce. It reminds me of an ornate pocket watch or perhaps a Victorian lady's watch pendant.

And the second piece ofgood news -- I had thought that the Cat's Meow was gone forever when it vacated the corner of Montezuma and Gurley. Not. Seems it has taken the space left by The Betty Co., which, I guess, couldn't sell enough Bettys to make a go of it. Anyhow, the CM now has more space right on Whiskey Row and I'll be able to scrounge a fudge sample every so often. Further: it seems that splendid corner location has a new tenant, though I didn't walk down that far.

I want him! At Van Gogh's Ear. But I fear he'd cost too much to allow him to join my ants or my new horny toad (pictures later).

Further good news: though it's difficult to find practical necessities on the streets surrounding the Square, I was able to buy back-up batteries in this little goodie shop in the midst of the Row's saloons and galleries. Whew! A very useful addition, especially if you run out of smokes or want ice cream, popcorn or jalepeno brittle. They must do a very good business, as rents are surely prohibitive for a large variety store.

And, finally, the best news of all. Tombo reports that this nest on the west side of the Courthouse is occupied by a raven pair. I didn't see the birds, but I'll take his word for it.

Hello, Goodbye, Hello

That's the way of business in Prescott. Everywhere, I guess. Shops and restaurants and bars all come and go. But it's a melancholy day when established folks decide they've had enough and it's time to retire.


I don't recall if the Cat's Meow was at the corner of Gurley and Montezuma when we arrived, but it's been a cornerstone business opposite the Square for a long time. Selling mainly tomorrow's upscale collectibles and tchotkes, some tee's (always a cut or two above the usual Whiskey Row product) and 10-15 kinds of fudge to die for. Oh yes, splendid Christmas ornaments too.


I'll miss the Cat's Meow.


But we may have a new restaurant -- or something -- over on Miller Valley Road. Empty for a long time, this building across from the post office was rehabbed several months ago and then just sat there, daring anyone to figure out what is going on. All of a sudden, there is activity (see above) but still no information. In its previous incarnation, it was a restaurant in the Continental style and a popular, long-time establishment.


This sign painted on the Gurley Street building just west of the creek celebrates businesses past and present. Bradshaw Mountain Photo was superceded by the yoga place & the spa store is now a coffee house. However, Granite Mountain Outfitters are still with us. Good people, too.


I found this abandoned sign over by Prescott College. If I remember correctly, it was one of the incarnations of a coffee house serving students in the old building on the alley which was torn down to make way for the new Crossroads Center. At one time, that building housed a restaurant that served super burgers -- a favorite hangout of ours.

But then, if you want to get a real picture of how businesses come and go, take a look at this site. "Professor" Hall (George C.) happened across an old 35 mm nitrate film in the basement of the Elks Theatre. Produced in 1929 for the local Chamber of Commerce. He's saved it on DVD; it features clips about all the prominent businesses in town at that time and is a splendid period piece.