My grandfather's store also had a cooler for soft drinks - no lanes. But I do distinctly remember its unique odor. Not a bad odor just a little "mechanical"? And, of course, there was always a towel by the cooler for wiping off the bottles. Birch Beer.

Dad's store had a drink cooler where the bottles sat in chilled water. No lanes and gates, just reach in and grab. But the water was definitely changed on a regular basis, in his store. As a 5-6 y.o. I did this chore many times. Hook up a drain hose and let the water out while removing all the "pop", wipe down the inside, replace all the pop (it held several cases), and refill with water. When I'm done I get a Chocolate Soldier for my efforts.

Why are some of these buildings built above ground on such questionable foundations?

I wonder how many tornadoes passed through before that building was deposited elsewhere? My brother lived in a dwelling supported by cut off tree stumps and piles of bricks. Lockhart, TX, 1990s.

http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hvf19

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finlay,_Texas

There's not a whole lot left of Sierra Blanca today, even though it has two exits off I-10. Not surprising that Finlay was abandoned only a few years after this photo.

I think the cactus pot with legs must have been a kerosene parlor stove in a former life. I see they rejected the knob-and-tube wiring method in favor of "twig-and-no-tube". I'm actually surprised this place had electricity at all.

I imagine there are a few shards of glass and chunks of rusted metal to mark the site. Archeology of this place would be interesting, having this one photo to stir the imagination.

Checking the aerial photos, I see that nothing remains today. There is a clearing with a driveway leading to it. I wonder if this is where the building in Lange's photo was?

I always hate it when fine dining venues take pride in serving _bad_ coffee.