Boonville Archive

Between July, 2007 & June, 2008, I was working a project entitled Boonville. This blog was on hold between that time. To view my posts during that 11 month time period. Feel free to visit the archive, at boonvillearchive.blogspot.com.

Thank you.

Boonville, Missouri via Boonville, Indiana

Downtown Boonville, Missouri, circa 1850

I'm currently in Boonville, MO. I took a bike ride and then a walk around town this morning. What can I say? It truly feels GREAT to finally be out here. This community is something special.

Yesterday, after leaving Louisville, I stopped into Boonville, Indiana for lunch--It was right on my way and only about 5 hours from B-Ville, MO. That place is hauntingly beautiful: It has an amazing town square but there is almost nothing there, it was practically dead. After some hesitation I decided to walk into a bar on the square (its windows were blacked out). Other then a 20' x 50' mahogany back-bar with huge pillars and a ginormous mirror, it was kinda crappy on the inside. I saw two guys playing pool and Kenny, the owner, was standing behind the bar. Kenny is sixty-nine years old and has lived in B-Ville his entire life. His father was a saloon keeper before him and his daughter is following in their footsteps. He is extremely intelligent but on the verge of becoming deaf. As I entered I asked him if he served any food. "what?" He said. "He can't here you, ya need to scream." says one of the guys playing pool. "food?" I ask. "wha?" I then move my hand to my mouth (probably looking like an idiot). "Burger...but you can go to McDonald's and get it quicker." he says. (Screaming) "HOW ABOUT THE PLACE OVER THERE (pointing)" I say. "They don't make 'em like I do," he says. (Screaming) "I'LL TAKE A BURGER THEN."

Twenty-Five minutes later the burger comes out. There is no ketchup, mustard, etc. in site. Just a plain burger, bun, chips and a soggy pickle. "Can I get some ketchup?" I ask. "Hugh?" (Screaming) "CAN I GET SOME KETCHUP!?" Kenny snickers at me and says, "That burger is perfect the way it is." Needless to say, I didn't get any ketchup. And yes, it was a pretty damn good burger. Especially for three bucks.

Goodbye New York...

A View Of The World From 9th Avenue - Copyright Saul Steinberg

I moved to New York at the age of 19. It was pre-911, a world of a difference. Since then I have never left New York City for longer then 2 weeks. I am about to leave for roughly 12 months.

Other then my amazing girlfriend and friends, I will not miss much... Maybe the poisonous concoction of beautiful people roaming the streets at any given time.

I've been here too long, it's time for a change. I love you New York. But goodbye!

BLAST OFF! (B-ville going away party)

Garth Risk Hallberg and Tema Stauffer

Last Friday was the 38th anniversary of the first moon landing. During the day I celebrated by watching an episode from the HBO special From The Earth To The Moon. That same night we celebrated the awesomeness that was my Boonville Going-Away Party. THANK YOU to all who hustled their way out to Bklyn. It was unforgettable. I BLAST OFF to Boonville, Missouri this Wednesday - only 2 days left!!

I've wanted to do a portrait with the stenciling in the hallways of my building for some time. Click it!

Flight of the Concords #3, The Robo Boogie

THIS ONE WORKS

Photos by Byron Briner, Vietnam, circa 1968

Vietnam, circa 1968, Copyright Byron Briner

My Father was stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam Conflict. I don't know much about his time there - part my fault, part his. He did not speak about it while I was growing up and today he only mentions it when asked. I do know he was stationed there between 1967 and 1970 and that he was a part of the Seabees or the Construction Battalion division of the US Navy.

"The Seabees have a history of building bases, bulldozing and paving thousands of miles of roadway and airstrips, and accomplishing myriad other construction projects in a wide variety of military theatres dating back to World War II."

"The official motto of the Seabees is 'Construimus, Batuimus'—'We Build, We Fight.' Unofficially, their motto is even simpler: 'Can Do!' "

About four years ago I found a box of slides my father took while in Vietnam; the box was titled "Camp." I was shocked! I was amazed! These images were beautiful. The composition and choice of timing were perfect. Why was I never introduced to his visual talent earlier? There were also images from his time in New England after the war. Again, fucking stunning.


Hawaii, on leave, circa 1968, Copyright Byron Briner


Vietnam, circa 1968, Copyright Byron Briner


Vietnam, circa 1968, Copyright Byron Briner


New England, circa 1971, Copyright Byron Briner

My father eventually moved back to NW Indiana and begin working at The Bethlehem Steel Corporation. This is where he met my mother. His father as well as my mom's father were steel mill workers before them.

My parent separated in 1983 and a few years later my mother met my step-father - at the mill. They are both still employed by the once all-powerful steel industry. My father has since retired and lives with my step-mother in Florida.

A few days after I found those slides I asked my father if he was conscious of his framing, his choice of subjects and timing.

"No, definitely not."