To me this old factory clock reminds me of a certain 1980's movie ("Back to the Future"). This was taken on my recent tour of old factories in Amboise. It's a little sad to see these once interesting sites slowly disintegrating, but at least they haven't been totally destroyed in the name of urban renewal. So perhaps there remains hope that it's future will yet be taken back to the past by being restored and re-purposed.
Here is an old image of the factory (l'usine Pathault-Leclaire) that I believe produced tobacco products. You can see the clock just to the left of the big smoke stack which is now gone.
High noon forever. May be a museum showing all the things produced around Amboise would be a good idea. Thanks for your wishes concerning my desolate condition.
ReplyDeleteTess
Yes, that would be a good idea. As is said in the States, "hang in there". There will be an end to this story. And I believe it will be a happy one.
DeleteThe problem with this slow disintegration is that eventually it will have to be torn down for safety, or because it has become too expensive to renovate and refurbish, bringing it up to today's exacting standards.
ReplyDeleteAt least in this case, it is on private land and out of the range of the public, so there is not an immediate danger. But I agree, it would be very expensive to rehabilitate.
Deleteoh i love that clock and thanks for the comparison! it's so neat to see the old photo...yes, kind of "back to the future-ish"!
ReplyDeleteWell, I confess I don't hate that the production of tobacco products is finished, but it would be great to see something else move in that would be a bit more positive.
DeleteOne hopes the town is wise enough to step in and preserve it. It looks worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, you do expect Doc Brown to show up, exclaiming, "Great Scott!"
If only he would ! We could use a guy with great ideas for the future. I see you may like that movie as much as I.
DeleteWe don't need tobacco but it is always a bit sad to see old buildings being abandoned for so long.
ReplyDeleteYes, and there is so much open space in addition. Too bad there is (currently) no use for it.
DeleteHello, I'm doing some researches about a little building just behind this factory, which was part of the usine Pathault-Leclaire and now is part of the Clos Lucé park. Where did you find this old picture? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI am "on the road" now, but I will get back to you next week. Stuart
ReplyDeleteSorry for the delay. This photo was taken from a notebook of historical information of industrial sites in Amboise. The notebook belongs to the leader of a walking tour of the area. Alas, I do not remember who is but it was offered by the local Accueil de Villes Françaises (AVF). Here is a link to their website. http://avf.asso.fr/fr/amboise
ReplyDeletePerhaps if contact someone there you can find out who was the leader. The tour was 31 March 2014. He really know a lot about the history of the area and I'll bet he could help you out.