The "Architecture Lost & Renewed" Story

Preface:  Decided to post a few short stories today highlighting two buildings in the city of Lancaster, PA.  One still is a big part of city life, while the other is part of the history of the city. 

It was an ordinary day.  Walking the streets of Lancaster, Pennsylvania looking for a variety of different styles of architecture for a collection of stories I have planned.  Happened to walk past the Fulton Opera House in the first block of North Prince Street and remembered seeing a photograph of it published in the local newspaper supplement this morning.  The photo was on the page titled "Lancaster That Was."  The photo in the newspaper supplement showed what the Fulton Opera House appeared like 50 years ago on October 1, 1967.  The Sunday newspaper reported that the Fulton Opera House was shining the spotlight on its hard-working and essential volunteers during building renovations.  Following are three photographs of the opera house, one from the late 1800s, one from 50 years ago and the final one I took today.  Amazing how they are so much alike.

Taken in the late 1800s.

Taken 50 years ago.

Photograph I took today showing the current state of the opera house.

   
The second part of my story deals with another historical building that at one time stood at the corner of West King and Charlotte Streets, a few blocks from the square in Lancaster City.  The old stone Plough Tavern was located at an important fork in the road to the west where the old Blue Rock Road branched off to the south from the road to Wright's Ferry.  Blue Rock Road is now Manor Street, leading through Millersville.  Lafayette and many other visiting dignitaries were entertained here during their stay in Lancaster.  Such a shame that a historical building such as this couldn't have been restored for future generations.  This photograph was posted in the Lancaster Newspaper on their 200th Anniversary edition on June 13, 1942.