Hezekiah Goodson Jr. Nature Photography
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SCENES OF WINTER
Backyard Winter
Raleigh NC
What joy and pleasure to have a beautiful snowy white winter in your own backyard. On this day in 2009 it had snowed all night, and I awoke to a montage of snow covered trees.
Hezekiah Goodson Jr.
Staying For The Winter
American Robin
Raleigh NC
I was kind of surprise to see this American Robin still around in the middle of the winter and an unusually heavy snow. However, Robins are present throughout North America, and are very resilient and are known to over winter if the [winter] is mild. I love them in spring and summer because they are among the first birds to sing at dawn.
Hezekiah Goodson Jr.
Winter Among The Sweet Gums
Sweet Gum Trees
Raleigh NC
Their is nothing as interesting as snow covered ground in winter and the exposure of bare limbs and hardwood bark. This stand of sweet gum trees in the foreground [and the canopy] with the antique wheat cutter, and fenced garden in the background gives a sense that it will soon be time to begin planning for the coming spring. The resin from the Sweet Gum Tree can be chewed on like chewing gum, thus the name "sweet gum".
Winter Rose II
Raleigh NC
The glossy evergreen leaves of the Camellia stand out in the thick snow of winter. The leaves from this wonderful tree are often used to produce Chinese tea, and of course the flower blooms in winter, thus the moniker "Winter Rose".
Hezekiah Goodson Jr.
Winter In Pullen Park
Pullen Park
Raleigh NC
The bark of the Crepe Myrtle stands out following a heavy winter snow in Pullen Park. The park was established on March 22, 1887 by Richard Standhope Pullen who donated the land for this beautiful park, which happens to be the first public park in North Carolina. The park features picnic areas, a concessions stand along with several small rides including a Carousel, pedal boats, arts center, and the Pullen Park Aquatic Center.
Hezekiah Goodson Jr.
The Norfolk Southern 380
Pullen Park
Raleigh NC
This Bay Window Caboose was known as the "Norfolk Southern 380" and was the warmest spot on this winter day. The caboose [donated to the park] provided the train crew shelter and protection at the rear of the train, an exit for switching tracks, and an office for the conductor. The bright red color of the caboose was a tradition held on many lines.
Hezekiah Goodson Jr.
Winter In Chavis Park
Chavis Park
Raleigh NC
Chavis Park was named after John Chavis (1763-1838) a distinguished African American. The park was opened as a recreational spot for the city's [African American] residents during segregation in 1938. John Chavis was a teacher, preacher, and a revolutionary war veteran. In his private school [located on the same site of the present day park] he taught free blacks and white students, with a specialization in Latin and Greek in which he gained a reputation for excellence.
Hezekiah Goodson Jr.
The Carousel
Chavis Park
Raleigh NC
Although closed on this wintry day, one could only imagine the screams and chatter of children, and cautious moms, while they enjoyed riding the Chavis Park Carousel. The Chavis Park carousel was installed on July 2, 1937.
Glimpses Of The Promise Land, Freedom Flight
Chavis Park
Raleigh NC
The public art sculpture created by Mike Roig, was dedicated in Chavis Park in September 2006. With the City of Raleigh skyline in the background, on a wintry and snowy day, this sculpture of a swirling flock of stainless steel birds symbolizes freedom. Among the flock of flying birds are two of the Tuskegee Airman, airplanes, reminding residents of the Tuskegee Airplane that use to be located in Chavis Park. As a child growing up near Chavis Park, my friends and I spent many a day climbing in and out of the cockpit of this old airplane [either a P-47 Thunderbolt or P-51 Mustang]. These planes were flown by Tuskegee Airman from the 332nd Fighter Group or the 477th Bombardment Group, also known as the "Red Tails" because the rudder and elevators were painted red. I don't think that many of us knew at the time that these planes were flown by African American aviators, some of the bravest [aviators] of World War II.
Hezekiah Goodson Jr.
