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Hi, I am Sig (junge1),
I was born in Dominikus- Krankenhaus in Berlin-Hermsdorf, Bezirk Reinickendorf in December 1939. Bezirk Reinickendorf was one of 20 Bezirke that made up Gross-Berlin before World War II and one of 12 Bezirke that made up former West-Berlin, the other 8 Bezirke were Russian occupied and became East-Berlin after the war. Moved from Berlin to Neurohlau (Nova Role) Sudetenland (now Czech Republic), in August 1943 (our entire block of apartment buildings was bombed out in November 1943) and returned back to Berlin in November 1945. Saw my dad the first time in my life in August/September 1946 after he returned from POW camp. Attended elementary school in Berlin-Waidmannslust, high school in Berlin-Hermsdorf, and trade school in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Was an apprentice for the trade of Klischeeaetzer (photo engraver) at Burrath & Schmidt on Friedrichstrasse between U-Bahnhof Kochstrasse (near to what later became Checkpoint Charlie) and Hallisches Tor.
While watching Allied planes supplying West-Berlin by air during the Berliner Luftbruecke in 1948-49 I developed my love for aircraft. I guess I could be considered a 'Berliner Grosschnauze", or at least I used to be.
'Wanderlust' led me to leave Berlin in summer 1960 to emigrate to Toronto, Canada and in February 1962 to move from Canada to New York City, NY, USA. In January 1963 I joined the United States Air Force, one step ahead of Uncle Sam drafting me. Became a United States citizen within 7 weeks after it became a security issue because of my military career. One day after I was sworn in as a citizen in Seattle, my entire unit left for Southeast Asia in June 1966. After nearly 5 years of active duty (extended 11 months to make it an 18 months overseas deployment) I got discharged and moved to New York City. In 1973 I moved to Phoenix, Arizona and two years later joined the Arizona Air National Guard.
Received my higher education at Arizona State University and the University of Georgia and worked for 22 years for the Arizona Department of Water Resources in various capacities. Upon military retirement in 1999 and State retirement in 2005 I looked at a number of things to keep me occupied. Traveling and joining 'renderosity' in September 2007 were a couple of them,
Sig..
Comments (30)
flavia49
oustanding capture!
Crudelitas
Is that a fucking store, which was built on an Indian burial ground? Creepy, that reminds me of that horror movie with the little girl who was drawn into the TV. Oh, yes. When we called the movie Poltergeist. Great photo, the store is al little bit creepy...
AZBO
Great capture and fascinating story-glad my grand kid's don't read comment's
tigertim
Interesting close up.. a most fascinating read, thanks!
Sea_Dog
Great shot!
bazza
Fabulous capture and interesting read thanks Sig!!
Faemike55
Great read! thanks for the link! Wonderful photo as well
Darkwish
Nice shot!
bebert
very nice shot
Isabelle711
This is such a sweet, sweet site. :)))) I wish that full service would come back. :))))) Most excellent capture my friend. :)))) Thank you for sharing all of the beauty you see. :))) Carry A Warm Smile In Your Heart :)))))))
renecyberdoc
the wood looks "thirsty"needs a little paint job bro.lol
auntietk
This place has such character! Those boards are great ... I love the age and the texture. Wonderful shot!
jayfar
A great capture Sig and love the green sign. Plenty more detail in zoom.
UteBigSmile
Cool capture - Lol @ Crudelitas!
kgb224
Stunning capture my friend. God Bless.
gaius
Great shot and thanks for the tips.
Cyve
Fabulous capture my friend... as always!!!
casmindo
Nice
ontar1
Most excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dreamingbee
another great shot here !
farmerC
Shining shot.
mishelleb
I love this little store! Thanks for the pic of it!!
sandra46
COOL CAPTURE
UVDan
Super image of Americana.
Richardphotos
all the old stations are gone here except a very few and often they are not stations.
starship64
Wonderful picture.
Jay-el-Jay
That handpainted sign really makes it for me.
dragonmuse
Fascinating, though sad history. thanks for sharing.
Maxidyne
You don't get these small stations much round our way anymore. Shame as the service was always very friendly. Great image Sig!
danapommet
an excellent second POV my friend!