During a Midlothian Turnpike Drive (December 15, 2012)

A short stop from "Tacky Lights" (which I will resume tonight) but made a visit to Midlothian Mines Park to see this structure which was put up like this last summer. It is a recreation of a device used to bring coal up (and men up and down) a mineshaft. Park has added a few items to the historic park - one of the first coal mines in the US. In the park the ruins of an old structure stand above the Grove Shaft. In February 1882, a methane gas explosion trapped 32 miners. Despite efforts to get them out, none were saved, and they are at the bottom of the shaft to this day.   

Speaking of rising from the ashes, this is the inside of the new Super Kroger which opened a few days ago at the site of the old Crossroads Mall. Always closed since I have been here, the old mall was demolished earlier this year and the new Kroger was built on the site. Certainly is the largest Kroger I have been in, and I believe it is the largest one in Virginia. Has food and many other items there. Good to see one of these old retail areas reused. Earlier posts have some photos of the old Crossroads Mall.
Looking forward to seeing some of the sights in the City of Richmond tonight!