The Crystal Ice House might be mistaken for a vintage gas station, but in fact it’s something more rare: a vintage ice station. Built in 1932, it’s the lone survivor of four in Pensacola that were, according to its historical marker, “an integral part of neighborhood life during the years before household refrigeration.” Customers would drive or walk under its awning (enhanced with fake icicles) and wordlessly order ice from 100 pounds (one finger) to 12.5 pounds (five fingers) using the station’s “Hand Signals for Service” plaque as a guide.
While the process for making photographs may have changed over the years it is still all about capturing light.