Lovecraft party behind the Weybosset facade, all that remains of Providence National Bank, at left. Industrial Trust (“Superman”) Building is at right. (Photos by David Brussat)

The convention celebrating the 125th birthday of, and all things relating to, H.P. Lovecraft hosted a party in the parking lot behind the naked façade, next to the Arcade, that is all that remains of the Providence National Bank Building. Built in 1925 on Westminster Street and extended in 1950 over to Weybosset Street, the bank was torn down, except for the 1950 façade, in 2005 to make way for a 40-story tower that fell through. Now it is a parking lot – owned by former Mayor Joe Paolino – and last night’s extravaganza put it back into real use again. It goes without saying that AGTWHBA.*

Parking is fungible. Partying is not. A party, if it has any balls, must be scheduled in advance, and so kudos to Paolino for letting that party go forward. Yes, the organizers paid a fee to use the lot, but spurning the gods of parking was nevertheless commendable. Let them park elsewhere!

And actually there was parking on the streets nearby, which is not entirely a good thing. I parked steps from the NecronomiCon event. And yet all smart cities invite the “problems” associated with finding a place to park: it means the city is popular and vibrant. Pending the erection of another building on the Providence National Bank site, parking should share the space with partying (weddings, concerts, dances, etc.) whenever possible.

Anyhow, I enjoyed the event and had my camera with me, with results, from the party then walking back to my car on Weybosset, below:

* A Good Time Was Had By All.
Or maybe it should be “IGWS that AGTWHBA.”

P.S. Do any fotomaniacs out there know how to filter out those bright-light splotches in night shots without using an SLR camera?