10 years of working at Dury's is right here in this tote. The walls are picked bare, sad sight!

It was a great run, in fact, it lasted 138 years. Dury's, one of the original 8 stores opened up by George Eastman is now nothing but a memory. We served thousands of photographers and their families, in fact, we served generations!

I packed up my desk and belongings yesterday. It was a sad day, that no one wanted to see come. The handwriting was on the wall, and we all thought this day might come, but like the death of a sick loved one, you are never really prepared. You think you are, but you aren't.

I had to turn in my keys and credit card. All that's left is a stack of shirts that will end up at Goodwill. There is a certain "finality" to all this. Reminds me of all the medical shows I've watched just waiting for the Attending to call the "time of death."

I worked upstairs in the "crows nest." It provided a great perspective where I could see what was happening below on the sales floor. If they needed help, I could run down and jump in. 

Gary Giles is a great photographer and a valuable employee. Everyone that shoots film loves Gary!

The unique thing about working at Dury's was we all got along well. I don't want to come off like we spent holidays together but we did and do care about each other. I'm sure that these relationships will live longer than the store did. I'm hopeful that we stay in touch, only time will tell.

Tilly worked a few desks away and did our purchasing. If you know anyone looking for a purchaser, give them her name!

This isn't intended to be an all inclusive article on our demise. It would take more time than I am willing to devote to this and I have to find a job! That is my number one priority right now. In all seriousness, when you've survived cancer, a job isn't that big of a deal. If you know me at all, hopefully, you know about my relationship with Jesus Christ and my total trust in Him! He healed and sustained me through chemotherapy and radiation, He can provide a job

I wanted to take a few images to document what I saw my last few hours in the store. The last photo is my desk area. This was where I worked 5 or 6 days a week. I scheduled the staff, answered emails, and entered customer's orders from friends all over the United States.

We had some of the most knowledgeable staff of any camera store I am aware of. Each of the employees had a specialty so we could answer most any question that came up. There just aren't many places left like this in the US. Nashville is an incredible photographic market and the absence of our store will leave a huge void. No place to pick up a roll of background paper or learn about the newest offerings.

My final thought is this. I moved here from Ohio 10 years ago to work at Dury's and my guiding sentiment is the fact that "people don't buy from companies, they buy from people!" I know whatever the next step is in my life, it will probably include selling photography equipment and teaching others how to use it. The relationships I've made here will continue so don't be a stranger!

If you'd like to stay in touch please add [email protected] to my contact information. Thanks for reading!