21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
An 1800s Mansion and the Cellphone Tower

To me, this photo conveys a sense of America's small towns and the dilemma they face in trying to stay relevant in today's technology oriented and short attention span environment. In the foreground we see the elegant 1873 home of an early settler while along the photo's right margin a partially hidden cellphone tower peeks out amongst the trees. The good people of New Holstein, Wisconsin are doing all they can to stop outward migration by sponsoring home tours, parades, picnics, and similar activities hoping to give citizens an appreciation of their heritage. Meanwhile, the dilemma remains unsolved as exemplified by more and more citizens remaining seated with hats on and cellphones pressed to their ears as the 4th of July parade's color guard passes them by.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.0003
Date Uploaded: 10.2023
Photo Location: NEW HOLSTEIN, Wisconsin, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D3300
Copyright: © GARY MARTIN