Jan 30, 2019

Universal Studios Orlando in Florida

From classic movie scenes to animated worlds to a wizarding playground, Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida is a truly iconic theme park. With additions like the incredibly popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter (which links their neighboring theme park Islands of Adventure) and annual staples like Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Orlando has cemented itself as one of Florida's must-visit tourist attractions. Here are a few visual highlights.

Universal Studios Orlando Florida


Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida
Universal Studios Orlando Florida


Universal Studios Orlando Florida
Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida
Universal Studios Orlando Florida



Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida
Universal Studios Orlando Florida


Universal Studios Orlando Florida


Universal Studios Orlando Florida
Universal Studios Orlando Florida


Universal Studios Orlando Florida
Universal Studios Orlando Florida
Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida
Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida




Universal Studios Orlando Florida
A classic shot with Jaws.

Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida
Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida

Universal Studios Orlando Florida
Universal Studios Orlando Florida



Jan 27, 2019

Hycroft China Factory in Medicine Hat, Alberta

Constructed in 1937, Hycroft China Ltd. was originally founded as Medicine Hat Potteries Ltd. and quickly emerged as Medalta Potteries main competitor. The rivalry was further emphasized by the fact that the two were located only a few blocks from one another in what was known as Medicine Hat, Alberta's clay district. In fact, many of Hycroft's workers were former Medalta employees enticed by the more modern working conditions and higher pay.

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta


The factory itself featured a state of the art tunnel kiln. Modern conveniences like abundant windows, skylights, loudspeakers throughout the facility, and a water fountain on the factory floor were all installed to make for a more pleasant working environment.

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta


In its first few years of operation, Medicine Hat Potteries began making dishes to compete with those being produced by Medalta. They offered decorative options that soon proved more popular, and by 1939 they had taken over Medalta's distributors in Toronto and Quebec.

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta
Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat AlbertaIn 1955 Medicine Hat Potteries was sold and the company was renamed Hycroft China Limited by the new owners. Struggling to find a niche in the changing industry, in 1960 Hycroft began manufacturing toilets (or sanitary ware as it was called). This success allowed the company to continue releasing a select amount of dishware and souvenirs for several decades, however increasing competition eventually forced their closure in 1989.

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat AlbertaThe Hycroft plant was donated to the Friends of Medalta in 1992, and in 1995 it was designated a Provincial Historic Site. See more from inside Hycroft here. Today, the old Hycroft Factory is preserved as part of Medicine Hat's historic clay district, which including several other industrial heritage sites, is now a National Historic Site of Canada.

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta


Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta

Unlike the museum at Medalta, which is open to the public, exploring the Hycroft Factory is generally reserved for special occasions or behind the scenes events. Because of this, many of the spaces in the factory still feel locked in time - mysterious even. Similar to the nearby brick factory, there's still something very raw about exploring these buildings. The Hycroft China Factory is truly one of Medicine Hat, Alberta's underrated gems.

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta
Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta


Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta
Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta
Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta


Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta


Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta





Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta
Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta
Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta
Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta


Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta
Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta



Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta

Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta
Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta


Hycroft China Factory Medicine Hat Alberta