Christmas on Clay

Built in 1891 by Moses Duqette, this late-19th-century commercial building later served the Muskegon community as Carlson’s Market from 1915 until 1979. Its brick façade - symmetrical, restrained, and unapologetically functional reflects the practical architecture of a growing Great Lakes port city at the turn of the century.

Photographed during a winter snowfall, the composition emphasizes balance and structure: three evenly spaced upper windows anchor the frame, while the darker storefront below grounds the image. Falling snow softens the geometry, diffusing contrast and lending a quiet temporal stillness. Selective color restraint allows the red bows and evergreen wreaths to emerge subtly from an otherwise muted palette, echoing the seasonal ritual without overwhelming the historic character of the building.

The image balances documentation with atmosphere, honoring both the physical endurance of the structure and the quieter moments that continue to pass through it.