Candie: "Sun City"

I was drawn to this photo essay by Peter Granser in “Lens Culture” magazine because of the title “Sun City”. I was curious as to what the photos might hold with that title. The article describes a retirement community built in 1960 to offer people over 55 a chance to retire, have fun, and be active, rather than just decay and wait for death. The pictures show a very sterile and spotless outside environment surrounding the 27, 000 homes, very few lawns to mow, no weeds to tend to. The up side of this sterility is that the “life” of the community comes from just that, community. The retirees spend time together at cook outs, dance classes, bowling, and parties and enjoy the leisurely life they deserve from working in the trenches for most of their lives. I adore elderly people and what their stories and experiences convey to me. I would love to spend time with some of the old folks featured here, especially the “Hot Dog man” and the “Hot Dog lady”. I can just imagine some of the tales they would have to tell!

Link to article and photos: http://www.lensculture.com/granser.html?thisPic=1