02:49 Jun 19 2011
Times Read: 1,009
Went back to this location with three tools I lacked the first time- a tripod, a flashlight, and time. Also learned this was a manufactory for women hoses, the thigh high ones made of silk. Years of operation was 1920’s to 1950’s. Spoke to two older town folk and both had family who worked there. One told me that the building was condemned, due to the chemicals they used, the high cost of removal. Funny how it is open in the back, with no signs saying stay out- I swear… none. Privately owned now it seems to have turned into the dumping ground of all the unwanted items in town. I also found a few answers to my questions about all the pipes, boilers, machines. Seems they had their own power plant back in the 20’s. They also ran 24 hours/ 7 days in its prime, found 3 freight elevators, and the building is only half the size it was, land sold as time went by. I was sad to see the scrappers have started on the old machines, large pieces gone with only the concrete slabs they sat on left behind.
Also found a closed hotel, 5 floors with a restaurant in the top floor. While the local lady I talked to said she did not care if I went in- she knew some homeless people were living in it. That set off some alarms in my head so we left that one alone. But I will try to keep a eye on the location, hope to see it up for auction soon.
Then I found a two story old elementary school, been closed for a while by the look of it. We pulled up to the back to find an apartment building right next to it, and a man pulling an unhooked part of the fence that surrounds the area up and walks toward the building. In his hand was a saw, the kind you use to cut pipes. He walks up to a door and walks in, then comes right back out. I asked if he minded if I went in with him, just to take pictures. I don’t care what he was doing.
Cat’s alarms went off with this guy as he said he could not let me in, had to ask the manager. The call I made to the man who was suppose to be the manager had no effect, she put a halt to this location as he walked out of the building and went into one of the apartments. We are thinking of going back to it after some time; go in early on a Sunday. The hunt for the owner might be better, see if I can get in all legal like. We will see.
Anyway- on to the pictures, right?
To the right you see a small amount of an electrical line/ transformer. Most of it was covered in greenery. The place is on the bank of a river, and rail road.
Bathroom tile… must have been such a nice place.
Signs had me a little worried.
Sky lights in the roof-
Made for a wonderful light.
The weak floor catwalk I was easing my way back over this when Cat beeped me on the walkie talkie. I jumped as the noise was so out of place in this quiet tomb like building, really wishing the floor would stop cracking and creaking. She tells me bad storms are coming, I was running out of time. And she was not wrong, within ten minutes of us leaving the town we ran into the thunder storm.
But I had one more place I had to get to- the machines.
Playing with the settings, reason the light is so different in these.
That was the day- good company, learned some history of a town, nice dinner, and I got to indulge my love of dark beauty.
COMMENTS
-
LadyChordewa
19:35 Jun 27 2011
RedQueen
07:29 Jun 30 2011
You burnt down your back porch? Did ya roast marshmallows?