Attached Link: http://www.pbase.com/picnic/abandoned

I won't have time to work much on the 'project' but I guess this is along those lines. I spent a day photographing in an abandoned textile mill village several weeks ago. I had been planning to go for quite awhile and waited for a bright day. The village was originally composed of small houses built for the workers at the textile mill and rented to them. The company store was just that until later years when it became a small chain store as the mill closed and others rented these small houses on the hill. The population has almost totally moved away. I plan to go back when the leaves turn and take more color photos. I photographed in color, infrared and processed mostly in duotones--because I felt the mood I could capture in that way suited the project. I'm not sure if theses will link, so I will post a link to the entire gallery. Diane

Here is one photo from the gallery I resized to post here. This was one of the main streets. Many of the houses have disappeared, but many are still standing. Some of them are standing alone, perhaps dwarfed by a large oak or good sized maple tree that you know was just a sapling when the houses were built. There is also a dam on the small Henry River and building left from the mill. I was a little reluctant to go down there by myself this time, but plan to in the future. Diane

Boy you bring me such joy with your work. I am at the page looking now.....Wonderful Diane, just wonderful.

Thanks Alpha. No, I didn't go inside--it was just a bit unsettling by myself. This is quite close to where I live--so I can go back easily. I'm not sure about getting inside--if someone was there I might try--many of the floors are rotten, etc. There really are no inhabitants left. However, I have rather looked at this as 'my project'--I've had an interest in the place for years, so might see what else I can find. There is more to photograph--details, seasons, more interesting shots. Thanks again,Diane

...really beautiful, really beautiful. .n

Really cool! Excellent! The past almost comes alive.