Abandoned
I’ve been absent from the blog for a couple of weeks now and thought it was about time to return. Sometimes it’s necessary to take a break from the things you enjoy; even if only for a short time! I’ll be sure to run by your blogs – as many as I can – and check out your recent work. Cheers.
I was out in Regina, Saskatchewan working on a photography project and encountered this very old abandoned farmhouse along the way. It is much different than the ones I typically photograph as it is constructed out of large stones as opposed the the more common wooden structures. I was told later by my brother who lives out this way, there is a ghost story attached to the home.
The homeowners’ children (or child – as the story sometimes lists only one) were playing along the rail line. The mother was watching from a window in the home when she saw a train run them over. The husband bricked up the two windows facing that direction so she would never have to look that way again. Apparently, you can sometimes hear children’s voices, a woman crying and an old train whistle. Well, I have to say, the vibe I was getting from this place was rather eerie. The wind was incredibly strong and there were no other sounds – just the wind and a rickety old gate that kept banging against a fence post. Creepy.
I did go inside and there wasn’t much left other than the flooring and walls along with some miscellaneous debris. I looked up the stairs to the second floor and deemed them unsafe to climb (especially as I was alone) so kept to the main floor. There was also a very dark basement passage which I left alone. Again, if someone else was with me, I’d definitely dig around a bit more – but breaking a leg falling through a floor could become a nightmare when you’re by yourself! Interestingly, the sky was rather blue before entering. Upon leaving, when I took the leading image, it started to darken! Hmmm…..
A few photos:
O, Saskatchewan! I must fess up to our family only having been Winnipeglanders by virtue of my father’s employment there 1950-70. Otherwise we are Saskatcewan through and through: paternal=Regina and maternal=Carlyle/Moose Mountain. Did you happen to visit the very atmospheric/photogenic Cannington Manor in that area? If you went via Hwy 1 you wouldn’t have got near it.
I didn’t get the chance to visit that site, Bill, but now I feel it’s a must! Thanks for your comment and happy to meet another proud Saskatchewanian (born in Moose Jaw)!
We all need to take a break from time to time…
And you sure do a nice “comeback” with this post, Mike.
Fantastic images from this abandoned (but yet not forgotten) house.
I love abandoned places like this one and wouldn’t say no to visit this place.
And the story really sends a cold shiver down the spine!
Thank you for sharing, Mike!! x
Much appreciated Malin! Definitely a break is require sometimes :) However, just as I start wanting to get back into my blog, my schedule gets crazy again!
There are so many of these great places in Canada, I just need to take a few weeks and go exploring!
I love abandoned buildings Mike! The photos are stunning, the building so hauntingly beautiful and the sky so ominous. The story of the heartbroken mom and her devoted and protecting husband, adds to the whole experience.
Diana xo
Thank you Diana! There is something magical about these great old structures. Although I’m sure they were wonderful when new – I find them even more attractive in this state!
Why I press Like . I like the way you compose this work . The two middle portrait sized images next to each other , both with a different view . The image below , your postion to express the corner guided by the structures on the flour . The image above is redundant , explained its mystery unfortunately . On screen , all images are appearing a little dark , but I can imagine how it must be look like on print, very good. A personal thing, The blue ski tends to be really blue , but that is a personal taste, I know . If you don’t like this kind of feedback or comments, dear Mike , let me know , I will not do anymore. I asked you this because I started to make a selection who to follow and who I don’t. I do not like that many of us are using only superlatives without any comments. This is the reason I ask politely this . Cheers Bart ,
Thank you BBYLOIS! Comments of any kind are good, whether they say things positive or negative – as long as it’s meant to help the person improve. I welcome both forms of critique. Cheers.
Great pic, and great story. You are as good with the pen as with the camera. It would be nice if you do it more often. Writing stories from your photos, I mean. Sure! Cheers, Mike!
Thank you Eduardo!! Trust me, I definitely want to be on here more often but each time I feel like settling in for a night of blogging, something comes up! Hopefully this coming week will be less hectic and I’ll be able to do so :)
I’m a fan or legacy and lore, be it real or contrived. Thanks for shairng this story and a bit of your personal exploration. The shots from the inside out are amazing, helping me visualize what may have once happened there. Enjoyable post, Mike, all around.
It was a rather surreal place, Eric and I could certainly feel the past all around me in this home and the surrounding “yard”. It is a place worth exploring further and I’m going to try and track down some more information. Cheers.
Wonderful story and photos. I too love abandoned buildings…but always a bit fearful if exploring alone! We should get a chartered bus … lots of courage then! The dark frames from within certainly highlight the outdoor beauty… and to imagine that what you are seeing is not much different from what they saw 100 years ago. Thanks for sharing!
I think so Doug! By myself, it was a bit unnerving as I’d hate to fall through the floor and be stuck with a broken leg or worse! Will have to definitely go back with 1 or more people.
This is totally awesome Mike! Great stuff as always :)
Cheers Rob! Appreciated!
WOW! These shots (and the story) are amazing, Mike! :)
Thank you so much, Allison! Happy you enjoyed the set :)
The abandon things have to sides. From one side it is great objects for photography. From another side there is almost all the time sad story behind all of them. Nevertheless, pictures are stunning!
This place really had a sad feeling. Some other abandoned structures I’ve visited weren’t nearly this ominous – just lost to time. Cheers, Alexander.
Great shots Mike and what a thrilling story, always fun to explore these places – I always feel strangely disorientated when I leave such places . . .
Thank you Patti! I too felt a bit disoriented when leaving here. As Doug pointed out above, they landscape probably looked very similar back over 100 years ago, and it really felt that way – like I stepped back in time.
Love your work, Mike! Especially this image. The ghost story adds so much to how I now look at it!
Thank you Emilio!! I have several other destinations in mind that I’ll try to visit sometime soon – maybe get some winter shots! Definitely, the ghost stories add some extra depth to the image!
Great photos Mike! Awesome
Thank you Mark!!
The dreary weather certainly played its part for you, Mike. I really enjoy hearing the story behind a good photograph.
Thanks Dave! I often hope for a eerie, cloud filled sky! The more ominous, the better when photographing such places :)
great set of photos Mike! love all the shots from the window!
how have you been doing? hope everything going well in your life and hope to see you soon here :)
Thank you Dalia!!
Everything has been going well :) I’m planning on spending some more time on the blog!
Hi Mike, let me thank our common friend for ushering me into your wonderful world of visuals and narrations . The interior and pan shots of abandoned farm house with all the atmospherics and story surrounding it make for a tremendous viewing experience…best wishes…raj
Nice to meet you Raj!!
I appreciate your comment :) I certainly would have enjoyed staying at this home a bit longer, although by myself I felt a quicker visit was in order!
Cheers.
great photos Mike. Welcome back ;-)
Great images, Mike…but what a tragic story.
indeed, I can see the sky has changed… looks very dramatic in the first image… very moody too…in line with the tragic story of this place…