Remnants of the Past
in the Present
Remnants of the Past in the Present is a collection of photography that is focused on the forgotten architecture and construction in Halifax County and Charlotte County. Looking throughout the two counties' fields and roadsides are filled with all different forms of architecture and construction that have been left for nature to consume. This section deals with the theme of abandonment in different buildings around the two counties. What could be beautiful about being abandonment? The beauty is the reminder of what once was.
Old Farmhouse
This picture was taken at Falkland Farms in Halifax County, which is an old plantation and now is owned by the State Parks. This is one of the old farmhouses that is present on the property and is sitting right off of the gravel road that leads into the property. Looking at the picture, it would be easy to see the old falling down building and the bare trees surrounding it. That is not where the beauty is hidden in this image. The beauty is hidden in the history of this building. When I look at this picture I see the building that once was with all of the trees surrounding it full of life. The beauty of this photo is hidden in the history of the life that was lived here.
Old Industry
Once a small gas station tucked away deep on a back road in Charlotte County, now this sign is all that remains. Looking across the lot, there is nothing present but the Texaco sign and the rusting rake for hay. I have heard stories from my grandfather about how this used to be a very busy gas station, now left to gravel and a rusty sign. Where would the beauty be in a picture of an old hay rake and a rusty Texaco gas sign? The beauty is seen in the simplicity and the history. The logo red star contrasting against the bright blue sky, how white the circle around the star is compared to the rust on the rest of the sign. The hay rake, even though completely in the open, almost being hidden from the sign. Then there is the history of the gas station itself and the farm equipment outside. Two things that were once so important to Charlotte County, now just left to rust on an empty lot. The abandonment of two things once so crucial, in order for the county to grow and develop.
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House on a Hill
This house is left abandoned in Charlotte County. The house in this photo is hidden behind the fence covered in overgrown underbrush and the massive oak tree, yet it can very faintly be seen. Even with how faint and hidden the house is it can be seen that it is deteriorating after years without use. In the time in which this house would have been lived in, having a house placed on a hill like this would have been a big deal, which is why it is weird to find it just left. The abandonment is where the hidden beauty is in this photograph. The house has been completely left to nature, and nature is slowly consuming the house.
Lloyd's Mill
This abandoned mill is on a small creek that is on a back road about five miles from my house. Once used for agriculture, now it has been left to the consumption of nature. During the summer months it is almost impossible to see due to the leaves on trees and the underbrush, yet during the winter it is almost impossible to miss. When looking at this picture the first thing that is seen is the massive wheel attempting to hide behind the small branches. That is showing just how this mill was abandoned. Knowing how important a structure like this would be to the local agriculture, it is hard to imagine it being left like this. The mill being left also shows the beauty of advancement. As time went on and technology advanced, the mill was not needed. Which is why it is seen here, wooden boards rotting and wheel rusting.
