The Abandoned: Pink Smoke Tree Heart

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Pink Smoke Tree Heart - Guest Heart Thursday

One lovely sunny day last July, Clytie and I took a turn around The Abandoned. We both gasped when we spotted this beautiful smoke tree in the stairwell--both of us, of course, grabbed our cameras! I haven't gone on a walk with Sissy for the longest time. I think it's time we took another walk together. (grin)

For more wonderful heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

WARNING: Anyone wishing to visit The Abandoned, must have permission from the owners.

5 comments:

Clytie said...: I love that you call it pink smoke. What a perfect name for this gorgeous heart tree! I can't wait to walk with you again! Love ya!; October 21, 2010 at 11:28 AM
Lois said...: Oh Beth it is so pretty!; October 21, 2010 at 1:21 PM
Lyneen said...: Beautiful heart... lovely color. Special to share this with a sister!; October 21, 2010 at 9:00 PM
Dani said...: very beautiful.; October 22, 2010 at 4:24 AM
Laura said...: fantastic Beth, LOVE this beauty!; October 23, 2010 at 9:37 AM

The Abandoned

Years ago, I dedicated this blog to The Abandoned, a huge complex of abandoned buildings in rural Oregon.

Surrounded by wetlands and old growth timber, The Callahan Center was built in the 1970's by the State of Oregon as a rehabilitation center for people recovering from injuries on the job.

In 1992, the property was bought by a mega church. However, the Living Enrichment Center closed in 2004, amidst financial scandal and the property was abandoned.

The buildings stood empty for many years. Over that span the property was vandalized and looted. Yet the beauty of its rare architecture shone through the shambles of abuse and disrepair.

In the summer of 2013, the complex was completely demolished. We were all sad to see the buildings go, but because of trespassers and vandals, it was necessary to take them down.

The area where The Abandoned once stood is filled with $500,000 mushroom houses (homes built so fast they pop up like mushrooms) built on postage stamp lots. There are sidewalks and tall lamps where I once watched the foxes of the field leaping above the grass, hunting rodents.

The surrounding woodlands still survive. It is my prayer the wetlands and forests with their pristine creeks, native trees and flowers, as well as the wildlife which shelter there, will be protected.