The Abandoned: Graffiti in Glorylight

Monday, May 23, 2011

Graffiti in Glorylight - Weekend Reflections

On a rare sunny day, Sissy and I set off for The Abandon. With our recent rains, there were some amazing shots to be taken. We were standing in the upper area, looking over the bannister to the lower part of the building, when the sun burst through the skylights. The result was incredibly beautiful.

For more wonderful reflections from around the world, be sure to visit James at Weekend Reflections.

NOTE: If you intend to visit The Abandoned, be sure to get permission from the owners first. If you do not have permission you may face arrest and prosecution for trespassing.

4 comments:

Dani said...: wow, Beth. This is such a cool photo. I love it.; May 23, 2011 at 12:02 PM
erin said...: now, beth, the graffiti was interesting enough but the light - well, that's something else entirely! beautiful shot.

xo
erin; May 23, 2011 at 2:16 PM
Clytie said...: What a gorgeous shot! I got a similar one, but not nearly as nice as yours!!!; May 23, 2011 at 3:58 PM
Unknown said...: Love your shot, it is proof that beauty can be found anywhere. Absolutely love the way the suns rays direct ones line of vision to the reflection of the graffiti in the water puddle.Dropped by from weekend reflections and definitely will follow. Have a wonderful Memorial Day.; May 30, 2011 at 9:01 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.