The Abandoned: Skybridge Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Skybridge Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

I have not had a chance to walk The Abandoned with Sissy since the last round of demolition, which appears to have flattened whatever was left of the buildings. Above you see part of the old skybridge. I was thinking about all the memories Sissy and I share--our walks here, our friendship, the way we laughed over the ghost stories people told. (There are some true-life, hair-raising stories which are actually true.) Such great memories from this wonderful magical place.

Happy Birthday, Sissy! Cheers to all the memories yet to be shared over the years ahead! I love you, Honey.

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

WARNING: Please do not visit this place unless you have permission. Though the buildings are flattened and the area has nothing to show for what once was--there are survailance cameras in place. I happen to have heard there are pictures on file. The owners are quite determined to identify those who trespass in The Abandoned.

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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.