tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53986332969626118922024-03-13T03:03:47.226-07:00Places That WereEvery abandoned place has a story.
PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-6464719445840974482018-09-30T10:35:00.000-07:002018-09-30T10:35:49.623-07:00Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, OhioRiverside Hospital served the Toledo area for nearly a century before it became a dark, forsaken husk surrounded by a field of cracked pavement.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9JxNHGItmgWTFygE3P_qbdTU7rC-hFFmH8x9XqMYz8zRIpjzk-U5_P6myo_iSbBJ6tGJNXa-YmdlSNvDTb7J6xODjNCWZ_erz6MXFRgBIgk2i2RlZv4LWYPxuFxji_FjqsHE5YyrrNtn/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9JxNHGItmgWTFygE3P_qbdTU7rC-hFFmH8x9XqMYz8zRIpjzk-U5_P6myo_iSbBJ6tGJNXa-YmdlSNvDTb7J6xODjNCWZ_erz6MXFRgBIgk2i2RlZv4LWYPxuFxji_FjqsHE5YyrrNtn/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-48.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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After visiting the <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2018/07/joseph-feiss-clothcraft-menlo-park-academy.html" target="_blank">abandoned Joseph & Feiss Clothcraft industrial compound</a> in Cleveland, I made my way to Toledo to admire the aging remains of Riverside Hospital.</div>
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In October 1883, the Sisters of Mercy opened The Retreat, A Home for Friendless Girls. The facility housed young women who were unwed and pregnant, which was taboo at the time. The Retreat kept these expecting mothers hidden away from a society that shamed and persecuted them. Children born there were quietly sent to live in orphanages.</div>
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The Retreat moved to various sites before settling at its permanent location at 1609 Summit Street in 1890. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49IWs8At8LPp8ESdn8AIkd_RdJiAHJMEKF-kl1fJyyqKhjyObaDC1JTs2BIJVYy50baMA9Aew3DQvd41R166e3ewiLvZrLcx_D6IMpQwsn00I5K2EBLnCo4NuMdH9eCdWztunc35XU1oY/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49IWs8At8LPp8ESdn8AIkd_RdJiAHJMEKF-kl1fJyyqKhjyObaDC1JTs2BIJVYy50baMA9Aew3DQvd41R166e3ewiLvZrLcx_D6IMpQwsn00I5K2EBLnCo4NuMdH9eCdWztunc35XU1oY/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-04.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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It was upgraded in 1920 with the addition of a 75-bed facility. Over the years, other additions were built and the scope of services offered expanded. The hospital admitted its first male patient in 1932.<br />
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The name of the institution changed several times until 1945, when it became Riverside Hospital. In 1983, the Sisters of Mercy founded Mercy Health, which managed the hospital from then on. The 271-bed hospital closed in 2002.<br />
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Entrances and windows on the ground floor were boarded up. The freeze-thaw cycle of harsh Midwestern winters cut networks of cracks through the expansive parking lots.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrtAeEKPUFNZynhFp0lzWe3tBjsimq8VS0RQDDKA92Vw_NT4LgJUpQMHOGYGSnI-XNqFbN4FD4TipamEQt4ikvgzzBujGZXPYjd1WmtvE493Dw20gUKVhmo4HADUt28pps1-XE_apc6Ur/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrtAeEKPUFNZynhFp0lzWe3tBjsimq8VS0RQDDKA92Vw_NT4LgJUpQMHOGYGSnI-XNqFbN4FD4TipamEQt4ikvgzzBujGZXPYjd1WmtvE493Dw20gUKVhmo4HADUt28pps1-XE_apc6Ur/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-11.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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Outdoor sitting areas became overgrown with lush ground cover and thick layers of moss blanketed the surfaces of wooden benches and tables.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPpnun2R3Qdi7P_KpELWR3Ybv0U0wEa6_6YmKi7ASjyeYKki5ZpA0LB7Xtkx3hsXEW7foAUewWeGuiZj_0_io9g_dJ8aaFfl9MFMiif4YJz9uuGAjASj6SeeDdkDnHGqNZTbh7kXy8Km0/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPpnun2R3Qdi7P_KpELWR3Ybv0U0wEa6_6YmKi7ASjyeYKki5ZpA0LB7Xtkx3hsXEW7foAUewWeGuiZj_0_io9g_dJ8aaFfl9MFMiif4YJz9uuGAjASj6SeeDdkDnHGqNZTbh7kXy8Km0/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-15.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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The Toledo Public School District bought the site in 2004 for $750,000 and renovated one of the structures to house its central administrative offices.<br />
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The future of the rest of the building remained uncertain. When scrappers began breaking into and looting the abandoned structure, motion detectors were installed and the local police began closely monitoring the property.<br />
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Over a decade after the hospital's closure, quite a bit of equipment still remained.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtwG2TQFZ3UqJToLN5Puwq2I3mim6jxp1ZmRrnzg6quTGrWehZBbz1VrPbXvlq3_sgPckY_NJyk4U4_CW_aRUm4_8C_EHlW0mmLfzOW1x-jJ0kU-J6gU3qbVkWa1kiKoz58YEdOgCbdtp/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtwG2TQFZ3UqJToLN5Puwq2I3mim6jxp1ZmRrnzg6quTGrWehZBbz1VrPbXvlq3_sgPckY_NJyk4U4_CW_aRUm4_8C_EHlW0mmLfzOW1x-jJ0kU-J6gU3qbVkWa1kiKoz58YEdOgCbdtp/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-47.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZlbd6r41k5vv1SuLOJ5rt3B6oFuOx8Qrsu39vHp8E6jjdoTxPv44R0-dAoCiMVicebB-A4i3Co5_QB35_wNts6SyNuP_P6_Eob6PX7SI275lCzwujCD4XLY453rNhNk43PcfuE8WesTD/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZlbd6r41k5vv1SuLOJ5rt3B6oFuOx8Qrsu39vHp8E6jjdoTxPv44R0-dAoCiMVicebB-A4i3Co5_QB35_wNts6SyNuP_P6_Eob6PX7SI275lCzwujCD4XLY453rNhNk43PcfuE8WesTD/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-25.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdqYw2ZIShO0nRtLvTo-SqICYskdaC5ZY5v8rV9itlpb2pXy9rOo9PR6aken2DhyphenhyphenQcNv4yuWxu8jdP0BpemWi2JFegg3sBdNwNS9Cf7q-wYflIRssi0o2Anlulyzp9WoTKpjDbI_T6CoQ/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdqYw2ZIShO0nRtLvTo-SqICYskdaC5ZY5v8rV9itlpb2pXy9rOo9PR6aken2DhyphenhyphenQcNv4yuWxu8jdP0BpemWi2JFegg3sBdNwNS9Cf7q-wYflIRssi0o2Anlulyzp9WoTKpjDbI_T6CoQ/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-26.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpZNGxrTS6qnodwkSn86ZvS8hp2fSYIV9CIIJXXGZEVxdwRrCmPM-8MKNIiPABgCiWyv5wSJMIqX7kfYkJUvxTuHZmWtogaBo-WQ5timCxzYllcu0SvunpqgkHvfhYCg3M9_naIIyEi_w/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpZNGxrTS6qnodwkSn86ZvS8hp2fSYIV9CIIJXXGZEVxdwRrCmPM-8MKNIiPABgCiWyv5wSJMIqX7kfYkJUvxTuHZmWtogaBo-WQ5timCxzYllcu0SvunpqgkHvfhYCg3M9_naIIyEi_w/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-43.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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Office furniture and files were also left behind.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwtXBETDc-N6GhCRmwBu3EVyDaeXSuLiFWTAUH-XwrEhGvesZ3yUZS8lmFAoPUU23q2X5PnIqJL-07iM2ByU_DkF0U2KBjQqi2mOhoxSmcZiklsc6IdYfIm96vv3AjM38KVCjnjTWcVRL/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwtXBETDc-N6GhCRmwBu3EVyDaeXSuLiFWTAUH-XwrEhGvesZ3yUZS8lmFAoPUU23q2X5PnIqJL-07iM2ByU_DkF0U2KBjQqi2mOhoxSmcZiklsc6IdYfIm96vv3AjM38KVCjnjTWcVRL/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-24.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uQLq9bHeau_2Eboj9tN8Kqeuxcp_e99f8XN6bHej__gCRpYs6_NeMKo3gpMiq86c5koPjE94iHrgk051l9J6PGgN18SUk815Rwh6VnUMEvY83Kc46i-fSZUZ_B_Chbl6eYpUj_nWcX-D/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uQLq9bHeau_2Eboj9tN8Kqeuxcp_e99f8XN6bHej__gCRpYs6_NeMKo3gpMiq86c5koPjE94iHrgk051l9J6PGgN18SUk815Rwh6VnUMEvY83Kc46i-fSZUZ_B_Chbl6eYpUj_nWcX-D/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-18.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1NmoDxcuZAMv-hpmq3P9rtnpcduQsZ2gPduZu3XySJVCO4XqjWoqIBDeuLD7ZhdhywKRF0KiPH5JiHtPw69TSj_FW9ELtu7sgnSglfpx2k2dtJFc-QGhfxKwl0sbEwTivqgFKSG5LUYV/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1NmoDxcuZAMv-hpmq3P9rtnpcduQsZ2gPduZu3XySJVCO4XqjWoqIBDeuLD7ZhdhywKRF0KiPH5JiHtPw69TSj_FW9ELtu7sgnSglfpx2k2dtJFc-QGhfxKwl0sbEwTivqgFKSG5LUYV/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-37.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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The abandoned cafeteria was eerie and dark. Wires and fixtures hung from a ceiling that had begun to fall in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguO3zU6KdkYQzxtnKf7fNl8hETbNaJ9ufDtsYG-l8CRs-OUfWGuQhUPdIbdrkTdRZxsqq7TmMuUi1cYMYcYDk_TgD_YrMOHRZktAR0Ihv486_Zq-_pYRYai2zyVanQ7ZQYHU0IilyibaX/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguO3zU6KdkYQzxtnKf7fNl8hETbNaJ9ufDtsYG-l8CRs-OUfWGuQhUPdIbdrkTdRZxsqq7TmMuUi1cYMYcYDk_TgD_YrMOHRZktAR0Ihv486_Zq-_pYRYai2zyVanQ7ZQYHU0IilyibaX/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-30.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFruCTP4a-q8igjSmr6815rIAGiFccLnd4opLtQ4C6EY3fMLxTLLKuWd4DpqosgVsXs5BRiCX7HZdWrLggq4WtFOE85kCckQvJbXS06TTp0KDb_S6QKO7YhO_n5q7_eay9Y8YKMXTv4_0/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFruCTP4a-q8igjSmr6815rIAGiFccLnd4opLtQ4C6EY3fMLxTLLKuWd4DpqosgVsXs5BRiCX7HZdWrLggq4WtFOE85kCckQvJbXS06TTp0KDb_S6QKO7YhO_n5q7_eay9Y8YKMXTv4_0/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-31.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheF1tK6pLz6CUY1WN7ERlRw-paWFECj_GSorQ3RtUvNTofPjN6NLYAyWlYJ4fpuZl4798eG5w1-h1G0T5dDrVlCVEQ8sgZEwr8txHjq41APNJ1MnHxLp2h15oJXNXp52z4kLFb6qy_-hC0/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheF1tK6pLz6CUY1WN7ERlRw-paWFECj_GSorQ3RtUvNTofPjN6NLYAyWlYJ4fpuZl4798eG5w1-h1G0T5dDrVlCVEQ8sgZEwr8txHjq41APNJ1MnHxLp2h15oJXNXp52z4kLFb6qy_-hC0/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-33.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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Scattered artifacts left clues about the employees who once worked at Riverside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkm8U-YZbjDAaYZhDpvM74SRh6H6ekOW__bSBCfIvS0mZRfqKNqWSnUQNhY8yIDcGoHQ0ohUQrKxCD2l6mmipNLd4SGlVjF2T3nUN0sdk5figeAHi7jGTBwIUnv-ByiBTgwEKYDf0yjEHg/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkm8U-YZbjDAaYZhDpvM74SRh6H6ekOW__bSBCfIvS0mZRfqKNqWSnUQNhY8yIDcGoHQ0ohUQrKxCD2l6mmipNLd4SGlVjF2T3nUN0sdk5figeAHi7jGTBwIUnv-ByiBTgwEKYDf0yjEHg/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-20.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5I5Yejpt3YRWBGIALxW4Ai870ToxQqfBCxjqGZCgrGPWjg9i-8Mw_HmsC6wBKxx2mLmHuWB7bYweSRGiJPkg4h-jZ5wdvuVMStMCzTzCec5yYewNTHJ-_fEdUzPeP3ENYXjl_pZUFQlwS/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5I5Yejpt3YRWBGIALxW4Ai870ToxQqfBCxjqGZCgrGPWjg9i-8Mw_HmsC6wBKxx2mLmHuWB7bYweSRGiJPkg4h-jZ5wdvuVMStMCzTzCec5yYewNTHJ-_fEdUzPeP3ENYXjl_pZUFQlwS/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-44.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyPwRLQMuUerUJfXiFOXP2iIu607g5zAiDt7n_lToMFmYFK8XAcenNcCiNOC1XVpIzd_Uvf1qDOYpDM0jKAuBNi4OnHE4o5iFuc4Jn3_-E_OCTmrMCLGGh2Kls1xRui9k3TO1iAZX6cFY/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyPwRLQMuUerUJfXiFOXP2iIu607g5zAiDt7n_lToMFmYFK8XAcenNcCiNOC1XVpIzd_Uvf1qDOYpDM0jKAuBNi4OnHE4o5iFuc4Jn3_-E_OCTmrMCLGGh2Kls1xRui9k3TO1iAZX6cFY/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-23.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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Finally it was decided that Riverside Hospital would be demolished, with plans to transform the property into a green space.<br />
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In June of 2018, a group of former employees gathered to open a time capsule that had been entombed behind a cornerstone in 1972. The capsule contained surgical tools, a stethoscope, a nursing cap, a list of hospital employees, a visitors pamphlet, pens that had been used to sign revenue bonds, and newspapers from 1972.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8-c-2dd_Sg760c3ENWIL9PFxlu4b5uSCvrt43CVANsFu8OMBPv7g3iWRlk68S9OgnxS8mBDf3W4kIqwOjGNRsYIxjClBz4HPV5IsNUi6YlB6HwUoDwyxTTgraiN6pFTnJMicCHgGHax5/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8-c-2dd_Sg760c3ENWIL9PFxlu4b5uSCvrt43CVANsFu8OMBPv7g3iWRlk68S9OgnxS8mBDf3W4kIqwOjGNRsYIxjClBz4HPV5IsNUi6YlB6HwUoDwyxTTgraiN6pFTnJMicCHgGHax5/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-16.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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Demolition of Riverside Hospital began on August 22, 2018 and is expected to take 5 months to complete at a cost of $998,500.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqo3UvOb2czFmFA2RxOJJ4KcKGb37slILSfRRWlY8JmiHV_wQk9GYDMlqG9WGRCOxZ9bKJW9VLf4uBBqJIes7M5yfy7BJHurQfWqwzxW3o1Bs2PmpX9aAbkN_LP3biBfV-gZ10uV5vjID/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqo3UvOb2czFmFA2RxOJJ4KcKGb37slILSfRRWlY8JmiHV_wQk9GYDMlqG9WGRCOxZ9bKJW9VLf4uBBqJIes7M5yfy7BJHurQfWqwzxW3o1Bs2PmpX9aAbkN_LP3biBfV-gZ10uV5vjID/s1600/Abandoned-Sisters-of-Mercy-Riverside-Hospital-Toledo-Ohio-05.jpg" title="Abandoned Riverside Hospital of Toledo, Ohio" /></a></div>
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After a quick visit to Toledo, I continued on to Detroit. Nothing could have prepared me for what I'd find there. I can hardly wait to tell you about it.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com23Toledo, OH, USA41.6528052 -83.53786739999998241.4629872 -83.860590899999977 41.842623200000006 -83.215143899999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-59724236415436028602018-07-31T06:00:00.000-07:002018-09-30T10:35:56.698-07:00What Became of the Abandoned Joseph & Feiss Clothcraft FactoryIn the twenty years since its closure, what was once the largest clothing factory in the US had become one of Cleveland's most recognizable abandoned industrial sites. Neglected for two decades, the site was gradually transformed by vandals, graffiti artists and the forces of nature into a foreboding apparition. Now it has found new purpose.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0e2KBe0e-yHZpoPrSKLjFhdoWc-XednDvEDb2hVv2_5XKG0v8DSuFLjxEg1JGUw5btrr-x2flkiicfAvQJeWeXuaOp9tgiYalklararsABYX2lMkCiel5DikpU0JJHhPpPFgUEP8uwtT/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0e2KBe0e-yHZpoPrSKLjFhdoWc-XednDvEDb2hVv2_5XKG0v8DSuFLjxEg1JGUw5btrr-x2flkiicfAvQJeWeXuaOp9tgiYalklararsABYX2lMkCiel5DikpU0JJHhPpPFgUEP8uwtT/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-00.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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After I stopped to visit an <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2018/05/abandoned-crank-it-up-audio-and-headboard.html" target="_blank">abandoned headboard factory and the car audio shop that bordered it</a>, my time in Cleveland was nearly at an end. But before I could leave the city, I had to check out the magnificent remains of the Joseph & Feiss Clothcraft industrial compound.<br />
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The grounds, which lie along West 53rd Street just south of the I-90, were overgrown with tall grass, brush and small trees. The massive manufacturing plant that occupied the majority of the property was demolished in 2003-2004, leaving only the administrative building and the three-story warehouse structure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAerheq1yMkUNs5TdwWXOvm2OhRgowDVKscYQrnzZAKKrtUUu2d4hk5-usmLUZLHF5zSrKUPNyiX9EJhvODc6bJw24CB15qne5QeEM0NVXyUl9E_AHYAMcxIBXk4R9hM8GYq7WVNkx0_m/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAerheq1yMkUNs5TdwWXOvm2OhRgowDVKscYQrnzZAKKrtUUu2d4hk5-usmLUZLHF5zSrKUPNyiX9EJhvODc6bJw24CB15qne5QeEM0NVXyUl9E_AHYAMcxIBXk4R9hM8GYq7WVNkx0_m/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-43.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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A wrecked car sat partially concealed among the plant life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmVMzksm7m2lXYgqE_uwRwasCKS-qeufZvtfk22HVey049w5Hx97y6EDUqt1ZpxujsXo1MDOwXqeVMsegaE30XwJcJmXVK0kUvMHor5eYlj3YWCz3QlFUW9U8v4tAsanAT9SS9GCjJcYR/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmVMzksm7m2lXYgqE_uwRwasCKS-qeufZvtfk22HVey049w5Hx97y6EDUqt1ZpxujsXo1MDOwXqeVMsegaE30XwJcJmXVK0kUvMHor5eYlj3YWCz3QlFUW9U8v4tAsanAT9SS9GCjJcYR/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-05.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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A black banner with white lettering reading Menlo Park Academy flapped in the wind. I had read that there was an effort to convert the old structure into a school, but the bleak state of the place made me doubt it would ever come to fruition. Ameri Con Corporation had purchased the land in 2000 with the intention of developing condos, but those plans had been abandoned. I assumed the dream of Menlo Park Academy would meet a similar fate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETGCofmRDVwTUFDgm6gI9umdI2O5_qdOxNlx7gYk5DXvPJWacPk5wNyVlmAtnLfskQ-Vpg7sa6J8MwKFPC7iQkYXJG8AcaExmuS5XULpsQq1DFkfY4xXhFpyNi-HS0U0KXHYDZr1UXbsZ/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETGCofmRDVwTUFDgm6gI9umdI2O5_qdOxNlx7gYk5DXvPJWacPk5wNyVlmAtnLfskQ-Vpg7sa6J8MwKFPC7iQkYXJG8AcaExmuS5XULpsQq1DFkfY4xXhFpyNi-HS0U0KXHYDZr1UXbsZ/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-14.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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The Joseph and Feiss Company began as a store in Meadville, PA. Founded in 1841, it was originally known as Koch and Loeb. The business moved to Cleveland in 1845, where it sold clothing for men and boys and piece goods to local tailors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ILB3CvdkLiJPUKlv8hE_aClW87A3whjmfYqOoyZjex5OpRCuzC7-LPgFv7fyqwTc5vOAsjLOFY1TkdxotIGPwhrsVDoFPbHWaJUwtJSdsJXcIS1kp7V7ZXc_pr0JEeP_K1W8sYmK1cOL/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ILB3CvdkLiJPUKlv8hE_aClW87A3whjmfYqOoyZjex5OpRCuzC7-LPgFv7fyqwTc5vOAsjLOFY1TkdxotIGPwhrsVDoFPbHWaJUwtJSdsJXcIS1kp7V7ZXc_pr0JEeP_K1W8sYmK1cOL/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-44.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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In the early years, the clothing was made by small local shops. Then, in 1897, the company switched to manufacturing everything internally. The local shops were folded into one centralized manufacturing facility and the former owners were hired as operators and foremen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubcN1PRARS9F210xG0Qs59ULa3ioHpGO9cB5OWagDCEsSAN65vE8Iihfy_2L6wLDYNSdz7g8Zi1aRLy-yT38xzjDTEEq6W95W7lfVwm6V5uau6p_hkXCk4Tepia_RgNddVvWTEoSsTiEd/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubcN1PRARS9F210xG0Qs59ULa3ioHpGO9cB5OWagDCEsSAN65vE8Iihfy_2L6wLDYNSdz7g8Zi1aRLy-yT38xzjDTEEq6W95W7lfVwm6V5uau6p_hkXCk4Tepia_RgNddVvWTEoSsTiEd/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-33.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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In 1907, senior partners Moritz Joseph and Julius Feiss changed the company name to Joseph & Feiss Co, though the clothing was sold under the brand name Clothcraft. Their $15 blue serge suit was extremely popular and was marketed as the Model T of the clothing industry.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAd7vmxpIJLiAD8P8mlzmAmqqae4v1hSENC4OzNNM-68nRmG53pXexk_SSMiQrWNnRFbdthBvGbioxFnYEJPQfkQlIXQ-SyLjVVQjKWVkv3KZd1MljigqdHrcyz7fhe-Q8rXM88y-5iE8b/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAd7vmxpIJLiAD8P8mlzmAmqqae4v1hSENC4OzNNM-68nRmG53pXexk_SSMiQrWNnRFbdthBvGbioxFnYEJPQfkQlIXQ-SyLjVVQjKWVkv3KZd1MljigqdHrcyz7fhe-Q8rXM88y-5iE8b/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-26.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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Julius Feiss's son Richard Feiss became factory manager in 1909. Richard strove to increase productivity through use of scientific management principles and reshaped company policies to improve the quality of life of his employees. Under his leadership the company developed a reputation as having the most progressive work environment in the country. He hired Mary Barnett Gilson, a Progressive Era reformer, as head of the employment and services department. With employee health in mind, they redesigned worktables and chairs and ensured proper lighting and ventilation in work areas. Feiss introduced benefits such as medical and counseling services and employee savings programs, allowed workers an opportunity to participate in decision making, and rewarded them with performance-based promotions and wage increases.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-PsFl1QacDHaQrhIkB_wH2DijiI_1LvBfAZ0ZaKD2l3Ew7KW6mwzUoVC-cL1rEg6KaRBitfZSl6ycnyl1lIfVy6bGLEmStcdnZ-avTEUpMCnTYuIwKsDS17mnaJhFfg8Wmw3dB2pKtOb/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-PsFl1QacDHaQrhIkB_wH2DijiI_1LvBfAZ0ZaKD2l3Ew7KW6mwzUoVC-cL1rEg6KaRBitfZSl6ycnyl1lIfVy6bGLEmStcdnZ-avTEUpMCnTYuIwKsDS17mnaJhFfg8Wmw3dB2pKtOb/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-09.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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Under the leadership of Richard Feiss the company also held dances, picnics, music and athletic programs, clubs, and a choir. In 1917, he instituted a five-day work week for employees, years before Henry Ford did, though Ford is often credited as the first US industrial employer to do so. It is believed that the generous benefits enjoyed by Joseph & Feiss employees prevented them from unionizing during a period when unions were becoming increasingly popular.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfW24Nr7IgD2Z5AxKPBijpSeKUfe98YFCw09RMoFrP8Up6x1qY47LlT69CSzMx0ElVZ3pCkeZ2g4RAEiLRxjxgcwhKVrh5KVEl5iF4mhOsfikZi9yZK7ReLnpfWDv4s7rJWM44S7Tr_zo3/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfW24Nr7IgD2Z5AxKPBijpSeKUfe98YFCw09RMoFrP8Up6x1qY47LlT69CSzMx0ElVZ3pCkeZ2g4RAEiLRxjxgcwhKVrh5KVEl5iF4mhOsfikZi9yZK7ReLnpfWDv4s7rJWM44S7Tr_zo3/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-32.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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Due to the growth of the business, Joseph & Feiss relocated to its new W. 53rd street factory in 1920 and officially became incorporated in the same year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37lVGcx7zag3kK1FA_apydAiyyYx62fLbr-N6TzvX4cQKBAgrc6hA7zonX21_WQ6RJ3wajWmwgrxvv2XHhC_1YYhFzVmKBL8t7gz459sWYCftBv5HoJ3MC5ix32LDyRHHzeqeelIHeY7o/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37lVGcx7zag3kK1FA_apydAiyyYx62fLbr-N6TzvX4cQKBAgrc6hA7zonX21_WQ6RJ3wajWmwgrxvv2XHhC_1YYhFzVmKBL8t7gz459sWYCftBv5HoJ3MC5ix32LDyRHHzeqeelIHeY7o/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-71.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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In 1925, Richard Feiss was forced out by his father and brother, who both held high positions in the company. After a brief strike in 1934, the workers, who numbered about 1,800, joined the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America union and negotiated a 10% wage increase.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2XfDApZ_eLcEyMnNaVPb2y_eBjmB6YlWmkm8g2JPQQhJXpVK32adDwdBY3wrt0paowGk2GrD2Y_e9ZBYOT-27eSrVbZIRA1xz6V9jjUlpA0RS-sUkHKBltYLQEfaAudXycwIqQUATR9d/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2XfDApZ_eLcEyMnNaVPb2y_eBjmB6YlWmkm8g2JPQQhJXpVK32adDwdBY3wrt0paowGk2GrD2Y_e9ZBYOT-27eSrVbZIRA1xz6V9jjUlpA0RS-sUkHKBltYLQEfaAudXycwIqQUATR9d/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-53.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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During World War II, Joseph & Feiss was a major producer of uniforms for the US Army and Navy. In the ensuing decades, the company acquired other brands and diversified its clothing lines, eventually adding tailored clothes for women. Joseph & Feiss merged with Phillips-Van Heusen in 1966, and then was acquired by Hugo Boss in 1980.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizjmmlqc_HgO00JQ13sjrMgCDYyIDU8lXtVct4GwlmGrI9VU-OYfK94K5ELCtuXZDOynjAAwUkDMw0wyUpvCe1q805ixKGvmeDeltDSCZykNIMLgm29-Hp5kuZ1vYUl0tf-tW-s8lEE4o/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizjmmlqc_HgO00JQ13sjrMgCDYyIDU8lXtVct4GwlmGrI9VU-OYfK94K5ELCtuXZDOynjAAwUkDMw0wyUpvCe1q805ixKGvmeDeltDSCZykNIMLgm29-Hp5kuZ1vYUl0tf-tW-s8lEE4o/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-07.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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As casual clothing became more mainstream, business suffered and mass layoffs occurred. In 1997 the massive plant on West 53rd Street closed and operations moved to the company's distribution center in the Brooklyn area of Cleveland, where it still operates today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryZWpklBUGajrwObU_d9EFF44Si7K96P5mqEGUE1lboRxWz78UzjhtQzPEr9eQUNRpEg4JWjJqR9kR9Ccw5IOBoIbJXLVWikOGjqrtCYytUJaykomTNb3WdG47dvvOm3UVFmWVx7m5lNq/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryZWpklBUGajrwObU_d9EFF44Si7K96P5mqEGUE1lboRxWz78UzjhtQzPEr9eQUNRpEg4JWjJqR9kR9Ccw5IOBoIbJXLVWikOGjqrtCYytUJaykomTNb3WdG47dvvOm3UVFmWVx7m5lNq/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-57.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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The West 53rd Street plant stood abandoned for nearly two decades, a sad reminder for ex-employees who watched their former workplace fall into increasing disrepair.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6pUqJtusEwrDD6DUoWKeCdDxckEwploTd4LiTAy2OSGpqfN-syDMaXL6IoPYgaF20yzzIcHNhoDGfTvX94mWqiJ-yOWMhD8WpOTRh8lwHvhfaEpCQTv32QsTRE1o8I7VTYumIDVXx-jg/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6pUqJtusEwrDD6DUoWKeCdDxckEwploTd4LiTAy2OSGpqfN-syDMaXL6IoPYgaF20yzzIcHNhoDGfTvX94mWqiJ-yOWMhD8WpOTRh8lwHvhfaEpCQTv32QsTRE1o8I7VTYumIDVXx-jg/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-10.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKp03JVilomnjRNbs8UCaIOi1GffFeYBaswLzHgruBNhUXdi2JcjZsNFBC7Wh0x_-LfbXctiQNCSrfGxuTnngrh5aFUBaEte0qnt8zszfAyxmWF1wxAV11c1oLaI2TOCqvk1g-Xi_8lXK/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKp03JVilomnjRNbs8UCaIOi1GffFeYBaswLzHgruBNhUXdi2JcjZsNFBC7Wh0x_-LfbXctiQNCSrfGxuTnngrh5aFUBaEte0qnt8zszfAyxmWF1wxAV11c1oLaI2TOCqvk1g-Xi_8lXK/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-54.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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There is some beauty to be found in it though. When nature creeps back into a site long occupied by human industry the results can be striking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0ToFuFGII2Vl808lo48ADeYTdkJ2dzeaFnrGCBVkgZiSxNYroJtl0mqeHsQ1z1N7Mcq_0PECf4p932hgxEYEQVXR2Xjl1T4oFiKjxBr0BwJwLbGp9qLqCCS4qwqeCviAdpYfTeA5FtgH/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0ToFuFGII2Vl808lo48ADeYTdkJ2dzeaFnrGCBVkgZiSxNYroJtl0mqeHsQ1z1N7Mcq_0PECf4p932hgxEYEQVXR2Xjl1T4oFiKjxBr0BwJwLbGp9qLqCCS4qwqeCviAdpYfTeA5FtgH/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-02.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjm0vk4-ZAoDjHSPgMGsngpeAwyqOXcF3eTnZzreWc_CgTCxbxsuhNZoVsB_P65y_4t9DuOiz7DW3qpbKtaDYwnxhvFL_IEzbJOF2hgS-wCEIV73EdycOZ80YiUYiMw1VBflZGr_aSuwKv/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjm0vk4-ZAoDjHSPgMGsngpeAwyqOXcF3eTnZzreWc_CgTCxbxsuhNZoVsB_P65y_4t9DuOiz7DW3qpbKtaDYwnxhvFL_IEzbJOF2hgS-wCEIV73EdycOZ80YiUYiMw1VBflZGr_aSuwKv/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-06.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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Even some of the graffiti isn't all that bad to look at.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVizGoVjDylIyWhsyFYsVP1j73tMrvystf56dsEVh_dPLN7vI0Bp9MRyTFk5iKItU-zJH-iIpQsmw0lQ9gIj8i7XsprZHr1lmMRyf_BrUl9Qqf8cD40B5sWIs8IEgDDHq_E7a5WI2PvyE/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVizGoVjDylIyWhsyFYsVP1j73tMrvystf56dsEVh_dPLN7vI0Bp9MRyTFk5iKItU-zJH-iIpQsmw0lQ9gIj8i7XsprZHr1lmMRyf_BrUl9Qqf8cD40B5sWIs8IEgDDHq_E7a5WI2PvyE/s1600/Abandoned-Joseph-%2526-Feiss-Factory-Menlo-Park-Academy-38.jpg" title="Abandoned Joseph Feiss Clothcraft factory and Menlo Park Academy" /></a></div>
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After nearly twenty years of disrepair and decay, the old Joseph & Feiss factory has found new purpose. In 2015, <a href="https://menloparkacademy.com/about/" target="_blank">Menlo Park Academy</a>, a school for gifted children, bought the property with the intention of expanding their school. In 2016 Menlo Park Academy received a $4.6 million grant from the state to renovate the historic building and transform it into a tuition-free educational center for gifted youth. The new school opened in 2017.<br />
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<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59a4bb0146c3c4b6448cc407/t/5a2b109f419202e17e650562/1512771765140/MPA2017photo_building.jpg?format=1500w" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Menlo Park Academy" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59a4bb0146c3c4b6448cc407/t/5a2b109f419202e17e650562/1512771765140/MPA2017photo_building.jpg?format=1500w" title="Menlo Park Academy" width="640" /></a></div>
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After a memorable few days exploring some of Cleveland's most fascinating historic buildings, I hit the road and headed to Toledo, home of the <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2018/09/abandoned-riverside-hospital-toledo-ohio.html" target="_blank">abandoned Riverside Hospital</a>.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com9Cleveland, OH, USA41.49932 -81.69436050000001641.309034 -82.017084000000011 41.689606 -81.371637000000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-86997742514416108162018-05-31T19:09:00.001-07:002018-07-31T05:59:50.339-07:00Abandoned Car Audio Shop and Headboard FactoryIn a severely blighted section of Cleveland the streets are lined with one abandoned building after another. Empty lots with uneven ground and tall weeds mark the places where neighboring structures stood before times got tough.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWPi5vG_zuBAnudg4QvL_1WeEmuq-p683nB7YSGjXBK5CRF7OiPQfMRVU7sSr9Lq5Yufn63u-W8kXokYzv6dEW-dY8BkYqtQk1DMhPdRH-XiQVnaMNv1UsJtprgHMJNGv1EiQwvAMWaRv/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWPi5vG_zuBAnudg4QvL_1WeEmuq-p683nB7YSGjXBK5CRF7OiPQfMRVU7sSr9Lq5Yufn63u-W8kXokYzv6dEW-dY8BkYqtQk1DMhPdRH-XiQVnaMNv1UsJtprgHMJNGv1EiQwvAMWaRv/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-01.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Several blocks from the massive industrial ruins of an <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/12/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-company.html" target="_blank">optics plant</a>, the contaminated site of a <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2018/04/accurate-plating-company.html" target="_blank">metal plating company</a>, and the crumbling remains of <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2018/02/cleveland-railway-co.html" target="_blank">Cleveland Railway Co</a> (follow the links for history and photos of these places; they're fascinating), stands a pair of abandoned businesses.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFiV28AOONAouGhznrYU1fbzTzEQi7ruM9Pvj12p0JCmxzHATgitdz9wUoUyYWBNPfJc6NvjxdY0rUBRzBEwhlxxcczTFvO-O50lyHhijRW_O0vGbwBFLBYi3MqZTrQGmi0r5B3JRnCEI/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFiV28AOONAouGhznrYU1fbzTzEQi7ruM9Pvj12p0JCmxzHATgitdz9wUoUyYWBNPfJc6NvjxdY0rUBRzBEwhlxxcczTFvO-O50lyHhijRW_O0vGbwBFLBYi3MqZTrQGmi0r5B3JRnCEI/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-02.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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A&G Headboard Company occupied one of the now-abandoned buildings along Carnegie Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. The company was incorporated in 1968 by Abe, Masha, and Nina Glass. The name changed to A&G Headboard Manufacturing Co. when it was acquired by Harold E Friedman in 1979.<br />
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I wasn't able to find much information on the company, but it seems to have closed its doors in the mid-1990s.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMq81JQ9ceP3NnSZohuQpUyUT-5spSNuc6FZGGL6xmQnR84dLCzCoGHUf8qRMEaUaj-a4t_VgOdSi9p4Zt-Ox_AKZu1xZawVcDQ6a8P9S5aZOkoz0IF25mxlQBHrINPYd2A1rngZCL-g7/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMq81JQ9ceP3NnSZohuQpUyUT-5spSNuc6FZGGL6xmQnR84dLCzCoGHUf8qRMEaUaj-a4t_VgOdSi9p4Zt-Ox_AKZu1xZawVcDQ6a8P9S5aZOkoz0IF25mxlQBHrINPYd2A1rngZCL-g7/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-16.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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The structure is severely weathered. Pieces of the ceiling have fallen in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPL4tgIdnvVkxSu2ubOfzvoNOpqrrEhZtAG8b6J3KwENruTppxYhzr6iT4vSRtooRCEnxlkqSGO3dsIvjB3Xlja1K2TqRdgPallGNhkzuQ99URzP-GoVzRRQOCE7K9P-I5IobZErNyLQE/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPL4tgIdnvVkxSu2ubOfzvoNOpqrrEhZtAG8b6J3KwENruTppxYhzr6iT4vSRtooRCEnxlkqSGO3dsIvjB3Xlja1K2TqRdgPallGNhkzuQ99URzP-GoVzRRQOCE7K9P-I5IobZErNyLQE/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-04.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Much of the furniture and office walls were scorched in a fire some time ago. The fire did not spread beyond a relatively small section of the building.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUV15A-RBTZavaHbYIqLFAgPQFLE9T2Vk1X4GdMpVxTZJKUnXZoxThOCmelHVOFu4Q1ZzHLfkTXxexbEzW8B58XYnsv_kZZI4h5DdDT3zJlLdEyMMGpQYbjVDe-T2tFynslKbg6NJx2xw/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUV15A-RBTZavaHbYIqLFAgPQFLE9T2Vk1X4GdMpVxTZJKUnXZoxThOCmelHVOFu4Q1ZzHLfkTXxexbEzW8B58XYnsv_kZZI4h5DdDT3zJlLdEyMMGpQYbjVDe-T2tFynslKbg6NJx2xw/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-11.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BVCND88dLCMt0Az_JnSHbMg5U2gWIz7szMoPeKGVjl_AJesssZsk7VBZMXtURvgOyZm9E3c8lpDmtryidYYMLtVWgkEqDKGKVIhDX59TfOc7jfMhaUctwjVJG3pRpMmumYDYRYq69qvP/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BVCND88dLCMt0Az_JnSHbMg5U2gWIz7szMoPeKGVjl_AJesssZsk7VBZMXtURvgOyZm9E3c8lpDmtryidYYMLtVWgkEqDKGKVIhDX59TfOc7jfMhaUctwjVJG3pRpMmumYDYRYq69qvP/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-12.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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The aging abandoned structure is creepy and dungeon-like.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPIh597yO6Pg6XYMm9rQzlllidnU3q-3ciynkXTrW1Ovgq4CZBOtgcLi_BQ8c8Gztp7IGOfyqNPxQX-TLzHtnASKRWUNO3dd37iUSpIDvXumd42JEotjbB0kjwrRtjHq7ezBj6jv5FSlX/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPIh597yO6Pg6XYMm9rQzlllidnU3q-3ciynkXTrW1Ovgq4CZBOtgcLi_BQ8c8Gztp7IGOfyqNPxQX-TLzHtnASKRWUNO3dd37iUSpIDvXumd42JEotjbB0kjwrRtjHq7ezBj6jv5FSlX/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-08.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFX-67brFtMYjioYoFXwheZPs2JYFoluslV-BNmpJYveGD6bcEo4ptZmICa6LKo7lvmYMHGvCmmR9XtA_2xSoiXUuoZSplkIKkC7pOZYIaI5YeB3KukDZGKPGRQQBfEjUXa3HssfL8aI2K/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFX-67brFtMYjioYoFXwheZPs2JYFoluslV-BNmpJYveGD6bcEo4ptZmICa6LKo7lvmYMHGvCmmR9XtA_2xSoiXUuoZSplkIKkC7pOZYIaI5YeB3KukDZGKPGRQQBfEjUXa3HssfL8aI2K/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-20.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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The few artifacts that remain are badly damaged from fire, water, and time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddg3IOg1hkkn4EPTKrtGu0m36wrlvySh_hMb5ZmbJn_YRqW5E3O-nwO1Ekp-w66qbJeamsFxUddH-8Nxe29rRyVJN4Jr1jc3iP6tHg8AqAkMz86odo6XBMa-Mb5dJ_b6OJgJpmW9-Ii7z/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddg3IOg1hkkn4EPTKrtGu0m36wrlvySh_hMb5ZmbJn_YRqW5E3O-nwO1Ekp-w66qbJeamsFxUddH-8Nxe29rRyVJN4Jr1jc3iP6tHg8AqAkMz86odo6XBMa-Mb5dJ_b6OJgJpmW9-Ii7z/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-10.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w93Ww6YIdBWUPdyTP_en0juSsgLXvFTcsX7N0pQt8Ds4yWivog04Rj-O_XFigscKWHVZ5t5-dzwhb3pVO9E6XYeXMLOPP5AD4xt1ltz86o51bTJD4wT2R-iyoODGlFgCqzacjphBUDsI/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w93Ww6YIdBWUPdyTP_en0juSsgLXvFTcsX7N0pQt8Ds4yWivog04Rj-O_XFigscKWHVZ5t5-dzwhb3pVO9E6XYeXMLOPP5AD4xt1ltz86o51bTJD4wT2R-iyoODGlFgCqzacjphBUDsI/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-14.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Several pieces of larger equipment remain, but are rusty or otherwise damaged.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8monZ37gfcTuBbZMW8K68_FvK6njvncdKYKhV5DHBlzFhNwwa53OhREUIvPQDIz_rxDsMDNXGNgOCAp3Q-dfqiKkO91YFoFfiECiUnjFRYnMnIEnbU0WtfjFU0YB6685uo7cS7SeTIPk/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8monZ37gfcTuBbZMW8K68_FvK6njvncdKYKhV5DHBlzFhNwwa53OhREUIvPQDIz_rxDsMDNXGNgOCAp3Q-dfqiKkO91YFoFfiECiUnjFRYnMnIEnbU0WtfjFU0YB6685uo7cS7SeTIPk/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-15.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtv063muH9pXrTNH9lU1xbqYn9CLtmxlqj8NN2RQ24di1op6oYZ6vQzIkLfWzEG57-D3ksUgsEmTpd7g_rG-tBryHaVRfSRqBuv1Lb_eUOOHNqyfnZsAact-SYja-ozdx5GNoz1P0ajYeQ/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtv063muH9pXrTNH9lU1xbqYn9CLtmxlqj8NN2RQ24di1op6oYZ6vQzIkLfWzEG57-D3ksUgsEmTpd7g_rG-tBryHaVRfSRqBuv1Lb_eUOOHNqyfnZsAact-SYja-ozdx5GNoz1P0ajYeQ/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-22.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdzryZjiZ61JtAV9vLyP8xBg_c16fIOH68_MYHDndmW1_faLyVuADbNQSiQ2dnmAJO_bE6y7t_UnVcj2j0Y0rVe5F5WaF65l4cRovMksjD7bB4Y73Cq5jx_OyY96ddekTxRQo-U9WOMzq/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdzryZjiZ61JtAV9vLyP8xBg_c16fIOH68_MYHDndmW1_faLyVuADbNQSiQ2dnmAJO_bE6y7t_UnVcj2j0Y0rVe5F5WaF65l4cRovMksjD7bB4Y73Cq5jx_OyY96ddekTxRQo-U9WOMzq/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-18.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Next door to A&G Headboard Co. is the ransacked office of Crank It Up Audio, a retailer of car stereos and security equipment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4w6aRlCoGT6qGHgM9ZkT1DAY220yxo-v-vmzw-CaKvtqyc-R_32FYBYW3wP-nh-37zZcQFISsxA7ByHXn5n4Rv3qHKrATGmDU5lzKrG6uRMKp8O6m3NrDmyWG0gt4ddH2VRulyZTc8zoA/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4w6aRlCoGT6qGHgM9ZkT1DAY220yxo-v-vmzw-CaKvtqyc-R_32FYBYW3wP-nh-37zZcQFISsxA7ByHXn5n4Rv3qHKrATGmDU5lzKrG6uRMKp8O6m3NrDmyWG0gt4ddH2VRulyZTc8zoA/s1600/Abandoned-A-and-G-Headboard-Co-Cleveland-Ohio-03.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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The place has been thoroughly trashed by vandals.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuz4CQYvTF3HlqBt-AOvxoAjz4vxySYGBa8PpLfGF6X395oDnJQhq8ximowVl3_LPReYTKsxYLWjXM5X3SCAi4BjR6_VSgPMQph2p6dK1rIx70FddLz9uIrNUph3K6IwTCclS5F6tWsm2F/s1600/Abandoned-Crank-It-Up-Audio-Cleveland-Ohio-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuz4CQYvTF3HlqBt-AOvxoAjz4vxySYGBa8PpLfGF6X395oDnJQhq8ximowVl3_LPReYTKsxYLWjXM5X3SCAi4BjR6_VSgPMQph2p6dK1rIx70FddLz9uIrNUph3K6IwTCclS5F6tWsm2F/s1600/Abandoned-Crank-It-Up-Audio-Cleveland-Ohio-05.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbEzf0UlMVGps9w_eGeoTY4Z5jE5_ol8ZLzHjPXeZq6lWTX_pUU0FLj0Ov1yDjHVCtW-hnHoX_FJ8lHqnfVkPPUymDSxf2MYsibJ02BkFgTcwHIL22qNI1EOVv4wjG38xXh9KTKK4k8ka/s1600/Abandoned-Crank-It-Up-Audio-Cleveland-Ohio-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbEzf0UlMVGps9w_eGeoTY4Z5jE5_ol8ZLzHjPXeZq6lWTX_pUU0FLj0Ov1yDjHVCtW-hnHoX_FJ8lHqnfVkPPUymDSxf2MYsibJ02BkFgTcwHIL22qNI1EOVv4wjG38xXh9KTKK4k8ka/s1600/Abandoned-Crank-It-Up-Audio-Cleveland-Ohio-06.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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But a few signs and posters still hang on the walls.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftQjxYPUDEIG_7_FmZVpbBybCSMLTvCHZNEwJVqtEY5U1pUjcchRF2jqVpMg240c6_v_mrTkkWVQwirnOtxp7qyz__NDkYCy9_t2HCbxiklWMSblGnKHFzlfD-TB2uWQQeTfKKspbhe7l/s1600/Abandoned-Crank-It-Up-Audio-Cleveland-Ohio-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftQjxYPUDEIG_7_FmZVpbBybCSMLTvCHZNEwJVqtEY5U1pUjcchRF2jqVpMg240c6_v_mrTkkWVQwirnOtxp7qyz__NDkYCy9_t2HCbxiklWMSblGnKHFzlfD-TB2uWQQeTfKKspbhe7l/s1600/Abandoned-Crank-It-Up-Audio-Cleveland-Ohio-02.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3Lt8rqct8HudMbjs03Y3TQagqa68q8H9V8R4p-7awYP4i9-HOUwNb8ARTXj24w_ahEPuHEdezp37aK8789BjRapraKo1VdmL5niFSFPb_dtaXsg0CLXEUsWukXfgyGgRV_koc5kOmVTh/s1600/Abandoned-Crank-It-Up-Audio-Cleveland-Ohio-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3Lt8rqct8HudMbjs03Y3TQagqa68q8H9V8R4p-7awYP4i9-HOUwNb8ARTXj24w_ahEPuHEdezp37aK8789BjRapraKo1VdmL5niFSFPb_dtaXsg0CLXEUsWukXfgyGgRV_koc5kOmVTh/s1600/Abandoned-Crank-It-Up-Audio-Cleveland-Ohio-03.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYuSsuHGQEkLJI05Gb7K7j-SOwQPkCV6PTR0J7S1ydtnVjq3ypMIfMi00sR1Vgq5NhExismEXTFz9XbvzIe-mzZGNcIh19UqvqXYV4r4-YBMq5omY62Jeo8AIUmR4mXquQcepji-e6Qhf/s1600/Abandoned-Crank-It-Up-Audio-Cleveland-Ohio-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYuSsuHGQEkLJI05Gb7K7j-SOwQPkCV6PTR0J7S1ydtnVjq3ypMIfMi00sR1Vgq5NhExismEXTFz9XbvzIe-mzZGNcIh19UqvqXYV4r4-YBMq5omY62Jeo8AIUmR4mXquQcepji-e6Qhf/s1600/Abandoned-Crank-It-Up-Audio-Cleveland-Ohio-04.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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I had a hard time finding information or records related to Crank It Up Audio, but it seems the business opened in 1990. Judging by a calendar that still hangs on the door, the shop probably closed sometime in or shortly after 2002.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvvKXBoiaVeuNd5PrkIr6mL57Xxblz-JfgiBKKp-dgamPBBGQ5WMERbWYcwqPeE3V5tBX1UJTqLibWTGDG0xOdDvAHUA0vpScMs4Kr86ctKcUYeAqH_9fCdNIVXBODJw5YjgqmVJna3E9/s1600/Abandoned-Crank-It-Up-Audio-Cleveland-Ohio-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvvKXBoiaVeuNd5PrkIr6mL57Xxblz-JfgiBKKp-dgamPBBGQ5WMERbWYcwqPeE3V5tBX1UJTqLibWTGDG0xOdDvAHUA0vpScMs4Kr86ctKcUYeAqH_9fCdNIVXBODJw5YjgqmVJna3E9/s1600/Abandoned-Crank-It-Up-Audio-Cleveland-Ohio-08.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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If any of you have memories of A&G Headboard Company or Crank It Up Audio, please leave a comment below.<br />
<br />
The next stop on my journey was the remains of the <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2018/07/joseph-feiss-clothcraft-menlo-park-academy.html" target="_blank">Joseph & Feiss industrial compound</a>. <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2018/07/joseph-feiss-clothcraft-menlo-park-academy.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> for the full story.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXzijmhm8u8PIVLQPEzYO8yym1GqmXdPzaUNTYzFvCoUWcgswZ5SJTmYPfTbjOI-HVLKBG-kQcnjrW3hHTTP89nGvFymhQRsH8-IY-GxdQiXhIOXq_jMoE6A_vpnVC-Y92BGAVrvKumd2/s1600/Abandoned-Crank-It-Up-Audio-Cleveland-Ohio-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXzijmhm8u8PIVLQPEzYO8yym1GqmXdPzaUNTYzFvCoUWcgswZ5SJTmYPfTbjOI-HVLKBG-kQcnjrW3hHTTP89nGvFymhQRsH8-IY-GxdQiXhIOXq_jMoE6A_vpnVC-Y92BGAVrvKumd2/s1600/Abandoned-Crank-It-Up-Audio-Cleveland-Ohio-07.jpg" title="Abandoned A & G Headboard Co in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com4Cleveland, OH, USA41.49932 -81.69436050000001641.309034 -82.017084000000011 41.689606 -81.371637000000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-86947752166431719682018-04-03T08:01:00.001-07:002018-06-01T07:25:10.290-07:00Toxic and Abandoned: Accurate Plating Company Superfund Site<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What was once a metal plating company in Cleveland now stands abandoned on a piece of land contaminated by hazardous waste.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKme0tFoG_XJx_3WnTQP-DospYcCY0el1zx6IP8Q01bHFtFthFkbCqutQ7mdAksY0zfBV1OcV0114zov6rXpPWFeLy3w0RWBtuZl1zVWMJD-mjCWoA5QAQ1eaEIsrjRWe8t-lKh3VKLsc/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKme0tFoG_XJx_3WnTQP-DospYcCY0el1zx6IP8Q01bHFtFthFkbCqutQ7mdAksY0zfBV1OcV0114zov6rXpPWFeLy3w0RWBtuZl1zVWMJD-mjCWoA5QAQ1eaEIsrjRWe8t-lKh3VKLsc/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-13.jpg" title="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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A stone's throw away from the abandoned <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2018/02/cleveland-railway-co.html" target="_blank">Cleveland Railway Company and Westinghouse Electric industrial complex</a> (which you can read about by clicking <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2018/02/cleveland-railway-co.html" target="_blank">here</a>) lies a cluster of abandoned industrial buildings along Carnegie Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. Among them are former factories of <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/12/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-company.html" target="_blank">Warner & Swasey Company</a> and a boarded-up red brick building once occupied by Accurate Plating Company.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSUrso5AI4mYcrzYESoa_7Ilxa4E4S37nCZ1NYTiNrfYUk_iZMRGRpzwi8anq6QvunafhmYMcmM-0Ibd-dS9tbxDtcE46SlI1rFsCXBXTbcBpgiABpEvlWR99GbGBRaUXyNSCP-_35IY/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSUrso5AI4mYcrzYESoa_7Ilxa4E4S37nCZ1NYTiNrfYUk_iZMRGRpzwi8anq6QvunafhmYMcmM-0Ibd-dS9tbxDtcE46SlI1rFsCXBXTbcBpgiABpEvlWR99GbGBRaUXyNSCP-_35IY/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-01.jpg" title="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdZb9NOT2euXayyhDOj6qD6XzVgzivX9S0JJxgn1g_k7Lil5tQkhV7yv_SsroyHKeO07HQc1tVSh9BVxpGYRM4f7sqIUALGiLjWTn2WclcvuX2buJy-acG6oTrcJJKtz9UGPlKeioy6g/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdZb9NOT2euXayyhDOj6qD6XzVgzivX9S0JJxgn1g_k7Lil5tQkhV7yv_SsroyHKeO07HQc1tVSh9BVxpGYRM4f7sqIUALGiLjWTn2WclcvuX2buJy-acG6oTrcJJKtz9UGPlKeioy6g/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-05.jpg" title="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Accurate Plating Company was founded by Charles J Foley in 1967 and specialized in the electroplating, polishing, and finishing of metal products.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1-429WCZwodQ17Mw1mm7y2NPOE0p66TpHroAg8iPJEHBnbwBijBIXVnpcgZLht1SZTcjxqYsUPsWVetOJnE0osdcAqvqb3FQWtr96EMrHOHjNtdcSH1LowRqnFZnsesEvdP9C1u_lvI/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1-429WCZwodQ17Mw1mm7y2NPOE0p66TpHroAg8iPJEHBnbwBijBIXVnpcgZLht1SZTcjxqYsUPsWVetOJnE0osdcAqvqb3FQWtr96EMrHOHjNtdcSH1LowRqnFZnsesEvdP9C1u_lvI/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-12.jpg" title="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWa6otawpo7KfozAN02Sn5fGRTpMbNm-SF2NxwhKo3ntxnbVSPIJusjCuKl7JA4PHXcksWHh2aDytgPnGNHpeQ4ltOC9LN2MZhYmVJS3zg0UkbYsMoms5rNfyfT0elCnRUNwYLaWL0WCE/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWa6otawpo7KfozAN02Sn5fGRTpMbNm-SF2NxwhKo3ntxnbVSPIJusjCuKl7JA4PHXcksWHh2aDytgPnGNHpeQ4ltOC9LN2MZhYmVJS3zg0UkbYsMoms5rNfyfT0elCnRUNwYLaWL0WCE/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-07.jpg" title="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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The company operated for several decades, but ran into trouble with The Environmental Protection Agency due to its status as a large quantity generator of hazardous waste.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08mOrJcekyAEZxxJ20GMpRfWAMapnyWHkKVyFgY7fpLyFCeiVbEOzz4DkuSPd8TdwiGZAy2Bte3KLqM3P5Biu0n-jXk_T7mhvaDzsBJh3rPA3ICPnbzxlVy5JUTdDCDjM22F1-DuoQv8/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08mOrJcekyAEZxxJ20GMpRfWAMapnyWHkKVyFgY7fpLyFCeiVbEOzz4DkuSPd8TdwiGZAy2Bte3KLqM3P5Biu0n-jXk_T7mhvaDzsBJh3rPA3ICPnbzxlVy5JUTdDCDjM22F1-DuoQv8/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-16.jpg" title="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhyphenhyphenjp_KAxN8G9xI_rFr6AQj1aQNkduxHKyeQr0xOBqpeOijHMA7u-gRTk8jxi8QGsCAKbxTZTIn2CDtBt7yC8OyneDpO6zyLpLxdfFhStVJPnhH_HiwkOfnvCi6gVDGnbhjAiojay1i4/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhyphenhyphenjp_KAxN8G9xI_rFr6AQj1aQNkduxHKyeQr0xOBqpeOijHMA7u-gRTk8jxi8QGsCAKbxTZTIn2CDtBt7yC8OyneDpO6zyLpLxdfFhStVJPnhH_HiwkOfnvCi6gVDGnbhjAiojay1i4/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-17.jpg" title="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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The Environmental Protection Agency designated Accurate Plating Company as a Superfund site contaminated by hazardous waste and a candidate for cleanup because of the risk it poses to human and environmental health.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1Ais1o7ka0UxxZJngDiWew_6Adi55SlP03vIoqctzKQFakQy70LeYMK-fS9CBtV8d9zuFfmgp75rAoF9dSmwNNwyp9p9VOq1vBicoIALUG48NNftasK0pGKQDE_lXKv0MQi58r3M8Ls/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1Ais1o7ka0UxxZJngDiWew_6Adi55SlP03vIoqctzKQFakQy70LeYMK-fS9CBtV8d9zuFfmgp75rAoF9dSmwNNwyp9p9VOq1vBicoIALUG48NNftasK0pGKQDE_lXKv0MQi58r3M8Ls/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-02.jpg" title="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX37A78NktW8uvDXT2GH8Sf_6uDp27Dv0ci8elgxqJpEK-LMcRzt8Aai1ZombfX-278xQ0bpGff2TbfpQ49I02m9bPVJgyeoDjx2R011nkqii3XBTcHmCsW-4A4uYdblk3kuFzDb8y70Q/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX37A78NktW8uvDXT2GH8Sf_6uDp27Dv0ci8elgxqJpEK-LMcRzt8Aai1ZombfX-278xQ0bpGff2TbfpQ49I02m9bPVJgyeoDjx2R011nkqii3XBTcHmCsW-4A4uYdblk3kuFzDb8y70Q/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-04.jpg" title="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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The building now sits mostly empty...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwQVfcDXpS0Sti-Ao-Hix7QwpNlYUVuEXGGVTIP05fBwtiiLd9q1BhH3K0id0TYw-BuQkiqjaJOPkK-0kDv0KCtOEP8iFuctL1_HcQZV4dOM0Ji5_WNJokzBIBFnS8qx4O7c2OXLKUVY/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwQVfcDXpS0Sti-Ao-Hix7QwpNlYUVuEXGGVTIP05fBwtiiLd9q1BhH3K0id0TYw-BuQkiqjaJOPkK-0kDv0KCtOEP8iFuctL1_HcQZV4dOM0Ji5_WNJokzBIBFnS8qx4O7c2OXLKUVY/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-06.jpg" title="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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with gaping holes in the roof and vines spreading out across the floor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrCN3hsqlbYGk8VsRb7Gbo8B2Qg63Xdn1cGvHnYIiXijhU4WldNgGXvAGAcHUnYzxv-6Ba2B63k5wKDpPm1bsQM7SHcHE1LpMS0VnzZ4BxuiJuOOvUeMA1RNfpb1TqFiXHxh1eql9IE0/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrCN3hsqlbYGk8VsRb7Gbo8B2Qg63Xdn1cGvHnYIiXijhU4WldNgGXvAGAcHUnYzxv-6Ba2B63k5wKDpPm1bsQM7SHcHE1LpMS0VnzZ4BxuiJuOOvUeMA1RNfpb1TqFiXHxh1eql9IE0/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-08.jpg" title="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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A few artifacts remain inside the offices, which have been thoroughly ransacked.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Cz2x4oDQHr6nlDvHGCOU9ldMsNXF4N5DKG0y5fqYj7GeHKs6C_cKFvXAJv-u-SWLQtBBkYWhfQ3yOnnfq5tX1YPLvXuk7a5UJ_xFPQ971BRcrIOrz8VKIvvspHilrD5Br9oX011_S0Y/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Cz2x4oDQHr6nlDvHGCOU9ldMsNXF4N5DKG0y5fqYj7GeHKs6C_cKFvXAJv-u-SWLQtBBkYWhfQ3yOnnfq5tX1YPLvXuk7a5UJ_xFPQ971BRcrIOrz8VKIvvspHilrD5Br9oX011_S0Y/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-09.jpg" title="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUY1Y1v8Q8Y_SmM4eqhrzsXdMkcnCekRTSn_0EbxQEYzs5PNbNtWooCYrKAYFWQcKhl3JyFV_EYxgIJ1QKefpsGKsVkmPgL1L7RefOYlZak1SPqXZKu-SMMLNOM6MI7ytVVa97TgYYRZY/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUY1Y1v8Q8Y_SmM4eqhrzsXdMkcnCekRTSn_0EbxQEYzs5PNbNtWooCYrKAYFWQcKhl3JyFV_EYxgIJ1QKefpsGKsVkmPgL1L7RefOYlZak1SPqXZKu-SMMLNOM6MI7ytVVa97TgYYRZY/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-11.jpg" title="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFUVzGDrzhGSsWf3gbIg6Qc7mdhb0g7pqkXO4qAKFJ5blzZjd-48YLKx1dpDmyTc5sp45F5wn68R0dxAqjd8jsZ_qJqgwSCDu8-n7NBDx-1g3Ebz9AMH1CTqVqoWl3E3fcmW2t3zg1W8/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFUVzGDrzhGSsWf3gbIg6Qc7mdhb0g7pqkXO4qAKFJ5blzZjd-48YLKx1dpDmyTc5sp45F5wn68R0dxAqjd8jsZ_qJqgwSCDu8-n7NBDx-1g3Ebz9AMH1CTqVqoWl3E3fcmW2t3zg1W8/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-10.jpg" title="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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The future of the old Accurate Plating Company building remains unclear. As an EPA Superfund site, the land must be cleared of hazardous waste before it can be used again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9s1f5MF5PmnwuwaS9rcDM42YInfLI8WV8z7Q1KBY0yfNjur3zDYCY65AzM8TaUWFx-FzPj9itIEF-rceqcriiK9IGQfUte5RuOqv0NGY_IgAvoxxZ2N3rZpYc6y9ybx5G1J3sbv_Gwm0/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9s1f5MF5PmnwuwaS9rcDM42YInfLI8WV8z7Q1KBY0yfNjur3zDYCY65AzM8TaUWFx-FzPj9itIEF-rceqcriiK9IGQfUte5RuOqv0NGY_IgAvoxxZ2N3rZpYc6y9ybx5G1J3sbv_Gwm0/s1600/Abandoned-Superfund-Site-Accurate-Plating-Company-Cleveland-Ohio-15.jpg" title="Abandoned Superfund Site Accurate Plating Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Just down the street from Accurate Plating Company is a pair of abandoned businesses, a <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2018/05/abandoned-crank-it-up-audio-and-headboard" target="_blank">Car Audio Shop and Headboard Factory</a>. <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2018/05/abandoned-crank-it-up-audio-and-headboard" target="_blank">Click here</a> for pictures and info.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com9Cleveland, OH, USA41.49932 -81.69436050000001641.309034 -82.017084000000011 41.689606 -81.371637000000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-80727206177731400342018-02-28T22:13:00.000-08:002018-04-03T08:04:59.109-07:00The Eerie Ruins of Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse ElectricJust south of Cedar Ave in Cleveland, Ohio a cluster of massive abandoned industrial structures line Ashland Road. They were occupied by quite a few companies over the years, but the stonework bears the names of only two: The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric.<br />
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A block away from the <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/12/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-company.html" target="_blank">abandoned headquarters of Warner & Swasey Company</a> lies the crumbling industrial compound built by The Cleveland Railway Co.<br />
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In the late 1800s and early 1900s, street railways were a popular form of transportation along Cleveland's main avenues. </div>
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In 1888, when electric railways were beginning to replace horse and mule-powered streetcars, East Cleveland Railroad Company built a power plant for its rail network.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLocytMudSsOeKgGlS4FQRXg74Z4-brZ1OF9UjgJHafS1jc8WB1CVMdmZoC6F-BAPdafiq-ySSSTEb05baSxghHGUd8MR7WyhFV4o0-5l9yFZXlVrg8aqwaXeN8CffZtKVM6OxGA1N3o/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLocytMudSsOeKgGlS4FQRXg74Z4-brZ1OF9UjgJHafS1jc8WB1CVMdmZoC6F-BAPdafiq-ySSSTEb05baSxghHGUd8MR7WyhFV4o0-5l9yFZXlVrg8aqwaXeN8CffZtKVM6OxGA1N3o/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-32.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></div>
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The facility housed enormous steam-powered No. 16 Edison generators, some of the largest of their day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9qSsz5yye_SKsWHYIMvSjcjeTnIwZ2KW1uYP0kIZCgN33NHELyfptDKPxkAUZKfsNEQQ11Whfzut3tSn6LDz4_JRDOM95JTzZ-f1SasE7_yT2TdS1zteMxBrYmFI8Xq76qSJ_9LPeB8/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9qSsz5yye_SKsWHYIMvSjcjeTnIwZ2KW1uYP0kIZCgN33NHELyfptDKPxkAUZKfsNEQQ11Whfzut3tSn6LDz4_JRDOM95JTzZ-f1SasE7_yT2TdS1zteMxBrYmFI8Xq76qSJ_9LPeB8/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-33.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></div>
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In 1890 and 1892 additions were constructed to accommodate more generators to satisfy the growing need. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAM6gaFeutBu4pNR-xn5wdxLJ1Gzgv43OEiJxW97NX3Ev0Cj4i7Q1EdG1qwerOLpf9GNRVNw01di59iR8maiufJrCOcmqxj80Bk2-VRfRXMTpWeFCv_romCdAWzxgIiqVFEMPZ0tFtWM/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAM6gaFeutBu4pNR-xn5wdxLJ1Gzgv43OEiJxW97NX3Ev0Cj4i7Q1EdG1qwerOLpf9GNRVNw01di59iR8maiufJrCOcmqxj80Bk2-VRfRXMTpWeFCv_romCdAWzxgIiqVFEMPZ0tFtWM/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-05.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiemrtPGYwsEbZorbb0cutU75paYldbAJmAT7YsCPDvQKiBFv36BqKtOwwi38u9s3txvrAmWo1SQjqWSAcyTbqlK3HtHbBBX12BEm0LMVnUHoHk_h6K87thFOfsFTa25PhduMEbZs1RQ/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiemrtPGYwsEbZorbb0cutU75paYldbAJmAT7YsCPDvQKiBFv36BqKtOwwi38u9s3txvrAmWo1SQjqWSAcyTbqlK3HtHbBBX12BEm0LMVnUHoHk_h6K87thFOfsFTa25PhduMEbZs1RQ/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-40.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></div>
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The handful of companies that operated the city's various rail lines underwent a series of consolidations around the turn of the century. In 1910 a final merger made The <span style="line-height: 1.45;">Cleveland Railway Co sole operator of Cleveland's transit lines. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.45;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTtyrurdDQS2GjBB59jPz_xg2C0Jfr5QHrl_45vaODIrFVLxc57Sb2CC9p2Ur_sZg4hM4_sDmR4SEEcYmajYxR52hLGOA6QlCSGZyDqDT6wYuVUXetiwR6lEIxmcUGhDlwvwyeEoBNJ8/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTtyrurdDQS2GjBB59jPz_xg2C0Jfr5QHrl_45vaODIrFVLxc57Sb2CC9p2Ur_sZg4hM4_sDmR4SEEcYmajYxR52hLGOA6QlCSGZyDqDT6wYuVUXetiwR6lEIxmcUGhDlwvwyeEoBNJ8/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-36.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.45;">In 1917 it was determined that the existing plant could not generate enough power to meet the demands of the rail network. Upgrading the facility proved too expensive, so energy production was outsourced to the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.45;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzdCyzANNQuKhw-_jq-pCrVNtp1JFZcsgrjYMvXoyKFuakpT_khzYgi8RibrMIGonCM_3InLQ-8UN182MyxYUFnw7MuakjQJhNKqjxcQW0YNw4f3jKQEOxqlR04X4tZn_Eb1awSEjUSQ/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzdCyzANNQuKhw-_jq-pCrVNtp1JFZcsgrjYMvXoyKFuakpT_khzYgi8RibrMIGonCM_3InLQ-8UN182MyxYUFnw7MuakjQJhNKqjxcQW0YNw4f3jKQEOxqlR04X4tZn_Eb1awSEjUSQ/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-47.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></span></div>
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After The Cleveland Railway Co's generators spun to a stop, the Cleveland Ice Machine Company operated on the site for a short time. Within a few years, Westinghouse Electric moved in and began using the facilities for the manufacture of electrical components.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzqgEpQ-T14ZKuC1xf4_KU0GBwH4SaTxLQ0g-KYoAdXCZu54cFTezQ_qLZ9jNJ8tDvmXzfL65tO1FCSxJul_n81nT2ec-I_tpdLHhUHQuYE1FBa5LWCVIYimUuzlzgelMEHKZ9AIRrIQ/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzqgEpQ-T14ZKuC1xf4_KU0GBwH4SaTxLQ0g-KYoAdXCZu54cFTezQ_qLZ9jNJ8tDvmXzfL65tO1FCSxJul_n81nT2ec-I_tpdLHhUHQuYE1FBa5LWCVIYimUuzlzgelMEHKZ9AIRrIQ/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-34.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></div>
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A 5-story building at the southern end of the compound in 1922.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSsELWT6AZmFJTJUA-EKfKaWIVIu50ThE8MMf-93yk4Yd8RbNiZq1hKDMbpWlk29t5HMdBJgmykqIrWLO11THWa6pFW4mP5zKizZC8N0ohzYXMNv_vJWa1oHRgRtnD7Fwhyphenhyphen8_UiuJhzE/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSsELWT6AZmFJTJUA-EKfKaWIVIu50ThE8MMf-93yk4Yd8RbNiZq1hKDMbpWlk29t5HMdBJgmykqIrWLO11THWa6pFW4mP5zKizZC8N0ohzYXMNv_vJWa1oHRgRtnD7Fwhyphenhyphen8_UiuJhzE/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-08.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></div>
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In 1933, Westinghouse Electric closed the facility and moved to Edgewater Park.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3l8SRO00EVdWbm05OztOQmYKqiGeySrdvcaHUmHwbErhC7veCPmKqx3DUUHmryUeUaizY_nI1RMiJEKvQ7dmtRFZrHdAXx9nhz8_KJV7hrubL8C_xc7xVNcYb1r76bp8T0stJ4tUNUjI/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3l8SRO00EVdWbm05OztOQmYKqiGeySrdvcaHUmHwbErhC7veCPmKqx3DUUHmryUeUaizY_nI1RMiJEKvQ7dmtRFZrHdAXx9nhz8_KJV7hrubL8C_xc7xVNcYb1r76bp8T0stJ4tUNUjI/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-14.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></div>
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Thompson Products, a producer of automobile and aircraft engine valves, purchased several of the buildings in 1936. The business flourished during WWII when it received massive orders for aircraft parts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWcW2mJ4oB52mpGp1CmMSBk3hCMVK7ktX7V6nglFC_xwj0nrxTGvHH_mykXzXgHA-RiqfBZRlJEYBOpLqVYQqs52uy_0ZGUc_-5T95C99-g18o_X1mmHw9PP-nT-QX4pGGdujH3odWXQ/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWcW2mJ4oB52mpGp1CmMSBk3hCMVK7ktX7V6nglFC_xwj0nrxTGvHH_mykXzXgHA-RiqfBZRlJEYBOpLqVYQqs52uy_0ZGUc_-5T95C99-g18o_X1mmHw9PP-nT-QX4pGGdujH3odWXQ/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-19.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></div>
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The American victory against Japan brought a steep decline in orders, resulting in hundreds of layoffs. Things improved again in the latter half of the 1940s when the demand for automotive parts began to rise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkk9zoUiX6jdChkX_36UR6vKlPfHO2-iPgAUBUfor2OHcHTxmvzTGLSOFJR9QzAPAPmMUB_dORNCeFF5a547ywNvJRIzKs6gk67e9GbdrKZf9VsRd-VGQQjoU-E6zzV5XT5frp96ZXes/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkk9zoUiX6jdChkX_36UR6vKlPfHO2-iPgAUBUfor2OHcHTxmvzTGLSOFJR9QzAPAPmMUB_dORNCeFF5a547ywNvJRIzKs6gk67e9GbdrKZf9VsRd-VGQQjoU-E6zzV5XT5frp96ZXes/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-18.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></div>
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1958 - Thompson Products merged with Ramo-Wooldridge Corporation, a developer of radar-guided missile systems, which were used in several defense programs, including the Titan ICBM. The new company was known as Thompson-Ramo-Wooldridge until it became TRW Equipment Group in 1963. In the early '60s the company relocated to a new facility in Independence.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBBAhQHf7pm8k4sZj0AGsI1RpzKrc75mMhrr-aEyF3HnrhUbcD2f_VlkF1Iz5cgV4lPGIDVveIq4JNI61ONTwtRTxJuxq9gmalcsoueVcS-aJmLaCEwLGCEzNjZzYCMw5liH8KXcJ7OA/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBBAhQHf7pm8k4sZj0AGsI1RpzKrc75mMhrr-aEyF3HnrhUbcD2f_VlkF1Iz5cgV4lPGIDVveIq4JNI61ONTwtRTxJuxq9gmalcsoueVcS-aJmLaCEwLGCEzNjZzYCMw5liH8KXcJ7OA/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-45.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></div>
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Virden Manufacturing Company, a producer of lighting equipment, began to utilize TRW's old facilities in 1963. Before that time, Virdeen had operated out of a factory that once stood on the west side of Ashland Road alongside the Cleveland Railway Co substation.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijYQPYswhiwZSOWgLt3GvGV-ICROGjkke8uF2WC-t2wdPDS72mleVmK4eKq1v-AyHV_P26sW6ITAurcJFmGBM2SPeGaVELsOOxnoeHOIHzPFCc5a5JZ1fzfDih2xNHR8VZYgENnUxoVk/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-59.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijYQPYswhiwZSOWgLt3GvGV-ICROGjkke8uF2WC-t2wdPDS72mleVmK4eKq1v-AyHV_P26sW6ITAurcJFmGBM2SPeGaVELsOOxnoeHOIHzPFCc5a5JZ1fzfDih2xNHR8VZYgENnUxoVk/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-59.JPG" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic map of the industrial compound<br />
courtesy of http://www.wardmaps.com/viewasset.php?aid=5759</td></tr>
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When business declined in the 1970s, Virden went through several waves of layoffs before selling the company in 1977. The plant closed permanently in 1979.<br />
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There do not seem to be any plans for reuse of the structures. The buildings are in very rough shape. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JIGD_MlWIJt__zSIEJO-rVXKlJNkYqJvFwUsv36wyzxUkLp-84hyQOG5AHpyWg6tSAkNqTZJqI9fVr_Bqorp_L1Dow_J1FyTEZDg5Q9BKXS06iUHSs12GzXUrqsZPqFaIZruODMxpDM/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JIGD_MlWIJt__zSIEJO-rVXKlJNkYqJvFwUsv36wyzxUkLp-84hyQOG5AHpyWg6tSAkNqTZJqI9fVr_Bqorp_L1Dow_J1FyTEZDg5Q9BKXS06iUHSs12GzXUrqsZPqFaIZruODMxpDM/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-17.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></div>
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The nightmarish basements are pitch black and crumbling like old catacombs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sVqrJFrapajb6aQoXrRYu8nG8-Ob3z6IFxOZtvRoklvQS6UfS5YYcAyrKvcZjy0afHWbyPbyRWb9-DpqEgqjnHLx0AnO3SCjt3bDlmFAr8b-5KtHQUrFKb0JuGjf5VjIT2CqtDC3RrA/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sVqrJFrapajb6aQoXrRYu8nG8-Ob3z6IFxOZtvRoklvQS6UfS5YYcAyrKvcZjy0afHWbyPbyRWb9-DpqEgqjnHLx0AnO3SCjt3bDlmFAr8b-5KtHQUrFKb0JuGjf5VjIT2CqtDC3RrA/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-22.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></div>
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Several buildings in the middle of the compound have been partially demolished.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUzRdJfj-sfDEzH_F98M7CU8Lg1gSzhuth4BrlDUZGBhq4UPS709YWmpB-Si8OkxR0l45_gwjWb4NSMfOrpJXGC3agiJ7487eAPUpUj-6aWmbJRFGeDhyphenhyphenfBElQnkTHmRGYEU4lYtBqrc/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUzRdJfj-sfDEzH_F98M7CU8Lg1gSzhuth4BrlDUZGBhq4UPS709YWmpB-Si8OkxR0l45_gwjWb4NSMfOrpJXGC3agiJ7487eAPUpUj-6aWmbJRFGeDhyphenhyphenfBElQnkTHmRGYEU4lYtBqrc/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-01.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></div>
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After decades of neglect, few windows remain intact.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_T9Oq1r2AiArvkDAG9klt0vmkqN33pRaRP4zQqku6eryX_DeD8Zu6445SmYzLIHwbno7WN4DfwP6j7EO1F0Rf5uXi2wKFpUBzGjTABDB6NLH1g3V6589lwhAon4hEoQvq156zDXgR-U/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_T9Oq1r2AiArvkDAG9klt0vmkqN33pRaRP4zQqku6eryX_DeD8Zu6445SmYzLIHwbno7WN4DfwP6j7EO1F0Rf5uXi2wKFpUBzGjTABDB6NLH1g3V6589lwhAon4hEoQvq156zDXgR-U/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-30.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></div>
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It seems unlikely that the compound will ever know industry again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRqyhzCCj70-ztCzqpk3j6v5wZEgjr5NMh20qIP6SRuu_XAJAUjYp9q0L9akg_R3m38541aGjYgZPKF2tYNVbPOneI9lZfTO-xeOAODGLh3RWT5VZmdRlkAONWEg2s9ZzRskpoF64L1c/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRqyhzCCj70-ztCzqpk3j6v5wZEgjr5NMh20qIP6SRuu_XAJAUjYp9q0L9akg_R3m38541aGjYgZPKF2tYNVbPOneI9lZfTO-xeOAODGLh3RWT5VZmdRlkAONWEg2s9ZzRskpoF64L1c/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-29.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAvf5bn2ER7mDhwntJ7-A4au7qDpUx7b0tmi0vwsIlkGJ9fl1P7mTGDcwPV3s_hcj7OZ53m3L5pO-yL9CSpZTuzWzFUVOC9LyluSihV-9eNlyeuDMLUY_pIZv9IM4Mj2Ut3nKSRKpYWA/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAvf5bn2ER7mDhwntJ7-A4au7qDpUx7b0tmi0vwsIlkGJ9fl1P7mTGDcwPV3s_hcj7OZ53m3L5pO-yL9CSpZTuzWzFUVOC9LyluSihV-9eNlyeuDMLUY_pIZv9IM4Mj2Ut3nKSRKpYWA/s1600/Abandoned-buildings-of-The-Cleveland-Railway-Co-and-Westinghouse-Electric-38.jpg" title="Abandoned buildings of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric" /></a></div>
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Be sure to check out my next article <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2018/04/accurate-plating-company.html" target="_blank">Toxic and Abandoned: Accurate Plating Company Superfund Site</a><br />
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Thank you!<div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com12Cleveland, OH, USA41.49932 -81.69436050000001641.309034 -82.017084000000011 41.689606 -81.371637000000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-44363005376286185562018-01-31T08:16:00.002-08:002018-03-04T00:38:47.401-08:00The Incredible Ruins of an Abandoned Observatory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On a hilltop in East Cleveland lie the fascinating ruins of the century-old Warner and Swasey Observatory.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcB5_Hlhq5jjfz7QOAvqmT_1gUDCagUK7syncl7Ttja5QyWFXNI8ZLZnrnrVsZD_pY2xAEelQbVwA7q_hm-jP6RQEAGb9-O8JT0cBMQ-yjWH8KUFRtJjySoLY42C_qKVQ167tnkivGYg/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="abandoned observatory in east cleveland ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcB5_Hlhq5jjfz7QOAvqmT_1gUDCagUK7syncl7Ttja5QyWFXNI8ZLZnrnrVsZD_pY2xAEelQbVwA7q_hm-jP6RQEAGb9-O8JT0cBMQ-yjWH8KUFRtJjySoLY42C_qKVQ167tnkivGYg/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+00.jpg" title="abandoned observatory in east cleveland ohio" /></a></div>
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A half dozen miles from the massive industrial ruins of <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/12/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-company.html" target="_blank">Warner & Swasey Company</a>, which I explored in my <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/12/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-company.html" target="_blank">last article</a>, lies another abandoned piece of the Warner and Swasey legacy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/198117_10150121057269504_7135840_n.jpg?oh=b79afc894dcfff5c71f0ce4c75ea01a4&oe=5AD80B84" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="390" src="https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/198117_10150121057269504_7135840_n.jpg?oh=b79afc894dcfff5c71f0ce4c75ea01a4&oe=5AD80B84" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The original observatory<br />
(photo courtesy of Warner and Swasey Observatory Preservation Facebook Page)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Worcester Reed Warner and Ambrose Swasey, both successful industrialists and amateur astronomers, built the observatory in 1894 for their own use. The original structure consisted of a single-domed tower and looked like something out of a storybook. It housed a 9.5-inch refractor telescope.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XXETMA2JJTp7a-iIkUKS__Yfc__kBKi-dzi3eU6omrdHLwNkZP44tRDiVGTLVNQo4XtT4kggq9ag9ctQwapfmResZO479YUbEfGe0d-vvhQCIdfR7nRZybkvDAthTTXlNAQZls0kyGQ/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XXETMA2JJTp7a-iIkUKS__Yfc__kBKi-dzi3eU6omrdHLwNkZP44tRDiVGTLVNQo4XtT4kggq9ag9ctQwapfmResZO479YUbEfGe0d-vvhQCIdfR7nRZybkvDAthTTXlNAQZls0kyGQ/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+03.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner and Swasey Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Warner and Swasey both served as trustees of the Case School of Applied Science and gifted the observatory to the school in 1919.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfBuO_0ZtKw0SsZdgRjZn1FeaGSWUozt3dvO4JWqrkp0Ig3JzgtMGKwgIGQ5O8qcLIiUt1pKzLvy0XrHBUaTa5TrGJ_p6Ny33cuQ1A44HN7OCmMrJmzTksziwmI0hs7q6AdBkhfE0H-Q/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfBuO_0ZtKw0SsZdgRjZn1FeaGSWUozt3dvO4JWqrkp0Ig3JzgtMGKwgIGQ5O8qcLIiUt1pKzLvy0XrHBUaTa5TrGJ_p6Ny33cuQ1A44HN7OCmMrJmzTksziwmI0hs7q6AdBkhfE0H-Q/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+27.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner and Swasey Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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A second dome was built in 1941 to house the powerful new 24-inch Burrell Schmidt telescope. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMQnDDVsb-W6ey-l6T7PK7gM3HW7dTpYwAGCWDvnJ3cDpmfs3dBCwcXNkuFMosmJ-6HkMV5dT9IrQ_TNZfijgpkZ5w_yUQb53vXlmKZmTjHGQI3j-sNhTxGM174c3auummmh7uXdiN1k/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMQnDDVsb-W6ey-l6T7PK7gM3HW7dTpYwAGCWDvnJ3cDpmfs3dBCwcXNkuFMosmJ-6HkMV5dT9IrQ_TNZfijgpkZ5w_yUQb53vXlmKZmTjHGQI3j-sNhTxGM174c3auummmh7uXdiN1k/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+21.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner and Swasey Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/207917_10150121059779504_8368100_n.jpg?oh=51a54f6fb8e994305bad27e113038279&oe=5ADB93CE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="392" src="https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/207917_10150121059779504_8368100_n.jpg?oh=51a54f6fb8e994305bad27e113038279&oe=5ADB93CE" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The observatory in its heyday<br />
(photo courtesy of Warner and Swasey Observatory Preservation Facebook Page)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The new addition also included an astronomical library...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/189747_10150121060744504_999609_n.jpg?oh=5f4fc3212006d1b7431799cae5b0c56c&oe=5B1ABAEA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="524" src="https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/189747_10150121060744504_999609_n.jpg?oh=5f4fc3212006d1b7431799cae5b0c56c&oe=5B1ABAEA" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Astronomical exhibit<br />
(photo courtesy of Warner and Swasey Observatory Preservation Facebook Page)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2gvMYEZlLxpMcHegk9NbD8mqQLdOIigB-CDjMi6EQ3CgqFZ0Wj3dzpNnmSuMZBdnCedWuyq1iFIJ13O8cz961BiLBuu2rylJS7LxqrraMP0KPpphAmTL3vfbrkG_trSokysB3aNsYzo/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2gvMYEZlLxpMcHegk9NbD8mqQLdOIigB-CDjMi6EQ3CgqFZ0Wj3dzpNnmSuMZBdnCedWuyq1iFIJ13O8cz961BiLBuu2rylJS7LxqrraMP0KPpphAmTL3vfbrkG_trSokysB3aNsYzo/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+05.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner and Swasey Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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and an auditorium.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89yvW3k1tMemYjYZ57C7DFQgO-Cjnmf8OBJMPKn1GHBoMJUaRbhu5V7GneltHNb3ug_1snyOKCOIc3T_h-dlldppiRD5gjr5Xx3fIEH7FB9ZVtSDmkFUGcrewyGuAjMEjfUpGhAtjjr4/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89yvW3k1tMemYjYZ57C7DFQgO-Cjnmf8OBJMPKn1GHBoMJUaRbhu5V7GneltHNb3ug_1snyOKCOIc3T_h-dlldppiRD5gjr5Xx3fIEH7FB9ZVtSDmkFUGcrewyGuAjMEjfUpGhAtjjr4/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+10.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner and Swasey Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1oIw9YuwiafjyB8wo5afbh0CPqjua_FWcMjgFGNcz5biG6F8YZMQcoE2WyGNSmJ3Ms9eh0pe926kwre_9OZLtRKe6F6WX53dj6PVKf7kZemZLQPuKumWkfDN9GzsKtTlKr8M8i2yfoU/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1oIw9YuwiafjyB8wo5afbh0CPqjua_FWcMjgFGNcz5biG6F8YZMQcoE2WyGNSmJ3Ms9eh0pe926kwre_9OZLtRKe6F6WX53dj6PVKf7kZemZLQPuKumWkfDN9GzsKtTlKr8M8i2yfoU/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+11.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner and Swasey Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi104fiws8nWIj7fM3jxSYR0WO55woiBlKWHFooEkM94ISJ84SldhyMDqnL_7sZFJq9EGLkDv_r_2hQt09E66jyWw9YSxvAFW7N-sLwmLDLEa6OPXwEJbvl6OYNLtSlIlzorTCuXHQq1Cs/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi104fiws8nWIj7fM3jxSYR0WO55woiBlKWHFooEkM94ISJ84SldhyMDqnL_7sZFJq9EGLkDv_r_2hQt09E66jyWw9YSxvAFW7N-sLwmLDLEa6OPXwEJbvl6OYNLtSlIlzorTCuXHQq1Cs/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+23.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner and Swasey Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Sadly, the place is in very rough shape nowadays, with graffiti on just about every surface.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7iENIgfodELgQYKMPy8_NclxMn5zzs1HSZlHoHkF44jQbQmmxW2QcvwDW3xUAp8oP1F3PpycLdnNk_F9lCmce5VTNJbAQOTDabRSmsMCCKU9FslJUoiSFMgBHyuED7a8qXePvqh0vho/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7iENIgfodELgQYKMPy8_NclxMn5zzs1HSZlHoHkF44jQbQmmxW2QcvwDW3xUAp8oP1F3PpycLdnNk_F9lCmce5VTNJbAQOTDabRSmsMCCKU9FslJUoiSFMgBHyuED7a8qXePvqh0vho/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+09.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner and Swasey Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/197289_10150121058679504_44337_n.jpg?oh=dad26a9d2db250a602cf02d6c139a0b0&oe=5AE52FCE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="524" src="https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/197289_10150121058679504_44337_n.jpg?oh=dad26a9d2db250a602cf02d6c139a0b0&oe=5AE52FCE" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The curved hallway in better times.<br />
(photo courtesy of Warner and Swasey Observatory Preservation Facebook Page)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Important studies were undertaken at the observatory in the early 1950s, demonstrating that the Milky Way is a spiral galaxy and that red giants are largely concentrated near the center of the galaxy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhfkc9vWQf089jU1SSp5zyWFsONIVgR7bPIMXQbQ-aBQwTia5Io8y-9HE9vtLjXVrADlng7d7zZjlH01AjJmRRqLSqcQ8r1GD6n_IBmC4kg2DGrpQTphmYXdiQ0Y0GDfcuH9Bh9cvv28/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhfkc9vWQf089jU1SSp5zyWFsONIVgR7bPIMXQbQ-aBQwTia5Io8y-9HE9vtLjXVrADlng7d7zZjlH01AjJmRRqLSqcQ8r1GD6n_IBmC4kg2DGrpQTphmYXdiQ0Y0GDfcuH9Bh9cvv28/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+17.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner and Swasey Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Light pollution from Cleveland became a problem in the 1950s. New facilities were constructed elsewhere and the telescopes were relocated.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit38lPqfGsSK-uN7SVuKb7t3RGBEstA1B89LGdWCInKUUeXxDpqQmSSX5tV4KGAkBXu8G28nvZStEac0E1KgYEjhBx-BTN2Lqf4GnVtx8yAFhjsRTKZTfZYC-zENWrQ7GwOnShwvKX_gY/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit38lPqfGsSK-uN7SVuKb7t3RGBEstA1B89LGdWCInKUUeXxDpqQmSSX5tV4KGAkBXu8G28nvZStEac0E1KgYEjhBx-BTN2Lqf4GnVtx8yAFhjsRTKZTfZYC-zENWrQ7GwOnShwvKX_gY/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+25.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner and Swasey Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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The observatory closed in 1982 and its staff moved to the main campus of Case Western Reserve University. The original telescope moved to the campus facility too. In 1986 a new dome was built on the roof of the A.W. Smith building where the old telescope is still in use today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vcQ4tJcP4TjHwunvn-qBZiWB-v6hBBiJao_5zvTQvORhCEwQg8IATwcUsQEsB8T3Hniwl8j4P65draNLd2Kim3CdxkrvJajSi-prSO1DOmJ57sRdM9W1geYWbJR6t9J3H-ykbcqBPXI/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vcQ4tJcP4TjHwunvn-qBZiWB-v6hBBiJao_5zvTQvORhCEwQg8IATwcUsQEsB8T3Hniwl8j4P65draNLd2Kim3CdxkrvJajSi-prSO1DOmJ57sRdM9W1geYWbJR6t9J3H-ykbcqBPXI/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+16.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner and Swasey Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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The old observatory was sold in 1983 and then abandoned. In 2005 a couple bought the property, intending to convert it into a luxury home. Those plans came to an abrupt end when the new owner was imprisoned for mortgage fraud in 2007.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyXKYhwSbLsE5hvxfWsWp-MZ2oMBZdUllxRkTrmAlkOulP3FQfrNy8fkgy4QKjoXdCx5kLxuqwaNEhePjZTQVM8h955N5dWjURXyericvEzdCMHVKRVtZt99eNOrL_LcMxj5U3Rv80Tw/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyXKYhwSbLsE5hvxfWsWp-MZ2oMBZdUllxRkTrmAlkOulP3FQfrNy8fkgy4QKjoXdCx5kLxuqwaNEhePjZTQVM8h955N5dWjURXyericvEzdCMHVKRVtZt99eNOrL_LcMxj5U3Rv80Tw/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+18.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner and Swasey Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Though their observatory has become an abandoned ruin, Worcester Reed Warner and Ambrose Swasey have been immortalized for their contributions to astronomy. Craters on the moon have been named after each man and the 992 Swasey asteroid was named after Ambrose Swasey.<br />
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<img alt="Abandoned Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbYs9EfbSR4ZdsVJqChoCY2Bu-j58DvtouUDjBPVFWjPJL7o6zgd8Et0upcofMTFucUF7PPtfoLEdeGBseZYhtJ2feLMFZpYP-wH4XxTW6hAcuJTfhS3L5_sHCVelm04y4cb6dl54VVk/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+20.jpg" style="color: #0000ee; text-align: center;" title="Abandoned Warner and Swasey Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Be sure to check out my next article on the <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2018/02/cleveland-railway-co.html" target="_blank">massive abandoned industrial compound of The Cleveland Railway Co and Westinghouse Electric</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oF4Tz4zFteKbLXrfwbt5xe5swKmaWI0fkJQ5JxPgOLmqeuWaOmXfHm_1_PhFbRuAA70Thl_25Zc7bClZQytUTlths8DlkJomX4Ifavhr63-s2-NaPi9xePWoaIVKm79s1oM4p1QhU_k/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oF4Tz4zFteKbLXrfwbt5xe5swKmaWI0fkJQ5JxPgOLmqeuWaOmXfHm_1_PhFbRuAA70Thl_25Zc7bClZQytUTlths8DlkJomX4Ifavhr63-s2-NaPi9xePWoaIVKm79s1oM4p1QhU_k/s1600/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-observatory-in-east-cleveland-ohio+32.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner and Swasey Observatory in East Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com10East Cleveland, OH, USA41.5331066 -81.57901370000001941.4855601 -81.659694700000017 41.580653100000006 -81.49833270000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-18478538000949282272017-12-31T17:02:00.000-08:002018-01-31T05:18:10.666-08:00Close-up of an Abandoned Optics FactoryWitnessing the decrepit state of the former Warner & Swasey Company factory complex, it is difficult to imagine that it once supplied cutting-edge equipment for observatories across the US and overseas. After a hundred years of business, the plant shut its doors and became another of Cleveland's many abandoned industrial spaces.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3M2qd3sytXnjsRr5FEmWmwadS2Hq3KjTGkQ5TeiFdTZuDaazTxuKM-pNz3tVXi2l58B8Frc18DCxZYobp-WQFnX3m9CYdnXjyOMjvcv8nDBJzFn1A_ZKsm6VBqqXs07CEsdVfx5VmDpQ/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3M2qd3sytXnjsRr5FEmWmwadS2Hq3KjTGkQ5TeiFdTZuDaazTxuKM-pNz3tVXi2l58B8Frc18DCxZYobp-WQFnX3m9CYdnXjyOMjvcv8nDBJzFn1A_ZKsm6VBqqXs07CEsdVfx5VmDpQ/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-18.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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From the fascinating ruins of <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/11/victoreen-instrument-company.html" target="_blank">Victoreen Instrument Company</a>, I made my way to Carnegie Avenue, the final resting place of several of Cleveland's former industrial powerhouses.<br />
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The old Warner & Swasey complex consists of a rusting sawtooth-roofed structure partially surrounded by an eerie five-story brick building.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDpMpFDbfW0wsWG_t-xnwJjUo6l5R7CVvTyAvGvY8JHH5ZN5nFIm03Wqzp5m-W4ZurHdCuHfdMZ-lHfx4fNWe7XwMqZpQ7sw8tcDLgT5TPF9KGXil_GuW7ib0MZEn3qhxAky2QQR59II/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDpMpFDbfW0wsWG_t-xnwJjUo6l5R7CVvTyAvGvY8JHH5ZN5nFIm03Wqzp5m-W4ZurHdCuHfdMZ-lHfx4fNWe7XwMqZpQ7sw8tcDLgT5TPF9KGXil_GuW7ib0MZEn3qhxAky2QQR59II/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-02.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Surprisingly, there are no fences or signs to deter explorers. During my short visit, I encountered several small groups of people walking casually as though they were strolling through a public park.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_HEXJxmW6WwQRb7JnTKQIcZirb6NcsqhmmXwdD-slHoBBkvbTTyZGHe96R4gAVdakS9uo50gniu8YTSKXvUHLm1tahqn2_LTYRr3UvcjOlQ_7XCULXFZrf0Ddus2oFWNZsVDbE9ZZWo/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_HEXJxmW6WwQRb7JnTKQIcZirb6NcsqhmmXwdD-slHoBBkvbTTyZGHe96R4gAVdakS9uo50gniu8YTSKXvUHLm1tahqn2_LTYRr3UvcjOlQ_7XCULXFZrf0Ddus2oFWNZsVDbE9ZZWo/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-20.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Much of the structure has been gutted, the combined result of asbestos abatement work and scrappers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYQR8JJxmfN7k4xRB7pyH4C6PBcVa-2mekJ12fSuVUj8HsKxIjxiflyT7k1dbwaXscTySe23p-iNhsB5O1Y2vl3MacQiDTn8BrLZI-U4UNUad3xEwXtBUIkDnaMN0LuAyu582-XMsPCs/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYQR8JJxmfN7k4xRB7pyH4C6PBcVa-2mekJ12fSuVUj8HsKxIjxiflyT7k1dbwaXscTySe23p-iNhsB5O1Y2vl3MacQiDTn8BrLZI-U4UNUad3xEwXtBUIkDnaMN0LuAyu582-XMsPCs/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-15.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Corridors once filled with machinery and the chaotic sounds of industry now stretch empty except for the occasional echo of footsteps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIUq84_St5d_KRgU2jKBhLAn2x8F6kS2V_Gc-DhySnPX9fGXBz5Fylx8C5OAAgK3fAWqHJMgvrzVyXJO6G5g_IwFoCgOQ2xePYyth89xCK0Cofju5lp2IZuAaqUBtWorwSboMXzIX_R4/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIUq84_St5d_KRgU2jKBhLAn2x8F6kS2V_Gc-DhySnPX9fGXBz5Fylx8C5OAAgK3fAWqHJMgvrzVyXJO6G5g_IwFoCgOQ2xePYyth89xCK0Cofju5lp2IZuAaqUBtWorwSboMXzIX_R4/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-07.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Rusty stairways and deadly elevator shafts connect the yawning levels of the old factory.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wtdxIgmyPH7WwTP-ZQB02g4BcCGkehmNKzQ0OBlCxl6qOonEpeALg-vaWECanC4uGsFGphdGDf3fPNhcVedZRwS7EcGzVeVrc0UJYsLXRZ-lUhAUU5IzJmWubcYclW8NaNO5SwyzipY/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wtdxIgmyPH7WwTP-ZQB02g4BcCGkehmNKzQ0OBlCxl6qOonEpeALg-vaWECanC4uGsFGphdGDf3fPNhcVedZRwS7EcGzVeVrc0UJYsLXRZ-lUhAUU5IzJmWubcYclW8NaNO5SwyzipY/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-33.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Tiny stalactites of mineral deposits hang from ceilings and disused pipes. Graffiti adorns the walls--sometimes a mural carefully drawn by an artistic hand, sometimes a hastily sprayed existential question answered with a witty reply.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2U-H846LQ6qvxk8-zCeFXVmJBep9DJkeIvWU_Dm7xB2CjZO1ag2KCUXQIgMX8upxCUVge8KJWwHix71EU-bBrPUk8GyXFDnNPX0GQ1OpdSK5k092LAwKk6JJZXLSWplGHh1Inb09Eao/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2U-H846LQ6qvxk8-zCeFXVmJBep9DJkeIvWU_Dm7xB2CjZO1ag2KCUXQIgMX8upxCUVge8KJWwHix71EU-bBrPUk8GyXFDnNPX0GQ1OpdSK5k092LAwKk6JJZXLSWplGHh1Inb09Eao/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-04.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uxrsZyUVL_ENGUwmWR5ZrtBFPFtS-GL_hG6xbKgIZVfn-5Pi-cBp7qa9E9RcDD4KAz4dMFSwz9RE5cx6b66rHQBrYlCQ4lzt5TGHfqWc9hqMCsPeimaQExWI2ntKWXDuxqXu5pyntX8/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uxrsZyUVL_ENGUwmWR5ZrtBFPFtS-GL_hG6xbKgIZVfn-5Pi-cBp7qa9E9RcDD4KAz4dMFSwz9RE5cx6b66rHQBrYlCQ4lzt5TGHfqWc9hqMCsPeimaQExWI2ntKWXDuxqXu5pyntX8/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-09.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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The rooftop affords views of distant skyscrapers as well as the decaying factory below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCHXLSOTXdr8SpiizQJkHFvPJBCZEFau4xc6AyqDo8x3Inlvn_iYxabgWVCGrKFHyeboMjodUZ9fD1pNeSaS2ymUC0XfyJplK2ffGUUtE0nvbf2StjrJCYKyWr0-JvZh_yfCM3whrBh4/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCHXLSOTXdr8SpiizQJkHFvPJBCZEFau4xc6AyqDo8x3Inlvn_iYxabgWVCGrKFHyeboMjodUZ9fD1pNeSaS2ymUC0XfyJplK2ffGUUtE0nvbf2StjrJCYKyWr0-JvZh_yfCM3whrBh4/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-25.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPeW9CIT-Qx5-wjZoCNFAcas672c7cfQLqk0X_k7jZW_OuEdXonSL6BIT3SkfXIkhyphenhyphen0LkYZMh6EQ0nBqB4eqMu-gDKKz_iEcfmnRsWx-A8YzYfE70YZC7NzneP2f8aBOZ9Cu3pTDCXNg/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPeW9CIT-Qx5-wjZoCNFAcas672c7cfQLqk0X_k7jZW_OuEdXonSL6BIT3SkfXIkhyphenhyphen0LkYZMh6EQ0nBqB4eqMu-gDKKz_iEcfmnRsWx-A8YzYfE70YZC7NzneP2f8aBOZ9Cu3pTDCXNg/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-38.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Crumbling rooftop structures bear some of the most colorful graffiti.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPYYE-8GoChRT3q9apIBPnvacM3R_qEQaK-hS0sQGsxKnSX4AN-47KVkC29PAI9eCo3z71XlOQuI7iqn9gNzbBNlK_8xayb1HZGdBwo6ujKJBPtJFRYcgro6UIJkzm8m3Fg9FO3kCg3o/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPYYE-8GoChRT3q9apIBPnvacM3R_qEQaK-hS0sQGsxKnSX4AN-47KVkC29PAI9eCo3z71XlOQuI7iqn9gNzbBNlK_8xayb1HZGdBwo6ujKJBPtJFRYcgro6UIJkzm8m3Fg9FO3kCg3o/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-26.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMnJtFR7pnpErF5f0wai2S_hqTwElwBDqLT-lG2yiS6YvPaaODx_ALjaqS6kx37pCbtKVFVicGh6ZCF4Bp_hR5zR4s1cO3SiQR_mVdwq8UIFEvQGER3XNMlLgemJCEox2PVoEDuK57ek/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMnJtFR7pnpErF5f0wai2S_hqTwElwBDqLT-lG2yiS6YvPaaODx_ALjaqS6kx37pCbtKVFVicGh6ZCF4Bp_hR5zR4s1cO3SiQR_mVdwq8UIFEvQGER3XNMlLgemJCEox2PVoEDuK57ek/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-29.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Sadly, the property has become a dumping ground for trash and old tires. One of the basement rooms contained evidence that someone had been spending nights there: a sleeping pad, duffel bags full of clothes, discarded soda cans and food wrappers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDBjfyjy0sw2UVFRTvtmUqXczkOlXEqCVLM2k0s54CvOk4ZP7MSJJz4c0E38vbuw7DTkvSDSaOxjcyop6oL_sTQPAKOHP1C9YodXO7h9twTVWZ5FfpghqWK-S_D3EubtTmVolJtiduEY/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDBjfyjy0sw2UVFRTvtmUqXczkOlXEqCVLM2k0s54CvOk4ZP7MSJJz4c0E38vbuw7DTkvSDSaOxjcyop6oL_sTQPAKOHP1C9YodXO7h9twTVWZ5FfpghqWK-S_D3EubtTmVolJtiduEY/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-05.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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It is strange to think that this dark, haunting place was once alive with industry, providing the livelihood for hundreds of workers and their families.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWgAf0wCaHj0fUKv74XAkGjn9ucCtdNfY6fSdO3-YuxL3e3iyfT59GNHPI5OY_lxLirtcMa1WvyiaiK0dvEmFD-psV56aERyABEw43LFpANL-DyJ0AFulJRgccIWtc4DnipTXb8MOmC8/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWgAf0wCaHj0fUKv74XAkGjn9ucCtdNfY6fSdO3-YuxL3e3iyfT59GNHPI5OY_lxLirtcMa1WvyiaiK0dvEmFD-psV56aERyABEw43LFpANL-DyJ0AFulJRgccIWtc4DnipTXb8MOmC8/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-11.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Nearly a century and a half ago, Worcester Reed Warner and Ambrose Swasey met as apprentices at Exeter Machine Works in New Hampshire. The two men became close friends, both skilled mechanical engineers with a shared interest in astronomy. Several years later, they both left Exeter and took jobs at Pratt & Whitney in Hartford, Connecticut.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoszYPT4LegkpX6V0lsWUsiIIIpBEVgnYfMY2jEPSa50FFJqIMtht94wZoUmGU8Fnq18hod52NaJvwvIa9LFLyI54yU3OI92_AFyh-oZA1r4ggLyStD689TwnQlEzareQSSgIy9OopRU/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoszYPT4LegkpX6V0lsWUsiIIIpBEVgnYfMY2jEPSa50FFJqIMtht94wZoUmGU8Fnq18hod52NaJvwvIa9LFLyI54yU3OI92_AFyh-oZA1r4ggLyStD689TwnQlEzareQSSgIy9OopRU/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-14.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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In 1880 the two men resigned from Pratt & Whitney and moved to Cleveland to found their own business.<br />
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In the early years they focused on producing lathes, milling machines, and telescopes, which were used in Observatories across the US as well as Canada, Argentina, and Lebanon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KuQKwHDh2QW1e49lPStFkLHD0AHPY3dxg5QwdI-XEQeUzzJlEa9ML7wsROkC2O4qx-Tc_aUdUfBvJap9YMrJHzEmw61jDh50v9Zh4D48jCXGjcBUqlY3wjkh5iadlj2O03kJos3LoIA/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KuQKwHDh2QW1e49lPStFkLHD0AHPY3dxg5QwdI-XEQeUzzJlEa9ML7wsROkC2O4qx-Tc_aUdUfBvJap9YMrJHzEmw61jDh50v9Zh4D48jCXGjcBUqlY3wjkh5iadlj2O03kJos3LoIA/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-19.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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For the first 20 years of business, they lacked a formal corporate agreement. After years of growth and success, they finally adopted a corporate structure and officially became The Warner & Swasey Company in 1900.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vGnw3T0fTd2dfGLqTxHVChDqtKheMEFMB7MXd6aGPxeUI240WiuUo94B7hDdXdXYFj8kdtZdJ1pecV3GGYtPm1rrZ2dAZC_bF6-K4Ux_CAekECReHR-TxaWZDwFYpLnGdWuwIFc343I/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vGnw3T0fTd2dfGLqTxHVChDqtKheMEFMB7MXd6aGPxeUI240WiuUo94B7hDdXdXYFj8kdtZdJ1pecV3GGYtPm1rrZ2dAZC_bF6-K4Ux_CAekECReHR-TxaWZDwFYpLnGdWuwIFc343I/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-24.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Warner and Swasey remained good friends and even built homes next door to each other on "Millionaire's Row" in Cleveland.<br />
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The Warner & Swasey Company developed a reputation as one of the major producers of turret lathes. The company also took on military instrument contracts during the Spanish-American War and both world wars, producing gun sights, binoculars, and other optical equipment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaFxMzEmlQHuvd-jQJ-oqgpm1ZkzyzrZYwDMhkQnagare9g_9YuBw7BMtd2zItKtMDoIvRJu6eLR9FrHew-UZhIrwMPAXSz8Tk0zTBJnnAF9YJ8CQxwMSML463b8Xikkb5Wfxae9HZ9k/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaFxMzEmlQHuvd-jQJ-oqgpm1ZkzyzrZYwDMhkQnagare9g_9YuBw7BMtd2zItKtMDoIvRJu6eLR9FrHew-UZhIrwMPAXSz8Tk0zTBJnnAF9YJ8CQxwMSML463b8Xikkb5Wfxae9HZ9k/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-22.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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In 1946, Warner & Swasey began manufacturing hydraulic construction equipment, which quickly became a major driver of business growth.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhkEXofzna4lRxlesM_LmRRqJ4N_HqWMPsSCeeW08XDiSkBevKmIEQ36Z65mOmyW5RMzEAn_U2MeseBux64r3CYPQUvAoLCBYV5gFUKxdIIRqlIgEHo0pxjKOAA-Zlk8v2TUuzQpEZ_o/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhkEXofzna4lRxlesM_LmRRqJ4N_HqWMPsSCeeW08XDiSkBevKmIEQ36Z65mOmyW5RMzEAn_U2MeseBux64r3CYPQUvAoLCBYV5gFUKxdIIRqlIgEHo0pxjKOAA-Zlk8v2TUuzQpEZ_o/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-06.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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In the 1970s, competition from Japan and Taiwan ate away at the company's profitability and in 1980, Warner & Swasey was acquired by Bendix Corporation. Bendix was later bought by Cross & Trecker, which closed the Carnegie Avenue plant in 1985.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASYbLJ5KnnD29b18qG_38z-YNioxYiv6lqT5oVJR_0cRUObPUQODX990-EG10Q9kwB1oG6LXksEZgTA8UFdL-4ysKl6mDGeJlaPlOEiPoLHwY4vCgQMeLJgihYQ28WnPespuJvY1DUgs/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASYbLJ5KnnD29b18qG_38z-YNioxYiv6lqT5oVJR_0cRUObPUQODX990-EG10Q9kwB1oG6LXksEZgTA8UFdL-4ysKl6mDGeJlaPlOEiPoLHwY4vCgQMeLJgihYQ28WnPespuJvY1DUgs/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-03.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Many different plans for redeveloping the industrial complex were proposed over the years. Cayahoga County explored the idea of using the space for its Health and Human Services Department as well as a jail annex, but plans fell through. The City of Cleveland later considered using it as a municipal center. Then in 2010, Hemingway Development planned to transform the complex into a technology center for biotech and health care companies. Due to ballooning costs the project was abandoned.<br />
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Since its closure, the building has remained vacant for nearly thirty years. Its future remains uncertain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ475DT2naeWAwokMMu-dOfbaiRwS7fAYQhoH94hvc7IDn-hg7aeFDDNkLCn4thqozic9NtG8ovT6IGjgNhXUluczbCOnWcedoDAUZzMNbf5rNDP-6GEB3fA-9c1R7LzO3MPhYUgeJdb4/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ475DT2naeWAwokMMu-dOfbaiRwS7fAYQhoH94hvc7IDn-hg7aeFDDNkLCn4thqozic9NtG8ovT6IGjgNhXUluczbCOnWcedoDAUZzMNbf5rNDP-6GEB3fA-9c1R7LzO3MPhYUgeJdb4/s1600/Abandoned-Warner-and-Swasey-Company-factory-in-Cleveland-Ohio-35.jpg" title="Abandoned Warner & Swasey Company factory in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com11Cleveland, OH, USA41.49932 -81.69436050000001641.309034 -82.017084000000011 41.689606 -81.371637000000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-91621336517125943022017-11-30T06:41:00.000-08:002017-12-31T17:02:25.985-08:00Inside the Ruins of an Abandoned Electronics Factory: Victoreen Instrument CompanyVictoreen Instrument Company once supplied equipment for the Manhattan Project. The former electronics factory is now a ruined shell awaiting the inevitable wrecking ball.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iHae3TtVJkA427q24o-SbWG4g4m1YGzTY6zkTQcQibbiIqXfNZhnDaKuVPza1vxZWeazLn4fFCdbPLVvRlbnGgWhcCtzfl53B0zf4pFLitraK0okKpbmVcsjTIaH5lN_6B8Ak8pum9E/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iHae3TtVJkA427q24o-SbWG4g4m1YGzTY6zkTQcQibbiIqXfNZhnDaKuVPza1vxZWeazLn4fFCdbPLVvRlbnGgWhcCtzfl53B0zf4pFLitraK0okKpbmVcsjTIaH5lN_6B8Ak8pum9E/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-20.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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A short drive from the incredible abandoned <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/10/secrets-of-abandoned-masonic-temple.html" target="_blank">Newburgh Masonic Temple</a> lies the the ruined headquarters of Victoreen Instrument Company.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCNe0H4Xd60Q7WX0PRdqv8cxnnSXbWlfI2Cq4_nW3seJzk1YRWphKFeZqCVqZLvm3k4uue6Mw5VfbUZbpDcrCU0nWQ2O6I1GFlJgJ3aasv26RHCgh5y01xPYZGv4xrKVqaJycmichiuI/s1600/Abandoned-Victoreen-Instrument-Company-in-cleveland-ohio-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCNe0H4Xd60Q7WX0PRdqv8cxnnSXbWlfI2Cq4_nW3seJzk1YRWphKFeZqCVqZLvm3k4uue6Mw5VfbUZbpDcrCU0nWQ2O6I1GFlJgJ3aasv26RHCgh5y01xPYZGv4xrKVqaJycmichiuI/s1600/Abandoned-Victoreen-Instrument-Company-in-cleveland-ohio-00.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Built in 1925, the crumbling brick structure originally housed Clark Controller Company, which manufactured electrical controls for cranes, presses, mills, and other industrial machinery.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZ_KCPTmSf3JSHqhM61nayOlF3erD1eaDZrl2q2ue6QYLyC88PcYtgNbG8lOWb6isI05oDyH8QuetwynqJpyusDL6jrJ0ad2HL6nEHF_-AuWpWB8lAgUjix8qzEIqFG6yyKCBleQWG3g/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZ_KCPTmSf3JSHqhM61nayOlF3erD1eaDZrl2q2ue6QYLyC88PcYtgNbG8lOWb6isI05oDyH8QuetwynqJpyusDL6jrJ0ad2HL6nEHF_-AuWpWB8lAgUjix8qzEIqFG6yyKCBleQWG3g/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-01.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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When Clark Controller Company merged with A. O. Smith Corporation in 1965, the factory was sold to Victoreen Instrument Company.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VLnOWHJbc73N7atuWboFem0SoXAUh_9odLJtU2XHmVdqNVh5O3aKOoeVJCVEwfaB89PUHNTUpH7eNKKXJxe77rrjP6m-gAkEUXDi86vus6biCljayviHvJSfU88gV-7Uljpn0MY5RN8/s1600/Abandoned-Victoreen-Instrument-Company-in-Cleveland-Ohio-52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VLnOWHJbc73N7atuWboFem0SoXAUh_9odLJtU2XHmVdqNVh5O3aKOoeVJCVEwfaB89PUHNTUpH7eNKKXJxe77rrjP6m-gAkEUXDi86vus6biCljayviHvJSfU88gV-7Uljpn0MY5RN8/s1600/Abandoned-Victoreen-Instrument-Company-in-Cleveland-Ohio-52.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Victoreen has a long and complicated history dating back to 1928, when it was founded by John Austin Victoreen, a brilliant physicist, engineer, and inventor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImvwIAqYyWlYUcvOn7pArYDnG4fV83yEc-JrqV1CaZ1hmO_7CBwyI6VpxFTUO2tjcJx0Rn211R3X0l1NQ3Rdh9kW4QVkPmJppGt6ePF4Gdb429upaQSo8ecbe1U4W1EmHZ37til4aZnE/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImvwIAqYyWlYUcvOn7pArYDnG4fV83yEc-JrqV1CaZ1hmO_7CBwyI6VpxFTUO2tjcJx0Rn211R3X0l1NQ3Rdh9kW4QVkPmJppGt6ePF4Gdb429upaQSo8ecbe1U4W1EmHZ37til4aZnE/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-26.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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The company specialized in the production of x-ray dosimeters and other devices that measured the intensity and dosage of X-ray exposure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcjypWDDz7uTWRDfc8RNwRBnn2V0FqUb0-ZMNXMBfJBYH6uKHxZdVBgzhlRL_SHpMnDqR6dM-FuJX4EtfGkMdc30UyJG0bhl63IVgjuWUwVrLaj0cMb2dm2A2PR9oToMjWhETp6r4G7w/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcjypWDDz7uTWRDfc8RNwRBnn2V0FqUb0-ZMNXMBfJBYH6uKHxZdVBgzhlRL_SHpMnDqR6dM-FuJX4EtfGkMdc30UyJG0bhl63IVgjuWUwVrLaj0cMb2dm2A2PR9oToMjWhETp6r4G7w/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-08.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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In the early 1940s, Victoreen became a contractor for the United States military. The company developed portable devices that measured radiation exposure for use in the Manhattan Project and during Operation Peppermint. After World War II, Victoreen supplied equipment used during the nuclear tests on Bikini Atoll.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XUSghj3Wi8oUhiDvdRdSMwTuvdng46BfayDNuKnAlUlPpktK4DbqPI7oYKOkbuaHHwTGZXO_3KrL3XbC2tQKOr3UeGcOnVNSDtIfpYLXF70yBsuBW36M8m6G4ZG7_p4HM5-cQWhBu-s/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XUSghj3Wi8oUhiDvdRdSMwTuvdng46BfayDNuKnAlUlPpktK4DbqPI7oYKOkbuaHHwTGZXO_3KrL3XbC2tQKOr3UeGcOnVNSDtIfpYLXF70yBsuBW36M8m6G4ZG7_p4HM5-cQWhBu-s/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-02.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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The company saw many changes throughout the 1950s and 60s, including numerous acquisitions of, and mergers with, other electronics companies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSwPQ_Gxibw8i_l46zeRNa54uMP1Xi7342kDmrtb06zv1uUUN-hWxZI3fzx1Y-JBYUSoBXFvNXIcS8zocJa14hEUxUkl9_Td0Nif0Ayeej1O5qGxCOwudC7dyzLBRoH9VwzjJunuW05Y/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSwPQ_Gxibw8i_l46zeRNa54uMP1Xi7342kDmrtb06zv1uUUN-hWxZI3fzx1Y-JBYUSoBXFvNXIcS8zocJa14hEUxUkl9_Td0Nif0Ayeej1O5qGxCOwudC7dyzLBRoH9VwzjJunuW05Y/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-06.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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In 1965, Victoreen Instrument Company moved its headquarters to the now-abandoned factory on Woodland Avenue. It occupied the space for nearly 30 years before relocating in 1994.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecgFl1nHSuOZvJYwLJctE8FmNvsAqZzoE-WsOJOC4Ok1wB6ezEliiOtyZTOr-xC5tRixBjWKKJgwIfU4VTXki8qLKOUzFPZusydd1lMsLbGwXorYzEB2eQJa3manpFiP7jbiJz90iBts/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecgFl1nHSuOZvJYwLJctE8FmNvsAqZzoE-WsOJOC4Ok1wB6ezEliiOtyZTOr-xC5tRixBjWKKJgwIfU4VTXki8qLKOUzFPZusydd1lMsLbGwXorYzEB2eQJa3manpFiP7jbiJz90iBts/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-13.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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In the years since Victoreen left, the property has changed hands several times.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJC-5ghj1vcBPL6-sm_V4amemBcugMGHRMwaSTVuE927E-48P_d06IZiTqDwYAtM7GjYJ_U9BzVM8ykJjcPMhTwM1h58vBNzNs-zEZhZL5X3Ej0zV3b23XxgSJ_BBIkX8xwjQKvkEOoz0/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJC-5ghj1vcBPL6-sm_V4amemBcugMGHRMwaSTVuE927E-48P_d06IZiTqDwYAtM7GjYJ_U9BzVM8ykJjcPMhTwM1h58vBNzNs-zEZhZL5X3Ej0zV3b23XxgSJ_BBIkX8xwjQKvkEOoz0/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-05.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVnKJbfHz4DnHitrdo3ml200v5kEp95WvMe1pGb9lDlkd0UFS-KavdxI7faKn2siXDz0TWSARt-gTXJmiWHBvVt2R78fBP_DOEc0kZiUT4w2r1oia5TiE6v6h_J2o8uyXwzAbj-3yR38/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVnKJbfHz4DnHitrdo3ml200v5kEp95WvMe1pGb9lDlkd0UFS-KavdxI7faKn2siXDz0TWSARt-gTXJmiWHBvVt2R78fBP_DOEc0kZiUT4w2r1oia5TiE6v6h_J2o8uyXwzAbj-3yR38/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-17.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An artifact from 2007</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF06O3wxILRA8cWYV7Fw7D4PRFpYUGcVj8RxfQCE5vVtv5g7YU05veOoMz-adchHF4onJx_-Jzo2S5Z33azO2ltMTTbk7TTv7o2jdHa4sQLi0RDCQzhx1Y_SLJlvOX77P77WS4LgjmTL8/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF06O3wxILRA8cWYV7Fw7D4PRFpYUGcVj8RxfQCE5vVtv5g7YU05veOoMz-adchHF4onJx_-Jzo2S5Z33azO2ltMTTbk7TTv7o2jdHa4sQLi0RDCQzhx1Y_SLJlvOX77P77WS4LgjmTL8/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-07.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Plans for demolition were approved in 2009.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyV7Phs9k4xZEgGUspAX8MXNFluKVZzJK1MiEsxgptD5utx2o5d1noswCiMzMm1mjwzxry-95_LosKUNnU7LSc_RLp7QooLDof-VOQT5Vey8z1IN_nUOrd9NDw5OICG-HGZNRlbBgTYpA/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyV7Phs9k4xZEgGUspAX8MXNFluKVZzJK1MiEsxgptD5utx2o5d1noswCiMzMm1mjwzxry-95_LosKUNnU7LSc_RLp7QooLDof-VOQT5Vey8z1IN_nUOrd9NDw5OICG-HGZNRlbBgTYpA/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-49.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Portions of the structure were razed. Rubble and an outer wall mark where they once stood.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvheGBN6-s2LU_jar3WD2Sc6WqCOslfnhGanCZOb_Ic7e1B3fFsCpIRHOy66U-YcYjmCtp71CdlXqXzQH8HUPK7qFQEnLNmLxwScYLwm_k1k7G6V4-9jStmW_fC-fk-5b3TDWq-W1WoFw/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvheGBN6-s2LU_jar3WD2Sc6WqCOslfnhGanCZOb_Ic7e1B3fFsCpIRHOy66U-YcYjmCtp71CdlXqXzQH8HUPK7qFQEnLNmLxwScYLwm_k1k7G6V4-9jStmW_fC-fk-5b3TDWq-W1WoFw/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-23.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMR1dbbq_-r72WmUd2A72ZmBGtN-2kIQRs17wlTavx8fD0yp0NwoD7n58Jk-BBeofdWgL4yQOvS6UqooNByr6XPhFVQRsaxOd5XpguyULVB3r4jFYKShbvzHce7XHgOTNQ7wz01Exs2Jg/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMR1dbbq_-r72WmUd2A72ZmBGtN-2kIQRs17wlTavx8fD0yp0NwoD7n58Jk-BBeofdWgL4yQOvS6UqooNByr6XPhFVQRsaxOd5XpguyULVB3r4jFYKShbvzHce7XHgOTNQ7wz01Exs2Jg/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-21.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Demolition work ceased in 2014 after a fire broke out. The blaze was extinguished before it could spread throughout the building.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVExEdaeg2Z-QSQoyy1oz9fwyV8JKMPsua-9DkakpJks-VZjAc8p-hjC-iHgNQ8Mj1Qq7GHhDVOpo2TQa3_fEbZJZinyn7Lh1oYAKO-C_QwdaFczI4lOI3BzQTPpRguTnwvPCQz_vvwI/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVExEdaeg2Z-QSQoyy1oz9fwyV8JKMPsua-9DkakpJks-VZjAc8p-hjC-iHgNQ8Mj1Qq7GHhDVOpo2TQa3_fEbZJZinyn7Lh1oYAKO-C_QwdaFczI4lOI3BzQTPpRguTnwvPCQz_vvwI/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-11.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxej1FII-MOOAwwadxyI6kwEfBhtjOVpaudjgSCAVxb4xao6Upu-byTNzWnrO6yZ6TF1NqNVRPA9k1ah1Z2sbm7jv-v6GnKJYxSQrKCht0Bfu69k0blSL1PYOKtu7PtWYwZiajBfI_30/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxej1FII-MOOAwwadxyI6kwEfBhtjOVpaudjgSCAVxb4xao6Upu-byTNzWnrO6yZ6TF1NqNVRPA9k1ah1Z2sbm7jv-v6GnKJYxSQrKCht0Bfu69k0blSL1PYOKtu7PtWYwZiajBfI_30/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-36.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Quite a bit of furniture and other objects remain inside the old factory, but all the manufacturing equipment has been removed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBajHrHvN-HqF4a-dDOd_U-e7AyvDYckDkq_yBistY0cQ2a_BNcwuQndQjn1OoF1kYoh_NSh5qoamYrt0O6GqcWHlO6Y8f_MT0WxDebYLe-RtLxDjeMxSYtkJ3tf-8c6sEWe7vp5hYGA/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBajHrHvN-HqF4a-dDOd_U-e7AyvDYckDkq_yBistY0cQ2a_BNcwuQndQjn1OoF1kYoh_NSh5qoamYrt0O6GqcWHlO6Y8f_MT0WxDebYLe-RtLxDjeMxSYtkJ3tf-8c6sEWe7vp5hYGA/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-16.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9PzeH88qi-hpGau-YfoJF24t8OhMUqxQ1EcozFRUw1hdmHYXbA-WqqYVfU_1q-ygYKbLuHlsTfTuo6C1mnCwoXRHL35gGLN8KO2BYw0ybxhEFdjxUBk8k6Cka0wgxxO-7EHQEcpd74w/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9PzeH88qi-hpGau-YfoJF24t8OhMUqxQ1EcozFRUw1hdmHYXbA-WqqYVfU_1q-ygYKbLuHlsTfTuo6C1mnCwoXRHL35gGLN8KO2BYw0ybxhEFdjxUBk8k6Cka0wgxxO-7EHQEcpd74w/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-15.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Many of the massive rooms are now empty except for rows of pillars and a layer of fallen ceiling tiles covering the floor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIYv7p_3oOwf4barJLID52LBFa7pUaWRH9uLjNm0SOwO1NWdiXCicewd-iUWzWVKf2qt0tSby_VlL5iKJX74ccilhXh4MGtRulstfr5Vlivf_5umwwabzxE2X777hAM20C8O2q6BEk60/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIYv7p_3oOwf4barJLID52LBFa7pUaWRH9uLjNm0SOwO1NWdiXCicewd-iUWzWVKf2qt0tSby_VlL5iKJX74ccilhXh4MGtRulstfr5Vlivf_5umwwabzxE2X777hAM20C8O2q6BEk60/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-25.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemIJhjJCWuUOcS5SHSjiJz92LpIHtOqflGIial1Q7EekkTjjCauirDkr8kC347SxRJXiqD5EIAWp-hjM9D8pyHQFwLk05h6Le2QKgBYUm5_TeROQPkzHzgTCo57-AbdOwegirXvDX8II/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemIJhjJCWuUOcS5SHSjiJz92LpIHtOqflGIial1Q7EekkTjjCauirDkr8kC347SxRJXiqD5EIAWp-hjM9D8pyHQFwLk05h6Le2QKgBYUm5_TeROQPkzHzgTCo57-AbdOwegirXvDX8II/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-32.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Though demolition has been temporarily halted, it is likely that the remaining structure will be torn down before long. Until then, nature slowly creeps back in.<br />
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After exploring the ruins of Victoreen, I headed across town to visit the <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/12/abandoned-warner-and-swasey-company.html" target="_blank">abandoned industrial complex of Warner & Swasey Company</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21pIiqFnAzrYiSGuKVXzx_KTwFxzMRjL3yDEnuWFfarTKMqVpHg4PXV7vOL_laDBlp2oBPrF8QjVYsqJyMdFCXNjplzLUuvgIiLnPxUwjCH9WgA2kKQBFA_hCx0Lmk1T-PKAuDVS5Cvg/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21pIiqFnAzrYiSGuKVXzx_KTwFxzMRjL3yDEnuWFfarTKMqVpHg4PXV7vOL_laDBlp2oBPrF8QjVYsqJyMdFCXNjplzLUuvgIiLnPxUwjCH9WgA2kKQBFA_hCx0Lmk1T-PKAuDVS5Cvg/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-31.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6ToaeMKP8uqfbKHzDLIU0VloshcE51-hwghr2b9-ujZP3Bjdy2MutMf3ZDBt7DefkdNq0HtSsMLSDMI5TfIYPog6bD9ybHH0JN7JgMQ4I0rIZXlEhmsDhAiJSDds4ZWV8AhXv0rfnsY/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6ToaeMKP8uqfbKHzDLIU0VloshcE51-hwghr2b9-ujZP3Bjdy2MutMf3ZDBt7DefkdNq0HtSsMLSDMI5TfIYPog6bD9ybHH0JN7JgMQ4I0rIZXlEhmsDhAiJSDds4ZWV8AhXv0rfnsY/s1600/abandoned-victoreen-instrument-company-in-cleveland-ohio-51.jpg" title="Abandoned Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com14Cleveland, OH, USA41.49932 -81.69436050000001641.309034 -82.017084000000011 41.689606 -81.371637000000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-51854394409883537212017-10-06T06:16:00.000-07:002017-11-30T06:41:23.862-08:00Secrets of an Abandoned Masonic TempleA century-old masonic temple sits abandoned and heavily decaying. Decades since the departure of the Masons, the walls and ceilings of the ornate halls slowly fall in upon themselves and the many artifacts that remain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBO1vMlneuBAxJKoWl7wN5euwehsCrenxv4hpVz191pzaTFAcOR0EBTsnUowFA3M7IramKXjGcBQtdaZPGTedH3zkM7vssc0c2gZrVnJ-55kvlrXU4tHFuLv32day4czPjag0-e5aU4k4/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBO1vMlneuBAxJKoWl7wN5euwehsCrenxv4hpVz191pzaTFAcOR0EBTsnUowFA3M7IramKXjGcBQtdaZPGTedH3zkM7vssc0c2gZrVnJ-55kvlrXU4tHFuLv32day4czPjag0-e5aU4k4/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-00.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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North of Akron, Ohio, home of the abandoned <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/09/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron.html" target="_blank">Rubber Bowl Stadium</a> and <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/07/rolling-acres-dead-mall.html" target="_blank">Rolling Acres Dead Mall</a>, the city of Cleveland holds a treasure trove of forgotten structures with stories to tell. Among them is Newburgh Masonic Temple, the once grand meeting place of Ashlar Lodge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fupMaczV3HtXpzInM6bPmgsa60938f_1DqqNXlmG1T4gJuohkpVfFX0NfqoXdXi9Wm5c2SwL4vTByrMUUPzEbzUgqPowIj_zkAfYkMaqQoiD43dh0dYoUqrZ55XxI_u_vKt-s64g3EM/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fupMaczV3HtXpzInM6bPmgsa60938f_1DqqNXlmG1T4gJuohkpVfFX0NfqoXdXi9Wm5c2SwL4vTByrMUUPzEbzUgqPowIj_zkAfYkMaqQoiD43dh0dYoUqrZ55XxI_u_vKt-s64g3EM/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-05.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Designed by Cleveland architect William J. Carter, construction of Newburgh Masonic Temple began in 1916. The structure was completed in 1917 at a cost of approximately $65,000 ($1.2 million in 2017 dollars) and the first meeting of the newly formed Ashlar Lodge took place there on May 31.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDna9Mq8dn8aEDyhOcOAFcysUu52zBgZKpN_-LuBiXidCTG-oFTa-rTcuMX3fjAcD6eJZXGzubiBw8PUImuCsXpRUHY1oq3TQ-3oZ7vG41-uHuE4o6QlJriYbtV39EIZDQLjcY__oxQ_4/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDna9Mq8dn8aEDyhOcOAFcysUu52zBgZKpN_-LuBiXidCTG-oFTa-rTcuMX3fjAcD6eJZXGzubiBw8PUImuCsXpRUHY1oq3TQ-3oZ7vG41-uHuE4o6QlJriYbtV39EIZDQLjcY__oxQ_4/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-06.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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The site served as the home of Ashlar Lodge for a half-century. In 1969 the Masons decided to sell Newburgh Masonic Temple due to increasing maintenance costs and a lack of secure parking in the area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdlKZP215_FPURweup8NlY7WoTd8eVt9sZaB4ThklJcmlc-JiGXGhauifASW2LpaViYVOOeZNvddvtA7YDJuBxduaRPBj8QGEkijp8VhdSSaaZjyI0Dbz5z_19DhJG1ZQkdanVtEP-ys/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdlKZP215_FPURweup8NlY7WoTd8eVt9sZaB4ThklJcmlc-JiGXGhauifASW2LpaViYVOOeZNvddvtA7YDJuBxduaRPBj8QGEkijp8VhdSSaaZjyI0Dbz5z_19DhJG1ZQkdanVtEP-ys/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-32.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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It is unclear who occupied the building after the departure of the Freemasons, but it appears to have seen some use. A calendar from 1984 still hung on an office wall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yAqFmczovBZTBUPNBuFOyrHrZtqfvGtVKa1YXNSIkmfmiSMJe4YVltA5zfz_UtzinJRKGik_IldCDdXJZXH70AR2fQBn18Q3yljNW9cuDxv-1HdFJv9D6fb5bw6C_yX-oetbZjGP440/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yAqFmczovBZTBUPNBuFOyrHrZtqfvGtVKa1YXNSIkmfmiSMJe4YVltA5zfz_UtzinJRKGik_IldCDdXJZXH70AR2fQBn18Q3yljNW9cuDxv-1HdFJv9D6fb5bw6C_yX-oetbZjGP440/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-31.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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The structure now has extensive water damage on every floor. Layers of paint and plaster have fallen away revealing the underlying brick, which appears structurally sound (at least to my untrained eyes).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGN7aJ6u4olmprvon0yxXPK309tjGJ9W6r6sLx0BVm580ozjpHvn4p0HBlkyr4q-Ga3rgReqZWYEGoOWuvewIEdhAi8Z2UwUmrXJP3awQlTnzd7QYQbxyBD-Wz2F47CAYrb16mbf8Pag/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGN7aJ6u4olmprvon0yxXPK309tjGJ9W6r6sLx0BVm580ozjpHvn4p0HBlkyr4q-Ga3rgReqZWYEGoOWuvewIEdhAi8Z2UwUmrXJP3awQlTnzd7QYQbxyBD-Wz2F47CAYrb16mbf8Pag/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-16.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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The temple has many interesting design features not often seen in modern buildings, including crown moulding, half doors, a dumbwaiter,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvJcFOqnxl9KV6xIXF41lz8ImCO2kRSKq37m7gNMjLSfGa6nBKmf9O8f7zP7ia20XqGsL8DPD-2HZVYrh4wRKdlYm1UqSXgfsaxecUiKBGcAMdPaiHBep8eA_LiEm3-gxbVBROXCrWfs/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvJcFOqnxl9KV6xIXF41lz8ImCO2kRSKq37m7gNMjLSfGa6nBKmf9O8f7zP7ia20XqGsL8DPD-2HZVYrh4wRKdlYm1UqSXgfsaxecUiKBGcAMdPaiHBep8eA_LiEm3-gxbVBROXCrWfs/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-17.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5oS7RCrnv-VKxhpb-uGR2s8MyDFLAaRvvQhPjJuQ-JqoWSwuDhZMEkd7fmv-gQiLItELgEoI7a-hMV7BfWFrwhh6ZmcWTpoNeVAqV0slj1C8dgt2CbXfjVULQ3Wh99hEhcymPKEB0Q4/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5oS7RCrnv-VKxhpb-uGR2s8MyDFLAaRvvQhPjJuQ-JqoWSwuDhZMEkd7fmv-gQiLItELgEoI7a-hMV7BfWFrwhh6ZmcWTpoNeVAqV0slj1C8dgt2CbXfjVULQ3Wh99hEhcymPKEB0Q4/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-35.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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arched doorways,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn87BBkpOCKThLx6LftWYPN9L9L5f6ei07uyepb4t0THtm7NnS92bj2QL9PzJQl8fkqnKoDcQxWo3mIFfVnIoAlElMLjDrnqxWJ7V9aRxQPBAhecEgC6tB9K0FAhi7286a64T-LzIHgp8/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn87BBkpOCKThLx6LftWYPN9L9L5f6ei07uyepb4t0THtm7NnS92bj2QL9PzJQl8fkqnKoDcQxWo3mIFfVnIoAlElMLjDrnqxWJ7V9aRxQPBAhecEgC6tB9K0FAhi7286a64T-LzIHgp8/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-30.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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two oddly-placed staircases that pass alongside one another,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4VB0J2Wj7M4LYGdFIHi0wSisEhgmfJqGGjxZOTWDsCf1C2wKAKlcpOSHTnkjlOIrl7ceKvfF8i5ypht02sNEg3Sv-RVhr_u90_AU05R9yFWegX7ikHjnioIgPapfV3cWQYqS0Wtsxfk/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4VB0J2Wj7M4LYGdFIHi0wSisEhgmfJqGGjxZOTWDsCf1C2wKAKlcpOSHTnkjlOIrl7ceKvfF8i5ypht02sNEg3Sv-RVhr_u90_AU05R9yFWegX7ikHjnioIgPapfV3cWQYqS0Wtsxfk/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-29.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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and wooden bench seating lining the walls of the massive meeting halls. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVvcDoSjW1LFyM-7u1yJrrjJM55l4Ri-YoyhEQBn-ev8MEoZEHbxCV0me1-p7qV8RqIQeiNW64ekUkBFPSefr5KWUHoua8RGHAUE_GbyLiQRWSaxwxSd3QM8t8K0iGVtlFOOuJvNYwkA/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVvcDoSjW1LFyM-7u1yJrrjJM55l4Ri-YoyhEQBn-ev8MEoZEHbxCV0me1-p7qV8RqIQeiNW64ekUkBFPSefr5KWUHoua8RGHAUE_GbyLiQRWSaxwxSd3QM8t8K0iGVtlFOOuJvNYwkA/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-15.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NHrpkSs_0VWNsgtfIKhtFupkKOusSMHYep_7zKPFVk_-rZNdZvloPerCHsWuEtJ8tiNh0-2e7-AOPE-4YaiyyBFbN9hHKQFXcbVbIPnpJ2fXBIfBz00NFWn5XDKjlZ5ZFIaWhbjO_Lw/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NHrpkSs_0VWNsgtfIKhtFupkKOusSMHYep_7zKPFVk_-rZNdZvloPerCHsWuEtJ8tiNh0-2e7-AOPE-4YaiyyBFbN9hHKQFXcbVbIPnpJ2fXBIfBz00NFWn5XDKjlZ5ZFIaWhbjO_Lw/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-01.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Much of the sturdy wooden furniture and cabinetry remain intact and have held up well over time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqO72qYbJWOA4Jzc6ObWgdj1SSxbqdCGLkKfWe7CLj3me5LFEDa3dicMZITgMQzE3c1NmDjyy0L_C0yC7tEcsfVGqa4XvOaE5F8qWyIIkZ3ghQ5jwGwyMkrVsYOHZyYueVjHU_mQq-2E/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqO72qYbJWOA4Jzc6ObWgdj1SSxbqdCGLkKfWe7CLj3me5LFEDa3dicMZITgMQzE3c1NmDjyy0L_C0yC7tEcsfVGqa4XvOaE5F8qWyIIkZ3ghQ5jwGwyMkrVsYOHZyYueVjHU_mQq-2E/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-22.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1M9W5mw88Qe4pYu1XKPurR3DmBnKXFTMVlSo_uCetKhPaowFTPwyKnwY4Vfta7DygBW93wUw-NNc8BvK5d9TRLiHQcuU30Mr5UhE62CTjW2qf_pZ58vkmOMqlIylI7-wAa8WnM_YdPDM/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1M9W5mw88Qe4pYu1XKPurR3DmBnKXFTMVlSo_uCetKhPaowFTPwyKnwY4Vfta7DygBW93wUw-NNc8BvK5d9TRLiHQcuU30Mr5UhE62CTjW2qf_pZ58vkmOMqlIylI7-wAa8WnM_YdPDM/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-36.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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A china hutch in the basement still contains stacks of plates and dishes, which surprisingly haven't been smashed by vandals.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkU6-hVN-r4w2fWwqg_wic1-j732i3p6_t2lapOctjDq1yk2-44vbK4Y6KQFPp1yuoTBEe7I0LC2H530z3MEqWNUxhMM4rP5WtUpbengHknEPVX5U4HF2arZpW4qp68FCbugFh6DRbawg/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkU6-hVN-r4w2fWwqg_wic1-j732i3p6_t2lapOctjDq1yk2-44vbK4Y6KQFPp1yuoTBEe7I0LC2H530z3MEqWNUxhMM4rP5WtUpbengHknEPVX5U4HF2arZpW4qp68FCbugFh6DRbawg/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-11.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Two large rusting safes remain in an office. Their doors have been removed and the documents they once protected are scattered throughout the room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd56l-5w6w9O79MtxVRdsXuxq9qmeMDD8jWo15CjWfEdQUyt2Xk0v92fUfftTFRUE0gSBJorI2mujkUqGJPDJaYQrDlzEHLhn_kTkMKrCg5-wMUawsiC26KqgbU111rrqX3bWmEbLc-Wk/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd56l-5w6w9O79MtxVRdsXuxq9qmeMDD8jWo15CjWfEdQUyt2Xk0v92fUfftTFRUE0gSBJorI2mujkUqGJPDJaYQrDlzEHLhn_kTkMKrCg5-wMUawsiC26KqgbU111rrqX3bWmEbLc-Wk/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-28.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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A dusty roll of toilet paper still hangs in the bathroom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanYyaE8riP7zjPAHCBGt4MawEHHZxuzvFnu2wus87rkRZ9G3mEbFLmN-1UyyTY6Pazjb3hnAaamJ3sqj84WeRgVHoO1-KtG3rQ4N8ql28CmW0-lREV7YYe5TqNNm8kjNIcX26AY08Wro/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanYyaE8riP7zjPAHCBGt4MawEHHZxuzvFnu2wus87rkRZ9G3mEbFLmN-1UyyTY6Pazjb3hnAaamJ3sqj84WeRgVHoO1-KtG3rQ4N8ql28CmW0-lREV7YYe5TqNNm8kjNIcX26AY08Wro/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-07.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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One of the upper floors contains a flock of rubber duckies of unknown origin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFh5gg1S3PFcIyn1zENT5e900KxRWib7ZL4zVYm80JgcWEQXaLrKkMtNU8SQuHsqAZUPHEPdeJlNfPnSHjI-7qVRH4yg6KI0fX8j0HDBrrqq7H57DyTvmS9yyJp1j2NDpstRxDISSSGs/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFh5gg1S3PFcIyn1zENT5e900KxRWib7ZL4zVYm80JgcWEQXaLrKkMtNU8SQuHsqAZUPHEPdeJlNfPnSHjI-7qVRH4yg6KI0fX8j0HDBrrqq7H57DyTvmS9yyJp1j2NDpstRxDISSSGs/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-34.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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The future of Newburgh Masonic Temple remains uncertain. There do not seem to be any plans for future use or demolition.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZnspUlKIkBh23Wgm31WznaDpnrRbYFDMZ_nY9nWr0KTO1YXTpNE83FhpfN7XIsho7x0x3Lck-cseodxZgs7QldkVUkYgZYnjpYfTV4YGfhxW38izaEDktVCq5rabuaBeFI3FGxUYv98/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZnspUlKIkBh23Wgm31WznaDpnrRbYFDMZ_nY9nWr0KTO1YXTpNE83FhpfN7XIsho7x0x3Lck-cseodxZgs7QldkVUkYgZYnjpYfTV4YGfhxW38izaEDktVCq5rabuaBeFI3FGxUYv98/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-33.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
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Thank you for checking out this article. If you enjoyed it, please <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=http%3A//www.placesthatwere.com/2017/10/secrets-of-abandoned-masonic-temple.html" target="_blank">share it on Facebook</a>.<br />
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Next stop on the Epic Rust Belt Road Trip: <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/11/victoreen-instrument-company.html" target="_blank">The Ruins of an abandoned Electronics Factory</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OXGReOYULDma5_fstgzDHgIzf-trEjFuGp1QzRRjwobsHkULKyTbjkXIiG28S1I_5CApIMcXYZGTyEqgTy_2WrCNoNrTxZcSFL2Umyo2CBbbJC2pMehQw4O-NGnd4l2S0qbldeDkkRQ/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OXGReOYULDma5_fstgzDHgIzf-trEjFuGp1QzRRjwobsHkULKyTbjkXIiG28S1I_5CApIMcXYZGTyEqgTy_2WrCNoNrTxZcSFL2Umyo2CBbbJC2pMehQw4O-NGnd4l2S0qbldeDkkRQ/s1600/abandoned-newburgh-masonic-temple-in-cleveland-ohio-23.jpg" title="Abandoned Newburgh Masonic Temple in Cleveland Ohio" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com6Cleveland, OH, USA41.49932 -81.69436050000001641.309034 -82.017084000000011 41.689606 -81.371637000000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-82951490840549459312017-09-04T11:59:00.000-07:002017-10-06T06:25:50.997-07:00The Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium of Akron, OhioRubber Bowl Stadium of Akron, Ohio hosted crowds of cheering football fans and concert goers for nearly seven decades. Made obsolete by the newly built InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field in 2009, the Rubber Bowl now sits empty and rapidly decaying from age and vandalism.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGD38PYuQwVLCts_NCf59Aj8Cg0IjCAiqtJn8hN8F8DeXee63mrwI70oEbAZUbwVmyXLTL3wpe9_YASaydwD08AEbtk6INF5MH0yAMEuqnzB1pYmbplaerCOXGxKJ304A5pvIQca1inw/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGD38PYuQwVLCts_NCf59Aj8Cg0IjCAiqtJn8hN8F8DeXee63mrwI70oEbAZUbwVmyXLTL3wpe9_YASaydwD08AEbtk6INF5MH0yAMEuqnzB1pYmbplaerCOXGxKJ304A5pvIQca1inw/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-15.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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A short distance from the site of <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/07/rolling-acres-dead-mall.html" target="_blank">Rolling Acres Dead Mall</a>, Rubber Bowl Stadium is another of Akron, Ohio's infamous abandoned places. Situated on a large swath of land shared with Akron Fulton International Airport and Derby Downs, the beloved home of the All American Soap Box Derby, the stadium awaits its inevitable demise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljQVDHGWvDElTJ4HbySD88EFQK6HDbFFULFxVYq1TqSmNR1nmiNuP87vFOtZYkYqwqmCoZ7TKe6FXbRqM9LL_WDCCnHDix7CXfDlKSOe18FZO_kjiFINsl9ryzcMQOCCCrEiqhSuX5Iw/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="97" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljQVDHGWvDElTJ4HbySD88EFQK6HDbFFULFxVYq1TqSmNR1nmiNuP87vFOtZYkYqwqmCoZ7TKe6FXbRqM9LL_WDCCnHDix7CXfDlKSOe18FZO_kjiFINsl9ryzcMQOCCCrEiqhSuX5Iw/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-12.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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The Rubber Bowl is in very bad condition. The deserted structures along its perimeter are crumbling, their floors covered by rubble from collapsing ceilings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm37ouJ1unQ8gIvtNiK_TJ2Yakucg0VmblK_Rx1d_bCcD49mASqRG135wIdYN0Mj9nJA8gjZOda7sooN8zQz4Zi8Q1k1Sl-kHXrkz8L5QwpINvEfNvYI4uOFgpqyiCaWoMUMk7ZHTreoc/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm37ouJ1unQ8gIvtNiK_TJ2Yakucg0VmblK_Rx1d_bCcD49mASqRG135wIdYN0Mj9nJA8gjZOda7sooN8zQz4Zi8Q1k1Sl-kHXrkz8L5QwpINvEfNvYI4uOFgpqyiCaWoMUMk7ZHTreoc/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-08.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDtD4ZvPQ6m7TPyp2xTQJW4Tx2X0pKw0EMIMfKTpsbZH_XwGNsUH3seSmKSDd4R2UI7a9lwGqZgp2OznsWEjZsMIOqOx2D52ipT792k7ptJBilOGFcC82wYy1dsRIyD7sc8sYeN0-VJ8/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDtD4ZvPQ6m7TPyp2xTQJW4Tx2X0pKw0EMIMfKTpsbZH_XwGNsUH3seSmKSDd4R2UI7a9lwGqZgp2OznsWEjZsMIOqOx2D52ipT792k7ptJBilOGFcC82wYy1dsRIyD7sc8sYeN0-VJ8/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-14.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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Most of the stadium seating has been removed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepzHTVcEbJfU4Gr-K2sWpuKOD48GAslJ2K8yUALy7qoRgOwOBW-1r-1WWokns0LOuicK8R-NZ_36bWsSVbVegiCZDUxvTSF_2JpBHo-IpIxOwHxbUQkpbuya7fMjEkHj63-AHZ87cIsE/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepzHTVcEbJfU4Gr-K2sWpuKOD48GAslJ2K8yUALy7qoRgOwOBW-1r-1WWokns0LOuicK8R-NZ_36bWsSVbVegiCZDUxvTSF_2JpBHo-IpIxOwHxbUQkpbuya7fMjEkHj63-AHZ87cIsE/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-11.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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Much of it lies in heaps along the bottom of the spectator area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6BJEunEVTXPz1DjBYpQNPvUd3Bkva5EsZMAil9OYb9tDwh8RMSek2coyO6ZereYco9bxxlGCkkcXh3EpuZW_KF8g1OO54f5lXCsDX6QQjdF4uQuE-QDdGssVqOOlxsCV6kpGd2L6E6Y/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6BJEunEVTXPz1DjBYpQNPvUd3Bkva5EsZMAil9OYb9tDwh8RMSek2coyO6ZereYco9bxxlGCkkcXh3EpuZW_KF8g1OO54f5lXCsDX6QQjdF4uQuE-QDdGssVqOOlxsCV6kpGd2L6E6Y/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-01.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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The dark passageways beneath the stadium are choked with twisted metal benches and other detritus.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEAXFzb7ICDEmapaeZGOsQ99VD0s4zuK0eaFq7Kfwmed3SDa-opgaApU0XcDNx2qqcWh_rVcp4wCEXWXoqeI00TAOyn1ZF5FFwaBh7Z0sqjLSRtzepQ35phQiKXiey3F6TxWUIDszFSc/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEAXFzb7ICDEmapaeZGOsQ99VD0s4zuK0eaFq7Kfwmed3SDa-opgaApU0XcDNx2qqcWh_rVcp4wCEXWXoqeI00TAOyn1ZF5FFwaBh7Z0sqjLSRtzepQ35phQiKXiey3F6TxWUIDszFSc/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-21.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW1lXLdxu8fVcpNPeCJIMulgyGnWJc-oaZ0LalYSXksQduYB_pcLUQep0QSRunrBmLSk6IKEQ6_NJpascoRTAMBpy_o1KGkUzyl-ikQVV1L6gEO9p4XPkwxga-tx_WU93QUrNXPC54yQ/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW1lXLdxu8fVcpNPeCJIMulgyGnWJc-oaZ0LalYSXksQduYB_pcLUQep0QSRunrBmLSk6IKEQ6_NJpascoRTAMBpy_o1KGkUzyl-ikQVV1L6gEO9p4XPkwxga-tx_WU93QUrNXPC54yQ/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-24.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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The Rubber Bowl was built in 1940 as the home field of the University of Akron's football team, the Akron Zips. It was named in honor of the tire industry, which was so prominent at the time that Akron was considered the Rubber Capital of the World.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GpSE9EKH2SCDuCIPrFDnxHd6dE5oHPf8kGB6lyCRLTdEUhBiB-F9XJIYoTQMRCDIY9ZuhRG_ZDCFSncflJQ3_L3a2mgRlzDj2nbCsbL_gLLfwIF_SbHk9Py8IyXKGnt2rQKeG3UiJN8/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GpSE9EKH2SCDuCIPrFDnxHd6dE5oHPf8kGB6lyCRLTdEUhBiB-F9XJIYoTQMRCDIY9ZuhRG_ZDCFSncflJQ3_L3a2mgRlzDj2nbCsbL_gLLfwIF_SbHk9Py8IyXKGnt2rQKeG3UiJN8/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-05.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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The stadium was built by the Works Progress Administration, a federal program that provided hope and opportunity during the Great Depression by creating jobs and livable wages for 8.5 million people.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfsp2CHLSRnBMGnUw6JXK2DXsJLl-FaW1bhzqP5lbEfI2MCz1kgGm7C3a53bA4Lukf8lNY46z9G1GCRShUSMcXCnxrha0qMOnyqQZtvUeqYAkH5EDPfRHFSn2FCThIO6Nm5mLWbeM4lU/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfsp2CHLSRnBMGnUw6JXK2DXsJLl-FaW1bhzqP5lbEfI2MCz1kgGm7C3a53bA4Lukf8lNY46z9G1GCRShUSMcXCnxrha0qMOnyqQZtvUeqYAkH5EDPfRHFSn2FCThIO6Nm5mLWbeM4lU/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-06.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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The Akron Zips played a total of 324 games at Rubber Bowl stadium, the first of which occurred on October 5, 1940. Several professional football games and about 1,500 high school football games were also played there.<br />
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The original grass field was replaced by Astroturf in 1983. In 2003, the turf was upgraded to AstroPlay, which is still in relatively good condition.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGRR6oji6rACBmSckWQ48LjLyr8aAW6hiEGfI4HLG0z6opmHW2tRCVpkB5pneQmJsVVYQld6ycuHNgCbeDHWBtRDOD2d8gYY-SXJnRIJDT1ZHmyJcPa6VMmABthK9YpF5C_jOLtTvEig/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGRR6oji6rACBmSckWQ48LjLyr8aAW6hiEGfI4HLG0z6opmHW2tRCVpkB5pneQmJsVVYQld6ycuHNgCbeDHWBtRDOD2d8gYY-SXJnRIJDT1ZHmyJcPa6VMmABthK9YpF5C_jOLtTvEig/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-16.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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With a seating capacity of 35,202, the stadium served as a venue for concerts, circuses and other events. Over the years quite a few legendary musical acts performed at the Rubber Bowl, including The Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, Three Dog Night, Tom Petty, Aretha Franklin, and Ringo Starr.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7lTqsW6NKzbffJEQ0gZDMdNl2aUWADrHNooqohfeuyERo6twRzUNO_Vj2DbroXX6wJzH5RtzekgW0kqS6XBw06rvzEerv0kGxojawzH-_cMvK4K-1jcxoTg1HuiMFc7bPk5lsPi1FnA/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7lTqsW6NKzbffJEQ0gZDMdNl2aUWADrHNooqohfeuyERo6twRzUNO_Vj2DbroXX6wJzH5RtzekgW0kqS6XBw06rvzEerv0kGxojawzH-_cMvK4K-1jcxoTg1HuiMFc7bPk5lsPi1FnA/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-18.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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November 13, 2008 marked the Zips' final game at the Rubber Bowl. Facing off against the Buffalo Bulls, the game was televised on ESPN and went into an incredible four overtimes. Sadly, the Zips lost in what was the team's first overtime loss and their first four-overtime game in school history.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUpyeoIAk9YymKHxJ8M0JFnB34pTu_rfXzr3Sy4D1oJapVEfBBMCGEfH0J93LNzSra2ruHux-3CckFRyl2lD0l9I3Pks38synq2d8eXdItHdHIqf12w3jBTut77j0cIpxJ_qlsk_9WF8/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUpyeoIAk9YymKHxJ8M0JFnB34pTu_rfXzr3Sy4D1oJapVEfBBMCGEfH0J93LNzSra2ruHux-3CckFRyl2lD0l9I3Pks38synq2d8eXdItHdHIqf12w3jBTut77j0cIpxJ_qlsk_9WF8/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-20.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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With the completion of InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field in 2009, the Rubber Bowl's time came to an end. The new stadium is located on the University of Akron campus, which means that students no longer have to travel half a dozen miles to the Rubber Bowl to attend games and practices.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_fs6A5pTjWXbQO-14RFiKoP8P4S5QZKeEsmcU3QT54oP8EaSi66WNCR6-4wWEhV7hwAnyLD5-TUCVdJwglsKLmOjj-WV7bW0UaAPh6KKYnG3Fo2l9AdNbBlFImtP7ohtGEbCO26PFZ4/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_fs6A5pTjWXbQO-14RFiKoP8P4S5QZKeEsmcU3QT54oP8EaSi66WNCR6-4wWEhV7hwAnyLD5-TUCVdJwglsKLmOjj-WV7bW0UaAPh6KKYnG3Fo2l9AdNbBlFImtP7ohtGEbCO26PFZ4/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-22.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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In 2013, Team1 Marketing Group purchased the Rubber Bowl with plans to make it the home of a United States Football League team called the Akron Fire. Six months later, the league decided not to include an Akron-based team.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2CDXbKEApzptEjCj5-4S0CbXRoEVnFOi_qzdpov1OgtdCu87XlwP6Yr5NoEZGZwL2WG-4VvB1XLIsciyJq8qotWQBaEBlHGzB5jS6Oc3ncIX2zw1kkbLrBVBdmcm5SoB7avrC4klDQU/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2CDXbKEApzptEjCj5-4S0CbXRoEVnFOi_qzdpov1OgtdCu87XlwP6Yr5NoEZGZwL2WG-4VvB1XLIsciyJq8qotWQBaEBlHGzB5jS6Oc3ncIX2zw1kkbLrBVBdmcm5SoB7avrC4klDQU/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-25.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aXfGLMTnB3lxcGQhrbhl261dzrAQWHTq862NFbiIWdvsJaBFT9kOKb6ZxH4_07gvf7FhY8z2FUm-jLlMjQxCM5MQHpsuv77kSxnUjDBON8rkk79gijHKdJAoy1kRetWdnZMhUkXapiI/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aXfGLMTnB3lxcGQhrbhl261dzrAQWHTq862NFbiIWdvsJaBFT9kOKb6ZxH4_07gvf7FhY8z2FUm-jLlMjQxCM5MQHpsuv77kSxnUjDBON8rkk79gijHKdJAoy1kRetWdnZMhUkXapiI/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-23.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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Team1 modified their plans, hoping to build a dome over the stadium and transform it into a multi-use entertainment venue. The first event, a hip hop festival called LOUD-Fest, was scheduled to take place in May 2015, but moved to another location after concerns were raised about the deteriorated condition of the Rubber Bowl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BQYx-3jeJg-eC032n0n1rcSKKmACDLIds25fAIhYjhs_NrLb3cBIA9zbag3f4m9w55ipbKub8rh9YFsE-ry0NnVsXF5meGth-bOv6rXQ5QxRwbmFbOfhL7HF6CaispeaMw0cJ-lnCro/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BQYx-3jeJg-eC032n0n1rcSKKmACDLIds25fAIhYjhs_NrLb3cBIA9zbag3f4m9w55ipbKub8rh9YFsE-ry0NnVsXF5meGth-bOv6rXQ5QxRwbmFbOfhL7HF6CaispeaMw0cJ-lnCro/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-04.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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Plagued by zoning complications, financing difficulties, and a high tax burden, Team1 announced in late August 2017 that it would sign the property over to the Summit County Land Bank. The Rubber Bowl's future remains uncertain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkOD51iuL6oC1nnaHykQlHILxEzGsrvVIfZLFiE-mdmqNPapVH35U0N3_x9yEUqZHAboWS9N6XT7EqHM3dCAYY_G8T7KSdJKb5gjf6RakRXvyXbB4x5S5KHhh1ODON7L6Abh_AClBtVA/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkOD51iuL6oC1nnaHykQlHILxEzGsrvVIfZLFiE-mdmqNPapVH35U0N3_x9yEUqZHAboWS9N6XT7EqHM3dCAYY_G8T7KSdJKb5gjf6RakRXvyXbB4x5S5KHhh1ODON7L6Abh_AClBtVA/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-02.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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From Akron, I headed north to Cleveland to see the unique ruins of <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/10/secrets-of-abandoned-masonic-temple.html" target="_blank">Newburgh Masonic Temple</a>. <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/10/secrets-of-abandoned-masonic-temple.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to explore it with me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9GqSYzw5qqK0H-MCYtsKLI71nMU3nTGU5iLRdD-nNxJ1hGNdcn_EHITYMOf0HRtYvE_62I_JxlVL0v7amADNNmabrplR1JU9-bo5U3hRrgT0yn9B-AAX3Tl083j8X87pzSqWxN72hyphenhyphenk/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9GqSYzw5qqK0H-MCYtsKLI71nMU3nTGU5iLRdD-nNxJ1hGNdcn_EHITYMOf0HRtYvE_62I_JxlVL0v7amADNNmabrplR1JU9-bo5U3hRrgT0yn9B-AAX3Tl083j8X87pzSqWxN72hyphenhyphenk/s1600/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron-ohio-03.jpg" title="Abandoned Rubber Bowl Stadium in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com8Akron, OH, USA41.0814447 -81.519005340.889949699999995 -81.8417288 41.2729397 -81.196281800000008tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-64816474627549218172017-07-31T19:54:00.001-07:002017-09-04T12:04:52.964-07:00Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall - A Retail GraveyardRolling Acres Mall in Akron, Ohio was once a gleaming modern retail space bustling with life. Few would have foreseen the desolate symbol of urban decay it would become only a few decades after it opened.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVsYhYfhsW551_nUruEaFalCNfGec3Q9jJw6S0lWeRCMjVwl_-la1tHgmwr6NC9QhmspTAv6uuK9LfXRWMk4h6OVXocbG5RY86IFWENn8WJIO-EWWuL9IvOdrfFq4VPbl2gZ8RcuTwjY/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVsYhYfhsW551_nUruEaFalCNfGec3Q9jJw6S0lWeRCMjVwl_-la1tHgmwr6NC9QhmspTAv6uuK9LfXRWMk4h6OVXocbG5RY86IFWENn8WJIO-EWWuL9IvOdrfFq4VPbl2gZ8RcuTwjY/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-36.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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After exploring the overgrown ruins of an <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/06/abandoned-greenhouse.html" target="_blank">abandoned greenhouse complex</a>, I continued east to Akron, home of Rolling Acres dead mall, easily one of the most interesting places I've ever explored.<br />
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My heart raced as I crossed the sprawling parking lot marred by deep potholes and fissures toward the vast abandoned structure. The grounds were empty except for a few guys zipping around on motorcycles. Apparently the local law enforcement didn't mind them using the abandoned lot as a racetrack because they kept scrappers and vandals away.
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The ornate facades of anchor stores had fallen into severe disrepair.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9N6mmuAPo_C2DoxO9uFoCwhzElkkwrBrKY2N9La3IAaMPgtv-7MSH8H-EZQNZ7IjlvrvRC4r9MngAeguPCGYc9_JXQyOPUJ3uNQ38KJGcUDdfcGPEYqqpwZNAx1p0pNa3LXyUh7qhXI/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9N6mmuAPo_C2DoxO9uFoCwhzElkkwrBrKY2N9La3IAaMPgtv-7MSH8H-EZQNZ7IjlvrvRC4r9MngAeguPCGYc9_JXQyOPUJ3uNQ38KJGcUDdfcGPEYqqpwZNAx1p0pNa3LXyUh7qhXI/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-08.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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Weeds crept up around the sealed entrances.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXF5XDCYrAuLn8Ttx4Q81TsvrdK-gRMLaWBjFkGph5X38dYwiXc9Dmd1KmCAJXH4VGMnDOd6xc1OpAjuUFmcoMOag7IDk0sAjTLVMccM_-VArp2amYs2DXdaQ5l2Z8RmX9pGMnIwAa6KQ/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXF5XDCYrAuLn8Ttx4Q81TsvrdK-gRMLaWBjFkGph5X38dYwiXc9Dmd1KmCAJXH4VGMnDOd6xc1OpAjuUFmcoMOag7IDk0sAjTLVMccM_-VArp2amYs2DXdaQ5l2Z8RmX9pGMnIwAa6KQ/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-68.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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Created by Forest City Enterprises, a property management firm based in Cleveland, Rolling Acres Mall opened in the summer of 1975. Originally consisting of 21 stores including Sears as its anchor, the mall rapidly expanded in its early years. The number of stores more than doubled and two more anchor stores were added. An aquarium was also built, but removed not long after (Unfortunately I wasn't able to find any historic photos of the aquarium. If you have any, I would love to see them!).<br />
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1978 saw the addition of the second story Promenade as well as another anchor store...<br />
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and a food court.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDC-9a9nVTCgCzWAxVPFwfAkKJFSHZFrpYt4xQxeolOIUa14AIzX1_-SArak09Mb7qSaa2LtcWiUbXXxK-wKbqy51FVH_7IgculXHjcLeX4GmGurnBm7vhni6B_122fIuiGXhz3d6G1o/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDC-9a9nVTCgCzWAxVPFwfAkKJFSHZFrpYt4xQxeolOIUa14AIzX1_-SArak09Mb7qSaa2LtcWiUbXXxK-wKbqy51FVH_7IgculXHjcLeX4GmGurnBm7vhni6B_122fIuiGXhz3d6G1o/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-54.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAUc1djaqttoe9ZTUkZPh72MvdnC_RkT2DXQR6iDfyM24OYVBp5mwXiD_SoWQ3fWDzdncITbqEKrR5kBD1TZMDv2zp82YHEEFQVmMBxnb9kNt0eGTyecI7VQ3Dbh4wTEf-9_UlOrq-FA/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAUc1djaqttoe9ZTUkZPh72MvdnC_RkT2DXQR6iDfyM24OYVBp5mwXiD_SoWQ3fWDzdncITbqEKrR5kBD1TZMDv2zp82YHEEFQVmMBxnb9kNt0eGTyecI7VQ3Dbh4wTEf-9_UlOrq-FA/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-28.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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By the end of the decade, a three-screen movie theater was also added.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyyQOcM_9f7ym3aa_mbqjuGdwEnQwFwxj4KJNXgjUs-CyVGHV-jZLq1kHaGzu3wcjckrzWkOVHAWwIUWti2XwFca9Z-RwJaYdD3oNWEhUuCONIGPN5t89UoTNW6cAX6kx1HjMDrr1_PU/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyyQOcM_9f7ym3aa_mbqjuGdwEnQwFwxj4KJNXgjUs-CyVGHV-jZLq1kHaGzu3wcjckrzWkOVHAWwIUWti2XwFca9Z-RwJaYdD3oNWEhUuCONIGPN5t89UoTNW6cAX6kx1HjMDrr1_PU/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-44.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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Rolling Acres was a phenomenon in its day, with a state of the art glass elevator<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzUH6Ajd4h_bu7ntu7r6de56N3jzYE3Ox-_gtQS6plepVocwKL4q1fftwzwOrAVu1AqoiGYIFysLVRS6R7C0swavshwltmJUybQGmAJcsrwNaVqWbs_PXzbRisQUG93AdMqmAOoXX7vA/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzUH6Ajd4h_bu7ntu7r6de56N3jzYE3Ox-_gtQS6plepVocwKL4q1fftwzwOrAVu1AqoiGYIFysLVRS6R7C0swavshwltmJUybQGmAJcsrwNaVqWbs_PXzbRisQUG93AdMqmAOoXX7vA/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-57.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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and a variety of indoor plants.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhkXFML2L9Kar8LWFnY_7_f9SYANtSSqJAabtbn0h29_t_6dWqf313Vdk01WrZJ9u9pi7wI3SzxHe2pvFINy8X15CayCDqf7CgNeh8hWGe00ohU6tDSz1ByDXWYoTsQu0aIV5wgdSnyQ/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhkXFML2L9Kar8LWFnY_7_f9SYANtSSqJAabtbn0h29_t_6dWqf313Vdk01WrZJ9u9pi7wI3SzxHe2pvFINy8X15CayCDqf7CgNeh8hWGe00ohU6tDSz1ByDXWYoTsQu0aIV5wgdSnyQ/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-34.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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At the time of my visit, the mall had already been decimated by water damage, graffiti and vandalism. Still it wasn't difficult to imagine how grand Rolling Acres must have been in its prime. Huge geometric skylights angled up from the roof allowing plenty of natural light to spill in.<br />
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At the junction of its main corridors stood a large geometric sculpture and water fountain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37tzb51jVMap-eDx6NyyXJJJ_3GceruW5iCesdDqlXw5CNEVLpvs8LhqVakUtSx5A2ZtSV3TmBhvi2zj-J4DknrS8DjrDIqwsPm3xiD9aNl_yPN6dxg20VTSfCUqezjUgi_5SbE7MJy4/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37tzb51jVMap-eDx6NyyXJJJ_3GceruW5iCesdDqlXw5CNEVLpvs8LhqVakUtSx5A2ZtSV3TmBhvi2zj-J4DknrS8DjrDIqwsPm3xiD9aNl_yPN6dxg20VTSfCUqezjUgi_5SbE7MJy4/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-66.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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Over the years several of the anchor stores underwent changes. Montgomery Ward was replaced by Higbee's, which later became Dillard's. O'Neil's merged with May Company Ohio and later became Kaufmann's.<br />
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Target joined as the fifth anchor store in 1995, bringing the total number of retailers in Rolling Acres Mall to 140.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQW_S4t6AmY5JCWP-P9uPYxQ7ABs6FLFoNJuR_LVLYZOnlXU33ybqHgUdRi-1MDAxJoBW7U2Mhm42W7xjEffya_FDuQE82h5Xzlot64IakSWmtVzAHkj4Px_2PEQv35RhRq4HeoWVKB4/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQW_S4t6AmY5JCWP-P9uPYxQ7ABs6FLFoNJuR_LVLYZOnlXU33ybqHgUdRi-1MDAxJoBW7U2Mhm42W7xjEffya_FDuQE82h5Xzlot64IakSWmtVzAHkj4Px_2PEQv35RhRq4HeoWVKB4/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-27.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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The late '90s were a rough time for Rolling Acres. The mall developed a reputation as being unsafe and had trouble competing with the nearby Summit and Chapel Hill malls, which had recently undergone renovations and were located near more affluent areas.<br />
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Stores began to close and several of the anchors downgraded to outlet stores.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcMr0dYQ9b1HXJCw-vHq1sGkVqnPSFbux2A7sGcWAvFZQ7GxoSwZVVIJP6bYDP_GIymc756kb3KQp05H9EsvTbTv_jVDsuqQELdU6n0BhuVZhyeWq7XDezmjnIWHuvN9f5E0X_14G0rk/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcMr0dYQ9b1HXJCw-vHq1sGkVqnPSFbux2A7sGcWAvFZQ7GxoSwZVVIJP6bYDP_GIymc756kb3KQp05H9EsvTbTv_jVDsuqQELdU6n0BhuVZhyeWq7XDezmjnIWHuvN9f5E0X_14G0rk/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-04.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQL-8ojjvz0H6y7-MZNO1yODkka5VMpLSPjz1wy-AF5iu0DP8fGnzD2qTlZBlpd9Wcoxhw0C2CHOUf91NOMWJ3kiMxGZUzB92gt2UyI-JLqeTzcATDeArLD1HNBUIHZvzlCN1sDy8TQ_M/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQL-8ojjvz0H6y7-MZNO1yODkka5VMpLSPjz1wy-AF5iu0DP8fGnzD2qTlZBlpd9Wcoxhw0C2CHOUf91NOMWJ3kiMxGZUzB92gt2UyI-JLqeTzcATDeArLD1HNBUIHZvzlCN1sDy8TQ_M/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-16.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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Target became the first anchor store to leave when it moved to a new location several miles away in 2006. Dillard's closed later that year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg4q-ZUXEjvkwG7jQI1N_2W9hw05vHt11O79gpdVg_d9HxSjTr1d3m17Hjp46487WcVT152xIk7Z4dltJ214ZzAyvreVitDigI2b8PO1Tt8br7Eckz2OrnQqG7bqUzn44zLcwKYeqnyo/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg4q-ZUXEjvkwG7jQI1N_2W9hw05vHt11O79gpdVg_d9HxSjTr1d3m17Hjp46487WcVT152xIk7Z4dltJ214ZzAyvreVitDigI2b8PO1Tt8br7Eckz2OrnQqG7bqUzn44zLcwKYeqnyo/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-18.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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The mall was in such a state of decline that a 26-year-old man lived in a vacant store for several weeks before he was noticed and arrested.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43zmZh6SbMFkgYDRgG80wAucBfwGmx-R0BCtn8nIkRCRcBfola6vet_iXDHPSf0HGiNnHbcdK1Fpy2GenTt04n9wnmzjGiYSQNw5OaHeEQq-eReFoX2PJIP_69jlma-ZNwe7SDwhAtgg/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43zmZh6SbMFkgYDRgG80wAucBfwGmx-R0BCtn8nIkRCRcBfola6vet_iXDHPSf0HGiNnHbcdK1Fpy2GenTt04n9wnmzjGiYSQNw5OaHeEQq-eReFoX2PJIP_69jlma-ZNwe7SDwhAtgg/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-26.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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Macy's closed in March of 2008 and the movie theater, which had already closed and reopened several times, shut its doors for good in August. </div>
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In October of 2008, electricity to the mall was cut off due to unpaid energy bills and the few remaining businesses had to leave. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLRpq8vYwlt7S7FKRmkRdj5l9uRZlryUR2ORezvNb5Myy90K43D11Y8p9zvlWoekF1pgUElfP0T6MhY_nOHzQN4_TSw33ZqFe4fgW9Fkv1wZlW3bs5S2moylpa9wHAGQZ51E4Bq309Dc/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLRpq8vYwlt7S7FKRmkRdj5l9uRZlryUR2ORezvNb5Myy90K43D11Y8p9zvlWoekF1pgUElfP0T6MhY_nOHzQN4_TSw33ZqFe4fgW9Fkv1wZlW3bs5S2moylpa9wHAGQZ51E4Bq309Dc/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-31.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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Sears and JCPenney, the last two anchor stores, were not affected and continued to operate for several years after the mall went out of business. Sears finally closed in 2011. The following year, its former space was acquired by Pinnacle Recycling.<br />
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JC Penny's 5-Star Outlet was the only retail tenant until it too closed in December 2013. The building stood vacant until 2016, when JC Penney signed it over to the City of Akron. Storage companies now occupy two of the other former anchor stores. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAtOKvQug-QQi4URVGwB9NgfNax4dgHSr14RBBwJ6N9w2DBwdCgjaST1kwH-4EWc4vHuWV88Ed3fjjYRDJ5EoJ2P9nL2KmU7I1w3m7U6TMjuXcJB9V7ulpf9bzjU95MFew7EPOQdO6fk/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAtOKvQug-QQi4URVGwB9NgfNax4dgHSr14RBBwJ6N9w2DBwdCgjaST1kwH-4EWc4vHuWV88Ed3fjjYRDJ5EoJ2P9nL2KmU7I1w3m7U6TMjuXcJB9V7ulpf9bzjU95MFew7EPOQdO6fk/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-59.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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Since the mall closed in 2008, many of the skylights were smashed, letting in massive amounts of snow and rain. Structures tend to decay pretty quickly once the roof starts leaking. At the time of my visit in 2015, water damage was noticeable everywhere and in many areas the floors were still wet from the last time it rained. The layer of carpet and fallen ceiling tiles on the floor of the old cinema were so waterlogged that walking across it felt like stepping on wet sponges. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHHj6pAUUZ-h8H6AKFaM_DzcF9odPteLAi3W22rk0_eDKdjaQ3K8hn7LwF_wDFab_Aw2bY4f5FziyVStTWNhVYrwfSynUxWYo-AudN744u2XGArw6zqWPm51y3jbA5N-fNfvUJbIod-s/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHHj6pAUUZ-h8H6AKFaM_DzcF9odPteLAi3W22rk0_eDKdjaQ3K8hn7LwF_wDFab_Aw2bY4f5FziyVStTWNhVYrwfSynUxWYo-AudN744u2XGArw6zqWPm51y3jbA5N-fNfvUJbIod-s/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-52.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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Rolling Acres continued to gain notoriety after it became a dead mall. In April 2011 a man attempting to steal copper wire was electrocuted when he accidentally tapped into a live wire. </div>
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In November 2011 The body of Timothy Kern was discovered in the woods behind the mall. His death was later linked to the infamous Craigslist killer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChmHn_IURAJFAuxQvDcybOtrEnjlvFT_wDcfY1otCFVYqrDJjK363AjxYTz1_KYtetXuF6ZUR6X49tphekQo4jx81sgEsKl5R5nUpIAT7-ZeAPN9XTq11Mf30HgY_WlK-XOS2vaSu7DA/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChmHn_IURAJFAuxQvDcybOtrEnjlvFT_wDcfY1otCFVYqrDJjK363AjxYTz1_KYtetXuF6ZUR6X49tphekQo4jx81sgEsKl5R5nUpIAT7-ZeAPN9XTq11Mf30HgY_WlK-XOS2vaSu7DA/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-33.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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Rolling Acres was a fascinating place to explore. I was fortunate to have been granted access. After years of decay, the mall structure was demolished in early 2017, though the former anchor stores still stand. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmWJSFgQoQNaVxwSz0t5CEKCPEQRAfCaMoNsL5SL-scYnwo8iXfqJfNTUlpJH3tSSSLW4dBHY7aZWgz9kh-WZFLxz4ywfB8urg3r_3FQrPPTr2CC4SEpw9epsg_34BoYbfU9pSqGipuU/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" border="" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmWJSFgQoQNaVxwSz0t5CEKCPEQRAfCaMoNsL5SL-scYnwo8iXfqJfNTUlpJH3tSSSLW4dBHY7aZWgz9kh-WZFLxz4ywfB8urg3r_3FQrPPTr2CC4SEpw9epsg_34BoYbfU9pSqGipuU/s1600/abandoned-rolling-acres-dead-mall-akron-ohio-60.jpg" title="Abandoned Rolling Acres Dead Mall in Akron Ohio" /></a></div>
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A short distance from Rolling Acres is another of Akron's amazing abandoned places, <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/09/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron.html" target="_blank">Rubber Bowl Stadium</a>. <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/09/abandoned-rubber-bowl-stadium-akron.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> for the full article.<br />
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Thank you!<div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com172400 Romig Rd, Akron, OH 44320, USA41.049039479657395 -81.58227940817596441.046045979657393 -81.587321908175966 41.0520329796574 -81.577236908175962tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-50000147801825304292017-06-09T07:16:00.000-07:002017-07-31T22:19:29.674-07:00Reclaimed by Nature: Abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, OHEver wonder what happens to a greenhouse when it is no longer tended and the plants are left to fend for themselves? The results can be truly spectacular, as I discovered when I happened upon the wild and overgrown ruins of Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBCSOEWbgZ0GZ8hXvGwS5lHQ0M-oJHchWybl4nZ-fWvliixQk5Cf_MH76QkWgLn6D-r1tFrT1pRC_22So5n8-A9i9kfwo-tMelnerH8_KNP9mH5rbi1vhHISCU_vgp7CCpsxCCBCo3h4/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBCSOEWbgZ0GZ8hXvGwS5lHQ0M-oJHchWybl4nZ-fWvliixQk5Cf_MH76QkWgLn6D-r1tFrT1pRC_22So5n8-A9i9kfwo-tMelnerH8_KNP9mH5rbi1vhHISCU_vgp7CCpsxCCBCo3h4/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-40.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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On a sunny autumn morning about 2 weeks into my epic <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/03/out-of-frying-pan-and-into-rust-belt.html" target="_blank">Rust Belt road trip</a>, I made my way through Erie County, Ohio. I'd spent the previous day exploring the awesome remains of an <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/04/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-Ammunition-Factory.html" target="_blank">abandoned WWII era ammunition factory</a> and the <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/05/industrial-ruins-of-south-bend-indiana.html" target="_blank">industrial ruins of South Bend, Indiana</a> before continuing eastward into Ohio.<br />
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With Lake Erie to my left and stretches of farm fields and forest lands on my right, I came upon a sight so unusual and striking that I had to pull over for a closer look. A smokestack towered over a sprawling abandoned greenhouse complex overcome by the plant life it once contained.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAF-00Kn4prrt7nNfsT_FSXwtPXYm1QeBe8sXlW1Z45T6jGPClegbeA9ExSS85F1ZTaGZdF02yDRlYCFwm4qVKJUoSPc0PYlU-iW2j8fo0evSpeuUqXcmbdCtOPYDcsSjcZJsheD5xUM/s1600/Abandoned-Greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-39.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAF-00Kn4prrt7nNfsT_FSXwtPXYm1QeBe8sXlW1Z45T6jGPClegbeA9ExSS85F1ZTaGZdF02yDRlYCFwm4qVKJUoSPc0PYlU-iW2j8fo0evSpeuUqXcmbdCtOPYDcsSjcZJsheD5xUM/s1600/Abandoned-Greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-39.JPG" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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Trees burst through the glass ceilings and explosive plant growth dislodged panes of glass from the structure's metal frame.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBF02-qTQ_zbujtiTUW73mwEgocN9yzmoN1a2igAfcn5aIi9QvykSIprhEUQq4mmon2p-uhG5MnVQJ9CvLmxY8yH_QSyBsj701vSweNkITsNWBCv8uF3IIcYYTNsOnFseNLhdYCnaNxo/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBF02-qTQ_zbujtiTUW73mwEgocN9yzmoN1a2igAfcn5aIi9QvykSIprhEUQq4mmon2p-uhG5MnVQJ9CvLmxY8yH_QSyBsj701vSweNkITsNWBCv8uF3IIcYYTNsOnFseNLhdYCnaNxo/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-11.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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A glimpse inside revealed a ground blanketed in greenery. Leafy vines and trees grew along the walls giving the place a jungle-like atmosphere. I felt like I was peering into some magical realm from a storybook.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXF4uaFS7cw23CQeMg-8erY2We_PFSx0z7BM_65wX43GIQgzLBbaSY6kY2D3TBRf2XCQzAIUY4dRnADS_f837cruNa2w1GnHLzeuB0P6ZJ-iREZ9Ean38kxNVDOA7UHgqX3ylRSLOYiyE/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXF4uaFS7cw23CQeMg-8erY2We_PFSx0z7BM_65wX43GIQgzLBbaSY6kY2D3TBRf2XCQzAIUY4dRnADS_f837cruNa2w1GnHLzeuB0P6ZJ-iREZ9Ean38kxNVDOA7UHgqX3ylRSLOYiyE/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-01.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw90idhaPvRE8zw1RfMYWlKhZJoc2zGsYpjf8rCaPuvj2DfQv0fyrHiIc32-8xKa7nRrlbnU4xm2tExCvUPPsfD7Iq1sLPVVFkcSP2ZZkvTN07DC8N4UxlSJGAR7YgD_Q-jcvn-BBFczU/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw90idhaPvRE8zw1RfMYWlKhZJoc2zGsYpjf8rCaPuvj2DfQv0fyrHiIc32-8xKa7nRrlbnU4xm2tExCvUPPsfD7Iq1sLPVVFkcSP2ZZkvTN07DC8N4UxlSJGAR7YgD_Q-jcvn-BBFczU/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-05.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYxwRBocjDPOMmHF_fT2cMdzi7wb0mayM_dx2_sLV3Mr3xucno4YMEfyGFBDYUx2bFlv_ATRjgkQNUmwv-b-1j_FNP4UH7KUDy2VYPvpgcaD4cDV9Z0Xl9_rHvDXE08uvJlYSTPKt2f4/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYxwRBocjDPOMmHF_fT2cMdzi7wb0mayM_dx2_sLV3Mr3xucno4YMEfyGFBDYUx2bFlv_ATRjgkQNUmwv-b-1j_FNP4UH7KUDy2VYPvpgcaD4cDV9Z0Xl9_rHvDXE08uvJlYSTPKt2f4/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-02.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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Untended vines grew thick, twisting around poles to reach up through the shattered roof.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7C05dbDWzRpkQmGDhbEAvMFV3Gv6rC_aDAADkOv31ScTGAXcWaZYg0BhlN_5q5Jewj_hmCqTY-XLobZDti-Z2qqI0V7vSVlEMqvsx9SsPopXjveFfvrw_UNr26o2vc_59jDOE9qS5r0/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7C05dbDWzRpkQmGDhbEAvMFV3Gv6rC_aDAADkOv31ScTGAXcWaZYg0BhlN_5q5Jewj_hmCqTY-XLobZDti-Z2qqI0V7vSVlEMqvsx9SsPopXjveFfvrw_UNr26o2vc_59jDOE9qS5r0/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-30.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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Some areas were so heavily shaded by foliage that few plants grew along the floor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcP3G0B0Ty4wojDDbf73soEgCJ4ZmwIWkhtGzSwVxL6FqCHCwVOgDb5DDL8gkM1SlX-zLOIzy1RpYCWkOXC4CnUdh_KUWnSliN5LpDaLEzzAqsZuC21gFYqNm52Rm3mhDrMTtwTqmqZw/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcP3G0B0Ty4wojDDbf73soEgCJ4ZmwIWkhtGzSwVxL6FqCHCwVOgDb5DDL8gkM1SlX-zLOIzy1RpYCWkOXC4CnUdh_KUWnSliN5LpDaLEzzAqsZuC21gFYqNm52Rm3mhDrMTtwTqmqZw/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-38.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FFqa9uYna93WxgXMlTNAccQ3QtZ11kQeiQkj1uucDzgH8J_M1F4_D0jBByvIhOa17kk3YMAMCu613_w8asGc8ffflOD_PcCxvSr8ofgThrkUE20EohuMSgjnMnxuwhipfvHQD_JYokA/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FFqa9uYna93WxgXMlTNAccQ3QtZ11kQeiQkj1uucDzgH8J_M1F4_D0jBByvIhOa17kk3YMAMCu613_w8asGc8ffflOD_PcCxvSr8ofgThrkUE20EohuMSgjnMnxuwhipfvHQD_JYokA/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-15.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiH0aLJT3qfyGylW7Gpdjbx48qTP6NbboRvH9rMzAPKJ5E0a6gVELCWEcwCOwYfzU2l-x8Sem3BO2ISQIgTLX64ln2VGbmvdEw-2UBfrwTsjnuweav58N7kJBmR9NtDT3N_5luLM6tLas/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiH0aLJT3qfyGylW7Gpdjbx48qTP6NbboRvH9rMzAPKJ5E0a6gVELCWEcwCOwYfzU2l-x8Sem3BO2ISQIgTLX64ln2VGbmvdEw-2UBfrwTsjnuweav58N7kJBmR9NtDT3N_5luLM6tLas/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-13.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLLp5TxHeBCAs27-s6lTuOLJc35_9R_jcPXutGbC81e_KbnoAWnysTIYGm_AOyZakUenGZdA6n5yPZGbAEgChTR-ZgqQOOm5yPw_Gwsvlj328E3JUG5Rg5ZZ_IlEHNvo7SNdfEZZF3-Y/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLLp5TxHeBCAs27-s6lTuOLJc35_9R_jcPXutGbC81e_KbnoAWnysTIYGm_AOyZakUenGZdA6n5yPZGbAEgChTR-ZgqQOOm5yPw_Gwsvlj328E3JUG5Rg5ZZ_IlEHNvo7SNdfEZZF3-Y/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-16.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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A heap of empty plant pots lay against a wall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1RwWqgPBBnl_3VZVTsQXRsGcEEkc-QmgQrizLm-nK0xIbYH1WAMhXvPGPjQ4-2j1ma-rZwLC7-Tw5pOWlbot_AH3v32HIOvS8y5wNRQ25VEEf0Qz8TjM-xD3vvj1lzaPSCK5NELjgh0/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1RwWqgPBBnl_3VZVTsQXRsGcEEkc-QmgQrizLm-nK0xIbYH1WAMhXvPGPjQ4-2j1ma-rZwLC7-Tw5pOWlbot_AH3v32HIOvS8y5wNRQ25VEEf0Qz8TjM-xD3vvj1lzaPSCK5NELjgh0/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-14.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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Rusting equipment remained inside the main building.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtHwULDPe_ja_eowX5fo4BXL_J48P_0cJqwumFOVagUWhzXcn9mPeBfz5T0ppyGn6hPkYCKyegulTlx-1ETXEjtL-c7eH-ZqOrPFWlEm3Q-y0vufyw3ZF2J7IBHYOj-es-TmGgFFX-E4/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtHwULDPe_ja_eowX5fo4BXL_J48P_0cJqwumFOVagUWhzXcn9mPeBfz5T0ppyGn6hPkYCKyegulTlx-1ETXEjtL-c7eH-ZqOrPFWlEm3Q-y0vufyw3ZF2J7IBHYOj-es-TmGgFFX-E4/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-18.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5VUqVuEkONz8jJezwr3KLs4ECU7xPmBhaBCOx_klFdMRyFaNUqW65f8YrD4_uj9K4NaMj_hgydp81gLlI74RweyWFiSXnUYeTPOpzO_E5YSQetlF3kbHZATbi28kW3nUwvyU4yDGymw/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5VUqVuEkONz8jJezwr3KLs4ECU7xPmBhaBCOx_klFdMRyFaNUqW65f8YrD4_uj9K4NaMj_hgydp81gLlI74RweyWFiSXnUYeTPOpzO_E5YSQetlF3kbHZATbi28kW3nUwvyU4yDGymw/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-27.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHv5UWOVgOERbpPareicRsY8VgwNp-ZzktTgpaWMZvRcYmpJf5ydpXFIIoQSB7IpVHPiXnv1edFCFmcNbZ4-KI3iMVXoD771s-gUzXhhTlIzvuOaC3q7BhsPhlvPOvsobepEoag_nz8s/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHv5UWOVgOERbpPareicRsY8VgwNp-ZzktTgpaWMZvRcYmpJf5ydpXFIIoQSB7IpVHPiXnv1edFCFmcNbZ4-KI3iMVXoD771s-gUzXhhTlIzvuOaC3q7BhsPhlvPOvsobepEoag_nz8s/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-41.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tJgf-dMeHxnNfWS3RsGOFNubFuMk10IUMUz9OI2Oi7m1O-rXBTEayN96kzfkV3oNjI_Ol08qqk4e4vJ9QEK3IIUE29RJCTrhPB1QIebm_iGxqAyLz-DxWqgEyOmalp5xCJJIjUPdJtQ/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tJgf-dMeHxnNfWS3RsGOFNubFuMk10IUMUz9OI2Oi7m1O-rXBTEayN96kzfkV3oNjI_Ol08qqk4e4vJ9QEK3IIUE29RJCTrhPB1QIebm_iGxqAyLz-DxWqgEyOmalp5xCJJIjUPdJtQ/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-42.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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Several abandoned vehicles sat on the property.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0nF-ageeR4mFsdkhnc1samqrpmfE-AMKB9qAPoDIF-GT0OCUo58KbvYqOUKFDouClblLNlXJssTzU8ILzNS6cKjLDimWdcDn3yHw-1OkoWZhNHLamqe7CjdUuzZsydmiYMsS86fT4MI/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0nF-ageeR4mFsdkhnc1samqrpmfE-AMKB9qAPoDIF-GT0OCUo58KbvYqOUKFDouClblLNlXJssTzU8ILzNS6cKjLDimWdcDn3yHw-1OkoWZhNHLamqe7CjdUuzZsydmiYMsS86fT4MI/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-24.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6_P5FDVefQbthW1_0XS3daP89tkeO2eS3QkzRYlAN7Avrg4dswnslrQdOUEJxj9l0scdenhzsdZpIv8-ON7BmeUMP0HEcdv_ZoyIMvQRAkQAZ2LhHbm1ogfpOSOTflNNM-61FXZ8vxA/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6_P5FDVefQbthW1_0XS3daP89tkeO2eS3QkzRYlAN7Avrg4dswnslrQdOUEJxj9l0scdenhzsdZpIv8-ON7BmeUMP0HEcdv_ZoyIMvQRAkQAZ2LhHbm1ogfpOSOTflNNM-61FXZ8vxA/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-33.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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The Otto family owned and operated Otto's Greenhouse for several generations, reaching back to the 1800s. They cultivated a variety of crops including cucumbers, flowers and tomatoes.<br />
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Vintage cardboard tomato boxes from the 1960s can still be found on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/281095644/farmhouse-antiques-produce-basket-large?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=tomato%20basket&ref=sr_gallery_8" target="_blank">Etsy</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/139/0/8372723/il_570xN.1025158877_qns3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="570" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/139/0/8372723/il_570xN.1025158877_qns3.jpg" /></a></div>
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The family had at least one other greenhouse in the Ceylon area, featuring a similar smokestack, but the facility is no longer standing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILDb-j0DQxZ2gqdLVkVUsry2OYDk-zHaix1AQ3XOpUIRqRxh4rWs6XzNoJYUumoeHciz4C545ezxBTXWIygI8VqJXx1wGH72ZUdIdHVvI4EBr6ow0aRJ2qWjAUHkoGoMrpgIpyCsiP4M/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILDb-j0DQxZ2gqdLVkVUsry2OYDk-zHaix1AQ3XOpUIRqRxh4rWs6XzNoJYUumoeHciz4C545ezxBTXWIygI8VqJXx1wGH72ZUdIdHVvI4EBr6ow0aRJ2qWjAUHkoGoMrpgIpyCsiP4M/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-32.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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Otto's Greenhouse closed in the late 1990s due to financial difficulties. The details surrounding the closure are difficult to pin down, though a variety of reasons have been cited. Competition from cheaper imported Mexico-grown tomatoes undercut profits, especially in the wake of NAFTA in the late '90s. An attempt to pump water from Lake Erie is said to have resulted in the flooding of local homes due to an improperly installed valve.<br />
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Whiteflies, the bane of many tomato growers, also played a part in the demise of Otto's Greenhouse. The insect draws sap from the tomato plant, often spreading devastating viruses and mold infestations. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwvkm5fGqfPv6vUWQRxC13Cw96fc9KPz_n4OJF2NhsjHAiFnMyFuaY-eSfoNO__hCuaPNkHKKNR4ET2fdi9Ojg9hhGR-75W5HyAyaLkp9_Vq99W2xgkUwxVLYAda6_i9lZRdbNf2bnhA/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwvkm5fGqfPv6vUWQRxC13Cw96fc9KPz_n4OJF2NhsjHAiFnMyFuaY-eSfoNO__hCuaPNkHKKNR4ET2fdi9Ojg9hhGR-75W5HyAyaLkp9_Vq99W2xgkUwxVLYAda6_i9lZRdbNf2bnhA/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-25.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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I was fortunate to have the opportunity to see Otto's Greenhouse while it still stood. This beautiful structure has been demolished since the time of my visit. A <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WASUygQ55sg&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">drone video</a> posted on Youtube shows that very little remains of the greenhouse, other than the smokestack and the gutted shell of the main building.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKuvnYsrhvWSjpRcUhNZtEwziGDpHB9Wj5axPCwRrFtu2VoNTWSgsZayZL8fIC54E46mHn0290pvbFqWb3UJDPnviD1fkJV8kazSa6SIIJjIUyTJgBQm83ot5fBTqyrUQZEgG1nv2shg/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKuvnYsrhvWSjpRcUhNZtEwziGDpHB9Wj5axPCwRrFtu2VoNTWSgsZayZL8fIC54E46mHn0290pvbFqWb3UJDPnviD1fkJV8kazSa6SIIJjIUyTJgBQm83ot5fBTqyrUQZEgG1nv2shg/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-34.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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I resumed my journey eastward to Akron, Ohio, where I lived out my dream of <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/07/rolling-acres-dead-mall.html" target="_blank">exploring a dead mall</a>. I can hardly wait to tell you about it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYAFcjCGWhlRqiWOnsnh2CK_2OuQHPgTDVTGlSmnwiIuZN-Qx9qJjlL6CARJ8vbuIIjdmii-OvV3aDNZt-Hjfcuw6nKyM4hiOUgrX1dkIpGJAuIxUlaB53WbdoaLuxaj4RRWskJ-9ZOg/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYAFcjCGWhlRqiWOnsnh2CK_2OuQHPgTDVTGlSmnwiIuZN-Qx9qJjlL6CARJ8vbuIIjdmii-OvV3aDNZt-Hjfcuw6nKyM4hiOUgrX1dkIpGJAuIxUlaB53WbdoaLuxaj4RRWskJ-9ZOg/s1600/abandoned-greenhouse-reclaimed-by-nature-35.jpg" title="Nature reclaims abandoned Otto's Greenhouse in Huron, Ohio" /></a></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com16Huron, OH 44839, USA41.3950489 -82.55517329999997941.2997639 -82.716534799999977 41.490333899999996 -82.39381179999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-23044319051346962872017-05-19T05:31:00.000-07:002017-06-09T06:45:23.885-07:00Industrial Ruins of South Bend, IndianaSouth Bend, Indiana once thrived as a major industrial city. Since the 1960s, manufacturing jobs have steadily disappeared, leaving the Rust Belt city riddled with abandoned factories and homes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigd19wOXZl4vtTcWjqLDNZwtXEy1kM_sZ6PMNoS5jF_k2T0vGDdsE8ZYPEvXQmiRc7VTsOWMWSMIWhwzOUal3NtMKiiD1ou7ln_sy0efIGYy7KEqpfIyeTiCX3dhhv_xt3MwbwLe0KXO8/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigd19wOXZl4vtTcWjqLDNZwtXEy1kM_sZ6PMNoS5jF_k2T0vGDdsE8ZYPEvXQmiRc7VTsOWMWSMIWhwzOUal3NtMKiiD1ou7ln_sy0efIGYy7KEqpfIyeTiCX3dhhv_xt3MwbwLe0KXO8/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-05.jpg" title="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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After stopping in Buchanan, Michigan to see the <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/05/clark-equipment-company-buchanan-michigan.html" target="_blank">ruins of Clark Equipment Company</a>, I headed to South Bend, Indiana to wrap up another exciting day of my <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/03/out-of-frying-pan-and-into-rust-belt.html" target="_blank">Rust Belt exploration road trip</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvqlv4zqdMPo11OyvF8fEvhfp_YU-pd5cN2XIkkIw2SM3beF1Uo10d1RxR0c-lNad5_Eg9AnPNfafaMuTOTsOnnw3PpwBIJ-AyC9N4P2GcwzTitPDz8aT-wVPYJiRy2PHbktptvZ9RWI/s1600/abandoned-building-south-bend-indiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned building in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvqlv4zqdMPo11OyvF8fEvhfp_YU-pd5cN2XIkkIw2SM3beF1Uo10d1RxR0c-lNad5_Eg9AnPNfafaMuTOTsOnnw3PpwBIJ-AyC9N4P2GcwzTitPDz8aT-wVPYJiRy2PHbktptvZ9RWI/s1600/abandoned-building-south-bend-indiana.jpg" title="Abandoned building in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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My first stop was an abandoned fire station. I'd never been inside one before and could hardly wait to see what it was like.<br />
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This particular fire house was built in 1894 and was originally designated as South Bend Station Two. In 1922 the building was remodeled and became Station Four. It closed in 1975 and now stands vacant and boarded up with much of its roof missing.<br />
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The garage door was propped open, leaving a gap through which I could see the tires of a vehicle parked inside. As I approached, I heard music blaring and the sound of someone moving around. Despite my curiosity, I thought it best to turn around and leave the old fire station and its occupant in peace.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLcXFdywqXXcWUkt1dKvSDfDW8Agid3vO9J4VqfDFaEOlBwOnkMb-X7fgbeEWoshUvZDHfC_RUwICv1pNaBPaMFqqixVU9A4vBLx_mqQqUR-BtzF5-JnkZIj5lnvvR2r9eIQ2mTofMJQ/s1600/abandoned-fire-station-south-bend-indiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Firehouse in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLcXFdywqXXcWUkt1dKvSDfDW8Agid3vO9J4VqfDFaEOlBwOnkMb-X7fgbeEWoshUvZDHfC_RUwICv1pNaBPaMFqqixVU9A4vBLx_mqQqUR-BtzF5-JnkZIj5lnvvR2r9eIQ2mTofMJQ/s1600/abandoned-fire-station-south-bend-indiana.jpg" title="Abandoned Fire Station in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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I made my way to the abandoned factory building once occupied by Southbend Escan Corporation. The first floor windows were covered with weathered plywood panels, but many on the second and third floors were wide open, allowing the fading daylight to seep into the factory's dark interior.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqSPtQc6GYSMeHGkEZr3QaU8T64UXXYLDfJdg4q7RqZxQ-43Gkrhf3dVQKGsbTC87v-k7XoRAiOvaRokrGdW4vSqqx1A9LI3TY3ztoVexc8myweT88EfSdQ2s47nuhUzvKMdViCacW3Q/s1600/southbend-escan-corporation-abandoned-indiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqSPtQc6GYSMeHGkEZr3QaU8T64UXXYLDfJdg4q7RqZxQ-43Gkrhf3dVQKGsbTC87v-k7XoRAiOvaRokrGdW4vSqqx1A9LI3TY3ztoVexc8myweT88EfSdQ2s47nuhUzvKMdViCacW3Q/s1600/southbend-escan-corporation-abandoned-indiana.jpg" title="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahx6vFCYpIaNtmLzUprWs4G1VmO9ijjaelyE5JVaHFCss3-6v-Cxoobd9OVb6ahdvwn2Pw7gwZGIhoileC9QZXfS36piWZrvTTwPHj4ddr9OU7QDUrq-aXEOgjlctYIebQZPJV4z3W9A/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahx6vFCYpIaNtmLzUprWs4G1VmO9ijjaelyE5JVaHFCss3-6v-Cxoobd9OVb6ahdvwn2Pw7gwZGIhoileC9QZXfS36piWZrvTTwPHj4ddr9OU7QDUrq-aXEOgjlctYIebQZPJV4z3W9A/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-16.jpg" title="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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Beside the main building lies the ruins of another structure, mostly destroyed. All that remains are crumbling brick walls and a concrete floor covered in heaps of brick, wooden pallets and other detritus.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uzHFEAueV4uHeb92wSxRNJMzu6TxEbVV7QP0UK20Eh_zLHcH3aNBH_z9E99fr4Va_H1QrIc2nyw86AVeyvuDDqY6RPKnBr857BK8DbopHwJIGb0CSPXaEoB7MIxjqE0PYfUI9oQn-wY/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uzHFEAueV4uHeb92wSxRNJMzu6TxEbVV7QP0UK20Eh_zLHcH3aNBH_z9E99fr4Va_H1QrIc2nyw86AVeyvuDDqY6RPKnBr857BK8DbopHwJIGb0CSPXaEoB7MIxjqE0PYfUI9oQn-wY/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-09.jpg" title="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wA9NaRFKA-1uxILKXY7T2XNJnGfrhLdKo6OiAQvSqdnckJsNx4ulwEeWCbEQTveOTK5CQySJTPht_Lci2vNkViqHitI64kd-jCBILDlAQmn_45PXVIVa2p7-wqx1X8qmsjl-ZzfXasA/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wA9NaRFKA-1uxILKXY7T2XNJnGfrhLdKo6OiAQvSqdnckJsNx4ulwEeWCbEQTveOTK5CQySJTPht_Lci2vNkViqHitI64kd-jCBILDlAQmn_45PXVIVa2p7-wqx1X8qmsjl-ZzfXasA/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-14.jpg" title="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBzTCFMmzEjJV60xX8Akhck615qbklf0plpTi0fQ7wkwfF45SVZXexpE4rgDBIOXgT-nfkSaU7HmUI6Stb0XQ_C4MWpaz5bCGStT-DT0LRxg3tlAyaqAVupTBeAwri6_K-PEGjEstGxc/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBzTCFMmzEjJV60xX8Akhck615qbklf0plpTi0fQ7wkwfF45SVZXexpE4rgDBIOXgT-nfkSaU7HmUI6Stb0XQ_C4MWpaz5bCGStT-DT0LRxg3tlAyaqAVupTBeAwri6_K-PEGjEstGxc/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-08.jpg" title="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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The company was founded in 1898 as Malleable Steel Range Manufacturing Company, a producer of coal and wood burning kitchen stoves. The factory moved to the now-abandoned location in 1908. In the 1930s, the company shifted its focus to larger-scale ranges for hotels and restaurants. It also produced cooking equipment for the armed forces during World War II.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLsK46Wr5ZCltjI8WglFrsoUSYl-qVcUaHJt-VZGlUr5T_MezGxBGl_iB3HDvBJXyoj2SngkCpP1X6VJPsvJxjfm2Xd2XexWhVk9JcCqyfd7SaI9EssvHZSIsS__cT17kHC56Sb0r9nI/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLsK46Wr5ZCltjI8WglFrsoUSYl-qVcUaHJt-VZGlUr5T_MezGxBGl_iB3HDvBJXyoj2SngkCpP1X6VJPsvJxjfm2Xd2XexWhVk9JcCqyfd7SaI9EssvHZSIsS__cT17kHC56Sb0r9nI/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-12.jpg" title="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTWWipjBIZhdIRvy7iWdbxBW4WLsf4k6mjYdHsg1lRsd0M9ICnIK17xB2d0x-hYN9_IQzj-evI-jxT4u21dUN5UJyyRAV9nmjAqsqEql5HK_3uFQWHEx1yu5Xetzf01w5c-0q6CUlkF0/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTWWipjBIZhdIRvy7iWdbxBW4WLsf4k6mjYdHsg1lRsd0M9ICnIK17xB2d0x-hYN9_IQzj-evI-jxT4u21dUN5UJyyRAV9nmjAqsqEql5HK_3uFQWHEx1yu5Xetzf01w5c-0q6CUlkF0/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-13.jpg" title="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY73pyWqJTrbjVkEvZw64r5D59rFhvSlzX9awhWKCiW9yEUEqop7xbOLAusSMyXhKWdKmIcwTCYmee8-93DonD7DPWNbjBLQqMQg1D-OwWx0rQJnw8JvJAzCQ4Kht2Xw5WQjXRA5ypEk/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY73pyWqJTrbjVkEvZw64r5D59rFhvSlzX9awhWKCiW9yEUEqop7xbOLAusSMyXhKWdKmIcwTCYmee8-93DonD7DPWNbjBLQqMQg1D-OwWx0rQJnw8JvJAzCQ4Kht2Xw5WQjXRA5ypEk/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-04.jpg" title="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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The company changed its name to Southbend Escan Corporation in 1982, when it merged with Escan Metal Canada. The following year, all manufacturing operations moved to facilities in North Carolina.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1XeBUT8D2WQxAfrFAUGrCfXF8VLzb7IvXQE9XNSRErRnz8DM82h2dpY3ZFzLHOuVjfi3NPPDrD5DUNU7fSRuDN5yA_KhWBD-Fpe8hir4X4AwO8G2TIewmNdTY4UWsWcc3OJcjn3lPNU/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1XeBUT8D2WQxAfrFAUGrCfXF8VLzb7IvXQE9XNSRErRnz8DM82h2dpY3ZFzLHOuVjfi3NPPDrD5DUNU7fSRuDN5yA_KhWBD-Fpe8hir4X4AwO8G2TIewmNdTY4UWsWcc3OJcjn3lPNU/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-06.jpg" title="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36mhgLOKb7XV96kACIGyQpxD_vpA9urvAeflcqNqQ8dINALbfIAwVyd8q7RlPZclaQtCtR8Cb4j0MHlYE5INTAtPOboMLrnKizgHqmdhSDWJQdRxA7JXl5Jvm79MeyQiy-EpLdugfpqs/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36mhgLOKb7XV96kACIGyQpxD_vpA9urvAeflcqNqQ8dINALbfIAwVyd8q7RlPZclaQtCtR8Cb4j0MHlYE5INTAtPOboMLrnKizgHqmdhSDWJQdRxA7JXl5Jvm79MeyQiy-EpLdugfpqs/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-15.jpg" title="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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Another of South Bend's many abandoned industrial spaces is the Wilson Brothers Shirt Company compound.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYb6nV4S_jeoBHadbfzG26p8kpzvb-B49CCVLptwJq1jEwjZhoVngby-Z_nw61mh_nYtPx3DEJBQjijB4ObaTGWjQ4uQYoMzSTeyOJYL2121lZa42f8ahSLEMxUwia3qOyvUSVBYeRWY/s1600/abandoned-wilson-brothers-factory-south-bend-indiana-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wilson Brothers Factory in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYb6nV4S_jeoBHadbfzG26p8kpzvb-B49CCVLptwJq1jEwjZhoVngby-Z_nw61mh_nYtPx3DEJBQjijB4ObaTGWjQ4uQYoMzSTeyOJYL2121lZa42f8ahSLEMxUwia3qOyvUSVBYeRWY/s1600/abandoned-wilson-brothers-factory-south-bend-indiana-04.jpg" title="Abandoned Wilson Brothers Factory in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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Founded in 1864 in Chicago, Wilson Brothers produced shirts, underwear, socks, pajamas, and neckties.The company moved to South Bend in 1883, allegedly to employ the wives of the men who worked in the nearby Studebaker plant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddWNTq-FPsfbOYNvGvDupOp_KUDs2s0GQyctESAbnVCsG9Ul4tOkRvVo2yA4NhyE07eid0hZvnWrO4oqIFy4TBmuZUEetXMhamGEJEkr_4w5nlfyjt3E7kus1cdb6Vc5RF__KecaMALU/s1600/abandoned-wilson-brothers-factory-south-bend-indiana-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wilson Brothers Factory in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddWNTq-FPsfbOYNvGvDupOp_KUDs2s0GQyctESAbnVCsG9Ul4tOkRvVo2yA4NhyE07eid0hZvnWrO4oqIFy4TBmuZUEetXMhamGEJEkr_4w5nlfyjt3E7kus1cdb6Vc5RF__KecaMALU/s1600/abandoned-wilson-brothers-factory-south-bend-indiana-01.jpg" title="Abandoned Wilson Brothers Factory in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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Wilson Brothers flourished in the early 1900s, employing about 2,200 workers by 1930. During World War II, they contributed to the war effort by producing approximately 3.5 million pieces of clothing for the US armed forces.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VhzXct9tPWAfc-tjCuWEO4L0TS8XMEJxhneeYzaQiMH0G1eo7gRv46pZ5vuMxNPxseavsHQVzc1ovN56AYBCCTuzewKu4MNQs29SDyIM9oex8QniWYH4N64FYxqsZmE9D6Duhize5cU/s1600/abandoned-wilson-brothers-factory-south-bend-indiana-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wilson Brothers Factory in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VhzXct9tPWAfc-tjCuWEO4L0TS8XMEJxhneeYzaQiMH0G1eo7gRv46pZ5vuMxNPxseavsHQVzc1ovN56AYBCCTuzewKu4MNQs29SDyIM9oex8QniWYH4N64FYxqsZmE9D6Duhize5cU/s1600/abandoned-wilson-brothers-factory-south-bend-indiana-05.jpg" title="Abandoned Wilson Brothers Factory in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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Financial hardship in the '50s led to a merger with the Kentucky-based Enro Shirt Company in 1957. Unfortunately profitability continued to suffer and the South Bend factory closed in 1975.<br />
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The old industrial complex was bought by local Bill Anksorus in 2007. Rather than demolishing the buildings, Anksorus is having them carefully deconstructed so that the unique materials, including old growth wood beams and rare varieties of brick, can be reclaimed and repurposed. The University of Notre Dame has already bought tens of thousands of yellow bricks from the old structures to use for maintenance of its own buildings.<br />
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Materials reclaimed from the Wilson Brothers facility can be purchased via this website: http://www.southendreclaimed.com/south-bend-indiana-reclamation/<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqbAQyBsm57quS4iH2WRB3Z-Sjo04VFgWpL6XiWS7QLEKElLXno85s1UorfkT_ahjFhCi0NrX0cwWm7QU_4xLW74lEzq1-IusikB78NW57QGBx6XOLSqoLdKXaoLFc_GQtpDRJQzHa_U/s1600/abandoned-wilson-brothers-factory-south-bend-indiana-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wilson Brothers Factory in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqbAQyBsm57quS4iH2WRB3Z-Sjo04VFgWpL6XiWS7QLEKElLXno85s1UorfkT_ahjFhCi0NrX0cwWm7QU_4xLW74lEzq1-IusikB78NW57QGBx6XOLSqoLdKXaoLFc_GQtpDRJQzHa_U/s1600/abandoned-wilson-brothers-factory-south-bend-indiana-02.jpg" title="Abandoned Wilson Brothers Factory in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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South Bend has many other abandoned industrial and residential structures, which I did not have time to visit.<br />
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A redevelopment effort is currently underway, breathing new life into some of the old buildings, while others are being demolished to make way for new construction. Of the more than 1,300 abandoned homes that existed in South Bend in 2013, over 800 have been demolished or repaired.<br />
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The grounds of the old Studebaker plant were recently transformed into Ignition Park, a technology park intended to draw new industries to the city.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6iyr500YS8iBlC9feJdiDEmeK6JtRCRHlhGvkjfHEBpvnrlq-5N-Sjz8_CYacsgv3PJcuaem-FKhDd_djce1BvGzkFaeM11Y9O2mCJlwGrTAkWDjsaAx_jnjBvID47gJ1gZ1sa3bFOY/s1600/scottish-kilt-guy-sign-south-bend-indiana-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Old Scottish Kilt Sign in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6iyr500YS8iBlC9feJdiDEmeK6JtRCRHlhGvkjfHEBpvnrlq-5N-Sjz8_CYacsgv3PJcuaem-FKhDd_djce1BvGzkFaeM11Y9O2mCJlwGrTAkWDjsaAx_jnjBvID47gJ1gZ1sa3bFOY/s1600/scottish-kilt-guy-sign-south-bend-indiana-1.jpg" title="Old Scottish Kilt Sign in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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As the sun set on another day of exploring, I said goodbye to South Bend and continued east into Ohio, where I came upon the incredible ruins of an <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/06/abandoned-greenhouse.html" target="_blank">abandoned greenhouse</a>. Click <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/06/abandoned-greenhouse.html" target="_blank">here</a> for the article. You definitely don't want to miss this one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJtSTjmhl33pk95es-bi66k3Trz6dGYzXEHcD_5F1fqI3UkdiSZgRe3cNU7eLP-3oF_tWMijHysSHpDCO7cjkCaEF_e03YnKcFYriloLXJdPSUXzLnd9tDOPIqf_qqlghSEJjiIwY-5o/s1600/abandoned-wilson-brothers-factory-south-bend-indiana-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wilson Brothers Factory in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJtSTjmhl33pk95es-bi66k3Trz6dGYzXEHcD_5F1fqI3UkdiSZgRe3cNU7eLP-3oF_tWMijHysSHpDCO7cjkCaEF_e03YnKcFYriloLXJdPSUXzLnd9tDOPIqf_qqlghSEJjiIwY-5o/s1600/abandoned-wilson-brothers-factory-south-bend-indiana-08.jpg" title="Abandoned Wilson Brothers Factory in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
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Thank you for joining me on my exploration of South Bend. If you enjoyed it, please <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=http%3A//www.placesthatwere.com/2017/05/industrial-ruins-of-south-bend-indiana.html" target="_blank">share it on Facebook</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVNMwh-NJg8a7XNvyl6urOsbPch7fZNsqsZiLjT7GVA1TW5PIUNQxd8B2Drmrbn06JnxkpWz-wUv34zmEnvvvOvy1ZxufmYsoXUhLsZyHnKy1mZjXwmVelsL_-jGTegLRDkYycOFhRLs/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVNMwh-NJg8a7XNvyl6urOsbPch7fZNsqsZiLjT7GVA1TW5PIUNQxd8B2Drmrbn06JnxkpWz-wUv34zmEnvvvOvy1ZxufmYsoXUhLsZyHnKy1mZjXwmVelsL_-jGTegLRDkYycOFhRLs/s1600/abandoned-escan-corporation-factory-south-bend-indiana-17.jpg" title="Abandoned Escan Corporation Factory in South Bend Indiana" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com23South Bend, IN, USA41.6763545 -86.2519897999999941.48659 -86.574713299999985 41.866119000000005 -85.9292663tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-45004648021290705492017-05-08T05:46:00.000-07:002017-05-19T05:31:27.563-07:00The Old Clark Equipment Plant in Buchanan, MichiganClark Equipment Company of Buchanan, Michigan produced industrial and construction equipment for most of the 20th century and was a major contributor to the US wartime industry during WWII. After the plant closed in the '80s, nature and the elements have slowly eaten away at the deserted structures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9mZt0fwEgXhIAkyF0hWZL7KZGV41SIJxB-GNth7b9kqY1lm-KERoILtNjuJvl-_2goTGIq9lDpqG8wQ5zGp_BKNKhcuAUduKKYRnIap39XH_iIbXt6M1RHnD3dlpRJRd7yu7-VFVA0Y/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Guardhouse of Clark Equipment Company Plant in Buchanan, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9mZt0fwEgXhIAkyF0hWZL7KZGV41SIJxB-GNth7b9kqY1lm-KERoILtNjuJvl-_2goTGIq9lDpqG8wQ5zGp_BKNKhcuAUduKKYRnIap39XH_iIbXt6M1RHnD3dlpRJRd7yu7-VFVA0Y/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-01.jpg" title="Guardhouse of Clark Equipment Company Plant in Buchanan, Michigan" /></a></div>
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After stopping in Niles, Michigan to see the endangered <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/04/old-pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan.html" target="_blank">Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam</a>, I spent the afternoon in Buchanan, MI, home of the ruins of Clark Equipment Company.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiLvP63SRtLmRjjVS9_8nT1VaZFXNqoc-lzIJJfFd4dlZzrhTIu36K0yjvV1qDhaNJiaKEhamyjPdxbJGA9S98JfukCjxjtd0ztLJW-9htVM1TYJClnSpmiwZYI_p7SPbOO6BmtJj1P8/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clark Equipment Company Factory in Buchanan, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiLvP63SRtLmRjjVS9_8nT1VaZFXNqoc-lzIJJfFd4dlZzrhTIu36K0yjvV1qDhaNJiaKEhamyjPdxbJGA9S98JfukCjxjtd0ztLJW-9htVM1TYJClnSpmiwZYI_p7SPbOO6BmtJj1P8/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-03.jpg" title="Clark Equipment Company Factory in Buchanan, Michigan" /></a></div>
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The story of Clark Equipment Company began in 1903 when its precursor, the George R. Rich Manufacturing Company, was founded in Chicago by executives of the Illinois Steel Company. Rich Manufacturing relocated to Buchanan, Michigan in 1904. </div>
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In 1906 the company was renamed Celfor Tool, after its product the Celfor Drill. In 1916, Celfor Tool merged with Buchanan Electric Steel Company. The new entity was named Clark Equipment Company after Eugene B. Clark, the executive who organized the merger. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0k90dPxwospWOcOtGl_FtWc2S-o36qpNa109vhJrViXXPFV-EgSgE69mC9A_dWr8gBUfUMW1vRql3Um4oMmNiIYNuip8-GMK7hR7KM7LBU-Vb_DVaUkZbid_pmQbk46AHJYzAbpURlZs/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clark Equipment Company in Buchanan, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0k90dPxwospWOcOtGl_FtWc2S-o36qpNa109vhJrViXXPFV-EgSgE69mC9A_dWr8gBUfUMW1vRql3Um4oMmNiIYNuip8-GMK7hR7KM7LBU-Vb_DVaUkZbid_pmQbk46AHJYzAbpURlZs/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-02.jpg" title="Clark Equipment Company in Buchanan, Michigan" /></a></div>
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The first half of the century was a prosperous time for the company as it continued to grow and acquire other businesses. </div>
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By the 1960s, Clark Equipment was among America's 100 largest companies. The Buchanan plant alone employed over 3,500 people. By the end of the '60s, several divisions were sold off to allow the company to focus on its core products, which included forklifts, loaders, scrapers, and its expanded line of Bobcat equipment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbxf9TFWUdkjpyNRMKb6VDRv0hyphenhyphen_ZbOZx8eT8jvdhPTV-aP0OOjHIScFaKU095Gbf98x7WMCBLoR8hrA4yoU1Sxxo3MbXstjnPeoatirVODJZ-jv7ZmTuGS-8RPRad65Mm3MZ2qHDDao/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clark Equipment Company Factory in Buchanan, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbxf9TFWUdkjpyNRMKb6VDRv0hyphenhyphen_ZbOZx8eT8jvdhPTV-aP0OOjHIScFaKU095Gbf98x7WMCBLoR8hrA4yoU1Sxxo3MbXstjnPeoatirVODJZ-jv7ZmTuGS-8RPRad65Mm3MZ2qHDDao/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-04.jpg" title="Clark Equipment Company Factory in Buchanan, Michigan" /></a></div>
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The recession in the 1980s brought decreased profitability. Several factories were closed as a result, including the Buchanan plant in 1983.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjMzn3SUM_aPNgrXd3RcWuawl9RljS21rHab9v1IDHyUn6Otwaj1LcXEzEiVDFCbaRTPXMql48quu6vZmBgd13EDo3wQGMFZt4nxkcFDYtW08_y0b-OsW7Xm92O6CcZ7EJuiVN0HewBI/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clark Equipment Company Factory in Buchanan, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjMzn3SUM_aPNgrXd3RcWuawl9RljS21rHab9v1IDHyUn6Otwaj1LcXEzEiVDFCbaRTPXMql48quu6vZmBgd13EDo3wQGMFZt4nxkcFDYtW08_y0b-OsW7Xm92O6CcZ7EJuiVN0HewBI/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-06.jpg" title="Clark Equipment Company Factory in Buchanan, Michigan" /></a></div>
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There isn't much left of the old industrial complex. Many of the structures have been repurposed or demolished.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshf7MSEaBUnhAmNpGwVf7otp5K0Rfoj60jiFR5lwsXMTtDnChyphenhyphenpPIfErB5rcd-PThipxgnIEErmx6i6jxGzHFvKZ1WtxwnucQRdTf3rH16WxpdtrRZZU0X7CUWaB7mUSD_0UeNo9_Gv4/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clark Equipment Company Factory in Buchanan, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshf7MSEaBUnhAmNpGwVf7otp5K0Rfoj60jiFR5lwsXMTtDnChyphenhyphenpPIfErB5rcd-PThipxgnIEErmx6i6jxGzHFvKZ1WtxwnucQRdTf3rH16WxpdtrRZZU0X7CUWaB7mUSD_0UeNo9_Gv4/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-07.jpg" title="Clark Equipment Company Factory in Buchanan, Michigan" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT50SABG40M2JXYXbxt2I24V1AUemGl1TeyXY_zZbgKB_gjqbk3u1cF6VMJie4amZwQJIXUXYa2KMD1Jkm0GkNF6Zhqfc6NR3-Zlu5bfElO1gyb87SvXAAlO9MzPWAneJE9PNUjO0RU0Q/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clark Equipment Company in Buchanan, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT50SABG40M2JXYXbxt2I24V1AUemGl1TeyXY_zZbgKB_gjqbk3u1cF6VMJie4amZwQJIXUXYa2KMD1Jkm0GkNF6Zhqfc6NR3-Zlu5bfElO1gyb87SvXAAlO9MzPWAneJE9PNUjO0RU0Q/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-08.jpg" title="Clark Equipment Company in Buchanan, Michigan" /></a></div>
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The grounds of the old plant are not open to the public, but there is a nice walking trail from which you can get some decent views of the old property.<br />
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I walked around town a bit and enjoyed lunch at <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/bucktown-tap-buchanan" target="_blank">Bucktown Tap</a>, a great little bar and restaurant. I would like to recommend stopping for a bite and a drink if you're ever in the area, but I'm disappointed to report that Bucktown Tap has closed since my visit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9c7FyyRo9dzqffapccvh8eMHa-1gZ0xeyh7qlzXVWl3frYjEw3ZQVnIH5J7K9_r854Lv7vFwz5SJ_DGQYC_gR10795apz8w3m9taLGcefO3h0qrpI5X5JSzFEQjZ5d1MeRdIRD2h-_go/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clark Equipment Company Gate in Buchanan, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9c7FyyRo9dzqffapccvh8eMHa-1gZ0xeyh7qlzXVWl3frYjEw3ZQVnIH5J7K9_r854Lv7vFwz5SJ_DGQYC_gR10795apz8w3m9taLGcefO3h0qrpI5X5JSzFEQjZ5d1MeRdIRD2h-_go/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-09.jpg" title="Clark Equipment Company Gate in Buchanan, Michigan" /></a></div>
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I took in a few more of Buchanan's historic buildings and then headed to the city of <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/05/industrial-ruins-of-south-bend-indiana.html" target="_blank">South Bend</a>, to see its many <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/05/industrial-ruins-of-south-bend-indiana.html" target="_blank">abandoned factories</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizf_FEw0BeCK_SUrpbeMLALnvapGaL2BGoFxSaYkOAA-JrEWGpakWoYlqXAbItNjBex95lu_knP6iqMoI6UOST-CHfvUWTga9Vay6Ouo38bw_SL-A_kMG49rhPvXjm7X-pT0yBcoUnj90/s1600/historic-building-buchanan-michigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Historic building in Buchanan, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizf_FEw0BeCK_SUrpbeMLALnvapGaL2BGoFxSaYkOAA-JrEWGpakWoYlqXAbItNjBex95lu_knP6iqMoI6UOST-CHfvUWTga9Vay6Ouo38bw_SL-A_kMG49rhPvXjm7X-pT0yBcoUnj90/s1600/historic-building-buchanan-michigan.jpg" title="Historic building in Buchanan, Michigan" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A historical building in Buchanan, Michigan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeMiYebLJ1JNFrYS9nrh91ADbtRgqgkWMDDbgm5_IBg667O4mZFaJuXY9TtgZ4pFYTHYLzvmGHTCurtdqIyupOg9tQEzmp8c_p8CC1TFPASBm3h-HUyJqoK1ne3pW4cvFgYhsja20D1M/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clark Equipment Company grounds in Buchanan, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeMiYebLJ1JNFrYS9nrh91ADbtRgqgkWMDDbgm5_IBg667O4mZFaJuXY9TtgZ4pFYTHYLzvmGHTCurtdqIyupOg9tQEzmp8c_p8CC1TFPASBm3h-HUyJqoK1ne3pW4cvFgYhsja20D1M/s1600/abandoned-clark-equipment-company-plant-buchanan-michigan-10.jpg" title="Clark Equipment Company grounds in Buchanan, Michigan" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com19Buchanan, MI 49107, USA41.8272684 -86.3611247999999741.7799404 -86.441805799999969 41.8745964 -86.280443799999972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-31931759745453781862017-04-19T06:24:00.000-07:002017-12-31T16:55:55.903-08:00The Old Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, MichiganOn the outskirts of Niles, Michigan, an aging hydroelectric dam straddles the Dowagiac River. After nearly 70 years of producing electricity for the city, the turbines of Pucker Street Dam ground to a stop. The old structure will soon face demolition.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTgpZCTQj4GzMmwHcDM2G1NfL8RZbSh8XUr8CnMP6iM3Rv17_zin7jyImtlfuWdXjh7NOpytJ1csb-gPESQowF4Vl5fVcoQDnJUrooYpXCT-616fZ0geKEbbqaiB9NLULsp-TMzF_JWU/s1600/pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTgpZCTQj4GzMmwHcDM2G1NfL8RZbSh8XUr8CnMP6iM3Rv17_zin7jyImtlfuWdXjh7NOpytJ1csb-gPESQowF4Vl5fVcoQDnJUrooYpXCT-616fZ0geKEbbqaiB9NLULsp-TMzF_JWU/s1600/pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan-00.jpg" title="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" /></a></div>
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After exploring the incredible ruins of the <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/04/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-Ammunition-Factory.html" target="_blank">Kinsgsbury Ordnance Plant</a>, I crossed into Michigan and made my way to the city of Niles. A rural road led me past sprawling farm fields and the lush clumps of forest that hug the banks of the Dowagiac River.<br />
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I stopped at a lonely intersection where an isolated two story brick building sat abandoned. Above the sagging porch roof hung a rusty sign with faded lettering that read "Groceries - Cold Meats".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyxDYung-5WSMw3ETbPrxuq5X48P7w3YozLxPEHOvFSy7ofHA8gvHAHV_3eai3fGIxIoy6PpdMAWMlDvmvljNxWSAX3ywb2t-ViQiyBFX0QEZHKDD0mFAl_-x5hMeAquHeGZIofIyzWA/s1600/abandoned-groceries-cold-meats-store-niles-michigan-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyxDYung-5WSMw3ETbPrxuq5X48P7w3YozLxPEHOvFSy7ofHA8gvHAHV_3eai3fGIxIoy6PpdMAWMlDvmvljNxWSAX3ywb2t-ViQiyBFX0QEZHKDD0mFAl_-x5hMeAquHeGZIofIyzWA/s1600/abandoned-groceries-cold-meats-store-niles-michigan-10.jpg" title="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" /></a></div>
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Mindful of the "Keep Out" sign on the front door, I kept a respectful distance as I snapped a few shots of the old grocery store. I was not able to find any history on this neat old place. If you have any information, please leave a comment at the end of this article.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxz8YToX6hQm1mds5ObqbEnwn2eZLA9vsVWzl_x9t__PH-24G3W9xydC6oNhez_Blqrb2fa8kQd67AMmPywl2V_BirFZdVK_Z33mo1xZcNMPvXqFQL-OBISgxpnBnDY1H-Tqa8YJ0fYM/s1600/abandoned-groceries-cold-meats-store-niles-michigan-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxz8YToX6hQm1mds5ObqbEnwn2eZLA9vsVWzl_x9t__PH-24G3W9xydC6oNhez_Blqrb2fa8kQd67AMmPywl2V_BirFZdVK_Z33mo1xZcNMPvXqFQL-OBISgxpnBnDY1H-Tqa8YJ0fYM/s1600/abandoned-groceries-cold-meats-store-niles-michigan-11.jpg" title="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" /></a></div>
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A few miles down the road, I came to the Pucker Street Dam. A few other cars were parked along the dirt loop that marks the small public park. Half a dozen people sat along the river bank, casting fishing lines near the base of the dam. A popular spot for salmon fishing, I was surprised the sunny weather had not drawn a larger crowd. The sloping green hillside that overlooks the dam is a perfect spot for a picnic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KEAp2mcrciM3XtNXOOP1bwe-UNuVSnwtOgHTY9JQnpvf3puRxLgIScIZTl55XT_Y3o_MjN6tuDae4swJNQoIxcYTXJ7L5KKdCbcT2nqwmI15smLQVKOGiMEXeu6Uu9o7F2Wlq7kU2uM/s1600/pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KEAp2mcrciM3XtNXOOP1bwe-UNuVSnwtOgHTY9JQnpvf3puRxLgIScIZTl55XT_Y3o_MjN6tuDae4swJNQoIxcYTXJ7L5KKdCbcT2nqwmI15smLQVKOGiMEXeu6Uu9o7F2Wlq7kU2uM/s1600/pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan-08.jpg" title="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" /></a></div>
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The powerhouse is sealed up and inaccessible so it was not possible to get a look at its inner workings. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcFc7-58Gi6RH-phpNavCmHfw-BBhkpQGXzzE_f-IfjoPrgziyJ7nwJPYlx8lYMasjemo-krUJo-DZOTUxdORGSp6wxwI19zc75Cstuws64E2hVbmNS6_Mdo1mr_jUYi_8aWgfJmxeN8/s1600/pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcFc7-58Gi6RH-phpNavCmHfw-BBhkpQGXzzE_f-IfjoPrgziyJ7nwJPYlx8lYMasjemo-krUJo-DZOTUxdORGSp6wxwI19zc75Cstuws64E2hVbmNS6_Mdo1mr_jUYi_8aWgfJmxeN8/s1600/pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan-01.jpg" title="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" /></a></div>
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Pucker Street Dam has a long history, extending back almost 200 years. In 1828 a log dam was built at the site to power a grist mill. In 1891 it was converted into a hydroelectric dam. The City of Niles purchased the property three years later.<br />
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In 1928 the log dam was replaced by the concrete hydroelectric dam, which went on to provide power to the city for 67 years. Due to costly maintenance problems Pucker Street Dam stopped producing electricity in 1995.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzsTBAP9hobX_CJspPWiiGDdEETUgQpIY69oCSgzI33oPGmgIn4KJBwSZD4GVlukSMPwZ1DphoviEFhkUoV7ekOQvG0OXIbCCPgvsOvAwqd-c8_-ibhANVhJrtMUaltN4WNG-c3EfISk/s1600/pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzsTBAP9hobX_CJspPWiiGDdEETUgQpIY69oCSgzI33oPGmgIn4KJBwSZD4GVlukSMPwZ1DphoviEFhkUoV7ekOQvG0OXIbCCPgvsOvAwqd-c8_-ibhANVhJrtMUaltN4WNG-c3EfISk/s1600/pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan-02.jpg" title="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" /></a></div>
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A private company has expressed interest in restoring the dam to working order, but the city remains unconvinced of the economic viability of such a project.<br />
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Faced with liability concerns and the increasing cost of maintaining the old structure, the City of Niles has drawn up plans to remove Pucker Street Dam and restore the natural flow of Dowagiac River.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JUufn1yk-V9BVcUfUNaOeHK7NkSaUzlQt3nthQ5mKG04WhITDq3_QO7xgJvz_ZsFSFHTs-WsN7IvTS8CBCMUdehUihoHf6bxR03MKFSM2BhU12waq71ZrQW6Lu5NpFdmazyXjfD7KV8/s1600/pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JUufn1yk-V9BVcUfUNaOeHK7NkSaUzlQt3nthQ5mKG04WhITDq3_QO7xgJvz_ZsFSFHTs-WsN7IvTS8CBCMUdehUihoHf6bxR03MKFSM2BhU12waq71ZrQW6Lu5NpFdmazyXjfD7KV8/s1600/pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan-04.jpg" title="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" /></a></div>
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Habitat fragmentation is a major factor in the decision. Located about three miles from the intersection of the Dowagiac and St. Joseph Rivers, the Niles dam blocks the migratory route of many species of salmon and other fish, preventing them from populating 159 miles of the watershed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfY26En9GmlwH8oUWIxK43MtvzXl2JQKa1dw_rleaAU0uRwsyTCMGM6pg2w-WNUINuEWvd8ddaMCldJ3UK20o-fMXy7YCWcC-O_4vGeAjuw-6L1V5lqkHuwgbfQkgJBE-4e5gYfuSNd8/s1600/pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfY26En9GmlwH8oUWIxK43MtvzXl2JQKa1dw_rleaAU0uRwsyTCMGM6pg2w-WNUINuEWvd8ddaMCldJ3UK20o-fMXy7YCWcC-O_4vGeAjuw-6L1V5lqkHuwgbfQkgJBE-4e5gYfuSNd8/s1600/pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan-05.jpg" title="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" /></a></div>
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In addition to restoring the ecology of the Dowagiac River system and expanding the fishery, removal of the dam will open the waterway to recreational activities including kayaking, canoeing, and tubing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xu5okDVwpjqddCWGTD-1-RfVxFBOxh8Ia9MYdxd5olcn-QsIQyBxPz8JAvXhgctAUrtvxbQ-jIM-_wVfF1s6j0A4WB6XxBJJ9TN46t5lNDwyNoOkuhqH7JMDevWF4NUhNaSkubN6ZA8/s1600/pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xu5okDVwpjqddCWGTD-1-RfVxFBOxh8Ia9MYdxd5olcn-QsIQyBxPz8JAvXhgctAUrtvxbQ-jIM-_wVfF1s6j0A4WB6XxBJJ9TN46t5lNDwyNoOkuhqH7JMDevWF4NUhNaSkubN6ZA8/s1600/pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan-09.jpg" title="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" /></a></div>
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Grateful for the opportunity to see Pucker Street Dam before it is demolished, I left Niles and continued my journey through the Rust Belt. Next stop: <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/05/clark-equipment-company-buchanan-michigan.html" target="_blank">Buchanan, Michigan, home of a major abandoned industrial site</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtmp3mdrnR3qgs4mIn7vV84DfDG4JdcVErj4FJm2JXb2PiBBOwhVPy8T-Ejx6Kt4HA_LxO2q-8xoZx5oMBHWmrXm4x1ER88Jlh380tS_sbpirlbRzaUwcXEMTqKrekYxAIHystgAPvoQ/s1600/abandoned-building-niles-michigan-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtmp3mdrnR3qgs4mIn7vV84DfDG4JdcVErj4FJm2JXb2PiBBOwhVPy8T-Ejx6Kt4HA_LxO2q-8xoZx5oMBHWmrXm4x1ER88Jlh380tS_sbpirlbRzaUwcXEMTqKrekYxAIHystgAPvoQ/s1600/abandoned-building-niles-michigan-12.jpg" title="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vacant building across the road from Pucker Street Dam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAozcZsC2kPo_wzIY2htSaM9oyMmqc5ihIRDQmZt7DYEn7S6WRnKHKHI5fhbJBwFSAfTBpQdIRo4pGT9oUUtA-L605f5q3llBMn_y-ubV510HXjj2n9LStE16_Gk2BH-y6Bf7S76NlEWA/s1600/pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAozcZsC2kPo_wzIY2htSaM9oyMmqc5ihIRDQmZt7DYEn7S6WRnKHKHI5fhbJBwFSAfTBpQdIRo4pGT9oUUtA-L605f5q3llBMn_y-ubV510HXjj2n9LStE16_Gk2BH-y6Bf7S76NlEWA/s1600/pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan-06.jpg" title="Pucker Street Hydroelectric Dam in Niles, Michigan" /></a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com24Niles, MI 49120, USA41.8297694 -86.25417679999998241.8297694 -86.254176799999982 41.8297694 -86.254176799999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-34954253690578228142017-04-05T05:54:00.000-07:002017-05-25T21:23:24.364-07:00Kingsbury Ordnance Plant - An Incredible Abandoned WWII Era Ammunition FactoryAcross a sprawling 13,000-acre stretch of land lies the scattered remains of a World War II era Ammunition factory. The crumbling industrial buildings and subterranean bunkers of Kingsbury Ordnance Plant punctuate grids of cracked pavement surrounded by farm fields and forestland. The gears of the wartime industry that lifted America from the Great Depression and fueled the Allied victory over the Axis have long since ground to a halt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxphKxB67EWIyTWMqqVLpcWgFmcwrr4j01y_P9rHOWLUKhmIIcxqRsNUt0Ck2ingNbd0UA3yBwQ-qgaRi-Cp2FG6heasdjXsXiQfmk5kkJXW5o-U-Lq6LRJRgQqxgkzXksWdbmq5sT1wU/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxphKxB67EWIyTWMqqVLpcWgFmcwrr4j01y_P9rHOWLUKhmIIcxqRsNUt0Ck2ingNbd0UA3yBwQ-qgaRi-Cp2FG6heasdjXsXiQfmk5kkJXW5o-U-Lq6LRJRgQqxgkzXksWdbmq5sT1wU/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-01.jpg" title="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned WWII Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" /></a></div>
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After an incredible day in Gary, Indiana exploring the abandoned <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/03/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana.html" target="_blank">Palace Theater</a>, <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/01/abandoned-city-methodist-church-gary-indiana.html" target="_blank">City Methodist Church</a> and <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/01/horace-mann-school-abandoned-gary-indiana.html" target="_blank">other</a> awesome <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/02/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium.html" target="_blank">abandoned places</a>, I set out to see the ruins of Kingsbury Ordnance Plant.<br />
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I stopped at a gas station just outside the city of La Porte. In an icy tone, the cashier asked for my credit card and drivers license to hold while I pumped my gas. I was surprised, but shrugged it off and filled up my tank. When I came back in, she was all smiles and explained that she was being extra careful because she'd never seen me before. The other cashier asked why I was visiting La Porte of all places and then started dancing around behind the counter. We shared a laugh and I got back on the road.<br />
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The remains of Kingsbury Ordnance Plant are spread out over a huge rural area with a small population, so I doubted I would run into anyone during my visit. I was very wrong.<br />
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Some of the old buildings have been sold to private companies. A security guard working for a chemical company approached me to make sure I wasn't snapping photos of the plant. I assured him I was only there to look at the historic buildings and he seemed satisfied. Still I decided to leave the area so I wouldn't cause undue concern.<br />
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Navigating the old ammunition factory was challenging because there are no signs to indicate what or where anything is. I relied mostly on satellite images.<br />
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I found an area where dozens of identical bunkers lay spaced out in rows like houses in a subdivision. Grass covered the sloped roofs and trees grew atop many of them. They seemed to be empty, but I couldn't be sure. It would have taken a very long time to peek inside each of them to find out.<br />
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Some of Kingsbury's old structures were fenced off or sealed up.<br />
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Others had collapsed to little more than foundations with rows of bare concrete walls. <br />
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I wandered around, occasionally managing to get a peek inside.<br />
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A few buildings still contained relics left behind when the plant closed.<br />
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As I made my way back to the car, a man in a white pickup pulled over and asked if I was parked nearby. He told me that a guy who was leasing the property had called the cops because he didn't recognize my car.
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Police had already arrived at my car by the time I got there. I told them I was only there to take pictures of the old buildings and didn't mean to cause any trouble. Apparently I had driven past a No Trespassing sign without realizing it. After running my license and seeing that I had a clean record, the police said I was free to go. I apologized for the inconvenience and headed back out on the road.
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Needless to say, if you're thinking about exploring Kingsbury Ordnance plant, keep an eye out for No Trespassing signs. It's also be a good idea to contact local law enforcement and ask which areas are okay to explore. They will appreciate it.
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After France fell to Hitler's forces in 1940, the US began gearing up for war. The Department of War commissioned the construction of 73 ammunition manufacturing facilities across the United States.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfPHh08-dx2dHRcezuEGz96K7wk-wlRVxiJ5gedT3B2tlFP2jr9lh4GFkEjUy0-faJDcMhMzeuN5FHd7XUB38mcNC9V3bcL86jcYz_nBUpna5ARGxJ00dJZQz8VI_NTl5er02oewyW30/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfPHh08-dx2dHRcezuEGz96K7wk-wlRVxiJ5gedT3B2tlFP2jr9lh4GFkEjUy0-faJDcMhMzeuN5FHd7XUB38mcNC9V3bcL86jcYz_nBUpna5ARGxJ00dJZQz8VI_NTl5er02oewyW30/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-02.jpg" title="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned WWII Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" /></a></div>
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LaPorte County, Indiana was deemed a prime location because the land was relatively flat and had plentiful well water. It was far enough inland to avoid enemy attacks, but well positioned near highways and railroads so that product could be easily transported to the East and West coasts. The area was also far enough from any major city that an accidental explosion was unlikely to cause much harm.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6Me476UUAsdgjFV8PKF22EcXOG1WMfczXF1BZKVY3fg6P69NJim2C9Q1Am4U8K5ZZa6fgfvmsOZtnLsr2JSFR761vZ8bkA3Nnhk21rzcgH1KfmJ3u3qtoESs3D3g9v03ltNEhAf-vJM/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6Me476UUAsdgjFV8PKF22EcXOG1WMfczXF1BZKVY3fg6P69NJim2C9Q1Am4U8K5ZZa6fgfvmsOZtnLsr2JSFR761vZ8bkA3Nnhk21rzcgH1KfmJ3u3qtoESs3D3g9v03ltNEhAf-vJM/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-06.jpg" title="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned WWII Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" /></a></div>
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Buildings were spaced apart so that if an explosion did occur, the surrounding structures would not be damaged. Fortunately, there were never any major accidents.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26ycnP-y9Sf-Uw3V7jTLWNBLweyyIVGvn5lonoKAv4H8JrP40GgP-TKpOTjpxf6UlIeUzBe4JiEvSE5hSuPbI2qWLmfFXqZRWcyjObX_BBh63oSGYxLH7GkbLRu0mSWvQjQCiHiy1vxA/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26ycnP-y9Sf-Uw3V7jTLWNBLweyyIVGvn5lonoKAv4H8JrP40GgP-TKpOTjpxf6UlIeUzBe4JiEvSE5hSuPbI2qWLmfFXqZRWcyjObX_BBh63oSGYxLH7GkbLRu0mSWvQjQCiHiy1vxA/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-36.jpg" title="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned WWII Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" /></a></div>
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Two hundred and fifty families had to relocate to make room for the ordnance plant. They were given 30 days notice and paid what was deemed fair value for their land.
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The government purchased a total of 13,454 acres and quickly began construction.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zBxgm43O23x1i8csG33OrybsB2_5jRLlxX69FNbRUR8wS_vlgvMBMrcf5yuU3yyY6EvIpo6f1dspjIo3PggFYO947siA_Hqilt69zaOxog0oaDi-Tl2OufdzevQSC8s6XCcJurtLodI/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zBxgm43O23x1i8csG33OrybsB2_5jRLlxX69FNbRUR8wS_vlgvMBMrcf5yuU3yyY6EvIpo6f1dspjIo3PggFYO947siA_Hqilt69zaOxog0oaDi-Tl2OufdzevQSC8s6XCcJurtLodI/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-10.jpg" title="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned WWII Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEovXtnCsI2vBAyGhCeG9blituk-96iBZOCzCTxfZ4F5Bat0shp6SS7SlhWf0EURPQXouSHMAWL0xTe98BGQWByuCdbp7m_BUFoew3ECJnybsVNJTruaPgABKB9mCx5-A3bK3jInq399U/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEovXtnCsI2vBAyGhCeG9blituk-96iBZOCzCTxfZ4F5Bat0shp6SS7SlhWf0EURPQXouSHMAWL0xTe98BGQWByuCdbp7m_BUFoew3ECJnybsVNJTruaPgABKB9mCx5-A3bK3jInq399U/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-17.jpg" title="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned WWII Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" /></a></div>
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Workers were recruited from the surrounding areas. Many came from the city of Gary because Kingsbury offered higher wages than workers typically earned at US Steel.
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To accommodate an expected 10,000 workers in a community that only had a population of 16,000, The War Department built thousands of homes, trailers and dormitories just outside the factory. The new settlement was dubbed Kingsford Heights.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JD1CSaoXcQ_2DudB6xIQc6WNgdGcjHNfg_mNyK8GtuI6p-azDTsP_22BeERwMQh0Z8hcG79IzUNNeBQ0D7dutn3LIiTk1ij4sVxvO9cWupz5jc_UU9_AwogQlFv5QTBZUeznMBh5UGE/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JD1CSaoXcQ_2DudB6xIQc6WNgdGcjHNfg_mNyK8GtuI6p-azDTsP_22BeERwMQh0Z8hcG79IzUNNeBQ0D7dutn3LIiTk1ij4sVxvO9cWupz5jc_UU9_AwogQlFv5QTBZUeznMBh5UGE/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-22.jpg" title="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned WWII Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" /></a></div>
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By May of 1942, employment at Kingsbury Ordnance Plant had swelled to a high of 20,785, about half of whom were women. For many it was their first job outside of the home.Inspired by Rosie the Riveter, the plant adopted "Tillie the TNT Girl" as a mascot.
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Kingsbury closed at the end of World War II, but reopened in 1951 after the US entered the Korean War. It ceased operations permanently in 1959.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CMrXewVfRltHyScwRBV0NR1xsGZCOtXdCeFim5muUaexq-MNS59idF2x8Y7Hj61EKeD06VRKDxC8-rKTiYTVE_OAKg1UCBheQXL6I0K0NVpdV-b7gprH5MuBsonAUZhepdYtRuoLP8M/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CMrXewVfRltHyScwRBV0NR1xsGZCOtXdCeFim5muUaexq-MNS59idF2x8Y7Hj61EKeD06VRKDxC8-rKTiYTVE_OAKg1UCBheQXL6I0K0NVpdV-b7gprH5MuBsonAUZhepdYtRuoLP8M/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-26.jpg" title="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned WWII Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" /></a></div>
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A portion of the land has been converted into Kingsbury State Fish and Wildlife Area and another segment is now Kingsbury Industrial Park.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwc6E42nYJGaRotezIImk_PsgeHn6zS_NqN9s6Pep7fdzXA1v9xvf3U30YL_647PNJBFIfh2l1TQjURLBFXWAod-InBqkLUgWPhLyf24WonSNU-mOdjw4CkGVgnJj2l21M45SfWkHC5tk/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwc6E42nYJGaRotezIImk_PsgeHn6zS_NqN9s6Pep7fdzXA1v9xvf3U30YL_647PNJBFIfh2l1TQjURLBFXWAod-InBqkLUgWPhLyf24WonSNU-mOdjw4CkGVgnJj2l21M45SfWkHC5tk/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-14.jpg" title="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned WWII Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" /></a></div>
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Redevelopment of the area has been slow due to the fact that waste from the ammunition plant still exists on the land and cleanup is expensive.
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Future plans include a new rail yard, the restoration of old railroad tracks and extension of existing lines. The railway will connect Kingsbury with facilities in Florida and across the Midwest, facilitating the distribution of produce and other farm goods. In March 2017, the LaPorte County government took control of the project with the hope of bringing in new developers.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BXm1oxO7TB7hQTPl5S_xEMumBiPxBhP6BPr7ezSQ_dSuq9puYlc1RbGF9GnDcfWJpvvxXUk463JkwDau2xJL4INT4T9So9E9YkUVNZU78pUUKoxiNaoCG3KVJWeOy3aDpkUZaWRfnnY/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BXm1oxO7TB7hQTPl5S_xEMumBiPxBhP6BPr7ezSQ_dSuq9puYlc1RbGF9GnDcfWJpvvxXUk463JkwDau2xJL4INT4T9So9E9YkUVNZU78pUUKoxiNaoCG3KVJWeOy3aDpkUZaWRfnnY/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-43.jpg" title="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned WWII Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" /></a></div>
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From Kingsbury, I made my way to <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/04/old-pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan.html" target="_blank">Niles, Michigan</a> to see an old <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/04/old-pucker-street-hydroelectric-dam-niles-michigan.html" target="_blank">hydroelectric dam</a> that wouldn't be around for much longer.<br />
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Thank you for checking out this article. If you enjoyed it, please <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=http%3A//www.placesthatwere.com/2017/04/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-Ammunition-Factory.html" target="_blank">share it on Facebook</a>.<br />
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Until then, feel free to read my previous posts about the incredible places I explored on my <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/03/out-of-frying-pan-and-into-rust-belt.html" target="_blank">Epic Rust Belt Road Trip</a>.</div>
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I have many more photos of Kingsbury Ordnance Plant than I was able to include here. I'll be sharing them on social media, so please follow the links below if you'd like to see more of this incredible abandoned place.
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Thank you!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIlccQ7jrEbRMpLoY81b2_T_t8Ip_0qp2Ixz03rN47CChcbFB22Qg6pLXzvUBxkaITfUuOtAc2VvTYQHX911hjUf4ecoopC7MynhqwUwc9GOzVzHi1wqdmmwSamxV4tF9WfbrgCQTX8k/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIlccQ7jrEbRMpLoY81b2_T_t8Ip_0qp2Ixz03rN47CChcbFB22Qg6pLXzvUBxkaITfUuOtAc2VvTYQHX911hjUf4ecoopC7MynhqwUwc9GOzVzHi1wqdmmwSamxV4tF9WfbrgCQTX8k/s1600/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-ammunition-factory-laporte-indiana-28.jpg" title="Kingsbury Ordnance Plant Abandoned WWII Ammunition Factory in La Porte Indiana" /></a></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com93Washington Township, IN, USA41.516626779220125 -86.69021646841429241.510682279220127 -86.7003014684143 41.522571279220124 -86.680131468414288tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-76844700998021903182017-03-19T17:22:00.000-07:002017-04-05T05:58:05.041-07:00Palace Theater: An Eerily Beautiful Abandoned Relic of Gary, IndianaThe Palace Theater, once a grand venue for motion pictures, vaudeville acts and stage plays, fell victim to Gary, Indiana's tragic decline. The ornate playhouse now stands abandoned and ravaged by scrappers and the elements.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQyzPpGAgiTXg22ZlMdXefTfiF6TcAQGP7j1ggRQxE6NPLCLkwKOZhR9XKoabYXy3AfP_0k6RFHnqDGbqfiOMojv8BeNrfudXhi0XblMxroJaiD610aYuXNyHYkpAfLc01FRd0X9WD44/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQyzPpGAgiTXg22ZlMdXefTfiF6TcAQGP7j1ggRQxE6NPLCLkwKOZhR9XKoabYXy3AfP_0k6RFHnqDGbqfiOMojv8BeNrfudXhi0XblMxroJaiD610aYuXNyHYkpAfLc01FRd0X9WD44/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-00.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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After exploring the <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/02/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium.html" target="_blank">ruins of Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium</a>, I had one more stop before I'd leave Gary and continue east: The Palace Theater.<br />
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At the time of my visit there were no fences or No Trespassing signs. The entrances to the theater and backstage area stood wide open.<br />
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The interior was cavernous and pitch dark except for a little bit of daylight spilling in through the doorways and a hole in the roof. Still I was able to capture a few decent long exposure shots.<br />
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A piano remained in the orchestra pit, dusty and weathered.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NUVSSK7xjEWtXLS4XmvOrJRimVwQfOkIl-woAhtkMESxo6abVRlKggm422iDpXGoIlCUJpNnrKEG-a2u650MoCY8PfLddxHW4T0SRZ0sU58jVgRqb4DYUyp8YsPpjyy7noOB865g9yg/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NUVSSK7xjEWtXLS4XmvOrJRimVwQfOkIl-woAhtkMESxo6abVRlKggm422iDpXGoIlCUJpNnrKEG-a2u650MoCY8PfLddxHW4T0SRZ0sU58jVgRqb4DYUyp8YsPpjyy7noOB865g9yg/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-16.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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A tattered backdrop hung over the stage, a faded image of Morocco, left from the final production before the Palace Theater closed for good.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDwPbfdHy_yeTdB6st2GwlM3viOL-dglAMqzJ0CW7fxDkLfYMcFr3is1GZdFVaXVmZkz09hMHrh_aT2I5Kqc6kutw6WmtU6t4PTCTtDBFLAS2leoxxSiWm9xfTIgPpBhQazN-dEvvy6A/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDwPbfdHy_yeTdB6st2GwlM3viOL-dglAMqzJ0CW7fxDkLfYMcFr3is1GZdFVaXVmZkz09hMHrh_aT2I5Kqc6kutw6WmtU6t4PTCTtDBFLAS2leoxxSiWm9xfTIgPpBhQazN-dEvvy6A/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-13.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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The audience seating had been destroyed over the years and lay in decaying chunks across the floor and balcony.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMV0mG5lvAejAYem_vbepI_4oarmGTdxs2ymZT8fX6LIzRWka5PUHlRyuJ2IZT13cdhCmNArlUOkWcbPJTbKW5ZHwNlIBplHlSJ1fand3HAA2xuAvpYYDaRS66fWLILe4nNtj4IOjno8o/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMV0mG5lvAejAYem_vbepI_4oarmGTdxs2ymZT8fX6LIzRWka5PUHlRyuJ2IZT13cdhCmNArlUOkWcbPJTbKW5ZHwNlIBplHlSJ1fand3HAA2xuAvpYYDaRS66fWLILe4nNtj4IOjno8o/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-15.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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The balcony level has become unstable after decades of decay and the railings are gone, making it a hazardous place to venture in the dark.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijK3r7X9Lj90jF7nQkWPBOJ4izi-XWkSgr_wYFOBcASBkOMS_l6JHgpKsqEhnr088wrkl7B95O1L2EOQbKZAdAtE78XRPISPyDItn247jQikv7Lsqt0JSS3nLejHuAU57dg3GoSl1iIyE/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijK3r7X9Lj90jF7nQkWPBOJ4izi-XWkSgr_wYFOBcASBkOMS_l6JHgpKsqEhnr088wrkl7B95O1L2EOQbKZAdAtE78XRPISPyDItn247jQikv7Lsqt0JSS3nLejHuAU57dg3GoSl1iIyE/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-22.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJuJyWdzmLneSdW0yK2RjW8IPomJYeqMvaL48nKwJwJAMZN5dvx21BGg1xz-5dOUaldjs1l0rYtp4coPa5JTnMRlUQLf7k7QkoJmLwe9eWD6rYaNitVzWRQRVQz8_NUmr264tWzrUPuI/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJuJyWdzmLneSdW0yK2RjW8IPomJYeqMvaL48nKwJwJAMZN5dvx21BGg1xz-5dOUaldjs1l0rYtp4coPa5JTnMRlUQLf7k7QkoJmLwe9eWD6rYaNitVzWRQRVQz8_NUmr264tWzrUPuI/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-23.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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Toward the back of the building a set of stairs led down to a basement submerged in standing water.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL96Wv4DUmrmHasbfLZ08lfwnlIgnUlVGudZA9EjIhjjuYMk5qeHCllrD8ukXYYQpxCrBq8npgoJBk3HK-AXjq6CIMatZCGaOsfA5VlEz1c5Sd3oxsFsrvd6HOlr4y3sg6seMYBrAYhqY/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL96Wv4DUmrmHasbfLZ08lfwnlIgnUlVGudZA9EjIhjjuYMk5qeHCllrD8ukXYYQpxCrBq8npgoJBk3HK-AXjq6CIMatZCGaOsfA5VlEz1c5Sd3oxsFsrvd6HOlr4y3sg6seMYBrAYhqY/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-07.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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I climbed the staircase to the upper floor and was surprised to find that it housed apartments.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QuVDk2V8JXN08Ar-GswZAZk-RrDKDhWb7VZOJ5b8OUedwjuWz3ooDyvAlM5pjpkHZFz8byyg3ti88BtCyziX2MTPFo3IQPvYG82fc701IGp7sMEShAX9RCvAmE4ra2EsuRPsIRZibRo/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QuVDk2V8JXN08Ar-GswZAZk-RrDKDhWb7VZOJ5b8OUedwjuWz3ooDyvAlM5pjpkHZFz8byyg3ti88BtCyziX2MTPFo3IQPvYG82fc701IGp7sMEShAX9RCvAmE4ra2EsuRPsIRZibRo/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-20.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHHRu6dVr_KxWsuCsV-4E110NbW6MSC5YXaM9rB2ID21jTxcc80ZYYUtHPi-0KqlRWJpXC9X8wRpqt0XPY_uOu0mq1PFPa9AUg-NAjyQ2uWqsecykZ_9NUriYRIIuG4Vp5yhwQTBGg2o/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHHRu6dVr_KxWsuCsV-4E110NbW6MSC5YXaM9rB2ID21jTxcc80ZYYUtHPi-0KqlRWJpXC9X8wRpqt0XPY_uOu0mq1PFPa9AUg-NAjyQ2uWqsecykZ_9NUriYRIIuG4Vp5yhwQTBGg2o/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-27.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tXukvfsTHH3AMP1Nk124bKb6CjrbmVEdsgE6ePF3LIgcfsYD-DCDzB78CO4ssTRLmGIs1JZFAEFIdWiO53jAOjzf4Icf_gdpgqwVmCdwIb2xjjyZELCOazKv4BRdTmAzRBxdXiQ5kFA/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tXukvfsTHH3AMP1Nk124bKb6CjrbmVEdsgE6ePF3LIgcfsYD-DCDzB78CO4ssTRLmGIs1JZFAEFIdWiO53jAOjzf4Icf_gdpgqwVmCdwIb2xjjyZELCOazKv4BRdTmAzRBxdXiQ5kFA/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-32.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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Time has not been kind to them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSKYTsFttW_fJP5vqGyHkEzMbd9F78CqANWTlNYQa90nSk5WkBji-14VvJ4ioYOACuJltkV6xiq82FFIMVigU7xsmkXUGIqtL15XUt2ul5j5u7cY5c8erDcTr9iLqDcevaOmxONJz97I/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSKYTsFttW_fJP5vqGyHkEzMbd9F78CqANWTlNYQa90nSk5WkBji-14VvJ4ioYOACuJltkV6xiq82FFIMVigU7xsmkXUGIqtL15XUt2ul5j5u7cY5c8erDcTr9iLqDcevaOmxONJz97I/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-02.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9jxz7YsmjcdjquQ6FzQYfOcGpgYwWwIIzscbjXrj6VXKRzQJcoGHW_dLbx6hVBAgxV3AN0Hv1PSflf6cgu2wzospQWDI95o71-j4q3dF1pS3y2AJgXheZpof6HqISTZP8ffXVK1-y-s/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9jxz7YsmjcdjquQ6FzQYfOcGpgYwWwIIzscbjXrj6VXKRzQJcoGHW_dLbx6hVBAgxV3AN0Hv1PSflf6cgu2wzospQWDI95o71-j4q3dF1pS3y2AJgXheZpof6HqISTZP8ffXVK1-y-s/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-24.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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Most of the units were rather small and several used Murphy beds as a space saving technique.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvY15Qu5qVylX9a8gsk7qUUbdbXeO76BlmbVepDvuIKE5nZICI250Guwih6O_72N8oQLo1HG6_liWSyNJ4GyC90Q8fRY6AxdP1WictuTUwdicm-Ekx9kpIYGADEcg8LLnn9LWQcqtnbE/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvY15Qu5qVylX9a8gsk7qUUbdbXeO76BlmbVepDvuIKE5nZICI250Guwih6O_72N8oQLo1HG6_liWSyNJ4GyC90Q8fRY6AxdP1WictuTUwdicm-Ekx9kpIYGADEcg8LLnn9LWQcqtnbE/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-29.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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Mineral deposits hang from the ceiling of the upper level in tiny stalactites from years of flooding.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobqmAl7CVwd5owC8JoJcUkYAZGIJUMi2O6ORudgYiiPK05B3igxz3Zs99aR-ZqRypTtMTiMDdpglAnmSvY39UsvNvMRvOJ-MIx2GYIzsbVLXlMEsYH3Z0oNOQzMXW80MCQs6s_gHrOIc/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobqmAl7CVwd5owC8JoJcUkYAZGIJUMi2O6ORudgYiiPK05B3igxz3Zs99aR-ZqRypTtMTiMDdpglAnmSvY39UsvNvMRvOJ-MIx2GYIzsbVLXlMEsYH3Z0oNOQzMXW80MCQs6s_gHrOIc/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-06.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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The Palace Theater was designed by architect John Eberson and built in 1925 in Gary, Indiana's Emerson neighborhood. It seated an audience of 3000 and featured live stage shows, vaudeville acts, and motion pictures.
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John Eberson was famous for creating atmospheric theaters, which became popular in the 1920s. Atmospheric theaters were designed to resemble European courtyards or gardens and to make the audience feel like they were immersed in the scene rather than observing it from afar.
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The curved ceiling of the movie palace was painted the dark blue of an evening sky and projectors cast wispy clouds onto it.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPIYwnHApgMu-XgqhPU13CuQw73B9EUm9SpywGtKLPE9-Le0HneeozKs-w8ZNHZPe9Y-KI2YiDqN4gM3mi8bZJH5zDTH6a3FJxgjW2WVbyhdoIsU2yGdpc5dpL4_I074X77KQLpQn2ow/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPIYwnHApgMu-XgqhPU13CuQw73B9EUm9SpywGtKLPE9-Le0HneeozKs-w8ZNHZPe9Y-KI2YiDqN4gM3mi8bZJH5zDTH6a3FJxgjW2WVbyhdoIsU2yGdpc5dpL4_I074X77KQLpQn2ow/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-14.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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Low-voltage chandeliers were meant to mimic starlight. Alcoves along the walls contained stuffed birds and statues that one might find in a Spanish courtyard.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4BotH9lKOIMJqa0C03Jrpq5ovH4u7pukQLrLo0NeEX32wiUWCE2VkZoCwXQ-Lx_fWi5V6qWMMjxvUwhb_5AxQe5cYWHvE-eUXc7wxoeEGfY3vfjj77N9C2sHZNsbSgSFN6gsccNRIN0/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4BotH9lKOIMJqa0C03Jrpq5ovH4u7pukQLrLo0NeEX32wiUWCE2VkZoCwXQ-Lx_fWi5V6qWMMjxvUwhb_5AxQe5cYWHvE-eUXc7wxoeEGfY3vfjj77N9C2sHZNsbSgSFN6gsccNRIN0/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-17.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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After US Steel drastically decreased its workforce in the '60s, the city of Gary, Indiana experienced severe economic decline and increased crime. Attacks and muggings became common in the area.<br />
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In 1968, Aldrid Black, a high school sophomore was stabbed to death in the lobby of the Palace Theater. The venue quickly developed a reputation as a place of violence and drug dealing. It finally closed in 1972 after a young woman was attacked in the restroom.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rv_7oQ0vtYG5pHhX5S87U7_igVmagMDce42lGTw9iQ08GtyErcna5GdFdDZ_lhjEcCO-VkDbTj5OsyKY0GvPQozl6sBxZBe1Orcs7_oaNqbOFhuDjRr7pJMbJrtxVcHb2efFqTt1hgU/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rv_7oQ0vtYG5pHhX5S87U7_igVmagMDce42lGTw9iQ08GtyErcna5GdFdDZ_lhjEcCO-VkDbTj5OsyKY0GvPQozl6sBxZBe1Orcs7_oaNqbOFhuDjRr7pJMbJrtxVcHb2efFqTt1hgU/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-18.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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Several short-lived attempts to reopen the theater occurred in 1975 and 1976, but both failed due to financial difficulties.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid16ieCrj3OlLiyn5e10L7NgzgLdE44p9HnQ6bId8eROr_ezKA3EPJSKYqVpNCv-ni-uyLQWLVikOzBUj2kWe13eq-Q7Cky48N8scu32o9C5mj8YqPIVHYNsUsuh_gnVUR8SNsFfjW_B8/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid16ieCrj3OlLiyn5e10L7NgzgLdE44p9HnQ6bId8eROr_ezKA3EPJSKYqVpNCv-ni-uyLQWLVikOzBUj2kWe13eq-Q7Cky48N8scu32o9C5mj8YqPIVHYNsUsuh_gnVUR8SNsFfjW_B8/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-19.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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In 1987 a group of investors planned to renovate the Palace Theater and neighboring storefronts at a cost of $500,000, but the plan never came to fruition.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoZNv8BJ_h3CgRjdZNzWoNFwKayPpgvmLU_hBOqbXVc4ZqDYWLzt5UgbXLJ6WCjoGT-R3LghYqva1Pj5u_-ZmZCsxHPz1WJWIW_NqMW0Tl8eJmgxHntlHiVyEDu-aheykK9tVEHpa5YQ/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoZNv8BJ_h3CgRjdZNzWoNFwKayPpgvmLU_hBOqbXVc4ZqDYWLzt5UgbXLJ6WCjoGT-R3LghYqva1Pj5u_-ZmZCsxHPz1WJWIW_NqMW0Tl8eJmgxHntlHiVyEDu-aheykK9tVEHpa5YQ/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-04.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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In 2002, when the Miss USA pageant was held in Gary, the theater's front windows were covered in plywood painted to create the illusion that it was still operational. The marquee out front announced "Jackson Five Tonite". The lettering remained for many years until it was gradually brought down by the wind. If you look closely at the marquee, you can still see the faint silhouettes of the letters against the white background.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwkkpmtvk4U08eG-5-kk0LCAJclyuvRHSJoRicZKCDaCUeCZYy0SeI_BvK3snmpWgm_nC0Pve5sZa0gxPkaMf-TSgt3vEzoA23UGcNnlrNyPEYZuVC0yMH31Kv60RMrCDqzZ7pmLP580/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwkkpmtvk4U08eG-5-kk0LCAJclyuvRHSJoRicZKCDaCUeCZYy0SeI_BvK3snmpWgm_nC0Pve5sZa0gxPkaMf-TSgt3vEzoA23UGcNnlrNyPEYZuVC0yMH31Kv60RMrCDqzZ7pmLP580/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-34.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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It is sad to see the once-exquisite movie palace in such an advanced state of decay and it seems unlikely that it will be renovated and reopened anytime soon. It would take a lot of work and funding to breathe new life into Palace Theater, and given the city's continuing decline, it would be a risky investment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7AEOqXqVmkYRUaX0S4Cjx0i9fr3W9oCy4hkNh-KZ4eQJkmc4KuH20XHE44PuJQqZYDgx2wWeX-L9eMHpl0kWDJkCTItydqK40vzyZSjroTiWsngrJCGpboQwYm5FtukhTj7ckMOWEi0/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace Theater Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7AEOqXqVmkYRUaX0S4Cjx0i9fr3W9oCy4hkNh-KZ4eQJkmc4KuH20XHE44PuJQqZYDgx2wWeX-L9eMHpl0kWDJkCTItydqK40vzyZSjroTiWsngrJCGpboQwYm5FtukhTj7ckMOWEi0/s1600/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana-30.jpg" title="Abandoned Palace Theater in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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After exploring the Palace Theater, I said goodbye to Gary, Indiana and made my way to the sprawling ruins of <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/04/kingsbury-ordnance-plant-abandoned-Ammunition-Factory.html" target="_blank">Kingsbury Ordnance Plant</a>, a World War II-era ammunition factory. I can't wait to tell you all about it in my next article. To receive an email announcement, please subscribe to <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/" target="_blank">Places That Were</a>.<br />
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Until next time, check out my previous posts about the incredible places I explored on my <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/03/out-of-frying-pan-and-into-rust-belt.html" target="_blank">Epic Rust Belt Road Trip</a>.
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com5Gary, IN, USA41.5933696 -87.34642710000002841.4033516 -87.669150600000023 41.783387600000005 -87.023703600000033tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-84292566523399472742017-02-28T07:29:00.000-08:002017-03-20T06:33:59.034-07:00Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium - The Ruins of a Cultural MonumentIn the Downtown City Center Historic District of Gary, Indiana stand the abandoned ruins of Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium, a victim of the Great Gary Arson of 1997.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ39maIpIPqvLxPBjnLby1bD-T9sV4XAkfg-1YgdDHsFOByYh5rp1Ry0Dh2w5X1Y_IDGLHCJIMAltfEu-8yAD3VMYT5jy1fLIsPL1_VryXk_vXpZgoi34jeJ3C9xIgyJekUHo9g76jX0o/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ39maIpIPqvLxPBjnLby1bD-T9sV4XAkfg-1YgdDHsFOByYh5rp1Ry0Dh2w5X1Y_IDGLHCJIMAltfEu-8yAD3VMYT5jy1fLIsPL1_VryXk_vXpZgoi34jeJ3C9xIgyJekUHo9g76jX0o/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-00.jpg" title="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" /></a></div>
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After exploring the awesome remains of <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/01/horace-mann-school-abandoned-gary-indiana.html" target="_blank">Horace Mann School</a>, I continued my tour of Gary, Indiana's beautiful abandoned historic buildings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYJQn6UGLUUkGhLfe5ZbICIJRc4v3c4SLbiE1F9K-UQNIo6wz_qGzk9vsaVPng4XWO9eMyWSKP2PZfuMGOGF4owOjPGgavUUw1Dy-MhTkEjHtIDKskiW3O4t4c-rC4CA7nAWUMA0ktXs/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYJQn6UGLUUkGhLfe5ZbICIJRc4v3c4SLbiE1F9K-UQNIo6wz_qGzk9vsaVPng4XWO9eMyWSKP2PZfuMGOGF4owOjPGgavUUw1Dy-MhTkEjHtIDKskiW3O4t4c-rC4CA7nAWUMA0ktXs/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-01.jpg" title="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" /></a></div>
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Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium was built in 1927 to honor Gary residents who had died in World War I. It was part of an emerging movement to build structures of significant public utility rather than traditional monuments.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4bB_dK5vM8OdX74jSdZsQfYUXmC_-0UxLCfY5bTq629O_9YPkY-_6658jx_UPC1wpX3-cTOo4lP2UanLS3HXuI32T3aHH270RHQ705H_ZbW-0hElwBYCDtqAnZ-UijH7LWUYJ4bJ_MA/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4bB_dK5vM8OdX74jSdZsQfYUXmC_-0UxLCfY5bTq629O_9YPkY-_6658jx_UPC1wpX3-cTOo4lP2UanLS3HXuI32T3aHH270RHQ705H_ZbW-0hElwBYCDtqAnZ-UijH7LWUYJ4bJ_MA/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-02.jpg" title="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" /></a></div>
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Designed by architect Joseph H. Wildermuth, the structure incorporated elements from Italian Renaissance and Spanish Colonial Revival architectural styles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyG9EjKVWVIIrJrsWtqYdid6LXpvCwX6Q3rGB2WmFB8KddvCwUBfpRLy9ECHrYdKGcywhs4Llk8aUIduGlIgU3hjUH5TEfZK4F4m8x359rxadSfemJ_oQHHx0U4qvL61QDPNvXexMFkHo/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyG9EjKVWVIIrJrsWtqYdid6LXpvCwX6Q3rGB2WmFB8KddvCwUBfpRLy9ECHrYdKGcywhs4Llk8aUIduGlIgU3hjUH5TEfZK4F4m8x359rxadSfemJ_oQHHx0U4qvL61QDPNvXexMFkHo/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-03.jpg" title="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXOEC0ucJTA82y7VCecOwYBoPujn6typI3QU9DfWo1QxZb8EJRCVoDtdobrHAxZntNt4QomG3sr1Gd6mFnx-aCxXw9CB_VLMAMDV3lOGwdhRww4AfpsWU2jWhTTYzLcMVqFPJrcPzlqs/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXOEC0ucJTA82y7VCecOwYBoPujn6typI3QU9DfWo1QxZb8EJRCVoDtdobrHAxZntNt4QomG3sr1Gd6mFnx-aCxXw9CB_VLMAMDV3lOGwdhRww4AfpsWU2jWhTTYzLcMVqFPJrcPzlqs/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-20.jpg" title="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnFDPLm8M3CLDXuC9QSw2NxuT04JaJtJkNi5zrT00cKwM0VmUzmLxNH_p_McHFhyphenhyphencRE0jEREWXidxu1Po-pU2MCzqbIwS8I5n2qDVDCxc2SxWsqo0RUJevxvSF3WDKXPvjoYiFNYM2X8/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnFDPLm8M3CLDXuC9QSw2NxuT04JaJtJkNi5zrT00cKwM0VmUzmLxNH_p_McHFhyphenhyphencRE0jEREWXidxu1Po-pU2MCzqbIwS8I5n2qDVDCxc2SxWsqo0RUJevxvSF3WDKXPvjoYiFNYM2X8/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-21.jpg" title="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" /></a></div>
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The land was donated by The Gary Land Company and construction was financed through a public campaign by the people of Gary.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZCP2Y1j7eooSbtl05wzny2-gJeoLld1GtU-uwajDGhKcMKxtoheSm-nje-9gKTUjP53jzxGRv-U7KPvqrx_CBzJS4IaHEygLo6qrTLtwRr-F8y6ngGyh39E5bVHuKC4xBjS1BlDGyiA/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZCP2Y1j7eooSbtl05wzny2-gJeoLld1GtU-uwajDGhKcMKxtoheSm-nje-9gKTUjP53jzxGRv-U7KPvqrx_CBzJS4IaHEygLo6qrTLtwRr-F8y6ngGyh39E5bVHuKC4xBjS1BlDGyiA/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-22.jpg" title="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rusting iron rails out front once guided lines of people to the box office.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The massive auditorium had a capacity of 5,000 and was used for high school graduations, athletic events, and music festivals. Notable performers include the Jackson Five and Frank Sinatra.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgES1wOtEP1caYHNVnDIFVzavw2W3vCsDxCpzNo6IlqxcWNniDuMqV3HDSZcffDaDgHqQ7Why3m-V_a-UbQBntup9N9ngUUWkAD7nWdbnVWx9QaxXuk750RYhGEoPxykYSINnJvUBTE6WM/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgES1wOtEP1caYHNVnDIFVzavw2W3vCsDxCpzNo6IlqxcWNniDuMqV3HDSZcffDaDgHqQ7Why3m-V_a-UbQBntup9N9ngUUWkAD7nWdbnVWx9QaxXuk750RYhGEoPxykYSINnJvUBTE6WM/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-06.jpg" title="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" /></a></div>
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It was also the location where <a href="http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=13067" target="_blank">Harry Truman addressed</a> his supporters in October 1948 during his presidential campaign. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEpdqcNQtJxeOzi4jj3_LotBvStT7XW-pktWEFDHzwagOEc74T_aKhbb5qopeMPVP2sgSNGAqwI1jo0SL53yrIzsdBcln5Mg1-pBNBOMcvpVxN-rTFxVomPVaHFIoRPYZoWglH2FXHMg/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEpdqcNQtJxeOzi4jj3_LotBvStT7XW-pktWEFDHzwagOEc74T_aKhbb5qopeMPVP2sgSNGAqwI1jo0SL53yrIzsdBcln5Mg1-pBNBOMcvpVxN-rTFxVomPVaHFIoRPYZoWglH2FXHMg/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-08.jpg" title="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" /></a></div>
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The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 25, 1994.<br />
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What remains of the massive Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium is only a third of the original structure. The rest of the building, including the main auditorium, was destroyed in the Great Gary Arson of 1997, which decimated other historic buildings including <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/01/abandoned-city-methodist-church-gary-indiana.html" target="_blank">City Methodist Church</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8tXGQqQoIqAl_aR5jce1Y2W6o11xba1UP9dUO84_V064WCNZNsu-Png3RVJzOlE8-XG5KTfa0UnF3-jJgdfEc1ujqQs2j8GcpfgctiM8hmX6SlDcv5y0ErvalxbG1kab_DHTs53zzSU/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8tXGQqQoIqAl_aR5jce1Y2W6o11xba1UP9dUO84_V064WCNZNsu-Png3RVJzOlE8-XG5KTfa0UnF3-jJgdfEc1ujqQs2j8GcpfgctiM8hmX6SlDcv5y0ErvalxbG1kab_DHTs53zzSU/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-09.jpg" title="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxYdWbr_zNpxfhKCjv9pRdrEfa8h-JJdrcAaQX-v1DiojKaeClhsY5YVSVwDELdFG7IZUnXfy6cka53aD_MuHxlgL0IxnUYlAAiMqMLUFvVAakP1HhZ0h7Ak2rVZs6MBiRvlFXd7BoTE/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxYdWbr_zNpxfhKCjv9pRdrEfa8h-JJdrcAaQX-v1DiojKaeClhsY5YVSVwDELdFG7IZUnXfy6cka53aD_MuHxlgL0IxnUYlAAiMqMLUFvVAakP1HhZ0h7Ak2rVZs6MBiRvlFXd7BoTE/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-18.jpg" title="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" /></a></div>
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The roof is almost entirely gone, except for the main crossbeams and a few chunks of ceiling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFK9DYMeLf6BaR7ewzXdtBja1V2ahEDowX_l_7V1BFm2P2PRSCMniF5TaAyFBsQkJqnj6FLw4CMxMUDtst4f27lRMa7hnDKd8kStS_0GR4DI60wvHljLINLVIOiYJnXxU7MVwh8x9TeU/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFK9DYMeLf6BaR7ewzXdtBja1V2ahEDowX_l_7V1BFm2P2PRSCMniF5TaAyFBsQkJqnj6FLw4CMxMUDtst4f27lRMa7hnDKd8kStS_0GR4DI60wvHljLINLVIOiYJnXxU7MVwh8x9TeU/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-11.jpg" title="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5J-SaVwLBBiIZla_c3SXMXJjfokzZuBZJiR19QlNgusreRLdgzNpT4AZ2X5X9AC2EnpQDigLaI5tTsfLq4mrVFT-HWg4wgSS_fuVFby0wGpb9hXfOZ5G8lP16OWmaqKjTJho2C996Rw/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5J-SaVwLBBiIZla_c3SXMXJjfokzZuBZJiR19QlNgusreRLdgzNpT4AZ2X5X9AC2EnpQDigLaI5tTsfLq4mrVFT-HWg4wgSS_fuVFby0wGpb9hXfOZ5G8lP16OWmaqKjTJho2C996Rw/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-16.jpg" title="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3VZK0npniIkucg2xUe2M_d0RFBZOYSjVbTTLa6ouRtFNXgmXXbkuRELHC5Fqr7AnQ0G6MLodbsSHxCybUiIVBKeBs2NXBnI6Tad3Z3Hzq_qvBMj13CCgZrTSmt53cfPl7YbdEDGqy_E/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3VZK0npniIkucg2xUe2M_d0RFBZOYSjVbTTLa6ouRtFNXgmXXbkuRELHC5Fqr7AnQ0G6MLodbsSHxCybUiIVBKeBs2NXBnI6Tad3Z3Hzq_qvBMj13CCgZrTSmt53cfPl7YbdEDGqy_E/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-13.jpg" title="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" /></a></div>
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The ruins are not entirely safe to explore, for several staircases have crumbled and now end suddenly in a long fall to the hard stone floor below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX64Ks1xi7K4z42e_EyWiiRkNhPBnuQFfbaZCtfzqO_97ARfHfMnGInTobqXpzV3qE0AlZ2RyXMqF1BBMu0zgZNN54FaKW5Odi2bzjvDRwOrUvh3cJlOeS5JJFE1yTNpCEJ5GhzRjVW5o/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX64Ks1xi7K4z42e_EyWiiRkNhPBnuQFfbaZCtfzqO_97ARfHfMnGInTobqXpzV3qE0AlZ2RyXMqF1BBMu0zgZNN54FaKW5Odi2bzjvDRwOrUvh3cJlOeS5JJFE1yTNpCEJ5GhzRjVW5o/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-17.jpg" title="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJLDXTnqSDiOxUUodRaVvSBmVRLkHqwEyl6x2_OevaJ8W83GoA4_3driTL1sh1Mq3E5u6iSIVciddRwclew4-1MgUy2Nz4dlpqXeUnZLWwkjoKtPTD9UzO-6rsBog8ODDHFA0Cy-PDOg/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJLDXTnqSDiOxUUodRaVvSBmVRLkHqwEyl6x2_OevaJ8W83GoA4_3driTL1sh1Mq3E5u6iSIVciddRwclew4-1MgUy2Nz4dlpqXeUnZLWwkjoKtPTD9UzO-6rsBog8ODDHFA0Cy-PDOg/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-15.jpg" title="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" /></a></div>
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Thank you for checking out this article. If you enjoyed it, please <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=http%3A//www.placesthatwere.com/2017/02/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium.html" target="_blank">share it on Facebook</a>. Be sure to join me next time, when I will share the story and photos of another of Gary, Indiana's famous abandoned historic buildings, the <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/03/palace-theater-abandoned-gary-indiana.html" target="_blank">Palace Theater</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW94ykSkzqF7dXaRDD8NAuZ7WIPD8yhQKRdcPtBZXrbrlPQrfnkHiO3RXrjzIzdiYUM3tGeR8IzHpNx4zInxYE4EXZb8pqFykr4Qv6g-mi46PXb_wObs2qBmCKb3dtUzOnYYNLYhGKTk/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW94ykSkzqF7dXaRDD8NAuZ7WIPD8yhQKRdcPtBZXrbrlPQrfnkHiO3RXrjzIzdiYUM3tGeR8IzHpNx4zInxYE4EXZb8pqFykr4Qv6g-mi46PXb_wObs2qBmCKb3dtUzOnYYNLYhGKTk/s1600/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium-abandoned-indiana-04.jpg" title="Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium abandoned Indiana" /></a></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com3Gary, IN, USA41.5933696 -87.34642710000002841.4033516 -87.669150600000023 41.783387600000005 -87.023703600000033tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-77593151121302443312017-01-31T08:27:00.002-08:002017-02-28T07:29:03.229-08:00Horace Mann School - Beloved and Abandoned in Gary, IndianaHorace Mann School, once teeming with thousands of students, now sits abandoned and rotting, another monument to the lost prosperity of Gary, Indiana.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwq3s6YP3mLzB2ub5FfuAZmM6LfXceeoWMaAq7rRnRYU3T3rkUOlanRn1RQr8mMQf4rkF3mmgbTdiDb_hqaBN7f_Xc2xFsjoTOv-8xfVTwaK-ZgfLiqKze7vmVzU1bMONmxiBjxYGItro/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwq3s6YP3mLzB2ub5FfuAZmM6LfXceeoWMaAq7rRnRYU3T3rkUOlanRn1RQr8mMQf4rkF3mmgbTdiDb_hqaBN7f_Xc2xFsjoTOv-8xfVTwaK-ZgfLiqKze7vmVzU1bMONmxiBjxYGItro/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-16.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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I parked beside a crumbling brick apartment building in downtown Gary, Indiana. In the cold autumn morning a few people were still asleep in nearby cars, a cruel irony in a city with so many abandoned homes.<br />
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Across the street a sprawling abandoned high school filled the horizon. Like the breathtaking ruins of <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/01/abandoned-city-methodist-church-gary-indiana.html" target="_blank">City Methodist Church</a>, which I had explored the previous evening, Horace Mann School was a casualty of Gary, Indiana's shrinking population.<br />
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Several middle-aged couples walked laps along the track that stretched the length of the building.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYpmMc8EIclVZxVF_ObxyhsDchYXLMvtmiJiasTKLPDXXyg-eERUuqSPEU5sJkEwvKR1qKrX-BAhS1D9sY_4rk1Cr0wU-umBeLfYIX-nu53o6Q3YRObJVn3s0bEWAzEtd5x130RM-ZKY/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYpmMc8EIclVZxVF_ObxyhsDchYXLMvtmiJiasTKLPDXXyg-eERUuqSPEU5sJkEwvKR1qKrX-BAhS1D9sY_4rk1Cr0wU-umBeLfYIX-nu53o6Q3YRObJVn3s0bEWAzEtd5x130RM-ZKY/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-02.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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The school was enormous, with a capacity of around two and a half thousand students. It originally consisted of three main structures that were eventually joined together. The cornerstone of the central building was laid on November 8, 1926 and construction was completed in 1928.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDnau61qxbedw2PC7RJXYgPqk3bRDzPTRTGz3yU6vERIUow2yX72ZQtLlssl1EEMPEOsTL_yRLcWHtul7kDOf2_ki3kMx_AUu_eMNxOXePs91-FuyQQ-umSOKLBC5EGAiZ7miHVsGdPM/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDnau61qxbedw2PC7RJXYgPqk3bRDzPTRTGz3yU6vERIUow2yX72ZQtLlssl1EEMPEOsTL_yRLcWHtul7kDOf2_ki3kMx_AUu_eMNxOXePs91-FuyQQ-umSOKLBC5EGAiZ7miHVsGdPM/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-03.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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On the large plot of land in front of the school's main entrance, an existing ravine was transformed into a pond with several pedestrian bridges and a rock garden, giving it the appearance of a beautiful park. It was a popular location for picnics, fishing, and ice skating in the winter.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.horacemann49.com/000/9/2/3/5329/userfiles/Image/HM_School___Pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.horacemann49.com/000/9/2/3/5329/userfiles/Image/HM_School___Pond.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic photo of Horace Mann School with original pond<br />
(image courtesy of http://www.horacemann49.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The school was named after Horace Mann, one of the most important reformers of the public school system. He believed that a free society cannot exist without equal access to education and that schools should not be aligned with any particular religious denomination. Though controversial at the time, his ideas eventually became widely accepted throughout the United States. Many schools have been named in his honor. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z_tXVH4sBUolkX5dKvktnPvTvY-_ZEZ6uALmn4IkAi30NbrRzOgYqsNnqqv2XjDjlS-FqhqYvOMuh3LQ6x6xPksm0fV9K0HRpH8PWprjGhdMDil0mCy993huheTU0GVNL9ZgAoBGgIQ/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z_tXVH4sBUolkX5dKvktnPvTvY-_ZEZ6uALmn4IkAi30NbrRzOgYqsNnqqv2XjDjlS-FqhqYvOMuh3LQ6x6xPksm0fV9K0HRpH8PWprjGhdMDil0mCy993huheTU0GVNL9ZgAoBGgIQ/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-17.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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In 1929 Horace Mann School had a student body of 870. By 1937, it increased to nearly 2400 students and 80 staff members. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XtWhL_9dLEsaw1aqzu1oUKjQIFapI6hzGwbQwi-PbsklT1PXS4PcLAEOhBFsyVzHkUoprR0HSVvMau5_w2CLRkhSLZ9cWvZMWSi0QVFHtLxQFPW19ObRnmz-I35XiKpPQlO2Vi4DeSY/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XtWhL_9dLEsaw1aqzu1oUKjQIFapI6hzGwbQwi-PbsklT1PXS4PcLAEOhBFsyVzHkUoprR0HSVvMau5_w2CLRkhSLZ9cWvZMWSi0QVFHtLxQFPW19ObRnmz-I35XiKpPQlO2Vi4DeSY/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-20.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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When enrollment grew to nearly 2600 in 1956, exceeding Horace Mann's intended capacity, the district decided to build an additional school on the southern portion of the property. John H. Vohr Elementary School opened in in 1958. Sadly, the pond was filled in to make room for a parking lot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1rEGzcOEXaf4ysh9MiRpUtV5lyb4a7Wjm9FZKODZaB3OL0Lq17xSIDYg_oqqQgRP9OEZW_NTRTSCQw1SDTkYL61R_zSeiH9Nurbj_YIhi-mb14NOi6Hto5ggWMIWPQvwTa0hHkc7HKc/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1rEGzcOEXaf4ysh9MiRpUtV5lyb4a7Wjm9FZKODZaB3OL0Lq17xSIDYg_oqqQgRP9OEZW_NTRTSCQw1SDTkYL61R_zSeiH9Nurbj_YIhi-mb14NOi6Hto5ggWMIWPQvwTa0hHkc7HKc/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-39.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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When the steel industry declined in the '60s, the population of Gary began to shrink, as did the city's tax revenue.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZUGzfYCqqKIXogLy-r6FJxaURheTjUFsb_5u6V8NB8a71UpQF9iVYgcbOW5eHLGQhIHGVuuwKxzIJhSn2HtEMzvtj5QHculavhZaQeDNOFKCMV37N-5fUy44I9B3afd0rpzIJe5FPf8/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZUGzfYCqqKIXogLy-r6FJxaURheTjUFsb_5u6V8NB8a71UpQF9iVYgcbOW5eHLGQhIHGVuuwKxzIJhSn2HtEMzvtj5QHculavhZaQeDNOFKCMV37N-5fUy44I9B3afd0rpzIJe5FPf8/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-06.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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By 2003, Horace Mann High School had only 546 students, roughly a fifth of its capacity.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtm26aF_YzsoKyXbRPA-rujHI1l0zIYn13EPV5o4cY3Y8d1qhauSbMOq2jBNU0VtBHCgIy683qIl8rQ30r79dZRvMq_8Kg375q3qUf2dV7GGJxpUymUf2oUfVJNPI89KtX5o1Djmpngao/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtm26aF_YzsoKyXbRPA-rujHI1l0zIYn13EPV5o4cY3Y8d1qhauSbMOq2jBNU0VtBHCgIy683qIl8rQ30r79dZRvMq_8Kg375q3qUf2dV7GGJxpUymUf2oUfVJNPI89KtX5o1Djmpngao/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-50.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HUrPk2fxBGOMbBJViRx4ISR3SiIH_hYW-hxLXqdvrqY3noasvCsV3fdi8LlFMz0Chqrx6epxGryYSlNgnD_uLdpdKyNsccbnYUc-tWyAZgHJjmoluiq9huZga9DaRsSQ21B6pDVL3qI/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HUrPk2fxBGOMbBJViRx4ISR3SiIH_hYW-hxLXqdvrqY3noasvCsV3fdi8LlFMz0Chqrx6epxGryYSlNgnD_uLdpdKyNsccbnYUc-tWyAZgHJjmoluiq9huZga9DaRsSQ21B6pDVL3qI/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-56.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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The school closed in 2004 due to budgetary constraints and a greatly diminished student population. The final graduating class consisted of only 72 students. The neighboring John H Vohr Elementary School closed too in 2010.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMYAd8JKSpKVIsV8Gk-md9Y32DSSDdOHwTNWD8FBDf0Sd4oxpkBtaqdWGwbe7jdjDulNCS1hEFGXmaQpTxH4CriBe2T6a1J4niuv73EGFK-PclUlahr-JdtYBYOBGigYyGXhIoPe_Tcw/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMYAd8JKSpKVIsV8Gk-md9Y32DSSDdOHwTNWD8FBDf0Sd4oxpkBtaqdWGwbe7jdjDulNCS1hEFGXmaQpTxH4CriBe2T6a1J4niuv73EGFK-PclUlahr-JdtYBYOBGigYyGXhIoPe_Tcw/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-74.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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Horace Mann School was an impressive institution in its day with many amenities including two science labs,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQO_Zla_MNpnUmLiBjnqmuRLX3nOAbB7qt_ihAUVhLUnHtawdmxH2_G1kvpoiQeb4Hpz-ePkbSkZnpR-lkUXYhqEU72Tz8fUlUtoUvHeqentFyIEQE8J70Q5sLWY_ou8ZG5UhvlFPtdg/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQO_Zla_MNpnUmLiBjnqmuRLX3nOAbB7qt_ihAUVhLUnHtawdmxH2_G1kvpoiQeb4Hpz-ePkbSkZnpR-lkUXYhqEU72Tz8fUlUtoUvHeqentFyIEQE8J70Q5sLWY_ou8ZG5UhvlFPtdg/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-23.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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a pair of swimming pools,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRy4MiFrq3kaF6oeEOECGdY0KpkVrDhPI_mYSaWQSlTKPMb02S-h2cp8yRlzZhQ5xMAG0Gedq5BF5EfY_bi0y91npFvoHAnRHWxsPVox_Odgtv-KgidBpwnoPyEkH3VEh0sKmodTs1hs/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRy4MiFrq3kaF6oeEOECGdY0KpkVrDhPI_mYSaWQSlTKPMb02S-h2cp8yRlzZhQ5xMAG0Gedq5BF5EfY_bi0y91npFvoHAnRHWxsPVox_Odgtv-KgidBpwnoPyEkH3VEh0sKmodTs1hs/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-07.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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a large auditorium,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHEt5CdK8Xtu13Olu04mnO9YBCtaQhgrNrrIaD3_gp6TPZRHn9o1ZKMVyb1abdPqOCVuxYSr8XijY5TGjvsV6WB4-g4DIeDq8fM1hn2oRKXVUmTxuVXAZbI-9CY15JGlU2ZyxCNkEYV4/s1600/Horace-Mann-High-School-Abandoned-Gary-Indiana-84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHEt5CdK8Xtu13Olu04mnO9YBCtaQhgrNrrIaD3_gp6TPZRHn9o1ZKMVyb1abdPqOCVuxYSr8XijY5TGjvsV6WB4-g4DIeDq8fM1hn2oRKXVUmTxuVXAZbI-9CY15JGlU2ZyxCNkEYV4/s1600/Horace-Mann-High-School-Abandoned-Gary-Indiana-84.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fCWNOewb0b9Vu6ntv32gSdra3sMK2HTs1T6IvBYPkzvfIrcfzDd9DTl0steBnuKJUKQuVZ31LLyRj5s3rJ1-v1onktQjing1-tYHuPSN9Em91x8FDP7cAwtURARF8OHkth63TKPP-lM/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fCWNOewb0b9Vu6ntv32gSdra3sMK2HTs1T6IvBYPkzvfIrcfzDd9DTl0steBnuKJUKQuVZ31LLyRj5s3rJ1-v1onktQjing1-tYHuPSN9Em91x8FDP7cAwtURARF8OHkth63TKPP-lM/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-80.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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and a robust physical education program that included two gymnasiums.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRowmsvt5e7HzkYI15UXe2DIaprD-CNnhkLN7ofcK5WFo0K579TNFcVQ1tWHdqwy3isIF7OfmKUFZUB0Tp6XwMgPSmgdLgrD4WWOaJ2v45X-teKy1I8s7_fTD9d2bzMSyh98jfJbOzxpo/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRowmsvt5e7HzkYI15UXe2DIaprD-CNnhkLN7ofcK5WFo0K579TNFcVQ1tWHdqwy3isIF7OfmKUFZUB0Tp6XwMgPSmgdLgrD4WWOaJ2v45X-teKy1I8s7_fTD9d2bzMSyh98jfJbOzxpo/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-43.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONN0EcPnFQv_dOuTWOfWJQgRIDaNg375A7S0hdx3pFMnWnsdO6GDXR8-1aYDMuCYlxObJsnVRF7anhXzZIRJpFea-iZ_4crjU_BzMF3pcN9VOuH1ZHRrWClkDMsBjy91maMIvZzndYLU/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONN0EcPnFQv_dOuTWOfWJQgRIDaNg375A7S0hdx3pFMnWnsdO6GDXR8-1aYDMuCYlxObJsnVRF7anhXzZIRJpFea-iZ_4crjU_BzMF3pcN9VOuH1ZHRrWClkDMsBjy91maMIvZzndYLU/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-69.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5ekK9JtdSF0cOLm-VVLhpbrirZhPPfc0y-r90xqQosQcvW9g2mw31otkPkHqv3grBfBUpL1eOT1h1ESd7DQQgoIIy4zg6Z4cm20UGD_jT6rMXYMAsSM1rC1_IIZa6OgO6qEkbQxj6N0/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5ekK9JtdSF0cOLm-VVLhpbrirZhPPfc0y-r90xqQosQcvW9g2mw31otkPkHqv3grBfBUpL1eOT1h1ESd7DQQgoIIy4zg6Z4cm20UGD_jT6rMXYMAsSM1rC1_IIZa6OgO6qEkbQxj6N0/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-71.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDmher70gDjHeJIfm0pjbl9UiQBVHRidr_ZcgE4XIE1LymFvGr0bhR7o29gZ8LYVStsAn3Z0Bcjwsv78QaMfamJgB7ITWGFJuT792krq0IrCIC6KCCJ_CFn5dn1jUfG4Tn1aYNaVHoOc/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDmher70gDjHeJIfm0pjbl9UiQBVHRidr_ZcgE4XIE1LymFvGr0bhR7o29gZ8LYVStsAn3Z0Bcjwsv78QaMfamJgB7ITWGFJuT792krq0IrCIC6KCCJ_CFn5dn1jUfG4Tn1aYNaVHoOc/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-72.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xDCenglqCTZ7mHYm-uTvVwZqxknUAZCdMipy-yhu5cNK1KcLjv1UF-mkSjhkr76JEMPxEgMyZR0Q8QDMsVoqSM51vpCt1sSZDZS39vNqIl1nCnd9FZnIq3-9s9f8G06MlpnueYzUSDM/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xDCenglqCTZ7mHYm-uTvVwZqxknUAZCdMipy-yhu5cNK1KcLjv1UF-mkSjhkr76JEMPxEgMyZR0Q8QDMsVoqSM51vpCt1sSZDZS39vNqIl1nCnd9FZnIq3-9s9f8G06MlpnueYzUSDM/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-47.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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An incredible amount of materials were left behind when the school closed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2a9Xtly4uMTptDzWzVw6iA503gynRNP_1NgJjMeR9yCJNXEPhvGE9YG65IKE0UEj0sg5FbS7XoiMzm5wYjg5RmYmNguELx4ezTUzI4uT9bq3nys7spYJa17TM8tPbJ3jnH-r8geW152A/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2a9Xtly4uMTptDzWzVw6iA503gynRNP_1NgJjMeR9yCJNXEPhvGE9YG65IKE0UEj0sg5FbS7XoiMzm5wYjg5RmYmNguELx4ezTUzI4uT9bq3nys7spYJa17TM8tPbJ3jnH-r8geW152A/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-57.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08CVHysNX9k1ooeHxon8YbvU-k9B87H14ho8eIvNeQoIqxydT0SC4qIy2fQ0e7Uiel2YL4_rF-q-zBFRi-iHGEaYVIe776EgWGzjrZ6mEei1zWkkHbwUQBjMxNmxdhirJI3H4UrNXTVg/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08CVHysNX9k1ooeHxon8YbvU-k9B87H14ho8eIvNeQoIqxydT0SC4qIy2fQ0e7Uiel2YL4_rF-q-zBFRi-iHGEaYVIe776EgWGzjrZ6mEei1zWkkHbwUQBjMxNmxdhirJI3H4UrNXTVg/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-62.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNwTUqypujoUpJdwdnNAjVPQ8n469UGbQ_V5MOfLn8yyMjD_E-dPc34EFP3aHY_bjVCqg5W1KfSpZs2HlwMun5eV5LLAagdL3ipKOkALbiUapyvIh7LS_JyGHPUs9fFCly6Lmbx6HvZk/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNwTUqypujoUpJdwdnNAjVPQ8n469UGbQ_V5MOfLn8yyMjD_E-dPc34EFP3aHY_bjVCqg5W1KfSpZs2HlwMun5eV5LLAagdL3ipKOkALbiUapyvIh7LS_JyGHPUs9fFCly6Lmbx6HvZk/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-63.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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The science labs were fully stocked, though most of the artifacts have been looted or damaged.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgot0rQJXddVAIz4cJlpHthodJnn85BMP-CgObh70D2yOlKcecJUxCm23hKxY-40iJwI_kqPvY3P6TWim1EHMLTm3HFAxEiUJ5VCciXqLHYptIS8iOn3rbYJ7pacBuP-LmNls_DSIU5t9c/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgot0rQJXddVAIz4cJlpHthodJnn85BMP-CgObh70D2yOlKcecJUxCm23hKxY-40iJwI_kqPvY3P6TWim1EHMLTm3HFAxEiUJ5VCciXqLHYptIS8iOn3rbYJ7pacBuP-LmNls_DSIU5t9c/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-24.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTd8rpqibxm4tTtwf9AqwtAGU-nXWxynIe9U83BxaV_gAp2lxIW6z2Oy9tE9G2GV5NsATUspozi98RJh3UoKs_OjTSsV0e_TwbPWe9bBnYEGAuClZgqkbUWDFuHGsQz3OAW4T38V1j3M/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTd8rpqibxm4tTtwf9AqwtAGU-nXWxynIe9U83BxaV_gAp2lxIW6z2Oy9tE9G2GV5NsATUspozi98RJh3UoKs_OjTSsV0e_TwbPWe9bBnYEGAuClZgqkbUWDFuHGsQz3OAW4T38V1j3M/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-28.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3Mo4XQBDyd0bqHBmHXT-P1i2KRnsksczuTsorZkLq9RA_N9W9d1TEcxyJkYlfBTl9Rpyhs_LYFbGNfCFgOxTwJZ9zdGhs_bIsJLe6lH3wx2Eda-V_npzSrOEjqQbDPZZqGKCUOgxmOE/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3Mo4XQBDyd0bqHBmHXT-P1i2KRnsksczuTsorZkLq9RA_N9W9d1TEcxyJkYlfBTl9Rpyhs_LYFbGNfCFgOxTwJZ9zdGhs_bIsJLe6lH3wx2Eda-V_npzSrOEjqQbDPZZqGKCUOgxmOE/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-36.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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A cursory effort was apparently made to consolidate textbooks and other supplies, some of which were gathered around one of the swimming pools.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigZfdVIy14CeVnWzWG4G6bx7SsuyN7qMy9cdkXICMQLZBF8rSxcsBibM3J32F50MyTKkts8GZ7AmE96CVTVWDryQjRlGJDbNQz_VDzLyPzza1uRBRj1ruFE-XzyGN3iNxGIe7PkaTVXI/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigZfdVIy14CeVnWzWG4G6bx7SsuyN7qMy9cdkXICMQLZBF8rSxcsBibM3J32F50MyTKkts8GZ7AmE96CVTVWDryQjRlGJDbNQz_VDzLyPzza1uRBRj1ruFE-XzyGN3iNxGIe7PkaTVXI/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-46.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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Rows of boxes filled with textbooks lined one side of the school's newer gymnasium.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_Dj8CIagEcvAgbWels9-205l6W6kytCHFr5y13cRX8fVT42Za4LQwfnd_PTLj0iLYwsdTDAS61zeD40Fv3sNhE7IHJinFpxer0SyGMNPHup5Io_Y_cM-7f_Z7uS4-1VG9krqx4wxja4/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_Dj8CIagEcvAgbWels9-205l6W6kytCHFr5y13cRX8fVT42Za4LQwfnd_PTLj0iLYwsdTDAS61zeD40Fv3sNhE7IHJinFpxer0SyGMNPHup5Io_Y_cM-7f_Z7uS4-1VG9krqx4wxja4/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-40.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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Vandals set fire to some of them. Thankfully it did not spread.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCRKmwxVjZyj2p5NEcq9Ovd7kWNTZD6mGCwxG6aYIQJ8k5Q05juEqXxV9RzhcKGnFN5MxpvJQ4rRnd3UtphQ195LCDOhggOYhvRsR5v1xjrguYNCcLKCBgwuVB62X9LFFFwSVo2W-Gi4/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCRKmwxVjZyj2p5NEcq9Ovd7kWNTZD6mGCwxG6aYIQJ8k5Q05juEqXxV9RzhcKGnFN5MxpvJQ4rRnd3UtphQ195LCDOhggOYhvRsR5v1xjrguYNCcLKCBgwuVB62X9LFFFwSVo2W-Gi4/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-41.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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It seems unlikely that the building will ever be put to use again. Vandalism and the elements have taken a heavy toll. There is a great deal of water damage in the basement. The floor of the gym is so heavily warped from moisture that a large section of it has risen up and buckled.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8pdoMWST0OGpylvwVEy-9OD1tr0dgcLRELyrOso0_WkrPlcfcBdIjgdymGX2kxcIVXna-mdQLzuOtzcgNyXz6lQn9r8trhST-ry10DFKOk5bI3HIq6OOMx5WkvgJzye6aBzeUQY7tDo/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8pdoMWST0OGpylvwVEy-9OD1tr0dgcLRELyrOso0_WkrPlcfcBdIjgdymGX2kxcIVXna-mdQLzuOtzcgNyXz6lQn9r8trhST-ry10DFKOk5bI3HIq6OOMx5WkvgJzye6aBzeUQY7tDo/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-81.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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Many online communities have formed, where alumni keep in touch with one another and share fond memories of their time at Horace Mann School. Please feel free to share any memories you have of this magnificent school in the comment section below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfHZz2NrH1E9fEmqj1MjZdtzIRxAPF_tf2N5fxxMEhyphenhyphenEOl3UJ4xSFzKmDFTRSNhBeOY-brvyVz3Xa2Kn4zA3wOv7p4df8uhXIPPshyphenhyphenfSDFBj38CzpmwPSyT3qNlmzFjV8nCizjuGTAoI/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfHZz2NrH1E9fEmqj1MjZdtzIRxAPF_tf2N5fxxMEhyphenhyphenEOl3UJ4xSFzKmDFTRSNhBeOY-brvyVz3Xa2Kn4zA3wOv7p4df8uhXIPPshyphenhyphenfSDFBj38CzpmwPSyT3qNlmzFjV8nCizjuGTAoI/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-55.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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After Horace Mann School, I stopped to appreciate the ruins of another of Gary, Indiana's magnificent historical buildings, the <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/02/gary-public-schools-memorial-auditorium.html" target="_blank">Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbpVq9jZOTq0qOi8VYEu0p8IkoGjXtlDui6sJR8BJ6goRTQnmnATomNcf3KQSrYcv1Zk657EQ8jTYjgjvaXmWQPpuhw9a5fLxQE5V2X4E1pYErd6wEKtnb8BWwkH44JpcbN0onyr_Yo8/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbpVq9jZOTq0qOi8VYEu0p8IkoGjXtlDui6sJR8BJ6goRTQnmnATomNcf3KQSrYcv1Zk657EQ8jTYjgjvaXmWQPpuhw9a5fLxQE5V2X4E1pYErd6wEKtnb8BWwkH44JpcbN0onyr_Yo8/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-54.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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Until then, feel free to read my previous posts about the incredible places I explored on my <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/03/out-of-frying-pan-and-into-rust-belt.html" target="_blank">Epic Rust Belt Road Trip</a>. </div>
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I have many more photos of Horace Mann School than I was able to include here. I'll be sharing them on social media, so please follow the links below if you'd like to see more of this incredible abandoned place.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhbmfEUshjUmSVdmHmMaFrNYs0dm1QsWC2aztg86U9BhUi1sg-UXddlQBlq6XelapyQSSuT1VydKMDDtthW502MAi_C-eX2H5iupA2QTB_WJT2UCJIficu3XSouf2yNtEmnHrJ9lUllc/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhbmfEUshjUmSVdmHmMaFrNYs0dm1QsWC2aztg86U9BhUi1sg-UXddlQBlq6XelapyQSSuT1VydKMDDtthW502MAi_C-eX2H5iupA2QTB_WJT2UCJIficu3XSouf2yNtEmnHrJ9lUllc/s1600/horace-mann-high-school-abandoned-gary-indiana-82.jpg" title="Horace Mann High School Abandoned in Gary, Indiana" /></a></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com76Gary, IN, USA41.5933696 -87.34642710000002841.4033516 -87.669150600000023 41.783387600000005 -87.023703600000033tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-72530327195415199482017-01-11T08:21:00.000-08:002017-01-31T12:52:10.028-08:00The Ruins of a Gothic Masterpiece: Abandoned City Methodist Church of Gary, IndianaCity Methodist Church of Gary, Indiana is arguably the most beautiful example of urban decay in the Rust Belt. The Gothic Revival structure, which stands in ruins after decades of neglect, arson and vandalism, is stunning to behold.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL18YsGpygTDKcWCRV_IZ0ZyU-ojuavnesKjXjpJ0AKrjtMiKpsq7I844uBYX0cYdxe9ouuVW6EKbIYEgRFU1RisqQhHZfncUo2LXd4XT23WoMkjt02hsBXjz7XJ8HTorgVCeYmT5g0AU/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL18YsGpygTDKcWCRV_IZ0ZyU-ojuavnesKjXjpJ0AKrjtMiKpsq7I844uBYX0cYdxe9ouuVW6EKbIYEgRFU1RisqQhHZfncUo2LXd4XT23WoMkjt02hsBXjz7XJ8HTorgVCeYmT5g0AU/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana.jpg" title="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" /></a></div>
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After exploring an <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/12/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant.html" target="_blank">abandoned power plant</a> in the Chicago suburb of Dixmoor, IL, I continued east to Gary, Indiana. I knew it was the epitome of a Rust Belt city: a declining population, job losses, a reputation for high crime. But nothing could have prepared me for what I'd find there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMq34x7P41nLXrr87hkGAeL1PLslQgVDzZNGJcaR-Aa2pIB4gC6E0jqGpuUeNQXa9_oIr2pdESz26mDO8og2MsX3P_GFseDmrCF031JOcnjIhol_prUuNvjunTADnqwDTFf3g1iVngxE/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMq34x7P41nLXrr87hkGAeL1PLslQgVDzZNGJcaR-Aa2pIB4gC6E0jqGpuUeNQXa9_oIr2pdESz26mDO8og2MsX3P_GFseDmrCF031JOcnjIhol_prUuNvjunTADnqwDTFf3g1iVngxE/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-01.jpg" title="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" /></a></div>
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Driving into Gary, Indiana is a strange, unsettling experience. A third of the buildings there are abandoned. What were once homes and businesses are now vacant, crumbling structures, their walls tagged with graffiti and overtaken by creeping ivy and weeds. Windows are boarded up or shattered and gaping.<br />
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As someone who is fascinated by abandoned places, I was excited to explore the history of this city, but my enthusiasm was overshadowed by an unexpected and profound despair. It is hard to witness such desolation without feeling a sense of hopelessness.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxfeaDYe0aD9JXE_f64e8CWQPnJ2VSuCkdPi2wnB0W4C3T9kfkUgb8nQ_L3vE4ZebxLhKt2RuFbJ77Hr7IKa-iDYBKDMSiWonOVEg710MIBP3kNbb-uE2gnSkYPx_C4WrLqI0K-wT_3s/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxfeaDYe0aD9JXE_f64e8CWQPnJ2VSuCkdPi2wnB0W4C3T9kfkUgb8nQ_L3vE4ZebxLhKt2RuFbJ77Hr7IKa-iDYBKDMSiWonOVEg710MIBP3kNbb-uE2gnSkYPx_C4WrLqI0K-wT_3s/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-02.jpg" title="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" /></a></div>
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The daylight was fading fast, but I was determined to explore at least one site before nightfall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivahIebxfA8JB4fXHv1z0lzPsYWLN0ttGG_USMLz4VnHAt9_HycOT4kcbFcQgl0fnbAwxyfJ4Ba-IJoc023jqv9BETU9I1NXt19RdFLmDHzuFysf28wfV0ioOTBvrl3xKpzWqOrq9GVCw/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivahIebxfA8JB4fXHv1z0lzPsYWLN0ttGG_USMLz4VnHAt9_HycOT4kcbFcQgl0fnbAwxyfJ4Ba-IJoc023jqv9BETU9I1NXt19RdFLmDHzuFysf28wfV0ioOTBvrl3xKpzWqOrq9GVCw/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-00.jpg" /></a></div>
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When I pulled up to the ruins of City Methodist Church, a few kids were hanging out in front of the school across the street. On the next block over stood a row of modern homes. It was strange to see the overgrown, collapsing ruins of the old church alongside a well-kept residential neighborhood. It is a common pattern throughout the City of Gary.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkYOWXCYA_5ie0jaGdNxLgBelA0_j4ZcTZrDOLcsx84vV8luXibcecbFu_wZVIzyAnXnThdrypUk_NfTt0xdH2a1TuiTthgoFNz9wUahcnKRIEXj1I-QJ3OaCUmbbXtZCGDIkv4276HI/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkYOWXCYA_5ie0jaGdNxLgBelA0_j4ZcTZrDOLcsx84vV8luXibcecbFu_wZVIzyAnXnThdrypUk_NfTt0xdH2a1TuiTthgoFNz9wUahcnKRIEXj1I-QJ3OaCUmbbXtZCGDIkv4276HI/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-17.jpg" title="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" /></a></div>
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Gary, Indiana was founded in 1906 by the United States Steel Corporation as the home for its new Gary Works plant. In its early years, the population was fairly diverse; nearly a third of its residents were immigrants from Eastern Europe.</div>
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The city was named after Elbert Henry Gary, a lawyer and the founding chairman of the United States Steel Corporation. Gary Works, once the world's largest steel mill, is still the largest integrated mill in North America and the city's largest employer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXx8dwcuU8Wf2wbEuzaHDzi7U6oLWjWSpQ3r02bxS9nuqrNCwNTdPGxIAuafujwRLpaqn3osB3atc9IcSoJrhqzDgsbhXOWvTqZkr4zcm0Ufm7RYEUMsILFNfzUofp4VZpVeCm-jGCMQ/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXx8dwcuU8Wf2wbEuzaHDzi7U6oLWjWSpQ3r02bxS9nuqrNCwNTdPGxIAuafujwRLpaqn3osB3atc9IcSoJrhqzDgsbhXOWvTqZkr4zcm0Ufm7RYEUMsILFNfzUofp4VZpVeCm-jGCMQ/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-34.jpg" title="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" /></a></div>
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In 1919 Gary was the site of a major steel strike. Rioting became such a problem that the Governor of Indiana declared martial law and over 4000 federal troops were brought in to restore order. </div>
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Gary is also famous for being the birthplace of The Jackson 5.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA1J9b0Nuc55t2hJ_Mpym4k_J01WVFCWCumV3rGFg0naesAJQT7gT9MfwxksACVrt1efev0z3fokIw4TBkFvuKmiTMwA-AsAd0qr703RvycJ4SEAQHKtRdlrcLUPuNuWGcy0c9n1nivA/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA1J9b0Nuc55t2hJ_Mpym4k_J01WVFCWCumV3rGFg0naesAJQT7gT9MfwxksACVrt1efev0z3fokIw4TBkFvuKmiTMwA-AsAd0qr703RvycJ4SEAQHKtRdlrcLUPuNuWGcy0c9n1nivA/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-03.jpg" title="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" /></a></div>
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As is the case with many Rust Belt cities, Gary, Indiana began to suffer from increased competition from the steel industry overseas during the 1970s. The city fell into a downward spiral of job loss, falling tax revenue, increased crime, and a shrinking population. It has still not recovered. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvQP_PuFmewiDh-DZLaFlB035TYWxOWoqHQ6k8s35nevv4eknl6mAQVdMJJhtBtLvl8pJo9n2xprhdN0_4i5DtSJjzGIZQrRsp0MEo9vB15yJphBe8puWRWMn1ikZo4vOSAFT8y2lzMs/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvQP_PuFmewiDh-DZLaFlB035TYWxOWoqHQ6k8s35nevv4eknl6mAQVdMJJhtBtLvl8pJo9n2xprhdN0_4i5DtSJjzGIZQrRsp0MEo9vB15yJphBe8puWRWMn1ikZo4vOSAFT8y2lzMs/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-30.jpg" title="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" /></a></div>
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Gary Works and its associated facilities employed over 30,000 people in the early 1970s, but by 1990 that number had fallen to only 6,000. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUKS0mapYb-mkkDVGOrAgwdS6lNN4p_Bc9RNbqCLvvPhuN9CczkDTBWlmvFZLdcNqtUggLZxbIvhMjtOeNTh1XsN2JNu3COUK3BPyceHWqP5GDnHVXVEJaLJhl1fheQPett4InpVtv7g/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUKS0mapYb-mkkDVGOrAgwdS6lNN4p_Bc9RNbqCLvvPhuN9CczkDTBWlmvFZLdcNqtUggLZxbIvhMjtOeNTh1XsN2JNu3COUK3BPyceHWqP5GDnHVXVEJaLJhl1fheQPett4InpVtv7g/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-04.jpg" title="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" /></a></div>
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At the time of the 2010 census, the population was 80,294, a 55 percent decrease from its peak of 178,320 in 1960.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTkfIIEwgew2_DpOB8oy0Ee38yY88p8-RwFOc5KO4jJG7ocOvy3Ah3z7Uzk15XFamq7JavI-WyxUbi06aEilQOLqTHMDxX8-Og6F2S99esr4S2x0GA1us0JmLcKQfBsBTXGYPWQqHPbE/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTkfIIEwgew2_DpOB8oy0Ee38yY88p8-RwFOc5KO4jJG7ocOvy3Ah3z7Uzk15XFamq7JavI-WyxUbi06aEilQOLqTHMDxX8-Og6F2S99esr4S2x0GA1us0JmLcKQfBsBTXGYPWQqHPbE/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-05.jpg" title="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" /></a></div>
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As of 2013, the Gary Department of Redevelopment has estimated that one-third of all homes in the city are unoccupied or abandoned.<br />
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City Methodist Church is one of Gary's most recognizable landmarks. Standing abandoned since 1975, it has become a symbol of the city's decline.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_Gv2uSMaakqcWLO977zJYcSmpgO6qBZsPA9AYycPcSxKYqqVuqFl3M5r_V9v1eI7on8TUEbD42N9muKR0EVUo2rGP93yj1DK_-I3esmqsASpuCEC7QhdJWgwD9Pe0z4yCLqxMNIFzDM/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_Gv2uSMaakqcWLO977zJYcSmpgO6qBZsPA9AYycPcSxKYqqVuqFl3M5r_V9v1eI7on8TUEbD42N9muKR0EVUo2rGP93yj1DK_-I3esmqsASpuCEC7QhdJWgwD9Pe0z4yCLqxMNIFzDM/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-06.jpg" title="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" /></a></div>
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Hauntingly beautiful, the old church has been featured in many movies, including the 2009 remake of "Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Transformers 3."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOPLaSJiMKZjEqHkMPdPDCXaw7CjSZZsMhnz2b5gcgnQig2z4X43PKhooOPPKMUZD-QJt0m7kQXDPrL1S1WGaG9fVt3fgvbTWHf_uFWaEPeP97qv3PIf1ievOgiQaYBVIXbQx_RatlTI/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOPLaSJiMKZjEqHkMPdPDCXaw7CjSZZsMhnz2b5gcgnQig2z4X43PKhooOPPKMUZD-QJt0m7kQXDPrL1S1WGaG9fVt3fgvbTWHf_uFWaEPeP97qv3PIf1ievOgiQaYBVIXbQx_RatlTI/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-07.jpg" title="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxYfsbGufYMLG8pEeHe-piVMJKVWNT8cpjVdYu3a0PpT5cVNRum_zGIKiybJ-P8X6TV47hmOvgtIEeQuF76XurlNzFIb2zlhTe0ITHVDy-5SniHuv1RjRp_KIWW8m-0vsNVdphO0MPkA/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxYfsbGufYMLG8pEeHe-piVMJKVWNT8cpjVdYu3a0PpT5cVNRum_zGIKiybJ-P8X6TV47hmOvgtIEeQuF76XurlNzFIb2zlhTe0ITHVDy-5SniHuv1RjRp_KIWW8m-0vsNVdphO0MPkA/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-08.jpg" title="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" /></a></div>
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Construction of City Methodist Church began in 1925 at a cost of $650,000 (equivalent to over $8.8 million in 2016 dollars). The U. S. Steel Corporation contributed 50% of the building cost.<br />
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Due to rising expenses and planning errors, the church was built smaller than its original specifications, but is still an impressive structure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbZCs5Z7NqvZpehO04fh-VgmhR92fxJkPDYRbyu1cYQTgkid3_LSoRXZm0iGp37puNHb9oIh1J0TC30kkjIRrS7VDUUxAV8b4-PxJQNkK-CaaiUwkgwdRZK8YiCbgdmesLIGof8tUtTQ/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbZCs5Z7NqvZpehO04fh-VgmhR92fxJkPDYRbyu1cYQTgkid3_LSoRXZm0iGp37puNHb9oIh1J0TC30kkjIRrS7VDUUxAV8b4-PxJQNkK-CaaiUwkgwdRZK8YiCbgdmesLIGof8tUtTQ/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-27.jpg" title="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" /></a></div>
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The leadership of City Methodist Church was progressive for its time. During an era of segregation, people of any color were welcomed into the congregation.<br />
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By 1973, church membership dwindled to 300, down from a high of 3000. In 1975, the church closed and has remained vacant ever since.<br />
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City Methodist Church and many other historic buildings were badly damaged in the Great Gary Arson of 1997. Large portions of the ceiling have collapsed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcbQJChReU0O_LAdGHekOqW3FvHyWo20wO1UkkruYx5p29YFsMzsVZctMCzfbL1DNoFBgik9qJGDzPsHzM3iKFkzb3aNtwYt1Apd5qwr5091NQPTP0dmvGTDO9tAqUUWr2RZK59Y0ksc/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcbQJChReU0O_LAdGHekOqW3FvHyWo20wO1UkkruYx5p29YFsMzsVZctMCzfbL1DNoFBgik9qJGDzPsHzM3iKFkzb3aNtwYt1Apd5qwr5091NQPTP0dmvGTDO9tAqUUWr2RZK59Y0ksc/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-10.jpg" title="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" /></a></div>
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The sun set as I finished up exploring the old church. After an exhausting day of travel and exploring, I was ready for a good night's rest. I could hardly wait for the next morning, when I'd explore the massive abandoned <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/01/horace-mann-school-abandoned-gary-indiana.html" target="_blank">Horace Mann School</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNOHswvlDubtkrDLoTgAcL8tGxJKxbaBQ9bZLk3blrQPg9XBOIgWT3WaKIl5scd9lLmUEuuBBYd1_WGwydRFQqirZe0uGwV3-AK6Hw0JpLGCoeID3UEvFn-ThI7_7yOfHrpX_k1Ltm18/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNOHswvlDubtkrDLoTgAcL8tGxJKxbaBQ9bZLk3blrQPg9XBOIgWT3WaKIl5scd9lLmUEuuBBYd1_WGwydRFQqirZe0uGwV3-AK6Hw0JpLGCoeID3UEvFn-ThI7_7yOfHrpX_k1Ltm18/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-18.jpg" title="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PryMqZdhEemgmqZvNK7oZGEuEyIps0qEZZEffVCdhm_BF67LaAK6V_4wTy2iyXSU6EA3kbH3-33zI2zex2RGxA35tMMqODgN8iI3-fIC3aK7RDmyZhKYgCI4KNkzfW1wANnrtmn_Hxw/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PryMqZdhEemgmqZvNK7oZGEuEyIps0qEZZEffVCdhm_BF67LaAK6V_4wTy2iyXSU6EA3kbH3-33zI2zex2RGxA35tMMqODgN8iI3-fIC3aK7RDmyZhKYgCI4KNkzfW1wANnrtmn_Hxw/s1600/city-methodist-church-abandoned-gothic-ruins-gary-indiana-29.jpg" title="City Methodist Church Abandoned Gothic Ruins in Gary Indiana" /></a></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com11Gary, IN, USA41.5933696 -87.34642710000002841.4033516 -87.669150600000023 41.783387600000005 -87.023703600000033tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-4919774614484805922016-12-20T06:14:00.000-08:002017-01-11T07:52:54.731-08:00The Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant of Dixmoor, IllinoisThe abandoned Wyman-Gordon power plant towers above an overgrown industrial lot in Dixmoor, Illinois, the sole remaining structure of a century-old steel foundry.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRjgWN7jDwciShxUrrwCHNJyU6mhGL7ZfxlFpq6J2OlFJzs5FC_S2te3BiJK1UeEjYKu0Fhj6m4kYCW785mMCBpAUoLx8J_zV-OTJ4ySZ-CZ7Zr8qZRs7frlVk4IC61mK6oH9wmdsnbI/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRjgWN7jDwciShxUrrwCHNJyU6mhGL7ZfxlFpq6J2OlFJzs5FC_S2te3BiJK1UeEjYKu0Fhj6m4kYCW785mMCBpAUoLx8J_zV-OTJ4ySZ-CZ7Zr8qZRs7frlVk4IC61mK6oH9wmdsnbI/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-05.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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I'd just gotten a rare opportunity to explore the majestic <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/11/inside-joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison.html" target="_blank">Abandoned Prison of Joliet, Illinois</a> (<a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/11/inside-joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison.html" target="_blank">click here</a> to check out the article, if you haven't already). Truly an incredible place. I wasn't sure anything could top that experience, except maybe an abandoned power plant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtb8Iigl08ibRt8FODG1EpXXvbTAuDlxH8YwvGlQZgXKm4r8lBTI7Fj28Hru5EP4YkoHcDqywFgi1h35s5WD6gnMyQPuFg4Ab0EFqCrraxATtUzf1P4pu2Cu7yug-UcPJipEUDK8U_Js/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtb8Iigl08ibRt8FODG1EpXXvbTAuDlxH8YwvGlQZgXKm4r8lBTI7Fj28Hru5EP4YkoHcDqywFgi1h35s5WD6gnMyQPuFg4Ab0EFqCrraxATtUzf1P4pu2Cu7yug-UcPJipEUDK8U_Js/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-16.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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The Village of Dixmoor and the neighboring City of Harvey are suburbs south of Chicago. Once major industrial centers, they suffered serious economic decline toward the end of the 20th Century.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRZ7E_6gy-MiSBmFpHQLNx12lBJEBrVgeFRvEIs1c2LXeeQbqC44hw4dQT5HGm5KRiLtYJnFpnP9WPzAK-B8FOPo8yY7xy0nHxOW1xytesRyyutQii1kXMXiM7CMMQ8Wd7yEnpxT9fxg/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Lily's Groceries Store in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRZ7E_6gy-MiSBmFpHQLNx12lBJEBrVgeFRvEIs1c2LXeeQbqC44hw4dQT5HGm5KRiLtYJnFpnP9WPzAK-B8FOPo8yY7xy0nHxOW1xytesRyyutQii1kXMXiM7CMMQ8Wd7yEnpxT9fxg/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-01.jpg" title="Abandoned Lily's Groceries Store in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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Lily's Groceries Store stands abandoned and boarded up on a lonely street corner across from the old steel mill site.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijw82aY0z8Swd9ELwXk2PCMv2EAV_chDCn-ktwHeeuR0VwjVItkvejBdJTAHw7MFH-A-80J65lyH5aPu7DYS15MMR8CTmXrWhxUwfhcAU2Sey3uEFzRnWBBKkGSMYMw4jD6YbBKzpvLo/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijw82aY0z8Swd9ELwXk2PCMv2EAV_chDCn-ktwHeeuR0VwjVItkvejBdJTAHw7MFH-A-80J65lyH5aPu7DYS15MMR8CTmXrWhxUwfhcAU2Sey3uEFzRnWBBKkGSMYMw4jD6YbBKzpvLo/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-27.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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Nature has returned to the grounds of the old factory in full force. Trees and shrubs grow so dense that it is difficult to pass through.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHLMjmmMomBoHzEKSTmF2ivBS20QDQ6f2-fmfsrr4NwM5s9aVoONCdp60yB0G1O5BoWuZEIc7-ASOU3M9vaoXtzapD1cpnYu-hkmQiH-wL9RKdYZPo1Rf641TAYvciSz4ZndMXgT4BZY/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHLMjmmMomBoHzEKSTmF2ivBS20QDQ6f2-fmfsrr4NwM5s9aVoONCdp60yB0G1O5BoWuZEIc7-ASOU3M9vaoXtzapD1cpnYu-hkmQiH-wL9RKdYZPo1Rf641TAYvciSz4ZndMXgT4BZY/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-21.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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Most of the buildings on the property have been demolished. The few that remain are in very rough shape.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6MpVK9Rk23hWcD4FgNqrMf8TvlQK56XWpF9xO1SRmXUtBcZvphHJ746ZusvnjiRn0vFGnSrcBn3bXBkNr-XH8zANO9ImvKAGgK0nI-UEzWqIw5oY0-eRagTEwUJFIHPyZZbTqyF5ZNQ/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6MpVK9Rk23hWcD4FgNqrMf8TvlQK56XWpF9xO1SRmXUtBcZvphHJ746ZusvnjiRn0vFGnSrcBn3bXBkNr-XH8zANO9ImvKAGgK0nI-UEzWqIw5oY0-eRagTEwUJFIHPyZZbTqyF5ZNQ/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-07.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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The power plant is the only major structure that still stands. Scrappers and vandals have done quite a bit of damage over the years. There is also evidence that fires have been lit inside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrg35T08-n85Yy2DiR_lxlHyOWcK4fhn7LL8bzi7fVbFKZnnWuxSE9a21Lv_EaDjB4XtqlNTuZ3UQv0PyDzwN8yKQ97DrwtBiTQOzodyI1jl3GM4rg7u-0X4T-TPSuynxGntijvDgT3k/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrg35T08-n85Yy2DiR_lxlHyOWcK4fhn7LL8bzi7fVbFKZnnWuxSE9a21Lv_EaDjB4XtqlNTuZ3UQv0PyDzwN8yKQ97DrwtBiTQOzodyI1jl3GM4rg7u-0X4T-TPSuynxGntijvDgT3k/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-67.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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In 1910, when Dixmoor was still known as Specialville, the Ingalls-Shepard Forging Company built a steel mill so large that it required its own coal-fueled power plant. Like others in the region, the factory produced heavy steel parts for railroad companies and the growing auto industry.<br />
In 1920, the Wyman-Gordon Company of Worcester, Massachusetts acquired the plant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHz5vHovnhdzUGghb6VY06VpERSBtRubvlpxykIu9QtW5-9eoFIEIwc4n0Y_PYVAVvj6eUp2zgH4Vmi6T-AkLP8yWmH4xFE27vdcx4gdXwywUQRKIkEB93gU3siF_iXMtY_fIjBS3ESwQ/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHz5vHovnhdzUGghb6VY06VpERSBtRubvlpxykIu9QtW5-9eoFIEIwc4n0Y_PYVAVvj6eUp2zgH4Vmi6T-AkLP8yWmH4xFE27vdcx4gdXwywUQRKIkEB93gU3siF_iXMtY_fIjBS3ESwQ/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-30.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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During and after World War I, Wyman-Gordon Company produced parts for military and commercial aircraft. World War II proved an extremely profitable time. The company claims that it produced more military airplane components than all of its competitors combined.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKTa2OvfKvt8vE3Ny5El35RMWOD4hSnFL6AiFPIT_-6aWW44iz5V6WfcIWeSe7FwZNHnInpKrZ_U-0t9TQ42BkdwdTmAAWxIGeMaiYADOjg_h-EqxFlSHzp3_x1HZQ7tjEwrujvpx27c/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKTa2OvfKvt8vE3Ny5El35RMWOD4hSnFL6AiFPIT_-6aWW44iz5V6WfcIWeSe7FwZNHnInpKrZ_U-0t9TQ42BkdwdTmAAWxIGeMaiYADOjg_h-EqxFlSHzp3_x1HZQ7tjEwrujvpx27c/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-26.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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As technology progressed, Wyman-Gordon began forging titanium alloy jet engine parts, which were used in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAEehDtOiGlBKBv4Wy9velrQMJgW2kHgvnwB2_yvSkOYTVNIQGTIzZ6W51uSqzS2zaKATpKivIkBc76u8T51S4XkRuP_ht5jp8oEGdiICkIKRF7qlr_pHsfWNsj_77nbCpVq9LW_qIGI/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAEehDtOiGlBKBv4Wy9velrQMJgW2kHgvnwB2_yvSkOYTVNIQGTIzZ6W51uSqzS2zaKATpKivIkBc76u8T51S4XkRuP_ht5jp8oEGdiICkIKRF7qlr_pHsfWNsj_77nbCpVq9LW_qIGI/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-28.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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The 1980s saw a decline in business for Wyman-Gordon due to decreased demand for commercial airline components and military budget cuts after the end of the Cold War.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLEHDj6MdAKDVyctWU0VlhM44Aioz95OyBIG4ycVidSJicAtsLsGQQgQG9bUVzLaAOSDbBN7nM6NbWzjipXS9uJxl8ej-YRyl7de9Xy08qVoItXiRutqUUcC487wL2mcy0hAAnFRTNWk/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLEHDj6MdAKDVyctWU0VlhM44Aioz95OyBIG4ycVidSJicAtsLsGQQgQG9bUVzLaAOSDbBN7nM6NbWzjipXS9uJxl8ej-YRyl7de9Xy08qVoItXiRutqUUcC487wL2mcy0hAAnFRTNWk/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-33.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHYi27POpUVs0zGwgQm0tU261WD5PdqAI4s7scN9cr3_09qg7FCTrzY9dOmY_ETwI-9m0Jf9hbyWOafGyO_o0wdxQLcKMOXEBTIzMWTN-a0C0P2qKza-SNxMOyxf9c4_CkznnVv5QQSY/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHYi27POpUVs0zGwgQm0tU261WD5PdqAI4s7scN9cr3_09qg7FCTrzY9dOmY_ETwI-9m0Jf9hbyWOafGyO_o0wdxQLcKMOXEBTIzMWTN-a0C0P2qKza-SNxMOyxf9c4_CkznnVv5QQSY/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-37.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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Following an unsuccessful attempt to sell the plant, Wyman-Gordon closed the Ingalls-Shepard Division in 1986 and 350 people lost their jobs. It was a devastating blow to Dixmoor and the neighboring city of Harvey, which had recently suffered the closing of its Arco and Allis-Chalmers plants. The Dixie Square Mall, also located in Harvey, had closed several years earlier and sat abandoned until 2012, when it was finally demolished.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZwR2oY_Eu3_gZwX0zk4OUu5hgSjyEZrNb_nwXmDRjO6_ogo0qwManOMf6vhqJMrsP_QPqeBrnBIG3qhccN5poY2fUq3gOomRtynKED5WK_BM3eejphHa8KqpuyDY_To9Yd0NHe771Ns/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZwR2oY_Eu3_gZwX0zk4OUu5hgSjyEZrNb_nwXmDRjO6_ogo0qwManOMf6vhqJMrsP_QPqeBrnBIG3qhccN5poY2fUq3gOomRtynKED5WK_BM3eejphHa8KqpuyDY_To9Yd0NHe771Ns/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-17.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCi1aNXcX_MZtsWvnSTLzEoYPKTpB71RZimdRkyX9datRWGzNom3jKiiV0DSHExFokqUSJdiiicap_G0a_kFGFX0RZofpP9V7iO-px0c59IL19FbBcjr0HYhWrdpPPejj8naVDDI8_VCE/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCi1aNXcX_MZtsWvnSTLzEoYPKTpB71RZimdRkyX9datRWGzNom3jKiiV0DSHExFokqUSJdiiicap_G0a_kFGFX0RZofpP9V7iO-px0c59IL19FbBcjr0HYhWrdpPPejj8naVDDI8_VCE/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-38.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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A machine shop now operates out of one of Wyman-Gordon's old buildings. Most of the others were razed. I'm not sure why the power plant was spared from demolition.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOamjfoUgW6zFUySEYllb4MLDy0ZVNkCrJFt6gin8m6k1A37Q_IlALLOAYdlqlNwilDi4HttkHwfPR8Gce1Hfg3GNRhw5Q2e0lEB_b-TjDFqoGgXtDaCYEglHuCs7xHmsZ9NzNdd4a8hg/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOamjfoUgW6zFUySEYllb4MLDy0ZVNkCrJFt6gin8m6k1A37Q_IlALLOAYdlqlNwilDi4HttkHwfPR8Gce1Hfg3GNRhw5Q2e0lEB_b-TjDFqoGgXtDaCYEglHuCs7xHmsZ9NzNdd4a8hg/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-42.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUS_h3f63aFWSBKXjSBSf53sTbJAxScJKWRS_LpLTf6PCypvmAXOvZpMeKWNLIaI3mM6KrhoCeLmsZz9rvK-obtWPPMKFa3JjE8xNmSvYrFPO1WlnDG7nLDBQ6rVfF6g4XkA1MgkV2pE/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUS_h3f63aFWSBKXjSBSf53sTbJAxScJKWRS_LpLTf6PCypvmAXOvZpMeKWNLIaI3mM6KrhoCeLmsZz9rvK-obtWPPMKFa3JjE8xNmSvYrFPO1WlnDG7nLDBQ6rVfF6g4XkA1MgkV2pE/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-44.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6ZpYc_XRdMTdkPE_xCkWUnVsnhzmfNn45wJLJthrGda9GjvtO7FUpzTLpZBO1l_ZOnYgkO574KH7zNHyYabfQePTzGuZBU3_-EubcHY1gXIS-1Tlw5Dce03YJBwiTECFLu1-_1yU8k8/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6ZpYc_XRdMTdkPE_xCkWUnVsnhzmfNn45wJLJthrGda9GjvtO7FUpzTLpZBO1l_ZOnYgkO574KH7zNHyYabfQePTzGuZBU3_-EubcHY1gXIS-1Tlw5Dce03YJBwiTECFLu1-_1yU8k8/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-46.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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It seems unlikely that the site will be redeveloped any time in the near future. The soil would need to be cleared of the industrial contaminants that have accumulated over the years.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wKWeSk2r0kMIR0o42tfVV0ORAzgwZhhCvjQ2RlrUrHz3nZ2cXot3NLfgDnTxguWEGG7K9ohAnLnVPi1KrqsYeWVZOky-lkAIPxWh52CxeElSNq57f1lxB8fs0QeyfASzosONhx26Y4c/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wKWeSk2r0kMIR0o42tfVV0ORAzgwZhhCvjQ2RlrUrHz3nZ2cXot3NLfgDnTxguWEGG7K9ohAnLnVPi1KrqsYeWVZOky-lkAIPxWh52CxeElSNq57f1lxB8fs0QeyfASzosONhx26Y4c/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-74.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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From Dixmoor, I continued east to Gary, Indiana to see <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2017/01/abandoned-city-methodist-church-gary-indiana.html" target="_blank">the breathtaking ruins of City Methodist Church</a>. I'll tell you all about it next time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxYmr_-rT8dibKfMyVMcgeEcG7ieLDj_6BFYd_44zFP02tgnUHOrywjfK1efLC1-CgK1ulg5sWTF0wTXhh5Vuul9jVMMmes5FTEXRNl_0bHNz7N2mAdE4ldqLUYtkQ6ogyUTKPWeFnqw/s1600/Abandoned-Wyman-Gordon-Power-Plant-in-Dixmoor-Illinois-68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxYmr_-rT8dibKfMyVMcgeEcG7ieLDj_6BFYd_44zFP02tgnUHOrywjfK1efLC1-CgK1ulg5sWTF0wTXhh5Vuul9jVMMmes5FTEXRNl_0bHNz7N2mAdE4ldqLUYtkQ6ogyUTKPWeFnqw/s1600/Abandoned-Wyman-Gordon-Power-Plant-in-Dixmoor-Illinois-68.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0bVLmwPP2K59FnZHD9bGuKogAbogGlUB5F4_w8KT66oF34FKVNln0VUkXC16Zjy4maai-LXBb05yUvKnNYobryQXbtRbgDxAyhwL7USwjFy0SX4uA35g6CZPCwYlsiKFagTIX7emK4E/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0bVLmwPP2K59FnZHD9bGuKogAbogGlUB5F4_w8KT66oF34FKVNln0VUkXC16Zjy4maai-LXBb05yUvKnNYobryQXbtRbgDxAyhwL7USwjFy0SX4uA35g6CZPCwYlsiKFagTIX7emK4E/s1600/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant-in-dixmoor-illinois-59.jpg" title="Abandoned Wyman-Gordon Power Plant in Dixmoor Illinois" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com18Dixmoor, IL, USA41.6317009 -87.660880741.6079649 -87.7012212 41.6554369 -87.620540200000008tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-29262410236959869562016-11-28T07:40:00.000-08:002016-12-20T06:14:27.202-08:00Inside an Abandoned Prison: Joliet Correctional CenterThe beautiful neo-Gothic prison compound of Joliet Correctional Center stands abandoned and decaying after operating for nearly a century and a half.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTqwmqBfEBhp_cSOs3Sb9KVXbGTY1ctHST9_k-WwwOepJB3HHRJxyKkSkvRo35I5xyCGfmt9FeI5xhK6ZKI1Oy_VrM6c6mjRrHEimlbRi0zGcKvLU4Zp_x4d3ItNvHPTLqE0z1pFijK0/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTqwmqBfEBhp_cSOs3Sb9KVXbGTY1ctHST9_k-WwwOepJB3HHRJxyKkSkvRo35I5xyCGfmt9FeI5xhK6ZKI1Oy_VrM6c6mjRrHEimlbRi0zGcKvLU4Zp_x4d3ItNvHPTLqE0z1pFijK0/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-02.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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After a stroll through the legendary ruins of <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/11/into-rust-belt-legendary-ruins-of.html" target="_blank">Joliet Iron Works</a>, I headed to the massive walled-off prison compound that lies just north of the abandoned steel mill.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFobqgg7oP28h08poZ-6cJ8Kp3rOCAr2bnAkgmlnv5GBgih-GCJj7V7oYtvdkP59bOgkpMkYenEiPufkneH3FWG76CAYdNS7H2jv_DLvdoCp3_VYHNqmDNJ0z5VF6HhiW1IrV_VbB8I90/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFobqgg7oP28h08poZ-6cJ8Kp3rOCAr2bnAkgmlnv5GBgih-GCJj7V7oYtvdkP59bOgkpMkYenEiPufkneH3FWG76CAYdNS7H2jv_DLvdoCp3_VYHNqmDNJ0z5VF6HhiW1IrV_VbB8I90/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-01.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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Surrounded by 25-foot-high limestone walls topped with razor wire, Joliet Correctional Center covers 20 acres of land. The once self-sustaining compound consists of 24 buildings, including guard towers, cell blocks, administration buildings, light industrial facilities, a hospital, laundry, cafeteria, chapel and gymnasium. After years of neglect and vandalism, many of the structures are severly deteriorated.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBL-vWEzJQRAvxr9bcqO37A5AWECvQewTsWweCDBxZaPHCyNXiWnOL28Bef3e1A92KJfyfZ8AseB1v0-nHLCWwSx2XYO27_7_WCtNjwfHpeuryuOHPITHZps5sPS4zJFFn9RrHsho1yc4/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBL-vWEzJQRAvxr9bcqO37A5AWECvQewTsWweCDBxZaPHCyNXiWnOL28Bef3e1A92KJfyfZ8AseB1v0-nHLCWwSx2XYO27_7_WCtNjwfHpeuryuOHPITHZps5sPS4zJFFn9RrHsho1yc4/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-05.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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Thick blankets of ivy cover the walls and fences. The grounds are overgrown with weeds that have pushed up through the cracked pavement.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzS3Vl7xOiSO9CT7cXllkkbCdjQ5odw1zpxZjKhfaMtv4IDISko95_nR97kooeriyQRMC3PlMeEguxzmstx4LQzxzrUB_mnYXQs6UilAIYHVhaUkMZoIOEU4iKKjV_nOF5G7C_xRSNfQ/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzS3Vl7xOiSO9CT7cXllkkbCdjQ5odw1zpxZjKhfaMtv4IDISko95_nR97kooeriyQRMC3PlMeEguxzmstx4LQzxzrUB_mnYXQs6UilAIYHVhaUkMZoIOEU4iKKjV_nOF5G7C_xRSNfQ/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-60.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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The prison compound itself is not open to the public, but the parking lot has been transformed into the Old Joliet Prison Park. Visitors can enjoy a view of the castle-like main structure and read about the prison's history on a handful of informational signs.<br />
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Fortunately I was able to convince a friend of a friend who worked for the City of Joliet to grant me limited access to the administration building. </div>
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I was in awe from the moment I stepped inside. With elegant arched doorways and ornate wrought iron staircases, it looked nothing like how I imagined the interior of an old prison. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RA1eq2QOPYwsqcYj3MJuXvMJ8Nh_V3uZdtY1hGiEcJemCINAqS4BSIlD1a4wrk4T-6nFYBLuhd8OVLOZyF8tsp4AuOSaVCYEFZoqGoUBYG3L0-ufu5qX0i0E9z1qtLo31aUVqNGtcis/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RA1eq2QOPYwsqcYj3MJuXvMJ8Nh_V3uZdtY1hGiEcJemCINAqS4BSIlD1a4wrk4T-6nFYBLuhd8OVLOZyF8tsp4AuOSaVCYEFZoqGoUBYG3L0-ufu5qX0i0E9z1qtLo31aUVqNGtcis/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-17.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhj9srukvq2H_SytBUsmQWZW1GM-xEBgU1_YEI9aAXkVmxBg13wbnkZjqR6c_5icM8MmVaIz11ht6qfjG8gLTNSvvIjIg0PdLiIUM1BLzd8FhjifeX8AwHBvc821pNAhtk4vPX-3Cfq0/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhj9srukvq2H_SytBUsmQWZW1GM-xEBgU1_YEI9aAXkVmxBg13wbnkZjqR6c_5icM8MmVaIz11ht6qfjG8gLTNSvvIjIg0PdLiIUM1BLzd8FhjifeX8AwHBvc821pNAhtk4vPX-3Cfq0/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-79.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFdtkxvMDaooai-wWEQW03-zCqiC7zil6A-vgNVM4PYzPyvDMNLw2lM_NEXk_rbZQEdj50VpZKJdiHyCiEm6FHZ1hlnBJ1lbDZEqJ9IcZ7sAC0Sz-GvdtZF4fEk8ErJ_SIeh8k9UeqS0/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFdtkxvMDaooai-wWEQW03-zCqiC7zil6A-vgNVM4PYzPyvDMNLw2lM_NEXk_rbZQEdj50VpZKJdiHyCiEm6FHZ1hlnBJ1lbDZEqJ9IcZ7sAC0Sz-GvdtZF4fEk8ErJ_SIeh8k9UeqS0/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-68.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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Some of the rooms even had marble fireplaces.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN90Rv3x0L5wvJKDOjmg50TFprTz9scjqfi0yT_T4MLE8VMYThCyjmi30UDQjR-3td85wZSz6Pv1p8zXO_i-bQWcgldpCVfOioWOStRPGTBDWFQEK5anP_Xk4vBb98eXa2nJB8QZIR0jQ/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN90Rv3x0L5wvJKDOjmg50TFprTz9scjqfi0yT_T4MLE8VMYThCyjmi30UDQjR-3td85wZSz6Pv1p8zXO_i-bQWcgldpCVfOioWOStRPGTBDWFQEK5anP_Xk4vBb98eXa2nJB8QZIR0jQ/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-16.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXU2YVBeMmAtq9-XPDWVnw7Dn7IV4p1gz6EQulf2S7o2H9ipTEMJmmoRF6dXF7jEnNbA_pwRkWCWr3JMVsJa9yZjrHwl53D4Badgq3PbXUM0Kl9rKNi8H7BSFA7KxMowdofXtt8KnrpOY/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXU2YVBeMmAtq9-XPDWVnw7Dn7IV4p1gz6EQulf2S7o2H9ipTEMJmmoRF6dXF7jEnNbA_pwRkWCWr3JMVsJa9yZjrHwl53D4Badgq3PbXUM0Kl9rKNi8H7BSFA7KxMowdofXtt8KnrpOY/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-36.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNDpdV2GE4_Z-k08GqxmICb9OfFJm_TAxIPz0vI-TMEi0xD1YMJ1z_w0pjjhhhFyPt4X-LFauMCEgDiG_acPvM7W3W7eF1U7mwcOeJyEEjldZojtokmkuW3PeHiEMfkOXOa6uRwu6REQ/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNDpdV2GE4_Z-k08GqxmICb9OfFJm_TAxIPz0vI-TMEi0xD1YMJ1z_w0pjjhhhFyPt4X-LFauMCEgDiG_acPvM7W3W7eF1U7mwcOeJyEEjldZojtokmkuW3PeHiEMfkOXOa6uRwu6REQ/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-19.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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It was strange to see such beauty juxtaposed with the stark iron bars that separated it from the inmate areas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlpr7lDUqkzW5AMrvwQ0aIjqpnv-l97Od6Zzw9o4awX4pN3jch_UOui69AnW9g2fvwYN2xQTtZubPpWd4ghu2Gc-a75KxKd4lhG_PYPTuwwDBGIcLk4HnF94wWEQe86h4gyhU5LrLC4s/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlpr7lDUqkzW5AMrvwQ0aIjqpnv-l97Od6Zzw9o4awX4pN3jch_UOui69AnW9g2fvwYN2xQTtZubPpWd4ghu2Gc-a75KxKd4lhG_PYPTuwwDBGIcLk4HnF94wWEQe86h4gyhU5LrLC4s/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-66.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq1SeZ0QfSxuwuKphgbHjbtJcsGVfaJWUA8z5deDVhnJQOls_1YsnMfEpTP4Flb2P8h0nH_cAq5DULwqFRyhZsotuxPAAXvnT7Gp3oqsYtXfWL9HIo_n32SC0QGqfPGMqTvN6BYi3FCU/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq1SeZ0QfSxuwuKphgbHjbtJcsGVfaJWUA8z5deDVhnJQOls_1YsnMfEpTP4Flb2P8h0nH_cAq5DULwqFRyhZsotuxPAAXvnT7Gp3oqsYtXfWL9HIo_n32SC0QGqfPGMqTvN6BYi3FCU/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-65.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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Joliet Correctional Center opened in 1858, originally built to replace Illinois State Prison in Alton. Inmates were brought in from Alton to build the new prison, using limestone that was quarried on site.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHKvS7tTZPmhyyDm_IHsgf0yZTSKuavwd9stXv7fRroo_fVeq50wvHfyNJi4PWhbqI5yK5E7SRJ4JI9Uh5P_ZyDjI7wONrf9LUfI9uZfOvhnt_zuOpvdUavS0rOqf2wo3mp_z38YGwTU/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHKvS7tTZPmhyyDm_IHsgf0yZTSKuavwd9stXv7fRroo_fVeq50wvHfyNJi4PWhbqI5yK5E7SRJ4JI9Uh5P_ZyDjI7wONrf9LUfI9uZfOvhnt_zuOpvdUavS0rOqf2wo3mp_z38YGwTU/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-56.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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By the late 1800s, the prison population had grown to a record-breaking high of 1239. In addition to overcrowding and concerns over the compound's aging infrastructure, exhaust from the nearby <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/11/into-rust-belt-legendary-ruins-of.html" target="_blank">Joliet Steel mill</a> was becoming a problem. Smoke often rolled in and covered the prison grounds in a thick haze, causing health problems for inmates and prison staff. One warden even resigned and moved away due to health concerns.<br />
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In 1910, the prison commissioners decided the facility needed to be replaced. Stateville Penitentiary opened in 1925, intended to replace it, but Joliet Prison remained open.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkuXgDGe1Fn-v4aZiIEsAvIYeEkrS4zdSDMH9jrqLtwsiuRC6cIUFzWpAQ3ncMhpNjeXnKCNCfPRw2_W8_3jim-lDNfhOWDZWG_g9IEw8yokAvqriz9B1iXQikuy8WyA6Q8H1mL24q3k/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkuXgDGe1Fn-v4aZiIEsAvIYeEkrS4zdSDMH9jrqLtwsiuRC6cIUFzWpAQ3ncMhpNjeXnKCNCfPRw2_W8_3jim-lDNfhOWDZWG_g9IEw8yokAvqriz9B1iXQikuy8WyA6Q8H1mL24q3k/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-45.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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The facility has held quite a few notable inmates, including prisoners of war during the Civil War. The infamous murderers <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopold_and_Loeb" target="_blank">Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb</a> were incarcerated there. Serial killer John Wayne Gacy also spent time in Joliet Prison before being sent to Stateville Correctional Center.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yonz6TeC6YXdvPYbsuCPhPLSDV1YMRiUF9lxJc31TiEzc6LgSaaRpEYKC_kUVhbQ4jvfV2Zk1t9Xr4omwLpNlL1HYv2jGQS_pF5zHyGKHqgtqyKm5uwnhC44hvCrTFY8dPJSSsvKktU/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yonz6TeC6YXdvPYbsuCPhPLSDV1YMRiUF9lxJc31TiEzc6LgSaaRpEYKC_kUVhbQ4jvfV2Zk1t9Xr4omwLpNlL1HYv2jGQS_pF5zHyGKHqgtqyKm5uwnhC44hvCrTFY8dPJSSsvKktU/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-80.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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Joliet Correctional Center has been featured in several movies, including The Blues Brothers and Let's Go to Prison. Since its abandonment, it served as the setting for Season One of the T.V. show Prison Break and an episode of Bones.<br />
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The prison was also mentioned in songs, including "Percy's Song" by Bob Dylan, "Joliet Bound" by Memphis Minnie, and "Lincoln Park Pirates" by Steve Goodman.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-T6-TxlXXJhc2KyCpf8rWe0Xy7bDb5DsRQiIkyCDTv1lqUO0UY5p6l2R9Is7wpPqhT_Zo02UfsRJdBpT1lKCVJGVEtGABIRhBDxacP8n6l4dRc90-vfaK6DTGNpcv7oS_znE79VW-P4/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-T6-TxlXXJhc2KyCpf8rWe0Xy7bDb5DsRQiIkyCDTv1lqUO0UY5p6l2R9Is7wpPqhT_Zo02UfsRJdBpT1lKCVJGVEtGABIRhBDxacP8n6l4dRc90-vfaK6DTGNpcv7oS_znE79VW-P4/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-40.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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Joliet Correctional Center closed in 2002 due to budget cuts and the aging of its buildings. Most of the inmates and employees were transferred to Stateville Correctional Center.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H1otxcGiWhCnhgbG8YJU-QyhzxxSaSSaOzTUgaKpUPgydPfxtCWssUn8-0MvaQKDoQpGsp-ZtV22kTzMBa7w8YZn5V5cBI24Dq0huN0JM5M6CzggHekzbNYXJxeaw6hdfdEOCOAtMH8/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H1otxcGiWhCnhgbG8YJU-QyhzxxSaSSaOzTUgaKpUPgydPfxtCWssUn8-0MvaQKDoQpGsp-ZtV22kTzMBa7w8YZn5V5cBI24Dq0huN0JM5M6CzggHekzbNYXJxeaw6hdfdEOCOAtMH8/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-03.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lBFr_NhRVSLmzgoS81s6r0KMw1G7C5A49X-Cvc3ZMUPTdO4JCBX56-r04L5FKpi8CqD6ne4PEo4Rh7iV36AdPXtCB6VKDRdhoDTQQITcUlpFxgkZV_otDeauAbg8XSEfXk8xJaw_K_o/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lBFr_NhRVSLmzgoS81s6r0KMw1G7C5A49X-Cvc3ZMUPTdO4JCBX56-r04L5FKpi8CqD6ne4PEo4Rh7iV36AdPXtCB6VKDRdhoDTQQITcUlpFxgkZV_otDeauAbg8XSEfXk8xJaw_K_o/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-51.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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Redevelopment plans for the site are still in the works. The Joliet Area Historical Museum wishes to preserve the prison and open it for tours, though developers have submitted other plans that would require demolition of many of the historic structures. </div>
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I only got to see a small portion of the massive facility during my visit, but I hope to return one day if/when the grounds have been opened to the public.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXLtopjfaZWRQ4-MtFyFIrhk7bbgtMobEc_rVvHPxKJqD4NJvi-1PLrj8EwJVfvXVaR6xCk_2mjrUzUpYbvHAQ0v2WY1m9mK6HOhPzrFQhvHfh1DQQDejKZhq5w9__uREDzeU8P9PhkM/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXLtopjfaZWRQ4-MtFyFIrhk7bbgtMobEc_rVvHPxKJqD4NJvi-1PLrj8EwJVfvXVaR6xCk_2mjrUzUpYbvHAQ0v2WY1m9mK6HOhPzrFQhvHfh1DQQDejKZhq5w9__uREDzeU8P9PhkM/s1600/joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison-in-illinois-29.jpg" title="Joliet Correctional Center Abandoned Prison in Illinois" /></a></div>
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Grateful for the opportunity to explore such a unique site, I said goodbye to Joliet and continued eastward on my <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/03/out-of-frying-pan-and-into-rust-belt.html" target="_blank">Epic Rust Belt Road Trip</a>. </div>
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Next stop: an <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/12/abandoned-wyman-gordon-power-plant.html" target="_blank">abandoned power plant</a>. </div>
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By the way, I have way more photos of Joliet Correctional Center than I was able to include here. I'll be sharing them on social media, so please follow the links below if you'd like to see more of this incredible abandoned prison.</div>
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Thank you!<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com42Joliet, IL, USA41.525031 -88.08172509999997141.3347905 -88.404448599999967 41.7152715 -87.759001599999976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-1081688314921031072016-11-12T14:16:00.000-08:002016-11-28T07:40:43.790-08:00Into the Rust Belt: The Legendary Ruins of Joliet Iron WorksJoliet Iron and Steel Works, once the second largest steel mill in the United States, is now a vast network of crumbling ruins.When I finished admiring the towering industrial ruins of <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/10/abandoned-lehigh-portland-cement.html" target="_blank">Lehigh Portland Cement Company</a> in Oglesby, Illinois, I continued toward Joliet, the westernmost city of the Rust Belt.<br />
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Along the way, I took a quick detour in the city of Morris to check out a complex of beautiful old brick buildings that once housed Gebhard Brewery.
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Louis Gebhard, a German immigrant, founded Gebhard Brewery in 1866. His son William eventually took over and greatly expanded the business. Before long, their brew was known and loved throughout the state. He added a bottling plant in 1888, the seven-story brew house in 1896, and a stock house in 1904. William's son Fred joined the business in 1912, carrying his grandfather's legacy into a third generation of Gebhards.
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The business was forced to close in January of 1920 when prohibition went into effect. The brew house was later converted into a flour mill. Morris Milling Company operated there from 1935 to 1958.
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In 1946 the bottling plant building became the home of Lindsay Light and Mantel Company, which produced mantels for lamps and lanterns. The business thrived for nearly half a century before finally closing in the early 1990s.
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The beautiful old brick buildings now sit vacant. I hoped to take a peek inside, but was disappointed to find them fenced off with a No Trespassing sign. I snapped a few photos of the exterior and got back on the road.
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On my way through Plainfield, Illinois, I stopped to photograph a neat old Public Service Company building.
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I rolled into Joliet, Illinois on Day 9 of the <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/03/out-of-frying-pan-and-into-rust-belt.html" target="_blank">Epic Rust Belt Road Trip</a>. I had finally reached America's infamous Rust Belt.
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Since leaving Los Angeles, I had driven through the American West, the Rocky Mountains, and the Great Plains, spending a day or two in each state and exploring dozens of abandoned places along the way. I could hardly wait to catch my first glimpse of the mighty industrial ruins of the former Manufacturing Belt.
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Joliet Steel and Iron Works, once the second largest steel mill in the US, was a paragon of American industry. The rails produced there were instrumental in the expansion of the nation's railroad infrastructure. It was strange to realize that the tiny railroad towns I had passed through on my way across the Heartland owed their existence to this steel mill.
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Joliet Iron Works opened in 1869, only a few years after the end of the Civil War. Over time, ownership of the mill passed between various steel conglomerates including Illinois Steel Company, Federal Steel, and U.S. Steel.
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In its early years, the iron works employed many immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe. The job was tough and workers had to endure hazards such as extreme heat, toxic fumes, and dangerous falls. Injuries and deaths were not uncommon.
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The iron works closed in 1936 due to decreased profitability, but the steel works continued to operate throughout most of the 20th century. New structures were added over the ensuing decades, including the Nail Department, the Fence and Barbed Wire Department, the Annealing and Galvanizing Department, and a massive warehouse.<br />
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Various portions of the plant closed throughout the 1970s and operations ceased entirely in the early 1980s.
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In the 1990s, the Forest Preserve District of Will County created the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site. A mile-long walking path leads through the ruins of the iron works, marked with signs that explain the significance of the various portions of the mill and the functions of the equipment that once stood there.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgr3f3DDKjqOSFX5AX0Pb43p1h-epMysVcyvAm066NaWXKyYiqegFNDLyiX-UcdIlYJ7ggN-ASobUWe8cpYUMcKZzV4j3dWyRRv4fq28UvsFDmX-NVv-ERDLeGyoPvhBQ7QrnOXH8ThM/s1600/Joliet_Iron_Works_Historic_Site_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Iron Works Ruins and Historic Site" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgr3f3DDKjqOSFX5AX0Pb43p1h-epMysVcyvAm066NaWXKyYiqegFNDLyiX-UcdIlYJ7ggN-ASobUWe8cpYUMcKZzV4j3dWyRRv4fq28UvsFDmX-NVv-ERDLeGyoPvhBQ7QrnOXH8ThM/s1600/Joliet_Iron_Works_Historic_Site_03.jpg" style="color: #0000ee; text-align: center;" title="Joliet Iron Works Ruins and Historic Site" /></a></div>
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Across the railroad tracks from the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site, the structures of the steel works remain abandoned and rusting. Unfortunately they are off-limits to the public.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoU3SaSqqEY1VBQkkBOBo5DqohlO1kDnl01PR0ouWAX2NUYmR-iih7tq3Luc5J7hNkkPxRXH6tswHpc3brkw9lWrHTu65lPUgvznCikedKscvDCRMui342-LXQimim61gIJXEQ5wNetog/s1600/Joliet_Iron_Works_Historic_Site_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joliet Iron Works Ruins and Historic Site" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoU3SaSqqEY1VBQkkBOBo5DqohlO1kDnl01PR0ouWAX2NUYmR-iih7tq3Luc5J7hNkkPxRXH6tswHpc3brkw9lWrHTu65lPUgvznCikedKscvDCRMui342-LXQimim61gIJXEQ5wNetog/s1600/Joliet_Iron_Works_Historic_Site_20.jpg" style="color: #0000ee; text-align: center;" title="Joliet Iron Works Ruins and Historic Site" /></a></div>
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Farther down the tracks the solemn guard towers of <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/11/inside-joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison.html" target="_blank">Joliet Correctional Center</a> peek up over the tree line. The abandoned prison was my next stop. I was completely unprepared for how awesome it was. <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/11/inside-joliet-correctional-center-abandoned-prison.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to check out the article.<br />
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Be sure check out my social media for more photos from Joliet Iron and Steel Works.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com7Joliet, IL, USA41.525031 -88.08172509999997141.3347905 -88.404448599999967 41.7152715 -87.759001599999976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-82273359393701985902016-10-24T07:43:00.000-07:002017-04-06T17:01:50.496-07:00Abandoned Lehigh Portland Cement Company in Oglesby IllinoisThe massive ruins of an abandoned cement factory and quarry lie near the confluence of the Illinois and Vermilion Rivers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpRHTZvax3rAFVutU83uuMlSVUQWKbpLV756ksi45mpzwBvJFqta5FjDSDI4DiY5qLa6hw9OOgLx0kRRDT-YBvIXLU6_sri8ab6mCUg0KzX9U7n6opyfYgMZ49e2butcTPdTGEcQy68M/s1600/abandoned-lehigh-portland-cement-company-in-oglesby-illinois-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpRHTZvax3rAFVutU83uuMlSVUQWKbpLV756ksi45mpzwBvJFqta5FjDSDI4DiY5qLa6hw9OOgLx0kRRDT-YBvIXLU6_sri8ab6mCUg0KzX9U7n6opyfYgMZ49e2butcTPdTGEcQy68M/s1600/abandoned-lehigh-portland-cement-company-in-oglesby-illinois-04.jpg" title="Abandoned Lehigh Portland Cement Company in Oglesby Illinois" /></a></div>
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After exploring an <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/10/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle.html" target="_blank">abandoned asphalt plant in LaSalle</a>, Illinois, I headed to the city of Oglesby to check out the ruins of a much larger concrete manufacturing facility: Lehigh Portland Cement Company.<br />
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[Update: since the writing of this article, I have learned that Lehigh Portland Cement Company is on private property and entry is unlawful. Do not attempt to access it.]<br />
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Separated from the road by a broad stretch of lawn, the massive factory compound serves as a silent reminder of what was once the city's most important industry.<br />
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The sign at the top of the towering silos is rusted with age and barely legible.<br />
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The grounds of the old factory aren't fenced off and are surprisingly free of No Trespassing signs.<br />
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A mowed path leads between two rows of buildings.<br />
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The rest of the land has grown wild with dense brush and young trees.<br />
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Many of the doors to the old structures remain sealed.<br />
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But you can glimpse of the hollow interiors through broken window panes.<br />
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Most of the equipment has been removed in the decades since the factory closed. The buildings now stand as empty shells.<br />
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I was hesitant to venture too deep into the grounds of the old compound. I'd read that there are pits and steep drops throughout the property, especially hazardous because they are well obscured by thick vegetation. If that wasn't enough to deter me, the swarms of mosquitoes certainly were.<br />
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Cement has been a major industry in Oglesby since the 1890s and actually predates the city. The Chicago Cement Company was was founded in 1898, but the town was not officially established until 1902.<br />
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The city of Oglesby was originally called Portland because the cement produced there was similar to Portland Cement, a popular type of concrete developed in England. In 1913 the city changed its name to honor Richard Oglesby, a former governor of Illinois and US Senator.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://guitarjourney.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/xaerialoflehigh.jpg.w560h439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://guitarjourney.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/xaerialoflehigh.jpg.w560h439.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Leo Muhlach, courtesy of http://guitarjourney.tripod.com/rayslasallecountyonlinemuseum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In 1916 the Chicago Cement Company was sold to Lehigh Portland Cement Company, a conglomerate based in Pennsylvania with facilities across the US.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSq1bfwXR6HEMW1JNFoW3TPP-lZoxUiELjP3SskddnSkQR0ObgulJXVIBAl_Jur6U8-iJ6B-kS8pGpiACANxbIGi8vfnXSOuInHiZFlz2EzTIruohtLWvUf0oPBwFdmnD3bX0RbN1R2c/s1600/abandoned-lehigh-portland-cement-company-in-oglesby-illinois-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSq1bfwXR6HEMW1JNFoW3TPP-lZoxUiELjP3SskddnSkQR0ObgulJXVIBAl_Jur6U8-iJ6B-kS8pGpiACANxbIGi8vfnXSOuInHiZFlz2EzTIruohtLWvUf0oPBwFdmnD3bX0RbN1R2c/s1600/abandoned-lehigh-portland-cement-company-in-oglesby-illinois-27.jpg" title="Abandoned Lehigh Portland Cement Company in Oglesby Illinois" /></a></div>
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In 1963 the company decided that the cost of modernizing the aging Oglesby plant would be too great, and the factory was shuttered.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIX6eAAd-aTBYMiwRvqxpf__Zbrhp4og-8yDQ1FpQcr0Vzg9lLAU9uHYxp5JBEYqzjTW-_xAzy2UeUaou-6MSYXCVtMqWYOiSDmOX87w8lSAfaH6ZiSA0u4LyL4YZcQx0RPN3LbQXSr4/s1600/abandoned-lehigh-portland-cement-company-in-oglesby-illinois-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIX6eAAd-aTBYMiwRvqxpf__Zbrhp4og-8yDQ1FpQcr0Vzg9lLAU9uHYxp5JBEYqzjTW-_xAzy2UeUaou-6MSYXCVtMqWYOiSDmOX87w8lSAfaH6ZiSA0u4LyL4YZcQx0RPN3LbQXSr4/s1600/abandoned-lehigh-portland-cement-company-in-oglesby-illinois-33.jpg" title="Abandoned Lehigh Portland Cement Company in Oglesby Illinois" /></a></div>
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The quarries were sold to Marquette Cement, which had been its major competitor since the time the plant first opened.<br />
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The new owners added a conveyor line (pictured below) to transport materials from the quarry to the Marquette Cement facilities. The conveyor was dismantled and removed several years prior to my visit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoL_hl4H6x4mM34m2lMJkDIe4ldP_ybhPR_5eDVyz3_E-Udv0pNFptpPnu8L8cE8pGcnByxtIa0-8RDISJCNJBGUO0JuVc-b-t8xt81GWPE0uddk8bn-yWgPtP9sFq3lyXDJrAkyz-LZtP/s1600/2015-03-20+20_25_35-o-cp-5-historical-profile1.pdf.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoL_hl4H6x4mM34m2lMJkDIe4ldP_ybhPR_5eDVyz3_E-Udv0pNFptpPnu8L8cE8pGcnByxtIa0-8RDISJCNJBGUO0JuVc-b-t8xt81GWPE0uddk8bn-yWgPtP9sFq3lyXDJrAkyz-LZtP/s1600/2015-03-20+20_25_35-o-cp-5-historical-profile1.pdf.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Photo courtesy of http://www.oglesby.il.us</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The future of the old cement factory remains uncertain. At this time, there do not seem to be any plans for redevelopment of the property.<br />
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From Oglesby, I continued east toward Joliet, Illinois, the westernmost city of great Rust Belt region and home of the ruins of the legendary Joliet Ironworks. I'll tell you all about it next week. In the meantime, check out my social media for more photos from the abandoned Lehigh Portland Cement Company.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com16Oglesby, IL 61348, USA41.2953126 -89.05952660000002741.2475931 -89.140207600000025 41.3430321 -88.978845600000028tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398633296962611892.post-6416943453176235712016-10-09T15:44:00.000-07:002017-04-06T17:03:09.290-07:00Rusted Ruins: An Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle IllinoisNorth of Peru, Illinois, on a patch of land surrounded by farm fields, sit the rusting remains of an asphalt plant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkHhC8Iur4DsXo-M-gZdCAJr_Vyt0fwzlu_EmRlcSlKXwXUrfyr7Ya1c_iGeddi-wpcq6-_rcodR6kFochRmSOpTipWn6CarYMl4hqxFDrRDJAzM6qHgopB5msYvEn12sIEmYecvhNK4/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkHhC8Iur4DsXo-M-gZdCAJr_Vyt0fwzlu_EmRlcSlKXwXUrfyr7Ya1c_iGeddi-wpcq6-_rcodR6kFochRmSOpTipWn6CarYMl4hqxFDrRDJAzM6qHgopB5msYvEn12sIEmYecvhNK4/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-07.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmp-l4QFFiYbkdHxx0cgfG6c_YCf2HTlINQwM11Clog2282uMjhxIS0CSI5GnLCNUuR-MAAGzkznRVX_I_vo4hcB_PLGyMffz_SlKgQm0zldwOu0et56rfYdoCLtMGqS1dbevsZ3lV00s/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmp-l4QFFiYbkdHxx0cgfG6c_YCf2HTlINQwM11Clog2282uMjhxIS0CSI5GnLCNUuR-MAAGzkznRVX_I_vo4hcB_PLGyMffz_SlKgQm0zldwOu0et56rfYdoCLtMGqS1dbevsZ3lV00s/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-01.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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The sun rose on the 8th day of the Epic Rust Belt Road Trip. The previous night, after exploring the ruins of a few beautiful <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/09/creepy-abandoned-schools-of-rural-iowa.html" target="_blank">abandoned schools in rural Iowa</a>, I'd crossed from the wide open spaces of the Corn Belt into Illinois.<br />
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In a few hours I would arrive at the Rust Belt, home of the mighty ruins of America's industrial titans. But first there were a few more stops I had to make along the way.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MHKcHvRcaIKy6EwnZX0VVq_SSg0d_cIO8pBMr7rSKxsXnG5PJy6DGKpzab9rx6jdPmirm6xU72woxemcW8U2TNVAlRJylzuDBzaKZ_lmSQM287dTODdruHW5G1TzJcQB8XZ470PItQ8/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MHKcHvRcaIKy6EwnZX0VVq_SSg0d_cIO8pBMr7rSKxsXnG5PJy6DGKpzab9rx6jdPmirm6xU72woxemcW8U2TNVAlRJylzuDBzaKZ_lmSQM287dTODdruHW5G1TzJcQB8XZ470PItQ8/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-24.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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Along a rural highway north of Peru Township in Northern Illinois, the central structure of an abandoned asphalt plant towered above the surrounding farm fields. The gate to the property hung open and inviting. The place was clearly abandoned and there were no signs forbidding entry, so I stopped to have a quick look.<br />
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[Update: since the writing of this article, I have learned that this facility is on private property and entry is unlawful. Do not attempt to access it.]<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPR3OutpK-8W_4elND-XEmuj2VceEWRod1Ec0t-zwEcos0q6t6Mc6uhKuZUjNDGQtkjx04KVCIWVHd-_U-3rn8ChVU24iGTI2sgjICLpiz0m-QSE6-Bt_Y6Yu3mr13lgjQBtjS4NQD_ZI/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPR3OutpK-8W_4elND-XEmuj2VceEWRod1Ec0t-zwEcos0q6t6Mc6uhKuZUjNDGQtkjx04KVCIWVHd-_U-3rn8ChVU24iGTI2sgjICLpiz0m-QSE6-Bt_Y6Yu3mr13lgjQBtjS4NQD_ZI/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-04.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0M5p56Mct4CySw_QzJduTHXiQBqVlDqddeQPpoHOcwvYKFzzzlWEiRRKpGgqpkoJDt3ahdDGttfahQxqNZtBp4pcYh_aeU-mihObcR9yIjg-_Tm_6vNurA-T3TGIRcleKDQJ3PLCiQ0/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0M5p56Mct4CySw_QzJduTHXiQBqVlDqddeQPpoHOcwvYKFzzzlWEiRRKpGgqpkoJDt3ahdDGttfahQxqNZtBp4pcYh_aeU-mihObcR9yIjg-_Tm_6vNurA-T3TGIRcleKDQJ3PLCiQ0/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-05.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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Plants had grown up among a row of tanks near the entrance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJYEN-Uk79nhB1XKh77orkVGeRCCzLOEWt-YAn7GuNAHTiJdWCGuaqUBw-p7_EVCrdO46G4i_pv9l2Ingwj6Yk1vUc8oUiFazDCYQesXgN75uHoqHfj-5Q4b7qe8JNigR2ptYOyBA0eY/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJYEN-Uk79nhB1XKh77orkVGeRCCzLOEWt-YAn7GuNAHTiJdWCGuaqUBw-p7_EVCrdO46G4i_pv9l2Ingwj6Yk1vUc8oUiFazDCYQesXgN75uHoqHfj-5Q4b7qe8JNigR2ptYOyBA0eY/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-46.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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Off to one side, a rusty crane stood frozen in time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-OV47ZJgwRtp1Rx4dntWNGy_k5T2D5IOK7YEbt_TKIXSJsXBW7LtPZ8Cz9A2zxp0mzFEnXPiuDqbpzUmcpO8y2Qgr4cSRLDtKDwxUCGGv1QX0fbo8ijhUw0z9t3YsHT3EZsQOtyZw_E/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-OV47ZJgwRtp1Rx4dntWNGy_k5T2D5IOK7YEbt_TKIXSJsXBW7LtPZ8Cz9A2zxp0mzFEnXPiuDqbpzUmcpO8y2Qgr4cSRLDtKDwxUCGGv1QX0fbo8ijhUw0z9t3YsHT3EZsQOtyZw_E/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-41.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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A row of disused trailers and tankers remained in the back of the property.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDycG9Jf6e3iUM67Q2-gvWIf7MNohsjjQ2BaZvEscFhvrtDYvl8BPn5ckAPSOkzLjsdaG7wnwg2-tNizNVhjpn0sNF0KPtLiTxuU74icamt_z6g-2MkgNlnN4Mn2mFhcfacESH9XLJo2s/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDycG9Jf6e3iUM67Q2-gvWIf7MNohsjjQ2BaZvEscFhvrtDYvl8BPn5ckAPSOkzLjsdaG7wnwg2-tNizNVhjpn0sNF0KPtLiTxuU74icamt_z6g-2MkgNlnN4Mn2mFhcfacESH9XLJo2s/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-43.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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A patina of rust covered every piece of equipment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCHsVKOycqoawIEw4S-EeN4gYmhoAy0-uJqmIBx_1vyOYuAS1j5RNgwXtLiMtxow_XO_DEcGdiTrk8wkpr71JUanU7ngBYkZwk6HmXUYz1mnpJ6udo9j-tdRhb5Z7H4r6llUzg3B0i_Y/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCHsVKOycqoawIEw4S-EeN4gYmhoAy0-uJqmIBx_1vyOYuAS1j5RNgwXtLiMtxow_XO_DEcGdiTrk8wkpr71JUanU7ngBYkZwk6HmXUYz1mnpJ6udo9j-tdRhb5Z7H4r6llUzg3B0i_Y/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-23.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfHqKNPK0VWiV72RyHHFtFV9LihJ8rULbuPj3kHDrx1K6N9rDzjVdmt6vxEVkI9b9hl1nflKT2hxX7zdcwMnlMRREmntRWi85z48nCGBiylJENyBLIgzYgQZLrtrbwugEbAmeYiCVf4E/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfHqKNPK0VWiV72RyHHFtFV9LihJ8rULbuPj3kHDrx1K6N9rDzjVdmt6vxEVkI9b9hl1nflKT2hxX7zdcwMnlMRREmntRWi85z48nCGBiylJENyBLIgzYgQZLrtrbwugEbAmeYiCVf4E/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-26.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvXjjQciOrnUlRo_lUDzTfkQhz-FLAVq1J4B5oHiZLa_NeSaz1UlQfJgjT84JJrwQnDbh7sKb7TfPTJAIahefdatMKVRgbqEp7xWFTE4z1B2cejbtkwnDT4Y88ZeGsPi6TKttkwe9_qw/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvXjjQciOrnUlRo_lUDzTfkQhz-FLAVq1J4B5oHiZLa_NeSaz1UlQfJgjT84JJrwQnDbh7sKb7TfPTJAIahefdatMKVRgbqEp7xWFTE4z1B2cejbtkwnDT4Y88ZeGsPi6TKttkwe9_qw/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-29.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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Black rubber conveyor belts on rusty rollers baked in the sun, still positioned to move material from the processing equipment to the massive storage bins...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErzEVm5aZJNggMb8UPGZC1-b8mj5OiryyKwgQOE7Gz21BVhbYVV4HHzvoQJWDzw6Iyc9pDQ_1CPv6oscHrvOhdHTRuegNgbnuueDW0KYklLsxl65vo0qku61bkG_C2-ivtsXTnkilpy8/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErzEVm5aZJNggMb8UPGZC1-b8mj5OiryyKwgQOE7Gz21BVhbYVV4HHzvoQJWDzw6Iyc9pDQ_1CPv6oscHrvOhdHTRuegNgbnuueDW0KYklLsxl65vo0qku61bkG_C2-ivtsXTnkilpy8/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-39.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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and from the storage bins to transport vehicles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjyk8LZ7X_htYW9eAVcfUlqc_xqoyZmY2hT5uljLWFPzzNNf6VsfdkpWBLTntJGsT0aTYZTf7mST1517niw5kRfx42HESoqOs1LIGi7gRuBTPlPhqvxi_XTw93PKBmpBdThYQ1PfyMXs/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjyk8LZ7X_htYW9eAVcfUlqc_xqoyZmY2hT5uljLWFPzzNNf6VsfdkpWBLTntJGsT0aTYZTf7mST1517niw5kRfx42HESoqOs1LIGi7gRuBTPlPhqvxi_XTw93PKBmpBdThYQ1PfyMXs/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-38.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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One conveyor had been colonized by plants.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK6RIl87M1RVy5ECvVdn_zWtYXudKmtOcCr77id4gatm85ryT6BcPvgZeM25jVG2bfOG0NePzRqWO90x0N3g3_eoFYIC8DFejiClA8scBaD_-vS30AYY_4TZW-pus-Y0XZ9JgcPokO8U/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK6RIl87M1RVy5ECvVdn_zWtYXudKmtOcCr77id4gatm85ryT6BcPvgZeM25jVG2bfOG0NePzRqWO90x0N3g3_eoFYIC8DFejiClA8scBaD_-vS30AYY_4TZW-pus-Y0XZ9JgcPokO8U/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-33.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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A small structure that once served as an office and control room still contained an assortment of control panels,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1en0Inup4OcVmKYIzSg0K8-zoY6GhRxusEDf8UJFHXLatY9b7ieDC5XfzQ6Lo_Thr_2DhCueU9_u7HviGUfPbiZ0qxzYwVhPYnFWb2paCqVkVLD7eEETnv7mixAzii1eXnUSC1j34wY/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1en0Inup4OcVmKYIzSg0K8-zoY6GhRxusEDf8UJFHXLatY9b7ieDC5XfzQ6Lo_Thr_2DhCueU9_u7HviGUfPbiZ0qxzYwVhPYnFWb2paCqVkVLD7eEETnv7mixAzii1eXnUSC1j34wY/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-10.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0o31_AmDVBfBb2ALKXh8XdtIDf1rJY8ZsDVRn2Q4xkbPkxTfaqnM0pGq-IbRcaXhEvf2OS8W7PjF7h2pdNwIYqKIA0Ppsyfg6Li3U6TCR30u3IQXx9RLrirIQRLwEbyy3MWirRyWmAA/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0o31_AmDVBfBb2ALKXh8XdtIDf1rJY8ZsDVRn2Q4xkbPkxTfaqnM0pGq-IbRcaXhEvf2OS8W7PjF7h2pdNwIYqKIA0Ppsyfg6Li3U6TCR30u3IQXx9RLrirIQRLwEbyy3MWirRyWmAA/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-12.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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office equipment,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1BR5eWPo-qby-xlCXb7eAVFdWgxRCiZ6iYPkpkRZ0yrLqyHAQWlrkmSX88B16e0sZtt0JnXfoWBgCvhWySZTF2zQc1Z2-3HA43BelybW2eWrNPbNCJcgtnSv_gG93nc6G3kz0JyfkK8/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1BR5eWPo-qby-xlCXb7eAVFdWgxRCiZ6iYPkpkRZ0yrLqyHAQWlrkmSX88B16e0sZtt0JnXfoWBgCvhWySZTF2zQc1Z2-3HA43BelybW2eWrNPbNCJcgtnSv_gG93nc6G3kz0JyfkK8/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-17.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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and books.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp9fHrSOF1RizhEAorNlCHUVAXIjEC0_KvnkOWh_6YIsrX0Ki6bwgntfplO1_2I9TMnXs6CqKvovKfQ0UsHaakmDhpCh26mcgng7xtrjh1MGjfkZI9pRFeH1cu3o2ZVh3uborDTIp5co/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp9fHrSOF1RizhEAorNlCHUVAXIjEC0_KvnkOWh_6YIsrX0Ki6bwgntfplO1_2I9TMnXs6CqKvovKfQ0UsHaakmDhpCh26mcgng7xtrjh1MGjfkZI9pRFeH1cu3o2ZVh3uborDTIp5co/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-09.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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Another structure contained junction boxes and power switches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCw1FyoDatxBqql90uY4hElun5bgNblP01x1M278VoDhhWh47MqHSUZCyWnqrN0i55ylOd0380Hd4BQKI0fkpH3FxxEK4eKXX6bMF8bg3okoBbmBbCwsVNMuMKK9Pwg5Gs1CAp1zYBBKg/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCw1FyoDatxBqql90uY4hElun5bgNblP01x1M278VoDhhWh47MqHSUZCyWnqrN0i55ylOd0380Hd4BQKI0fkpH3FxxEK4eKXX6bMF8bg3okoBbmBbCwsVNMuMKK9Pwg5Gs1CAp1zYBBKg/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-30.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRS4Kly1X27udSsv8mFTMONQJtFonXqXbXqab827l_2nmwkkBrAo2Fl_i13u96sDFUWF5vIG_WzI36uWlJcy7j4AF9ZMIzvBMQ8zM-PwixfCHBCw4moa79PrGv9AOXaBAell9T8eGElY/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRS4Kly1X27udSsv8mFTMONQJtFonXqXbXqab827l_2nmwkkBrAo2Fl_i13u96sDFUWF5vIG_WzI36uWlJcy7j4AF9ZMIzvBMQ8zM-PwixfCHBCw4moa79PrGv9AOXaBAell9T8eGElY/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-31.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSOgQohyphenhyphengX1Lpy4fRW58kr1H-ZVlORdB0-3KjouB_5H81Ak_DTY6VvS6BS-ubP45qSOMghMzvzSotli5eGzx5oXNOkzutNIvqYBlwoEjVwr8I7DFh2CUXOy-RRulxQxSEAeVsPgzw-5o/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSOgQohyphenhyphengX1Lpy4fRW58kr1H-ZVlORdB0-3KjouB_5H81Ak_DTY6VvS6BS-ubP45qSOMghMzvzSotli5eGzx5oXNOkzutNIvqYBlwoEjVwr8I7DFh2CUXOy-RRulxQxSEAeVsPgzw-5o/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-20.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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I was glad to find this place untouched by vandals. As always, I was careful not to disturb anything during my visit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zB02dObV3hu7dvDCHopy8J9oApWDpMQzT6uV1ji3uHrWBh2oVIlkj9Ttgp5HR_zRZ78IXOVkHI3QIcngJxIuWeTuBYCBq_Ghz6O2ibhtVhcSyPhn7pVuZq5N_PciVWG0eJlpwaV4Z-g/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zB02dObV3hu7dvDCHopy8J9oApWDpMQzT6uV1ji3uHrWBh2oVIlkj9Ttgp5HR_zRZ78IXOVkHI3QIcngJxIuWeTuBYCBq_Ghz6O2ibhtVhcSyPhn7pVuZq5N_PciVWG0eJlpwaV4Z-g/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-22.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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I got back on the road and headed south toward Oglesby to check out an <a href="http://www.placesthatwere.com/2016/10/abandoned-lehigh-portland-cement.html" target="_blank">abandoned cement factory</a>, which was gigantic compared to this little asphalt plant. I'll tell you all about it next week. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipVDuCR7CpBs5vTE5iSASolyplFWABAfKtnNWRqHQEkc_N_P0T388UjIHr97fQLuOqHyaGLaQcO1DxgCH41TLQ5Zu1vhmqfU43LTvbSUrA5rHp1vSwD0gCOZseC_y-YHkDZfxY1tSQgo/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipVDuCR7CpBs5vTE5iSASolyplFWABAfKtnNWRqHQEkc_N_P0T388UjIHr97fQLuOqHyaGLaQcO1DxgCH41TLQ5Zu1vhmqfU43LTvbSUrA5rHp1vSwD0gCOZseC_y-YHkDZfxY1tSQgo/s1600/abandoned-asphalt-plant-in-lasalle-illinois-48.jpg" title="Abandoned Asphalt Plant in LaSalle Illinois" /></a></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© 2018 Jim Sullivan - All Rights Reserved http://www.placesthatwere.com</div>PlacesThatWerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08906573012383225740noreply@blogger.com14Lasalle, IL, USA41.3621503 -89.041824941.2667993 -89.203186399999993 41.457501300000004 -88.8804634