Photos Of Abandoned Places

[JonDouglas]

I enjoy seeing, if not exploring, abandoned places and structures. Thinking it might make for an interesting photography thread, I will start off with a post about an abandoned hotel and inn called the Nichewaug Hotel.

There was once a a hotel that was famous throughout New England and drew guests from as far away as New York. It was the Nichewaug Hotel, shown in the post card illustration below. The hotel had all the amenities for that era, including a golf course out back.

Every several years I revisit the place and here is how it looked a week or so ago.

Built for the third time in 1899, the hotel survived until around 1952 when the building and grounds were purchased by the Sisters Of The Assumption, who expanded the building and used it as a parochial high school for about 20 years. The building has been abandoned ever since and is currently owned by the town, who's been looking for a buyer. The most recent visit made me think the local garden club has been busy.

The last time we'd looked the place over to any great extent was in May 2014 when the following picture was taken.

Just a few days ago, I managed to get the following aerial shot that shows the size of this place.

Located in a small, out-of-the-way town (i.e, Petersham, MA), the city fathers and mothers will continue having a hard time peddling this money sink while it's still standing. Does anyone here need an old hotel?

 

[Aunt Marg]

Would make for a wonderful factory or workplace.

The opening image really speaks to me. What an ideal home it would make with a little architectural tweaking.

By off-chance, do you happen to know the current asking for the property, Jon?

 

[Keesha]

 

[horseless carriage]

This is a former Shell garage where the proprietor sold fuel and repaired cars.
How it fell into disrepair I haven't researched, but it still has it's art deco looks.

Nowadays it serves as the frontage of an apartment complex. You can see more by searching for: East Preston Art Deco Garage.


In a similar sort of vein, this is Horsebridge railway station. It was one of thousands that became redundant when a third of our rail network was closed back at the end of the 1960's. Many were sold off, some became part of heritage railways and some were unloved.


An enterprising couple bought and restored the station. Crammed it with railway memorabilia, opened it up to the public as a unique kind of cafe, where their cream teas are a speciality. The station is also an amazing wedding venue. My wife and I have been to a wedding there. To accommodate large numbers a marquee is erected in the grounds. Search for Horsebridge Station to see more.