As the oldest town of the Northwest Territory, Marietta has a wealth of history and claim to fame. Recently, the city was listed in a couple of publications (one of which was Smithsonian Magazine) as one of the top small towns in the country to visit - an honor that is most appropriate and well-deserved. The meticulous care and attention that goes into some of the homes in the downtown area amplify the uniqueness of our city for those who come to visit: they're elegant and eye-catching.
However, for every well-groomed and carefully manicured home within the city's boundaries, there are just as many buildings and abandoned belongings of equal intrigue for me. Here are a few of ones that have recently found their way into my heart.
733 Greene Street: Boarded doors and windows, either sealed or covered with tattered curtains prevent the story of this dwelling to be revealed. Its legacy is left to the imagination.
The weather's taken its toll over the years on this delivery door, and the green sliding closure has been stuck in place long enough for what's underneath it to reveal layers of decomposition and privacy.
If you leave anything around long enough, the multiflora rose invades. I wouldn't get near this old truck much later in the year; it's a snake haven - perhaps the serpents' preferred mode of transportation.
This patch job lends itself to geometric interest, as well as a combination of weathered colors. There was no way I could climb up to peak in the windows here, but my mind went wild with ruminations of what took place years ago behind the patchings and broken glass.
Rectangles above rectangles. Red, white and faded blue façade. I doubt if anyone resides on the second floor to enjoy the luxury of the rusted air conditioner in the heat of summer.
I plan to continue my studies of abandonment's beauty and story.....This is just the beginning.
I plan to continue my studies of abandonment's beauty and story.....This is just the beginning.
