History in decay

This morning I received an interesting web link to a slide show on decaying structures - http://www.slate.com/id/2129660/?nav=navoa (thanks Amanda!). It led me to think that a photographic essay was in order for the decaying structures in my own neighborhood. Camera in hand, I ventured out, hoping none of the neighbors would question what the hell I was doing... The first photo is of a vacant house next door, a really nice brick Queen Anne. We've been monitoring the decay of the chicken coop for about a year now.

There are a number of garages in the neighborhood which have seen better days. This is one of them. It appears that there were items stored inside before the roof collapsed, though I've never gotten close enough to investigate (you know, trespassing and all). When I take the dogs for a walk, they are always very curious about this yard.








It's difficult to see clearly in this drive-by photograph, but there is another collapsed garage/structure in the background. From what I am able to see from the road, it appears that this garage was more sizable, perhaps a barn or a garage with an addition. This is located behind the garage in the previous photo, and may be on the same lot as the house in the next series of photographs.






This is a likely an early to mid-1800s brick structure of a simple 3-bay symmetrical design, with several additions. At one point, my husband and I were interested in possibly purchasing this house to restore, as it was painful to see it deteriorate over the years. However, the owner refused to even consider its sale, and by then it was likely too far gone anyway. Large sections of the brick have caved in on the second floor, parts of the roof have completely collapsed, and there is scaffolding surrounding the house that appears to be historic in its own right.




This is a closer look at the aforementioned weather-beaten scaffolding. We've always wondered what happened to this house. Apparently someone began to fix it up many decades ago, and abandoned the project. Did the money run out? Was there a death in the family? What were the circumstances that led to this house being left to rot it place? This is likely one of the older houses still left (barely) standing in the neighborhood, and probably has many stories to tell.






The brick house has a long porch addition which is also historic in age. From what I have been able to see through the windows, it appears that the porch is filled with building materials and items such as doors, perhaps also dating from the house's last renovation effort.








This is a view of the entry. Note the porch roof rotting in place.

One of the neighborhood children told me of their experience sneaking into this house to check it out. They said that the floorboards inside had deteriorated so much that it was possible to fall right into the cellar upon walking through the door.

Watching the decay of a historic house is sad for someone with a preservation mindset. However, I'm still glad that the house is here. Someday it will inevitably get bad enough for the wrecking ball, and I'd rather watch its demise, however depressing, than stare at a vacant lot.