The beauty of our rural landscape is emphasized, I think, but the abandoned structures I am drawn to. Is this why I photograph them? I would be deceiving you if I allowed you to believe this. I am lured in by the details, the evident thought and perhaps love that was invested into each structure. Yet, it wasn't enough. The attention, thought, and love was not enough to keep a family or a community. The Great Depression and the years that followed created an environment toxic for the family farmer and relatively few survived. I understand the choice to leave a once-cherished family home was likely not one taken lightly, yet... I still wonder about the stories.
Some would call these structures ugly, reminders of hard times. While they may represent to some the events that led to their abandonment, I only see the beauty of their beginnings.
Photo: Church or School where Halfa, Iowa once existed...perhaps even thrived.
A music suggestion:
Iris DeMent "Our Town"
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