As I mentioned last week, I had to go to Louisiana (also known as the land that time forgot...) for a funeral. Being unemployed and generally bored, I decided to make the best out of a bad situation and do some 'splorin'. My initial target was an insane asylum in which both of my grandmothers worked (one was an accountant the other a nurse). Unfortunately, it was a complete no go. Armed guards, cameras, locked doors and boarded windows were all barriers to what would have been an incredible exploration. I did however find out some very useful information that may allow me to get in at a later date. To make this even more exciting, to the knowledge of the staff, nobody has photographed the interior of this place since it's closing and I couldnt find anything on the net.

So, with plan A down the tubes, I decided to go for plan B - an old elementary school in a small town in which my mother attended 1st grade. As luck would have it, I left my laptop at home and had no idea where this place was. I managed to get directions from a local who sent me to the wrong school. Not to be deterred, I do what I usually do and headed for the local law enforcement establishment. I explained to the officer that I was writing a book on abandoned places in the South and he became quite helpful, including giving me an escort to the place, some bottled water and he came by an hour later to check on me! Southern hospitality at it's best!

As far as the school goes it was one of those spots I love. With most of the roof caving in, nature is doing what it does best - kicking us in the balls. The school itself was fairly small with 14 classrooms, a common area, and 4 bathrooms (2 boys, 2 girls). The common area had been filled with old junk and the door to it locked.

Overall a fun and interesting visit. Enjoy!

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Cool find! You can tell by the presence of the chalkboards and some of the other fixtures that this was a pretty old building. You're a brave one going to the cops for help with an explore--but it certainly paid off! I look forward to someday seeing your pictures of the long-shuttered asylum.

I love the ones with the plants, especially 17. It's just so strange to see vines and bushes growing in a classroom with the walls and blackboard still intact; it's a very intriguing picture because it's so unexpected.

Fantastic work. Your pictures turned out great and i'm honestly impressed with the social engineering you seem to be able to work into your visits. Most of us are worried about sightlines and cover and access and ol' Pep here just walks right up and makes it happen. Hiding in plain sight: you win.

It's a great location and reminds me a bit of my old elementary school. I can't help but notice the classic "urinal trough" in the bathroom...man, those things were the worst.

Thanks for the comments! Not the most exciting explore but I always love seeing these places being devoured by the elements. I'm glad I got to see it because the climate here in the south is brutal on buildings and I would wager that not much will be left in 5 years or less.

The urinal thing was funny to me as well. I can remember my friends and I when we were little pissing from the ends of them. The object was to try to "jump the astrodome" (the domed drain in the middle). Now days I'm lucky if I can pull into the parking lot...

Posted by Peptic Ulcer The object was to try to "jump the astrodome" (the domed drain in the middle).

I'm stealing this.

Posted by Peptic Ulcer 18. click to view

I remember those desk chairs. Couldn't sleep in them...lol

Posted by Peptic UlcerI can remember my friends and I when we were little pissing from the ends of them. The object was to try to "jump the astrodome" (the domed drain in the middle). Now days I'm lucky if I can pull into the parking lot...

LOL we might not have had the same name for it but I remember doing this as well. Now sometimes I just hope I make it to the parking lot in time. lol

I love the old desks, ours had one end closed off where the books were stored at. Made for an AMAZING fart resonation chamber.

So true about the weather down here, there have been spots I have wanted to check out only to seem them on the ground in a short time because I did not act faster. This has given me a little more urgent feeling of wanting to get out and explore.

Anyone else hear David Lee Roth in their head saying 'I brought my pencilll!'?

Nice set!