Took the day off Friday, had a target in mind up in Eagle Lake, a nice old assisted living facility. Did a little research and looks like it had sat vacant for just over a decade. Upon arrival the place had been cleaned up and there were active work crews fixing the place up. So what was a focused trip just turned into a drive around and see what I find trip.
So first stop was Rock Island Texas. Per Wikipedia the town was damaged from a hurricane in 1909 that hurt them, and then in 1960 several fires that the town never bounced back from. Currently a population of around 160. There were several abandoned houses, quite a few roaming dogs, a ton of yellow jackets, and more than one nosy neighbor. I would like to go back to check out some of the houses, but wills ave that for a weather change that will lower the yellow jacket population. (Seriously I hate those things)
A closed gas station at the highway.
Closed by
Road Extx, on Flickr
Another closed (duh) has station across the street from the first. Nothing left of this one, I am thinking this could have been a victim of fire?
Nothing Left by
Road Extx, on Flickr
I liked this building, the inside was quite sketchy and very cluttered. It looked like it had become a dumping ground inside. Notice at the top the letters "I.O.O.F." this stands for "International Order of Odd Fellows" an organization that has been around since the early 1800's. There are several references to the organization in my region, but they are not very active these days. This building at one time was turned into a feed store.
IOOF by
Road Extx, on Flickr
Old fridge in front of previously mentioned building.
Fridge by
Road Extx, on Flickr
I do not know what this building was, I'm guessing at one time it was a general store or hardware store.
Closed by
Road Extx, on Flickr
Not Running by
Road Extx, on Flickr
Perhaps the left behind tripod from a former explorer? Did the community hide the body? There were a few watchers that crept past me multiple times.
Former Explorer? by
Road Extx, on Flickr
For Sale? by
Road Extx, on Flickr
Overgrown by
Road Extx, on Flickr
One of the abandoned houses, most looked to be in decent shape. Move in ready!
No OneHome by
Road Extx, on Flickr
Altair Texas, population around 30 as of 2000. From driving around I believe it. I only explored an old gas station and restaurant. Both were pretty locked up, I prolly could have gotten in to one or both but there were two DPS officers working the intersection. There was not a single moment that they were not there while I was, so I will revisit the place some day.
Hunt Club by
Road Extx, on Flickr
Blue Goose Restaraunt by
Road Extx, on Flickr
I think that at one time these might have been lodges for hunters, they were located directly behind the restaurant.
Old Lodge by
Road Extx, on Flickr
This is what is left of a house next door to the restaurant. All that was left was the garage, looked to me like the house itself was consumed by fire.
Fire Remodel by
Road Extx, on Flickr
The required self image in the mirror. Very artsy! lol
Self by
Road Extx, on Flickr
Old satellite dish with couch in the background.
Poor Reception by
Road Extx, on Flickr
The love seat, more like the nope seat.
Love Seat by
Road Extx, on Flickr
Old gas station across the street
Closed by
Road Extx, on Flickr
Overgrown by
Road Extx, on Flickr
Closed by
Road Extx, on Flickr
Just another old gas station on the way home in the middle of no where. But another location that one of the locals came and parked at till I finished my picture taking and left.
Closed by
Road Extx, on Flickr
And ANOTHER closed down gas station in another town on the way home. Also had a watcher here as well.
Closed by
Road Extx, on Flickr
No really big and interesting places, but I have to say, I am starting to like old gas stations. lol Anyway, thanks for checking these out! I hope to find some more interesting spots soon!
Bonus:
Found on side of highway in a parking lot.
Statue by
Road Extx, on Flickr