Took a little trip with Andyhal and the Once-ler to see what was left of this place... I knew it had been partially salvaged/scrapped, but we went anyway. I mean this is urban *exploring*, and not urban "sure thing" right? Turns out it was basically empty, and we had to skirt around an active scrapping group, but we had a good time as always.


History:

Between 1997 and 2005, over 350 mills were closed in the United States. They were simply unable to compete with the production costs that can be accomplished by over seas textile facilities. It seems like you can throw a stone in any southern state and it'll hit a vacant mill, and most of them have historic importance of some type... It's pretty amazing if you stop and think about it.

For over 150 years this textile mill was the foundation of the town and the local economy... It was originally powered by falls, with a dam built in the early 1900s to provide power for both the community and the Mill. This was the 2nd mill of it's type built in the state, and lays claim to being one of the oldest continually run cloth manufacturing facilities in North America. The out buildings have been torn down, their heart pine and old brick salvaged for the growing "re-purposing" industry in America. The few historic buildings, which can not be torn down, have had their walls smashed for the removal of large equipment, and are undergoing the process of metal salvage (scrapping). One can only hope these beautiful buildings will house businesses or lofts some day.


The photos:

1.

Lucky #3 by Amishdelight, on Flickr

2.

Winter Light by Amishdelight, on Flickr

3.

Fed Up by Amishdelight, on Flickr

4.

Expensive TP by Amishdelight, on Flickr

5.

Basking by Amishdelight, on Flickr

6.

Stranded by Amishdelight, on Flickr

7.

Three's a Crowd by Amishdelight, on Flickr

8.

Let the right one in by Amishdelight, on Flickr


9.

Follow the Light by Amishdelight, on Flickr

And it wouldn't be my thread without at least one reflection shot, even if it's not the best ever ;)

10.

to Infinity and Beyond by Amishdelight, on Flickr

11.

Sew glad to find it by Amishdelight, on Flickr

I dig it.

I remember a couple of years ago when we would kind of snicker and laugh at the fact that it seemed like all we explored around here were mills, but you're right; they're everywhere, and they make for great explores.

You're also right that they were such an important part of so many southern towns' economies, and that they're often just beautiful buildings--I'm just as happy to see them restored and re-purposed as I am to having them available for us to explore. Re-purposing is better than the trashing, arson, or demolition that seems to happens to so many of them.

And I like all these shots, but that last one is the shit.

Awesome job, Amish. It was a fun trip, even though I came back with a souvenir that's going to leave a scar. Let's do it again.

I like the reflection shot, the pillar and roof are so damn... grimy! I also liked all the fine decorative work on the inside of the safe door, reminds me of some of the old watches I've seen that have decorative markings on the gears and inner workings.

Really nice shots and excellent lighting!

Top notch set Amish these came out so well. Still working on mine though :'( I think Lucky #3 is feeling left out because Three's a Crowd, both shots are very sweet. That tunnel in #9 I just could not capture whatever I tried, guess that old safe is OK too. And #10 is absolutely your signature shot man you nailed it there. Good stuff for an old mill. Andy I'm sorry and I feel bad cause I should have gone up there with you to scout, hope you are better soon.


~ the Once-ler

These are ridiculously good!

Posted by Punchy I dig it. I remember a couple of years ago when we would kind of snicker and laugh at the fact that it seemed like all we explored around here were mills, but you're right; they're everywhere, and they make for great explores. You're also right that they were such an important part of so many southern towns' economies, and that they're often just beautiful buildings--I'm just as happy to see them restored and re-purposed as I am to having them available for us to explore. Re-purposing is better than the trashing, arson, or demolition that seems to happens to so many of them. And I like all these shots, but that last one is the shit.

It's still funny to me, and it still seems to be all we explore LOL

That last shot took forever to process, we had three different flashlights and diffuse sunlight from that little window... My white balance, and thus my colors, were completely jacked! So I'm really happy that you like it so much man


~Amish

Posted by andyhal Awesome job, Amish. It was a fun trip, even though I came back with a souvenir that's going to leave a scar. Let's do it again.

Scars build character, and chicks dig 'em, but don't make a habit of it! ;)


~Amish

Posted by TunnelRunner33 I like the reflection shot, the pillar and roof are so damn... grimy! I also liked all the fine decorative work on the inside of the safe door, reminds me of some of the old watches I've seen that have decorative markings on the gears and inner workings.

Yeah that safe was a fun find, don't get to see many of those these days.

Posted by Oelky Really nice shots and excellent lighting!

Thank ya ma'am! I always fall in love with the lighting in these old mills and buildings, it's just so fun to play with on overcast days.

Posted by ATLviewer These are ridiculously good!

Well thank you for such kind words!

Posted by Once-ler Top notch set Amish these came out so well. Still working on mine though :'( I think Lucky #3 is feeling left out because Three's a Crowd, both shots are very sweet. That tunnel in #9 I just could not capture whatever I tried, guess that old safe is OK too. And #10 is absolutely your signature shot man you nailed it there. Good stuff for an old mill. Andy I'm sorry and I feel bad cause I should have gone up there with you to scout, hope you are better soon. ~ the Once-ler

I'm sure you got some sweet shots too man, I look forward to seeing them some day this year ;)

And you're right, #3 just isn't feeling the love... He's so close and yet he's left out of their party haha


~Amish

that safe made me happy in my happy place.

Posted by Amishdelight Scars build character, and chicks dig 'em, but don't make a habit of it! ;) ~Amish

Trust, no habits being made of that one. Road trip soon, my friend.

jesus 11,

nex 5? with leica lens?

Nice. #10 for me. Definitely #10.

Posted by Maglyte jesus 11, nex 5? with leica lens?

I wish! Sony 16mm prime and a good deal of processing for white balance and color due to multiple light sources wrecking havoc haha


~ Amish

Posted by fiftyone_eggs Nice. #10 for me. Definitely #10.

Thanks so much, sorry I missed your comment!

Damn these are good.