The 3 Most Interesting Things I’ve Found in Abandoned Buildings
There's a strange thrill to stepping into abandoned buildings. Forgotten places hold a unique mix of the macabre and the mysterious. While rummaging through these relics of the past, I've stumbled across animal bones and plenty of dust-covered, less-than-savory magazines. But it's the objects hinting at a forgotten history that truly capture my attention. Here are three of my most interesting abandoned building finds.
1. Slides from AIDS Research: A German Abandoned Hospital
Deep in an abandoned hospital in Germany, I stumbled across a treasure trove of medical projector slides. These weren't your typical anatomy lessons; instead, they offered a haunting glimpse into early AIDS research. The images were both heartbreaking and captivating – they documented the strange and devastating ailments baffling doctors during that confusing time in medical history.
This discovery struck me deeply, not only for its content but for its connection to the global awakening to AIDS in the early 1980s. Though AIDS was first recognized by the CDC, the disease was a worldwide crisis, and the slides represented a poignant chapter in the international struggle to understand and combat this disease.
2. Echoes of History and Racism: An Abandoned House in New Hampshire
Inside a New Hampshire abandoned house, which had been maintained by the same family over generations, I found a huge amount of old literature. Some dated back to the Civil War era and included photo cards of Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and other prominent figures of the time.
Disturbingly, these images were stored alongside unashamedly racist literature. The Civil War, ending in 1865, was a transformative period for the United States, ushering in the abolition of slavery but also the beginning of a long struggle against deeply entrenched racial prejudices that would persist for decades. This abandoned house not only revealed the complexities of this American history but also the contradictions that define it.
3. A King's Abdication: A Connecticut Abandoned House Yields Treasure
The power of a single piece of paper to evoke a historical moment was never clearer to me than when I found an old newspaper from 1936 in an abandoned house in Connecticut. The headline read "Edward bids empire farewell. Begins exile as George reigns." This marked a significant moment in British history and also highlighted the profound personal decision that reshaped a monarchy. Edward VIII's choice to abdicate in favor of marrying American divorcee Wallis Simpson was a testament to the power of personal conviction over duty. This discovery, amidst a collection of old newspapers, speaks to the human desire to preserve moments of historical significance. Yet, it's fascinating how these momentous historical announcements become just another piece of clutter as the years slip away.
Reflections on Abandoned and Forgotten Places
These discoveries in abandoned buildings—be it an abandoned hospital, house, or any other structure—serve as a powerful reminder of the stories that are left behind when places are forgotten. Each item, from projector slides detailing the early struggles against AIDS to literature from the Civil War era and newspapers announcing royal abdications, offers a unique insight into our past. These abandoned buildings, with their air of mystery and decay, are treasure troves of history, holding stories that remind us of who we were, the battles we've fought, and the moments that have shaped our world.
As we continue to explore these forgotten places, we carry forward the stories of those who came before us, ensuring that their histories are remembered and honored. The journey through abandoned buildings is not just about the thrill of discovery; it's about connecting with the past and unearthing the stories that have shaped our collective memory.
Continue exploring more Things Left Behind, a collection that may gravitate towards grit, but fragments of humanity are found in every photograph.
