City Methodist Church
Gary Indiana
5 Image HDR
When we went to the 2nd floor at the Church we found this chair that was just sitting randomly in a room. Considering that it wasn't in really bad shape, I would assume that it was a prop brought in by another photographer. Interestingly, the graffiti in the background was in my opinion the largest amount in one place in the entire building. I thought it was odd the lack of graffiti throughout the building. One would think it would be a treasure trove for our youth to express themselves.
Constructed at the cost of over 1 million dollars in 1926, the City Methodist Church is a massive nine story structure that sits in downtown Gary in a complete state of ruin and destabilization. Architecturally designed in a traditional English Gothic style, the church remained a place of worship until1975. Due to a major population shift in northeast Indiana in the late 60’s and early 70’s the churches congregation shrank and it was sold to Indiana University as a campus extension, but was never used. Over the following years the church was used for many purposes but eventually was abandoned. 1997 it was severely damaged in a massive fire which also included several nearby buildings. The fire was believed to be act of arson. It has been suggested that the building become a "ruins garden" like those found in Europe.
Tags: Gary Methodist Church
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Whitewater Canal State Historic Site
Metamora, Indiana
7 Image HDR
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City Methodist Church
Gary Indiana
5 Image HDR
Constructed at the cost of over 1 million dollars in 1926, the City Methodist Church is a massive nine story structure that sits in downtown Gary in a complete state of ruin and destabilization. Architecturally designed in a traditional English Gothic style, the church remained a place of worship until1975. Due to a major population shift in northeast Indiana in the late 60’s and early 70’s the churches congregation shrank and it was sold to Indiana University as a campus extension, but was never used. Over the following years the church was used for many purposes but eventually was abandoned. 1997 it was severely damaged in a massive fire which also included several nearby buildings. The fire was believed to be act of arson. It has been suggested that the building become a "ruins garden" like those found in Europe.
There’s a level of uneasiness when you first approach the building but it seemed like the most comfortable abandoned building in the area as far as chances of crime. It sits directly across the street from a college and daycare with lots of activity around. Access is easy, there are no doors on the structure and no boards on the windows, trees and bushes cover what used to be the lawn. Inside it’s amazing to walk among a place which was at one time such a thing of beauty. There’s an auditorium, 4 floors of rooms, a basket ball court where the roof has completely collapsed, and of course the cathedral, shown here. Every room there was debris, concrete, wood, cloths and other odds and ends. Sounds from the surrounding streets gave the impression that what is happening outside is right within the building. People taking, cars, emergency vehicles and construction made for an odd soundtrack. I will admit I was a bit uneasy while I was here. Being completely unfamiliar with the area, there was always that concern in the back of my head that some undesirables with a criminal intent would approach or would be found living among the ruins.
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Since Elkhorn Falls near Richmond Indiana was frozen there was a wall of ice in front of the cliff wall creating an ice cave.
Tags: Elkhorn Falls Richmond Indiana
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Michael Jaskson's Boyhood Home
2300 Jackson St.
Gary, Indiana
5 Image HDR
Since we were in the neighborhood shooting abandonment in nearby downtown Gary, we thought we'd drive over to Michael Jackson's boyhood home which was only a 6 or 7 blocks away. Upon arrival you immediately know which house it is as it is the only house around completely surrounded with a thick black fence. As you can see here the home is in wonderful shape and the lawn and landscape is well cared for. Outside the fence are makeshift memorials, one on the corner of 23rd and Jackson St. and the others are on the side facing 23rd Street near the home. Just inside the fence stands a large granite plaque that memorialized his life and history.
On August 29th, 1958, the King Of Pop was born into this small 3 room house to Katherine Esther Scruse and Joseph Walter "Joe" Jackson and would eventually include 5 brothers and 3 sisters. From what I can see, he lived here until 1969 after he and his brothers group, The Jackson 5 had achieved great commercial success. The home is apparently currently owned by Latoya Jackson and another private party, but I couldn't find anything concrete to reinforce this information.
Tags: Michael Jackson's Boyhood Home
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