The topic for our photo challenge this week is Weathered and/or Worn. Ann Christine suggests we feature a few pictures showing which things we are attracted to that are worn and weathered. Personally, I enjoy seeing and photographing old, worn out buildings or structures constructed from wood. Why wood? Because it ages so gracefully, showing the marks of time; the color slowly change along with the shape, lines start to appear and scars from usage plus battling the elements tend to give it a certain kind of beauty.
Worn, weathered wooden buildings or structures arouse my curiosity as I wonder what secrets they hold. Then it is fun to imagine how they looked new and how excited people were when they first saw it, next I become curious as to what circumstances caused it to be neglected and, in some cases, abandoned.
“I have often wondered what it is an old building can do to you when you happen to know a little about things that went on long ago in that building.” – Carl Sandburg
This worn and weathered Cummings train station is from years gone by when Western Union Telegraph Services were beginning to come in demand in the 1850s. Currently this building along with other buildings and memorabilia is one of several on display in Wells, Maine.
“Rain was coming down in sheets. I could hear it, on the concrete outside and on the old building above me. It creaked and swayed in the spring thunderstorm and the wind, timbers gently flexing, wise enough with age to give a little, rather than put up stubborn resistance until they broke. I could probably stand to learn something from that.” – Jim Butcher
This old deserted house looks like it was probably very attractive many years ago. There were probably colorful plants in the yard, children playing outside and animals housing in the barn area. A happy family living in a very attractive house. Wonder what happened to cause it to be deserted and abandoned like this? Unfortunately, it was torn down a couple of years ago and in it’s place were the discarded wooden boards which are now gone.
This is such a pretty setting situated underneath the beautiful weeping willow tree, showing the main house and smaller worn and weathered one beside it, The colors and window awnings of both are quite appealing plus the white lace curtains and weathered look on the small house add a special touch to its charm!
This building on Peaks Island in Maine caught my attention due to the stark contrast between the new, maintained building and its worn and weathered door. Wonder what the story is behind this door – and why is it so important? The tiny wooden sign on the door reads “Back in 5 mins.”
“Old places have soul.” – Sarah Anderson
Harsh weather plus the years have imprinted character, beauty and strength on this church belfry! My husband and I were traveling in the northeast and stopped at a convenience store on a rural road. When getting back in the car, I looked up and saw this church steeple through the trees. Fortunately, my ever-patient husband waited for me to grab the camera and get in a good location to capture this image which shows once beautiful wooden architecture from long ago!
A worn and weathered wooden bench, deserted. Currently in an open area where no one would want to sit and relax! Looking at its structure, some time ago it was attractive although nature is slowly claiming it now. Hopefully soon it will be reclaimed and moved to a better location where others can enjoy its aging beauty.
“If we don’t care about our past, we cannot hope for the future…I care desperately about saving old buildings.”
– Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis