I look forward to being older, when what you look like becomes less and less an issue, and what you are becomes the point.
Susan Sarandon
It’s not unusual for one of us to pull over while driving country roads to take a closer look at an abandoned barn, rusting farm implements, or anything that looks like something time forgot. But Tina’s topic for this week’s Lens-Artists Challenge: Seen Better Days immediately reminded us of a place we came upon unexpectedly on St. Simons Island, Georgia, near the Sea Island Golf Club: the remains of the Retreat Plantation hospital. In its day, the hospital and its 10 rooms served the slaves of the plantation.
The remaining structure has indeed seen better days. The structure itself is tentative. Moss grows along once-creamy walls, and bricks stand for now, but for how long? Ferns emerge from cracks in the walls, and massive trees add a bit of elegance as they provide contrast to the aging structure.
These decaying, crumbling walls reveal the elements of construction — tabby, it’s called — a mixture of oyster shells, lime, sand and water. It was a common concoction used effectively in coastal areas of South Carolina and Georgia. And, as you can see, it endures (albeit not sturdily) for many years.
We wish these walls could talk and answer the questions Who was there? For how long? For what illnesses?
But for now, it’s at least a comfort knowing that the remains are available for all to see, thanks to preservationists with vision.
If you survive long enough, you’re revered — rather like an old building.
Katherine Hepburn
If you’d like to see more entries for Tina’s challenge, head to her site and check out the photography.
Travel during your better days,
Rusha & Bert
Amy
Incrdible images of the decaying, crumbling walls, Rusha. Many stories behind these walls.
Thank you for the post.
Oh, the Places We See
You’re so right . . . many stories. And I think that’s why we love travel. Some stories are known. Others are left to the imagination!
Teresa
Awesome photographs, Rusha!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks soooo much!!!
WanderingCanadians
This place seems very fitting for this week’s challenge. I love the old ruins. If only walls could talk.
Oh, the Places We See
I’d love to know what those walls could share. A lot, I suppose!
Anne Sandler
Awesome photographs Rusha! Loved the texture and decay.
Oh, the Places We See
It was an awesome find! Thanks so much for your comment.
Tina Schell
What a perfect place for this week’s challenge Rusha. I’ve been to St. Simons and played the golf courses but never heard of this place. Would love to visit it one of these days!! Loved your post.
Oh, the Places We See
Thank you so much. I love old ruins and relics. An excellent topic!!!!
Curt Mekemson
My immediate thought is that it would be a great place for ghosts, Rusha, or maybe an impromptu Halloween party. –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
So true!!!
JohnRH
Great selections. That southern humidity takes its toll.
Oh, the Places We See
So right. I’m surprised there’s not more black mold on these walls.
Dawn M. Miller
Very cool!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much!!!
Sue
Oh, an excellent find!
Oh, the Places We See
I appreciate you!!
Sue
Yay! Thanks!
Toonsarah
Oh this is perfect for the theme! Yes, it’s seen better days, and it must have so many stories to tell if only it could talk. Although I’m betting there was something in the atmosphere as you explored that hinted of its past – I can see it in your photos!
Oh, the Places We See
You know, that just may be summer humidity!!! Not sure, though. Could it be haints?
kzmcb
I’m heartened to think that some plantations had hospitals for their main workforce. Imagine if factories and major industry did the same, now!
Oh, the Places We See
You’re right. Maybe all big businesses need hospitals fir workers. At least an infirmary.
kzmcb
When I mentioned the idea to my husband he said, “and we can call them guilds”.
Oh, the Places We See
I like your husband already!
Wind Kisses
I wish the walls could talk too. Definitely looks like a great place to wander, and take in some history.
Oh, the Places We See
It was a bit eerie, but fascinating.
philosophy through photography
Great clicks.
Touched.
These things to happen to humanbeings too.
Unfortunately we are unable to take care of these abandoned souls needing our urgent attention.
Loved your narration.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I, too, feel the need and responsibility to preserve.
babsje
Hi Rusha – I found your post and photos very moving. Well done. Best, Babsje
Oh, the Places We See
Thank you so much. We had no idea that this hospital even existed, so it was quite the find. Glad you enjoyed the photos.
babsje
Isn’t it exciting and adventuresome to stumble across unexpected places? Glad you did and posted!
Oh, the Places We See
We were headed to the golf course because we had heard a lot about it. But I really think these ruins were more interesting. Thanks for your comment.
babsje
😊
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks you so much. Your comments mean a lot to me.