There is so much beauty surrounding us in our daily lives.
From a sunrise or sunset to the colors of fall and rebirth of spring.
What most are unable to see is the true beauty of decay.
Come with us. We show we tell.
Guest Photographer: Ali Kletecka
Co Written with: Lianne LaVoy
Stumbling upon a home or factory that has remained untouched for years leaves much to the imagination. If these decaying walls could talk, would they tell stories of love and laughter or sadness and loss?
The journey begins here in Lyman.
You forgot to make your bed. Mom is not happy.
In 1870 the SC Land Commission divided Promised Land into 50 lots of 50 acres each for freed slaves. The "promise" in Promised Land refers to their promise to repay the government with low interest. Soon after, the land was reclaimed and the promises were broken. To this day there remains 511 residents in need of recognition, support, and a community center.
The historic Promised Land School opened in 1954 as part of SC Equalization Initiative. It was closed in 1970 as a result of federal forced integration. Students and teachers were reassigned to schools in Greenwood County.
Hallowed Halls of the Promised Land.
The primary goal of this small community is to save the school and rebuild it as a community center. We'd like to help.
You can help.
To obtain government assistance for a federal grant, money is needed for the coordination of preliminary historic salvage. Few projects pull our heartstrings like this one.
Check out the GO FUND ME for more details and to make a tax-deductible donation.
Next on our tour of abandoned places...
Duraco Textiles factory, Union SC
Opened 1990 and closed around 2002
Lonely looms.
An abandoned fabric bleachery and finishing plant dumped their wastewater in this aeration lagoon for 100 years. The water contained cancer-causing agent, hexavalent chromium.
1903-1947: Union Bleachery
1947-1984: Aspinook Corp (Cone Mills)
1984-2003: American Fast Print operating under US Finishing
Welcome to Chick Springs Resort, opened circa 1840 for the healing powers of the mineral springs. This home was built on the foundation of three hotels all destroyed by fire.
Chick Springs House and Gazebo still remain on seven acres hidden off of Wade Hampton Boulevard.
When you care to send the very best.
In their heyday, these abandoned structures brought joy, productivity and economic wealth to our area.
As the Upstate grows let us look back in appreciation for the efforts of the visionaries in our community.
Oh and we'll just leave this here: GO FUND ME
