Abandoned America

I'm Matthew Christopher, creator of the Abandoned America website, podcast, and book series about the beautiful and fascinating ruins in our midst. Photos are mine unless credited otherwise. Not a photo bot, so I post about other things from time to time.


The same abandoned church after 4 years of neglect

See the rest https://www.abandonedamerica.us/most-blessed-sacrament-church

https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/407/025/218/815/434/original/bff2c7fddfce9bdc.jpg

https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/407/026/271/183/407/original/c2a807472f7444f7.jpg


nostr:npub12nmnyzsrq35vrs7cfqpzh9q0xyqyheta28c7kwz3hzwzwgltd9xqkyf3ur thanks so much for contributing, we really appreciate it and can I tell you firsthand that ASF is an awesome and well-run organization who help a lot of people ❤


nostr:npub16zusa0crxlkngmq29wr8h8wy6x6hkxgc9yc8dzxmmmdshmq2dg3s5wa0qn either way, thank you! It's a good cause but also I understand having to watch money, that's usually my situation also 😊


nostr:npub18pj02q075l2smkruxv2vxqd8xfh64guv8kj2r2xtkwyylvppcmnqm9nexf yep she's great 🥰


nostr:npub1pv5ug6gxy7fet6rltce6hkxksw599v3rnwut0wdc8c5v09k6qraq39zq0l nostr:npub1ufnt8gpxg4gxuqf5t7zluuydn03z5mtn6hr978pctewrwc00n53s4cjuc4 thank you so much! Tbh I forgot I even wrote it, I have so many little essays squirreled away on the website. Timely considering the month!


Morgue drawers in the basement of an abandoned children's hospital

More info: https://www.abandonedamerica.us/forest-haven-developmental-center

https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/185/365/750/119/879/original/c07c365d8b603158.jpg


4/ At the end of the day, however this thing goes, I'm really proud of her. Olivia's worked really hard for this organization and gone really far outside of her comfort zone to do it. I look at what she's accomplished and know that honestly I probably couldn't do a fraction of what she has. She really believes in making the world better & when sometimes I'm inclined to think poorly of humanity, she's working to make things better for people. I have an awesome wife. Thanks for listening ❤


nostr:npub1sxe0nf78udd2tqwpz7waqqze46uehlyfsfc5hylku8yhuk74t7js5v5k3x me too, friend. Me too.


nostr:npub1eavprh3zfs25tvy8whyxt8g3sw289jk0ctwjt0f43p24y2frpphs8lp7u4 he is. He's definitely doing a lot better than a month and change ago. Thank you ❤


nostr:npub16ez0xvwm8gdpspuwqmrn999ecgssqufta4j0609cqr8r2lufy3pq9eg7vp oh, that's so cool! Adaptive programs are really amazing. Stuff like that keeps me from totally losing my faith in humanity ❤


nostr:npub1r0fp74tv87a6pg28zgdwmx25del8hkzghrkc78q78ph6jlvcwxksjln9aw pain is pain. You may not have the parts to identify with the exact type of hurt but it's still awful to think about.


nostr:npub1zcntj3kx8u9jajc7mxpq7gp8m340s6mauf3wka8lh7u0ntdsms5qnluy49 yeah, it's a LOT. Tbh I'm a bit worried about her but she's determined.


nostr:npub1maqhshpf03g8q3n4lhla6es58p8f9nx5mms45qflasy0qxjmuctq9mljw8 I will, absolutely ❤


If you'd like to learn more about the Adaptive Sports Foundation here's a link to their website. You can also sign up to do the charity bikeathon in your own area, become a volunteer, or support them in other ways too if money is tight. They provide activities like skiing, kayaking, and a bunch of others for people who might never be able to do it otherwise, which might sound frivolous until you consider that people need things to look forward to and places to fit in ❤
https://www.adaptivesportsfoundation.org/


I'd like to add that neither Olivia or I are super sporty people but she has been pushing herself this year to go outside her comfort zone with activities. 50 miles is a lot and it's really going to be a challenge for her, but I'm so proud she's doing it.


Heya folks, if you're interested, my wonderful wife Olivia is going to be doing a 50 mile charity bikeathon for the Adaptive Sports Foundation, a nonprofit that supports individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, and wounded veterans. I realize there are a lot of charities out there but this is a really good org that does amazing work giving people life-changing experiences and creating community. If you'd like to donate here's the link:

https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/50Mile2023/team/OliviaAntsis


nostr:npub15jatdkf253gx6sjdsfwn2fm5pqwvdefk7mvsu5ypqtxc8jw2wvzq9w88t4 he is. He's still scared of walks but we're trying to ease him back into it at a pace he's okay with. He gets tons of love too so hopefully that helps


nostr:npub1r0fp74tv87a6pg28zgdwmx25del8hkzghrkc78q78ph6jlvcwxksjln9aw oh no. That's a very bad story and I'm sorry you had to live it


nostr:npub1vgshn7jyvycxmc6cmj78ngcap80xmu79gtnwthlzprz694v03g4qf64tgk he's such a sweet boy and he loves singing. He goes to hang out with our neighbors and I can hear him singing with them in the mornings sometimes. Also it is a big hit with kids.


nostr:npub1w2rp838um7paggu9vrtr67pvxwrcc5pxnqs6f8f5rltu3zyxym9qk36msg I don't want to work any more so they're right about me, at least


nostr:npub1r0fp74tv87a6pg28zgdwmx25del8hkzghrkc78q78ph6jlvcwxksjln9aw it's good both worked out okay! I think I'd be screwed out here. The nearest hospitals are... not ideal. And I have a feeling I'd be in the same situation as your second scenario


nostr:npub1r0fp74tv87a6pg28zgdwmx25del8hkzghrkc78q78ph6jlvcwxksjln9aw well if the asbestos doesn't get me I'm sure a lot of other chemicals I've inhaled in abandoned places will be happy to do it


nostr:npub1n0289xsn6g2vmz8ycnq0j2zvlx7vsvrar07yjdylhx3zvxdnk7ysxu56rc thanks, friend. Charlie has a ton of love in his life and a lot of people that helped him through his healing process but it was still so difficult. I look at his scar and it's hard to believe that was two months ago. I was so scared for him.


nostr:npub15074264qfye8gc2u9s3fdn2cq23x90mx372fluj8ff48hj22zrzqh7e4gg no kidding. That's pretty wild! I think I have the 6 pro and I don't get those results so you're doing something right. Your shots have the look of medium/large format film photography


nostr:npub1n0289xsn6g2vmz8ycnq0j2zvlx7vsvrar07yjdylhx3zvxdnk7ysxu56rc he is all healed up. Still has The Fear about going out on walks in our neighborhood, which is fair, but we're trying to get him used to it again


nostr:npub1r0fp74tv87a6pg28zgdwmx25del8hkzghrkc78q78ph6jlvcwxksjln9aw on the plus side he's cute AF though


nostr:npub1r0fp74tv87a6pg28zgdwmx25del8hkzghrkc78q78ph6jlvcwxksjln9aw yeah, and you have to kick it up into the air, too - which I'm sure I've done. Idk. My wife is always worried about my safety which I appreciate and don't ever want to minimize the value of, but I also don't want to live a life where I kowtow to fear constantly


nostr:npub1r0fp74tv87a6pg28zgdwmx25del8hkzghrkc78q78ph6jlvcwxksjln9aw oh, he definitely is, except when he's not. Which is infrequent but does happen. Mostly when he eats something he shouldn't.

I do love that goober so very much though.


nostr:npub1r0fp74tv87a6pg28zgdwmx25del8hkzghrkc78q78ph6jlvcwxksjln9aw I have often wondered if one day I'm going to find out I already had a few minor ones mixed in with the panic attacks. I'm glad you made it through okay. To me dying isn't the scary part but the process of getting there leaves a bit to be desired.


nostr:npub15074264qfye8gc2u9s3fdn2cq23x90mx372fluj8ff48hj22zrzqh7e4gg wow, what a vivid sky! Great exposure choice, weird as it sounds to say that's one of many things I've noticed is always spot on in your shots


Singing with my best buddy

https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/174/961/461/941/034/original/29818bcda4a28d90.jpg


nostr:npub1m9agwuf02x9we36eh2kzmzsgshg0t394rtn256nh0f85w9fgg4rsg6025m well, I'll be. I have some of those and will give this a go.


nostr:npub1ce6dvljpy08tkdj0jz5p9zqmn056elpssgc6zlmdu2466yqjcvcsy7dfpp I appreciate that. When I started doing this I felt like I was the one lone weirdo that lived these places and I've found there are many people that feel the same way, which is something I'm very grateful for


nostr:npub1r0fp74tv87a6pg28zgdwmx25del8hkzghrkc78q78ph6jlvcwxksjln9aw I mean, who knows, I could do the falling through a floor thing too. Or die of mesothelioma. One way or another though I'm going to die so at least I have that reassurance


nostr:npub1fsauswwzdexqgt57gsteh45p9g3skfv5p4l945rfr7kad22g7z8swwfgfx absolutely. I agree 💯%


nostr:npub1mfa7rpjwyup5yeg58cs3e5e576jxt5u75mvq6mqs9ed0k2yucsfs8t09w4 aw, thank you so much! I'm always grateful to have people that enjoy seeing these places to share my work with ❤


nostr:npub1pv5ug6gxy7fet6rltce6hkxksw599v3rnwut0wdc8c5v09k6qraq39zq0l I mean, it's technically burglary but I'm not judging. I leave things where they are. In this case the molds are super heavy and the floor under them is giving out so there's added incentive to look but not touch


nostr:npub1ce6dvljpy08tkdj0jz5p9zqmn056elpssgc6zlmdu2466yqjcvcsy7dfpp thanks! It's nice to have people to share these places with. I don't know if I'd be able to process it all if I had an extra lifetime to do it


nostr:npub15gy62l832venksjvgdt0ghudk8q465huupkvuj07cqv5czk0ts0s2rp2dm yeah, this place had an amazing amount of dishware. A lot of it was unglazed but some was still usable. Idk, I guess I've seen so much waste I've got a bit numb over the years


nostr:npub19xy2q4amj7c6t5da4udgmrfzvau08vx0vmawv96y9rzhmtzl9qxqst77vd I wish there were a way to produce paper that was cheaper and less environmentally destructive. I had no idea how bad it is until I started researching this


nostr:npub19xy2q4amj7c6t5da4udgmrfzvau08vx0vmawv96y9rzhmtzl9qxqst77vd nostr:npub1fvfajyz9y2296csyh5vd5e28gkhpm55uuc4l70n7ucyd54dkfdlqgjvlru I still have my old journals, but a lot of my old writing is gone forever


nostr:npub1r0fp74tv87a6pg28zgdwmx25del8hkzghrkc78q78ph6jlvcwxksjln9aw everyone's time comes sooner or later. My guess is that with irony being what it is I'll slip in the tub and die


nostr:npub1nyxvyf4208xds46gveeyds5zw38q96wx3pvmd3qdhcsv87xggdas9artuy ah, thanks!


nostr:npub1gp502dq6nk82f7keepadu237lm3q7uufnsxegdk6gllx5dy30z2sremf2c even with a mild climate you still lose sunlight and that really is hard to manage


nostr:npub1hlxd3w09cef7w9l0qnnxsj6ayx4lkkjdfgtu7657d0495pzsx2vqtt0d98 really? The Airbnb listing isn't public?


nostr:npub122l4rv9w2gguf7feddnn3t2333tssn08d9zwgcs8ggh6wgp6wydsrkjaxx thank you!


nostr:npub1w0cae4tddgr9hej96d6lhz4lq85qq4vddmujfngg3keuxm8djj8qmtha0x aw, thanks so much! I'm working on a new episode this week, just have to get over my fear of my own imperfections enough to release it


nostr:npub130xlduvdu9xkdwcegrujvftepkm8p8agk9xjhyskezu4skx2snjs8dcunr I do love control panels. I have so many photos of them


nostr:npub15zysqwfrazhfslyf4p3symuadr362h2fc83v2ezfdkhk3xhau6zqvfpqjg I believe that's concrete although it does look like that


nostr:npub13kvp5w2gaf6qu7muz9pffw79va27njauzce8azphr9snuthskwjs5u6smk yeah and I imagine even if you're not a bad person being there warps you


nostr:npub193r25vefpddsdcvkeycd7j2u0yf2tdas4a3xfckqfhfcyy2d2wsswpey05 ha! It does. Kinda funny to picture that


nostr:npub1esy8e7rygemzp639a9qwrz3t24p308jws7farhns95jrwu3mfj9sv46una prisons are definitely the worst places and you can very much feel that although whether that's energy or the ubiquitous contextual clues is beyond me


nostr:npub1m9agwuf02x9we36eh2kzmzsgshg0t394rtn256nh0f85w9fgg4rsg6025m you can use them like sun lamps?


nostr:npub1elsk8jq6znmh5mk696qr6a29a8ln0hy2maajc2famsrngah8qmhszzlvx0 thanks so much! I can't get enough of it myself. There is definitely a sense of temporal displacement in abandoned places that is disorienting but enchanting


nostr:npub15gy62l832venksjvgdt0ghudk8q465huupkvuj07cqv5czk0ts0s2rp2dm nostr:npub1u5lr22gp62u6p0xr50exrkquy7lkhd245lw625zxhvd4e8hfzulq5p8d8e exactly. I feel there are a multitude of emotional reactions and many are valid even though they conflict


The guard station at an abandoned prison

More at https://www.abandonedamerica.us/abandoned-prisons

https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/174/113/583/190/889/original/d8e237e20ca3b63f.jpg


Abandoned china factory, 2009. The wooden enclosure behind the adding machine and picnic bench is a break room that has been pushed halfway through the floor by the heavy machinery on top of it.

See the rest at https://www.abandonedamerica.us/shenango-china

https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/151/328/740/348/545/original/310378271e7a6adf.jpg


nostr:npub18290zqm3ykgse85m6rwzfrfmcn8crhmwam8k4rx7sn07nxtcqmnq3qmfun I have those too. I've kind of gone from being stressed by them to being glad I get to experience such impressive things/places


nostr:npub10avzjgtrx8uldhkn9cp58yv2f37g8kal97w67m0vqx5tw8me60mqzsr788 thanks so much! I've been going back through my archives remembering it. It was a really special place to me and I miss it as it was when I first went there


nostr:npub136ch8sn94zqkw2lw3ht5yyrhmjlfmfghjysqm3marty4tjl324nqy5sry3 In her defense, I think any of us would have psychological scars from a living with a last name that was so frequently mispronounced


nostr:npub10avzjgtrx8uldhkn9cp58yv2f37g8kal97w67m0vqx5tw8me60mqzsr788 oh, that's so neat. Yes, this was a pretty prestigious plant. The nice thing is that the photos I took are from over a decade ago, so they're mostly before the multiple large fires there that destroyed sections like this


nostr:npub1elsk8jq6znmh5mk696qr6a29a8ln0hy2maajc2famsrngah8qmhszzlvx0 I have often said that there is a reason I relate so strongly and viscerally to these places


nostr:npub18290zqm3ykgse85m6rwzfrfmcn8crhmwam8k4rx7sn07nxtcqmnq3qmfun ah, you and I have similar dreams, then. I am a bit obsessed with finding analogous things in the real world


nostr:npub1u5lr22gp62u6p0xr50exrkquy7lkhd245lw625zxhvd4e8hfzulq5p8d8e I'm glad you're still able to see the wonder in it. I certainly have a reaction of sadness and frustration in seeing things go to waste but there's also a sense of spectacle to it that I can't deny being drawn to


Workbenches in an abandoned china factory slowly making their way through the floor.

Photos of collapsing areas of buildings never seem to perform as well in terms of social media metrics which is somewhat baffling to me, as I find the mechanics of structural deterioration endlessly fascinating.

Anyway, here's the gallery for this place in case you'd like to see more: https://www.abandonedamerica.us/shenango-china

https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/149/899/162/304/544/original/653defc14e14dac0.jpg


nostr:npub1d5l85p220ukwmvscrhv29qtrczerua435cjpvgd74563sc7fyxgsh3a0d6 Aw, thank you Rai 🥰


nostr:npub1m9agwuf02x9we36eh2kzmzsgshg0t394rtn256nh0f85w9fgg4rsg6025m more daylight/warmth, mostly


nostr:npub1hlxd3w09cef7w9l0qnnxsj6ayx4lkkjdfgtu7657d0495pzsx2vqtt0d98 I don't suppose you'd be willing to share a link to the listing, would you?


nostr:npub1ktua4ealkvc7aqm99h2qgy3k93pvzud02w7re6s7ryscm6tfyagsacvl0z nostr:npub1hlxd3w09cef7w9l0qnnxsj6ayx4lkkjdfgtu7657d0495pzsx2vqtt0d98 that is both amazing and a little horrifying at the same time


nostr:npub1t2etnrqpgw274y02lmj70gzef349ftg8ugpksj9ct4g9pu33l2vq0dlf36 I'm glad they help. The lights never did much for me but Vitamin D does help


nostr:npub1jjwcd6yyz63tqz9pq3ea3r8ngumz2smtwaskq77gp3caz96xxlmq0d6v4l yep. Although they kind of taper off after Jan 1


nostr:npub1q6swn290ymk26h6lcgj0l4r39rc3rmtg7a8v4syzhk9md694xzhqnyuw78 thank you Sandy ❤


Sure, ghosts and witches are spooky, but the real horror of Halloween is staring down the barrel of several months of darkness and cold knowing your already severe depression is about to level up 🎃


nostr:npub1p8saydhfl0p78w3g7x2urgrhrh4htk8pkaghrrcm5ckj055zm7dq064tga I was just talking to someone yesterday about a different subject but with a conclusion that applies to this, too: I think the hubris of the wealthy and powerful includes an incredibly toxic misconception that reality will be what they want it to be because that is what they want. In other words, if they want ad $$ and that comes from corporate brands, of course the user will want a brand-centered approach. A terrible & destructive miscalculation overall.


It's kind of an amazing and horrifying phenomenon, no? I'm in the same boat. Having used computers throughout most of my life, it's disorienting to see gaping holes where seemingly dependable resources used to be. That, or a paywall.


nostr:npub1z7qd04hwzrukn78nt9qgxsdfcm2w3kllwyusvtdg334hnyk0vqkq2dgng6 thanks! And, you know, happy is a relative term I guess 😉


nostr:npub1fvfajyz9y2296csyh5vd5e28gkhpm55uuc4l70n7ucyd54dkfdlqgjvlru nostr:npub19xy2q4amj7c6t5da4udgmrfzvau08vx0vmawv96y9rzhmtzl9qxqst77vd absolutely. My prediction is that if humankind survives a few more centuries this may be considered a Dark Age, where records are just completely gone because of our reliance on tech which is so very unstable


nostr:npub19xy2q4amj7c6t5da4udgmrfzvau08vx0vmawv96y9rzhmtzl9qxqst77vd that's so sad. Papermaking is awful for the environment but I do so love printed books. We're losing a lot if they become scarce.


nostr:npub15jza49fld54g4t85crp32pdzzyce4drwvul3wnwt3zkq6la9g3zqsu0tfn Ha! I was wondering about the question until I saw your name. Must be you!


nostr:npub1gu5zr0nnv5wlc3cj4jwv6nvxaye5q0fm4ug82uypt24tmf44djaqudmzsp Lately, every hour is "bastard hour" for my cat 😕


A flooded PacSun store in an abandoned mall

More at https://www.abandonedamerica.us/dead-malls

https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/138/640/157/421/979/original/9f4597fd6492fe5f.jpg


nostr:npub1gu5zr0nnv5wlc3cj4jwv6nvxaye5q0fm4ug82uypt24tmf44djaqudmzsp that's so sweet though 🥰


The abandoned Paperworks mill in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia, PA. It was once the largest paper manufacturer in the world, and at the time of its closing one of the oldest in the U.S.

Just completed a massive deep dive into its history, which I have never seen in full elsewhere - including two surprisingly dark stories made this more of a macabre past than I anticipated. You can read them (and support my work) on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AbandonedAmerica

https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/128/805/975/826/986/original/cc1601449b9471e3.jpg


The abandoned Packard Plant in Detroit, currently undergoing demolition. It was once reputedly the largest abandoned location in North America.

Gallery and info at https://www.abandonedamerica.us/packard-motor-car-company

https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/081/747/954/647/896/original/938909cea9f646ca.jpg


The second floor of the abandoned Allentown State Hospital's administration building. Demolished.

Gallery/info: https://www.abandonedamerica.us/allentown-state-hospital

https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/065/100/213/206/677/original/9c2481a2fd1816c4.jpg


nostr:npub1hjrgc2dt74feq20aephk9qg869pxv7hm0enqw8432qh4zyzn6wcsyrz687 an odd bit of memento mori, that


The stage of an abandoned Elk Lodge later used as a boxing arena

Gallery: https://www.abandonedamerica.us/blue-horizon-boxing-philadelphia

https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/059/459/160/368/562/original/cc7b56dee4f13472.jpg


The auditorium at the abandoned Trenton Junior High School No. 1

Gallery: https://www.abandonedamerica.us/trenton-junior-high-school-no

https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/025/446/468/152/366/original/eba1ba8f3a0c0c46.jpg


nostr:npub16yyawchusulspfy2xwlnsfnpf8985nqxj58t30exxrs2myfxzqpqku7r4y oh, I frigging love them but the logic is silly AF sometimes. I get that it's got to work as a game but wow can it feel forced at times.

Don't care, 14/10 review


Look, I get that there is a small market for Ace Attorney jokes but if you've played any of those games you know I speak the truth


nostr:npub126lq0adja6t0auwhw5w50zw7t6nngphesmn926cdtvj2eflhnj4qa4fzuh HA HA THAT IS FUNNY. I AM LAUGHING.


nostr:npub1yp2jn5k6jy0fwmhjuyv8h3j258ahk3kr6nqnt7pptykj69tw4jdspfdn9p nostr:npub12qre8z3rr68ghm6w9yplvek4k4n7l20h9e76etv7474kuap2kstqz9cy9e thank you and tbh I hate that too, it's not much fun as someone who is sharing their work either


nostr:npub1dpgxmmpsrz8zf09zvf4yp43shvhu2zcdrzh0wcxpla3crtkllglqtkjpuf thank you! I feel that way too but boy does it feel nice to hear other people have the same reasonable views after years of many folks not ❤


I don't know if this fact is fun for you but it's fun for me, so at least there's that.