Sally Jane Vintage: More Adventures in Maryland

18 July 2008

More Adventures in Maryland

After spending several exciting hours exploring the old clothing factory we jumped back in the car to head to our next destination. To reach this place we had to hike a mile or so through the woods down a railroad track. What seemed like an hour in the hot sun later we finally reached the buildings. And oh, what beautiful dilapidation they were! The now abandoned buildings used to be Henryton Hospital which was a tuberculosis treatment center for African-American children started in the late 1920's. All that is left is room after room of peeling paint, broken mirrors and stray sinks and tubs. I must have taken over a hundred photos! I kept thinking what a wonderful place this would be to have a fashion shoot. Unfortunately, on days like these I have to resign myself to my exploring gear of cargo pants and hiking shoes. Here's a sampling of the photos that I took (except for the one of me taking a picture of my boyfriend who's taking a picture of me taking a picture of him... you get the idea ).

33 comments:

Anonymous said...: These photos and your style remind me of Francesca Woodman. Lots of self-portraits and old abandoned places. She killed herself when she was 22, I think... Google her, I think you'll love her.; July 18, 2008
The Fab Miss B said...: Wow! Your photos are stunning. I can't believe all the things left behind. I bet you often wish you had a truck to haul all that cool stuff away. So enjoying your blog!

Cheers!; July 18, 2008
Elle said...: i love the places you and your boyfriend go to. and the pictures. and your clothes! *envy*

your posts make my day. :); July 18, 2008
mermer said...: beautiful!! can I ask what camera setup you guys use? the pictures are amazing. and do you have any tips on deserted old places to visit in georgia by any chance?? your adventures are seriously inspiring. :); July 18, 2008
Anonymous said...: the light!!; July 18, 2008
bi-style said...: GREAT! really good photos I love that kind of photography!!; July 18, 2008
ramona west said...: i love your photos. this seems like such a fun adventure, but i would be so scared of things like giant rats and homeless squatters that i would never be able to go through with this. be careful!; July 18, 2008
Gabsterr said...: i wish i were you Sally Jane; July 18, 2008
AlicePleasance said...: How do you find all those great places?! I like so much to look at your photos that last night I dreamt I was searching an apartment and I stumbled upon a wonderful abandoned building that once was a school... Then I explored it and I met Ralph Fiennes, but this is another story ;-); July 18, 2008
Anonymous said...: i love the photo with the radiator... the shadow behind it makes it feel so spooky!; July 18, 2008
Anonymous said...: i love the photos!; July 18, 2008
Sally Jane Vintage said...: Thanks for all of your comments!

Daily Coyote: Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely check her out.

Mermer: I use my everyday snapshot camera and a tripod. It's a Canon SD1000. Sorry I don't know of any places in GA.

Ramona West: Thanks! Yes, we're always very careful and aware of our surroundings.

AlicePleasance: We find these places through word of mouth, internet research and Flickr friends. Your dream made me laugh out loud!; July 18, 2008
dani said...: Your photos are amazing. I have them as my desktop backdrop! Really nice stuff.; July 18, 2008
Anonymous said...: wow, that is probably the creepiest place you've ever shot in, just knowing its history is bothersome, you're so brave to go and shoot gorgeous photos in it! there's a book you might like, although they're restoring it now, the hospital at ellis island was totally left in shambles, lots of peeling paint, acid colors, old utensils left, its soo eerie; July 18, 2008
michelle said...: Wow, it's so cool how you just find these places! :P; July 18, 2008
Amy said...: Wow, it looks like pictures from a horror movie, but pretty at the same time. I have a thing for old and abandoned buildings too but i'm having a hard time finding those here in finland. On the other side of our road was an old police station demolished and i regret that i didn't have time to go in and take photos while it was still there. But i kind of have a fobia of running into something freaky in those buildings too :); July 18, 2008
jessica ann said...: it's soo eery but these pictures are beautiful!; July 18, 2008
Anonymous said...: wow, those are some fantastic photos of what looks to be a fantastic place. i really love abandoned places like that.
first comment, long time reader.
i really love it when you post things like this :); July 18, 2008
Anonymous said...: You sound like such a cool person, and those are great pictures, how come you guys are visiting Maryland?; July 18, 2008
Heybigtrender said...: oh my! these pictures are absolutely marvelous!! just the merest suggestion of a photo shoot here is making me go ga-ga! just imagine...frilly frocks, delicate blouses and vintage shoes and hats galore!

you should really go for it if you've got the time:)your readers would love you to bits for it!; July 18, 2008
M said...: My gods, now you've done it. I am officially worshipping the ground you walk on :P Those photos are beautiful! This place is amazing, so haunting, so beautiful... Love how the sun licks the walls. Wow... How did you find this place?; July 19, 2008
victoria renee said...: Wow, I wish you had done a fashion shoot there :)
I like the hallway picture and the tub scene.; July 19, 2008
Nicole Then said...: Amazing pictures!!; July 20, 2008
Fashion Tidbits said...: woah! awesome shots; July 21, 2008
Anonymous said...: wow, aren't houses like that hard to find? in germany, i have never ever seen such a one. it'd be destroyed immediately.; July 22, 2008
emily said...: you were in maryland?! that's where i live!; July 22, 2008
Anonymous said...: Do you ask the landowner's permission before going to these places or do you risk the trespassing? I'm just curious how you cover your ass because there are several places around my city that I'd like to explore, but some friends have had run-ins with the cops and some vagrants. Basically, how do you keep yourself safe?; July 22, 2008
Sally Jane Vintage said...: Lena: These places can be hard to find but even harder to get into.

Emily: Yep! But just for one day. I'd love to go back and explore more.

Anonymous: In some cases (when we can) we do ask for permission however it's pretty rare that we even know who to ask. Sure, there's always the risk of being caught trespassing but we are very careful. We always go out super early (like sunrise) on Sunday mornings when there are less people around. We always go together (never alone) and stay within sight of one another. If you decide to go just be as smart about it as possible, be super careful and know what the risks are.; July 22, 2008
Sarah-Lou said...: Sally Jane I just can't get enough of your blog... May I ask you the brand of your camera?
Please let me know!
Sarah-Lou

http://ohrosedessables.canalblog.com/; July 24, 2008
Sally Jane Vintage said...: lou: I use a Canon Powershot SD1000. Thanks!; July 24, 2008
Anonymous said...: Hi,

i know this is an old blog, but i couldn't help commenting on how amazing your pictures are. i have been reading your blog for a while now and i must say it's a great way to end my day.

thanks a bunch!; August 31, 2008
Camille said...: these pics are beautiful, congrats!~
where exactly in Maryland is this place?
what is the name if it?
thanks
C; February 14, 2009
Anonymous said...: These photographs are so hauntingly beautiful...; February 17, 2009