I finally got around to taking the photo walk out on the land my dad grew up on that his grandfather had homesteaded. I've wanted to go back out there for a while -- had hoped to do it when I had a get pushed challenge that ended up with my doing photos inspired by Andrew Wyeth. Didn't have a chance to go out to the farm then. I decided on the spur of the moment yesterday (Monday) that I'd better do it before it got a lot colder the next day. Here is a glimpse of the long stone barn as seen through what's left of a derelict shed.
For a view of the other side: http://365project.org/mcsiegle/365/2014-11-14
My great grandparents also homesteaded but their buildings were built of sod and have melted away over the years. You are fortunate to be able to photograph this farm. Wonderful memories made more wonderful with your eye for a good photograph.
@vignouse Thanks, Richard. I can see what you mean about a certain sadness. It particularly evokes that from me since it is all decidedly downhill from what it was like when I was growing up. We lived in town but came out with my folks to help with garden and orchard or to picnic or fish in the pond. My dad and uncle were workaholics -- both with "day jobs" and working this land also (with the considerable help of another man who worked for them) That time, is no longer. And so many family farms similar to the one my husband Frank grew up on disappearing and being replaced by large corporate farming. We are fortunate to still own his parents' land and have a good farmer working it.
@pauliek Thanks, Paulette. So much evidence of those early pioneer days is gone -- erased by time and nature. Wouldn't it be great if you had a time machine and could go back and photograph the sod houses your great grandparents built?
@mcsiegle@pauliek Mary, Paulette - you are both so right. We and/or our parents have known a time which will never be again. You could go back in time 100 years or several hundred and not notice much difference in the way of life, now every decade brings massive change. I always promised myself that I would record my father telling stories of his childhood growing up in poverty, but I never did of course and he's been gone these 10 years. We have the chance to capture the shreds of the past that still remain... it's important that we do.
