Richard

Vananda schoolhouse

Thursday, 13. August 2009, 00:05:36

Vananda, ghost town, schoolhouse, photography

Ingomar was not the only ghost town we found as we traveled U.S. Route 12 through Montana.

On a bare stretch of prairie overlooked by these fascinating butte rock formations, we came across Vananda. Not that you have known it, for the only building that marked what was once a town stood stark and bare on the khaki landscape - the old schoolhouse.

Derelict but still imposing. How many people must have lived in this area to support such a building? Now the lands seem quite deserted. Again, an eerie edifice.

Facebook linkHarlowton, Montana - Part One

Comments

Linda # 13. August 2009, 00:10

Eerie indeed. Ghosts of bells ringing and children scurrying through the halls, and lingering smell of locker rooms.......

Richard # 13. August 2009, 00:12

I thought this would interest you, Linda.

Linda # 13. August 2009, 00:20

Yes. Doesn't it look haunted to you?

Richard # 13. August 2009, 00:20

It could be... I didn't get close to it, I must say!

Stardancer # 13. August 2009, 03:28

Wow. Wouldn't it be terrific fun to restore that old building? Gorgeous.

Linda # 13. August 2009, 03:29

They would probably sell cheap. Move it to another location.

PainterWoman # 13. August 2009, 13:37

Now this is the type of building I'd like to be able to buy. Convert the upper loft for living space and the lower level as a working studio and gallery......IF it were in a different place. Much to desolate for me. Not a soul around....except for the ghostly ones.

Carol # 13. August 2009, 22:19

I was just thinking the same thing as Pam.
Nice post Richard.

Richard # 13. August 2009, 22:44

Not a soul around indeed - it looked lonely and desolate. Route 12 was like that much of the way, miles and miles of nothing except the mesmerising Montana landscape. Once there thriving communities, many based around sheep farming, but that's gone and with it all the people except for a few cattle ranchers.

Stardancer # 13. August 2009, 22:53

Sounds like my kind of neighborhood.