As I've written before, these abandoned cottages create such an ambiance for me. I have fond memories of going on hikes years ago and finding empty farm houses, cabins, and various outbuildings. Usually these have things left behind by the former occupants, and one, which I was able to photograph extensively, had kitchen drawers left open, with eating utensils and cups and such left behind. One day I will go through my huge collection of negatives and re-print some of them. The images were haunting, as these Elkmont shots are.
It's always sad to see pieces of the past gone way beyond their former glory and fallen into disrepair. While at the same time it's interesting to find items left behind by long ago guests.
ReplyDeletep.s. I forgot to add that I've finished reading claire-obscure and liked it very much. I also left a review at Amazon. On to "the meaning of isolated objects"!
ReplyDeleteArlene, I agree - it's a shame these cottages weren't preserved - they have such interesting architectural elements and a definite "style" that I've not seen elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am SO appreciative of your support with reference to claire-obscure - that you bought it, read it, and I'm so glad you enjoyed it - and what a terrific reviewer you are! Aside from the fact that it's my book, really, you did a lovely job. Thank you!
Very evocative. I almost can see the people living here and their children running around and splashing in the creek.
ReplyDeleteBillie, do you have any idea who lived here and when? What was the nature of the town? The photos are so poignant and ethereal. I feel somehow I have seen this place. Maybe it was a place of many donkeys once...
ReplyDeleteMatthew, as you know, it is very much like that when you visit in person.
ReplyDeleteSheaffer, I don't know cottage by cottage, but here's the little blurb about the place from the Great Smoky website:
ReplyDeleteBeginning as a rough and tumble logging town, Elkmont gradually evolved into a haven for the socially prominent and wealthy members of Knoxville, Maryville, and Chattanooga. Many cottages were built and used for the summer. Today, Elkmont is primarily a campground within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The peacefulness you will find there is unsurpassed.
My words again:
In addition, there was a lovely old hotel called the Wonderland which was apparently quite the social scene back in the day there.
It is absolutely mesmerizing there. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if they used donkeys for labor early on. I prefer to think of the donkeys promenading the small pathways enjoying the ambiance. :)