While traveling the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, a few friends and I came across a deteriorated concrete bridge. I have a newfound adoration for concrete bridges so we paused to look at it. When we turned to the side we saw an abandoned building that looked partially like a general store and partially like a school. It was boarded up so we couldn’t see much, but it was (of course) fascinating.
Small concrete bridges are all over backroads of Vermont. This one dates to 1934.
Unfortunately, this is what happens to concrete bridges that are not maintained. Another sad story for another post...
Located at the crossroads - a logical location. Interesting additions, yes?
It’s hard to figure out the history of the building without stepping inside, but I have some guesses. The front gable has “1924” in the peak, so that makes sense for a school (see the window picture, too). I peaked in where I could (without trespassing, fyi) and it seems like this was most recently a residence. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if it served as some sort of store, too.
Another view of the front.
See where it is boarded up? The long line of windows always indicated a 1920s/30s schoolhouse, when light and more sanitary buildings were very important in education reform. Usually there are at least 4 windows (judging by what I've seen so far - sometimes 6 or 7). This one has 5 windows.
A mattress frame, a window in front of a window. What gets left behind in abandoned buildings in often puzzling.
Layers of siding. Also, the rear addition (beginning on the right) was just abutting the front building, barely attached at all.
Often, the worst part about abandoned buildings is the feeling that they will be abandoned forever and eventually fall. What stories lie in this building, just sitting lonely on a dirt road in the Northeast Kingdom.
Preservation in Pink 