Abandoned.
May 5, 2019
I was so excited to participate in one of Matthew Christopher’s Abandoned America photography workshops this past weekend in the Catskills. As I try to more actively improve my skills and knowledge of my camera, it was a great opportunity facilitated by acclaimed photographer of abandoned decay Matthew Christopher.
But first, a trip upstate where the workshop would take place. With some food stops, which will be a separate post, and some time to kill, I couldn’t help stumbling upon a few abandoned sites in advance of the workshop. There is much more space upstate–unlike downstate where every little square inch is spoken for. This old factory near Greenport, New York drew me in, along with the vine-attacked home with the circular driveway. Both were right off the Route 9.
The Catskills’ heyday as family vacation destination might be long gone, but some of the relics are still around, some tremendous like the property where my workshop would be… and this place. It was on the way and I couldn’t resist. The signage says Buckingham Palace, but after some google-sleuthing, I see the property in Kiskatom, New York was last named Friar Tuck Inn. There are some fantastic throwback pictures on its still functioning Facebook page, though its only review on Yelp gives it 1 star
Since its closing in 2010, it seems to have changed hands a few times. Most recently, Rock Mountain High, which sells hemp-infused energy drinks, purchased it in 2017 with the intent of creating a bottling and canning plant for Rocky Mountain High Brand products. It seems the resort is located near a natural spring. (source) At the time of my sneaking around, there was evidence of an abandoned clean-up job and evidence of Rocky Mountain High doing something.
Tube t.v.s
Lots of Rocky Mountain High cans. I did not test if they were empty or full. I am a strict “no touch” visitor of abandoned places.
Ah, the creepiness of a mattress in any other place than the bedroom. This was decided in my youth thanks to Tori Amos.
It was time for the workshop! I was excited to have the opportunity to enter and explore the premises of the old Catskill Game Farm for 5 and a half hours. I was also excited that during this time I did not have to worry about stumbling upon squatters, meth heads, or other unsavory types, like police officers, while exploring, though I would stumble upon other photographers. And I was excited to meet Matthew Christopher, the king of urban exploration.
To follow, some of the better shots of the 800 or so I took. And I’ll type some words here and there too. So if a picture is worth a thousand words, this might be the longest post I’ve ever written! (elapse of time) Wait, no. My Yellowstone post had a whopping 97 pictures. That is the reigning champion. But who’s counting but me…
Though there was about 12 other workshop attendees, I was able to spend the majority of the hours in solitude, which was the experience I wanted. Walking about the decay of the park, I felt as if I was the lone survivor in the apocalypse. And the neighboring shooting range added to it. Then, every now and again, I’d come across another photographer and we’d share some small talk.
I’ll be holding all the tickets
And you’ll be owning all the fines
This was my favorite structure, the Animal Nursery. The peeling paint and strewn debris made for the most texturous shots.
Is there a draft in here?
These planners and diaries had some interesting entries from the employees.
This was the Rhino room
An empty chair in a stream of light: urban exploration photography 101
My fish eye lens made all the difference.
Animals were imprisoned here.
There’s the door.
The park was once hm to 2,000 animals. To see the cramped quarters, fenced cages, tire swing and slides the animals once used as they were on display for gawking families was disturbing. Unfortunately the nearby Animal Adventure continues to profit from caging animals for human entertainment.
This is Steve–a very friendly and very fluffy cat. Not picture, the old deaf dog that liked me a whole bunch.
I see dead things.
It was a fantastic experience. I learned a great deal about how to best utilize the settings on my camera… on the job. The safety and peace of mind of a secure abandoned site was invaluable. As a woman, I often forego exploration for safety considerations. Since I enjoy exploring by myself I am often not exploring at all, except on the exterior. In this way, Matthew Christopher’s workshops offer the beauty and photographic possibility without risk of harm or arrest. This allows the artistic medium to be more accessible for all. I really appreciate that. Also, he’s a super nice and helpful guy. I hope to do another class soon!
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