This was all that remained of a Federal style house in Rockland, Maine one day as I happened by a few years ago. The historic structure had been built in the late 1700’s and had been in a state of deterioration for many years until someone bought it with the intention of using the property for another purpose and decided to raze the place. By the time this photo was taken, much of what was salvageable had already been removed and now only the two chimneys and the central spiral stairway remained. Not all old buildings can or should be saved but this house represented to me the relentless march of time and temporary nature of many things that we work so hard to build. This image was included in my book RUIN: Photographs of a Vanishing America, which is a pictorial essay of abandoned architecture.
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
A Field Guide to American Houses
Graphic Guide to Frame Construction
Get Your House Right: Architectural Elements to Use & Avoid
