Both my grandma, and grandpa on my mother’s side are originally from West Virginia. It’s not all that far away from where we live but my grandma is the only one who regularly makes trips back home.
Recently my mom asked if I’d be interested in a taking a small, weekend road trip with her, and my grandparents to see where they grew up. I couldn’t say yes fast enough.
On Saturday, my grandma opted to stay back and spend the day with her sister. Just my grandpa, mom and I went out exploring. He showed us all around the area he grew up, pointed out where people he knew lived, places he hung out and more. It was a really special experience. One of my favorite stops was where he went to school. It’s since been abandoned which, of course, makes it about a thousand times more interesting to me.
We snooped all around the property and peeked in all the windows we could despite the numerous no trespassing signs. He showed us where he used to hang out behind the school with my grandma. It was so incredible to be able to visit there. I’m really glad it was still standing. We visited another school he went to in his youth that wasn’t so lucky. All that was left standing of his primary school was the chimney, which was still super neat to see.
15 comments
It's always sad to see childhood memories disappear. The grade school I attended, well… one of them, is also gone, although the gymnasium was left in tact and is still used by the community.
Oh man, do I ever love abandoned places. I'm sure it's made even more interesting, if a little sad, that they're places that are so special to your grandparents. But what a nice way to spend family time together!
Elyse @ Cuddly as a Cactus
wow.. looks awesome!
Oh dear. My eyes were watering, when I read that your grandpa showed you the place behind the school where he used to spend time with your grandma. so adorable.
I love hearing stories from my grandparents.
Bah I'd love to see those two schools! I love abandoned places. I just found some old abandoned cars in the middle of a conservation area. I put pictures up on my blog (partyweetow.blogspot.com) if you'd like to see them!
This is so sweet, I teared up reading! Maybe my hormones are just crazy, I don't know! I love that you spent time with your family and your granddad got to show you some special places to him. I would love to be able to do that with mine!
<3 Kelsey
Be Like The Fox
I really love abandoned places ! There's always something sad and mysterious about them. You're really lucky that your grandparents showed you this place, which has so much of their memories.
Oh my gosh! My friend and I decided just this week that we reaaallly want to explore something abandoned. There's an old power plant pretty close to where I live that's been abandoned, and it's absolutely amazing. I really want to go inside. 🙂
Your grandpa's school is incredible. That picture of the inside is what really got me. Gah.
That sounds like a lovely trip! I love that you got a couple shots of your grandpa there – makes it extra special. <3
What "No Trespassing" signs? I don't see them. ^o^
I love going to old buildings and imagining what it was like full of people. Every space there was once full of people living their daily lives.
Oh wow, the chimney is crazy! But how cool that you got to go there with your Grandpa. So sweet.
Rosie x | Every Word Handwritten
Wow! I wish i could do something like this with my grandparents! My mum's parents are still alive, but, they are from a different country (El Salvador, which isn't the safest), and my dad's parents were Americans, but they are no longer with us!
You're very blessed to get to do somehting this cool! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
this is so awesome. i got to explore the school my grandpa went to when he was a kid, too. it is abandoned on our native american tribe's reservation. it is pretty run down but it's beautiful. now i want to go exploring.
That school building is hella cool. Too bad it's been abandoned. And so cool that your grandpa got to show you around and share his stories with you.
Us photographers will never stop at any cost, no trespassing signs don't really exist for us ahaha 🙂 Amazing film photography once again!
Chamomile Dealer
Comments are closed.