This building stands by itself near a dirt country road. The back of the building has been pushed off or has fallen off its foundation and collapse seems imminent. The purpose of the building is unclear to me; based on the size and proximity to the road I think it may have been a milk house. But notice the construction. Board and batten construction is not uncommon in this area, but look at the well made cornice returns. Whoever built this building invested a fair amount of workmanship in its construction. It is sad to see that work in ruin.
"The things we inherit from the past remind us that the men who made them were like us and give us a tangible link with them This is a thought to set off against the knowledge that life is short. Hitherto it has been inconceivable that any one generation should discard all the equipment it has inherited and replace it completely. That may yet become possible. Even if it does, it will still be imperative for each generation deliberately to make some of its equipment so that it lasts and survives its makers.from The Nature and Art of Workmanship by David Pye, Cambridge University Press, 1968
" . . . age and wear diversify the surfaces of things in ways that nothing else will. If nothing ever lasted we should be denied that beauty."
Possibly a polling station from years past. There is one on South River Rd. that I always thought was a one-room school house. The Greene Co. Historical Society informs of its polling station status. They might well have an idea what this old building is as well. I agree, it is a unique design. Thanks for the nice blog. Bill Martin, Stanardsville
ReplyDeleteBill, thanks for the information. It had not occurred to me that this could be a polling station but I think that is a good guess. I keep meaning to get involved with the Greene County Historical Society so maybe this would be a good excuse.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for reading Photography In Place. Hope you will visit again.