Jane Liechty, Final

From 1865-1945, Pennsylvania enjoyed a strong, industrial economy based on coal, steel, and timber, aided by an extensive network of railroads. The houses and commercial buildings constructed in railroad towns in this prosperous era are a tribute to the fine architecture of the day. Following World War II, Pennsylvania’s steel industry collapsed and these towns were abandoned to economic ruin.

When the original usefulness of a building is outlived, what value remains? Once proud, these buildings fell quickly into disrepair: cracked foundations, broken windows, and peeling paint. Preserving historic buildings is hugely expensive; only those with history or character hope to survive. If we are to have a future that honors its roots, they must endure: their unique architectural details are worthy of preservation. After all, it takes only minutes for years of craftsmanship to be lost to a wrecking ball.

For my project, I will search for buildings of value in the leftovers of the industrial era, traveling to economically-depressed railroad towns in central Pennsylvania. I will photograph buildings not in the height of their glory, but as they now are, in their decay, hanging in the balance of their community’s commitment to retain its identity.

Photographs for this project were taken in Harrisburg, Lewistown, and Tyrone, PA.















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