Sunday, May 29, 2011

Slim pickins

Not to be confused with the Hollywood cowboy of old movies......but rather the prevailing state of doldrums that us 'seekers of worthy antiquity' seem to be drifting in of late!

It's out there, we just have to work harder to find it, and despite tough economic conditions, we have to pay more for it....go figure!

But I found a bit of 'good junk', and among it was some old iron pieces........

....a large heart tin, metal (shrimp?) trap, and lots of old bottles and jars and other odds and ends......
.....but the BEST part was where the backroads led.....which this time was through Union Springs, AL.
Apparently this is the field trial capital of the world.....
.....but better yet, it's a charming little town with a beguiling karma of bygone elegance and history which the beautiful Southern mansions give you a glimpse of as you pass by....oh the stories they could tell!
There are such wonderfully diverse architectural offerings here, with so many different styles represented.
An extremely abbreviated historical background is that the town was named for the abundance of fresh water springs in the area, was situated at the crossroads of two rail lines, and became a very prosperous pre-civil war town with wealthy cotton plantations and booming industry and commerce--hence the elegant mansions.
There are 47 preserved homes and businesses listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

My favorite--a derelict of course--is this treasure which, although I do hope she will be restored one day, I can't help but adore the character of which time has bestowed on her in this natural state.



The architectural details on these classy ladies are stunning when you take a closer look.....
....lots of corbels and columns....
....decorative trims and rails.......
....gables and dormers.....
....and, of course, some wonderful old iron garden fences!
Pickins may be slim, but discoveries of places of history and beauty along the backroads of the South are still thankfully abundant!

12 comments:

Shabby Cowgirl said...

Beautiful finds and what great old houses. Thanks so much for sharing. I just my need to make a roadtrip east real soon

Nelly said...

Your pickings are wonderful compared to mine lol.
Loving that large tin the most.
I feel so sad when I see empty houses like that one.I wish someone would get it and do it up.Id love to go to the U.S just to see all those beautiful homes.

Barbara Jean said...

That whole pile looked awesome!!!

I had a couple weeks of 'dry' period, but been finding great stuff lately.

blessings
barbara jean

trash talk said...

It is getting harder to find the good stuff at a good price, but we keep trying don't we?
Those homes are just beautiful...including your favorite!
Deb

Connie In Michigan said...

The pickens are slim up here too. But it is the journey that appeals to me the most! Lovely old homes with the details you can't find in the newer houses. You found some great stuff too.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful drive...love the architecture! Thanks for sharing...and your haul....fabulous!

Attic Rat said...

I think the worst thing by far is that now you have to get up much earlier to find the good stuff! UGH!!

Pass the coffee,
Teresa

Rose Garden Romantic said...

I love the old iron gate pieces so much and I adore the gingerbread houses!!!
Michelle

Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said...

Oh my goodness those homes are just gorgeous!!

Hopelessly Romantic Art Studio said...

Those discoveries make the slim pickins worth it, don't they. thanks for sharing them. Love the cool iron things and jars are always fun.
Gerri

Tiffany said...

These Homes are beautiful and amazing I could look at them for hours. LOve seeing and touring and hearing of the historical history of homes:~) You have a great site

Bohemian said...

OMG how fabulous were all these Homes... and I too was drawn to the derelict one. *winks* At least in that region they are into the restoration and preservation of their Historic Treasures... alas... can't say the same for my part of the Country.

Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn...The Bohemian