Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Abandonment Issues vol. 003

Took a quick trip to Buffalo, NY last week. I've been here before to explore the Buffalo Grand Central Terminal and I've always wanted to go back to see what else the city had to offer. Unfortunately I woke up with a headache that turned into a full blown migraine by the time we got to Buffalo. A migraine combined with lots of rain, and one sealed up building after another had me feeling pretty discouraged. Thankfully on the way home we spotted what looked like a boring little abandoned gas station but we figured it was better than nothing. Much to my surprise this place was a lot more than just an abandoned gas station. It was also a restaurant and motel.










The next day Kaylah and I took a trip to Chippewa Lake Amusement Park. This park was built in 1878 and for 100 years guests came from all over to ride the coasters, and dance in the ballroom. Eventually attendance declined and the park closed. The rides and buildings were left to be destroyed by nature, vandals, and failed redevelopment attempts. 

I was here several years ago before they tore down and bull dozed most of it. I was under the impression that there wasn't anything left. After seeing recent satellite images showing some remaining structures I decided to investigate and see first hand how much was left. Even though the large wooden coaster was gone and many of the buildings removed as well, there was still quite a bit there. 


Trees grow through the track of a kiddie coaster.



The iconic ferris wheel.






Poison ivy choking the life out of the ticket booths.



Even though there isn't much left of this once enormously popular amusement park, and despite the abundance of mosquitoes and poison ivy; it's still worth a visit. 



Photos taken with a Canon Mark III, with a Canon 20mm f/2.8 lens.

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