Nostalgic Photographer Captures Forgotten America
Imagine a ‘haunted’ jailhouse in Indiana, a rundown cinema in Texas, and an eerie car graveyard in Illinois. These are just a few of the forgotten places that photographer Ben Geier has brought back to life with his captivating pictures.
Ben, a 42-year-old from Illinois, is on a mission to preserve the memory of abandoned places in the United States, especially those from the 1950s. He’s capturing these fading relics to make sure they aren’t lost forever.
On his weekends, Ben becomes an explorer, venturing into rural parts of the U.S. His goal is to discover subjects to photograph. In these deserted spots, he’s stumbled upon some strange surprises, like mummified cats, body casts, and even nude polaroids!
But what truly moves his audience are the family photos, relics, and old 8mm films left behind. It’s puzzling that anyone would abandon these precious memories.
People often tell Ben that his photos make them feel sad, but he finds beauty in these forgotten scenes. He believes that his work is a tribute to the people and families who once lived in these spaces.
While most of Ben’s work focuses on abandoned places, he also captures retro buildings and landmarks that offer a glimpse into America’s past.
Now, let’s take a look at some of his amazing photos:
1. Old Whitely Jail, Indiana:
Built in 1875, it’s now a haunted house attraction. Some believe it’s haunted by a man who did something truly shocking back in 1883.
2. Abandoned House in the Midwest:
Mostly empty inside, but it still boasts an incredible exterior.
3. Liberty Theater, Illinois:
Opened in 1910, it stopped operating in 2008. An old gem from the past.
4. Retro House in Illinois:
Check out the retro colors on this recently demolished house.
5. Wallace Theatre, Texas:
A vibrant shot of a unique Texas theatre.
6. Estonian Lutheran Church, Wisconsin:
A church founded in 1914 that’s stood the test of time.
7. Illinois House:
Sadly, this gorgeous house has been demolished since Ben photographed it.
8. Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma:
A famous roadside attraction on Route 66, built in the 1970s.
9. Illinois House Interior:
This house was captured just before it was burnt down. So many houses meet a similar fate due to liability issues.
10. Illinois Car Graveyard:
A treasure trove of 30 to 40 retro cars.
11. Red Oak II, Missouri:
An artificial village created along Route 66.
12. Favorite Abandoned House:
Ben’s personal favorite, standing empty since the 80s and full of retro colors.
13. ‘Lighthouse’ Gas Station and Cafe, Illinois:
A unique bottle-shaped building in the village of Thawville.
People might think Ben is a bit crazy for doing what he does, but once they see his work, they’re sure to change their minds. In a world where the past often gets left behind, Ben Geier is making sure it stays alive through his lens.