Old Structures & Rural Relics documents the barns, schoolhouses, depots, mills, vintage vehicles, and weathered remnants found along Midwest backroads and countryside landscapes. Through photography, field notes, and historical context, these posts explore architectural decay, farm history, and the quiet beauty of places shaped by time and use. From preserved landmarks to overlooked rural relics, this collection highlights the structures that quietly define regional history..
The historic Washington House is an ice cream parlor and museum in Two Rivers, Wisconsin We made a trip to visit family camping in Two Rivers and on our way back, my husband spotted ice cream. Ice cream is his Achilles heel. His truck stops at all the new places he finds. So, off to … Read more
Inside the Old Cabins Smoky Mountain National Park – We ventured out into the heavily wooded areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park trying to locate the old section of cabins on this visit. Our first attempt was unsuccessful. But, we found a little help at the distillery…
The Last Covered Bridge In Wisconsin Wisconsin once had over 40 covered bridges. The last covered bridge in Wisconsin is located in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. That is just an amazing fact to me. General Info General: Nestled along the roadside in Covered Bridge Park is a piece of history you can walk through. The pure history … Read more
Old Structures Inside and Out Exploring old structures inside and out is exciting. There is nothing more thrilling than driving upon an old barn or structure that captures my attention. Well, except for old vehicles 🙂 Some of my old building finds are located in the country and many times, right smack dab in … Read more
My husband and I took an extra-long motorcycle ride from Green Bay, Wisconsin to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula a few years back. We stumbled upon this beautiful old IGA store in Watson Michigan.
Belgian Brick by Brick
As part of my heritage, I have found great pleasure in asking questions and seeking properties that still house some of the first settlers homes. I was on my way to Sugar Creek last week and decided to reshoot this old Belgian brick home and outbuilding.
The 1798 Rice Grist Mill in Lake City Tennessee is an 18th Century Rice Grist Mill that was originally constructed in 1798 in Union County. The mill was later dismantled and rebuilt on Clear Creek in 1935, where it sits today.
Fred A Busse Fireboat The retired Fred A Busse Chicago Fire Boat found a home in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin for a number of years as a tour boat. It was docked at the city dock and visitors could take tours of the Sturgeon Bay waterfront. Update: The fireboat has made its way back to Chicago … Read more
Sweet find! This abandoned Victorian house Marathon County still holds her own. At least for now.
The Rockland Lincoln School Brown County Wisconsin information was passed on to me by the one person (in my four walls) that has never offered a location. Until now! My son gave me the location of this gem.
One thing I absolutely love about traveling is that it provides me with a constant source of education. Over the weekend, I attended The 4th Annual Spyder Rendezvous in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin with my husband. Heavy rain prevented me from riding with the group on Friday. I admit it, I’m a wimp and my dry car provided a comfortable alternative for the day’s travels. I spent some time exploring St Coletta Jefferson Wisconsin.
Maribel Hotel Hell What is called by many as Maribel Hotel Hell is located on the same street as the Maribel Caves on County Road R in Maribel, WI. The hotel remains are located on private property, so viewing them from the road is a must. The Stories of Maribel Hotel Hell There are so … Read more
Honey House in Door County
The roads less traveled are off the beaten path; and for me, they give me a chance to bypass the hustle and bustle of traffic, slow down and really look for “hidden” treasures. One of these treasures happens to be a honey house in Door County.
Sometimes, I can’t believe how I end up at a certain place. In the case of the Crystal River Grist Mill Wisconsin, I found an ad in the paper with a picture of a little wedding chapel.
Old Vehicles Rural Elegance and Timeless Grace: These county fields harbor a unique blend of rural elegance and timeless grace. Vintage tractors, retired pickup trucks, and classic automobiles stand as silent sentinels, paying homage to the hardworking spirit of Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage. Each vehicle, now adorned with the passage of time, exudes a quiet dignity … Read more
Vintage flair collection holds vintage items from the past. Why do we love antiques so much? For some, antiques hold sentimental value, for others, there’s a certain charm to the old-time ways of living.
Antiques allow us to directly feel in contact and be a part of a far deeper past than our own lifetimes include. When you understand the thinking behind the building and design of the artifact, you add those thinking processes and appreciations of the world to your own.
Collection of images of old tins, signs, advertising Americana that feature early artwork. – the memorabilia and marketing that made some companies flourish and others fail.
Americana encompasses not only material objects but concepts and historical eras which are popularly identified with American culture. The objects advertise and carry symbols associated with the culture and history of America during certain eras.
For we know that the culture of America is always growing and changing. Concepts, wording, and graphics that were once used in the past, would certainly NOT be acceptable in today’s ever-changing world.
