ianference:

The fact that there were two flickering fluorescent lights still glowing on the third floor of the #5 Mill at the Schoolfield Complex of Dan River Inc. in Danville, VA was creepy enough.  But this workers’ break table made it seem like the complex had been vacated the day before.  The ashtray still contained butts and ashes – matching up to an empty pack found on the seat.  On a bulletin board (out of frame), schedules for work were still posted.  I often feel like I’m walking through ancient history when I visit abandoned buildings; on this trip, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the workers were going to return and fire up the machines any moment now.  I talk at length about Schoolfield, Dan River Inc., and free trade in a photoessay on Huffington Post here.

Print available here.

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