Historic Iron
"History takes time. History makes memory.”
Gertrude Stein
Last Friday I went to a place I haven’t gone to in about 2 years. I can’t remember how I discovered the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site but I think it was through a friend. I sure if I dug through my social feed from 2 years ago I might be able to find it. I thought about it randomly and thought I would try to get back there sooner rather than later. It took me about a week longer than I would have liked but it was my own fault because I couldn’t get out the door soon enough on my days off.
It combines history with ruins. It looks abandoned, if it wasn’t for the paths and signs telling you about the place. From the paths of the park you can see what looks to be modern factories of some sort that are actually abandoned. I would love to check those places out but I’m terrified that I would get caught and/or get hurt. I think it would be fun to check out an a place that was once was full of life that is left just how like someone would come back to it.
Anywho, back to the abandoned place I’m not scared to visit. I was trying to imagine what it was like for the workers on a day to day basis. From what I read, working to make iron was dangerous. The heat alone if you weren’t careful could cause permeant damage to your body. Death seem to be a common enough occurrence. I wonder what it would be like for a wife for one of these workers, who on any given shift didn’t know if her husband or son was coming back. If he didn’t, she wouldn’t have many options when it come to support the family. As I wandered around, I just of the thousands of untold stories that just hung in the air.
There are signs on part of the walk that say don’t get off of the path because of loose bricks. They don’t want to be liable if you get hurt which I totally get. Did I listen to those signs? NOPE!! Kids, do as I say not as I do. I was the only one there and there was a road for cars that went along side the park but not a whole lot of cars went down it. The cars that did go pass by didn’t care what I was doing. The park itself isn’t that big so I was able to walk through it quickly but I didn’t give my self enough time. With the daylight savings time changing, I forget that the sun goes down at like 4:30 in the afternoon. I got some cool shots but with more time to be creative I might of gotten more.
I would love to know if you know of more places like this. I would love to visit and expolre them. Which photo is your favorite? Have you ever broken a rule to stay on the path? If so did you get caught? I would love to know the story?
