This little adventure that I took today has to be one of the
most interesting. Not only with the subjects I photographed but also with all
those I met and told me their stories. First on the list is Eugene, as I was
passing by the house that I photographed below Eugene was outside wandering
around the front yard, I found out later that he was waiting for someone to
pick up some contents in the house. I actually passed by the house two more
times, each time having him wave at me, that is when I decided that I had to
stop and investigate a little further. Immediately after saying hello to Eugene
he wanted to know who I was, not in a vicious way, in a way that expressed curiosity.
I introduced myself and complimented him how photogenic his house was, I didn’t
realize and became extremely grateful that what followed was a brief history of
this house.
The house was built in 1918, replacing the old house that
burned down, electricity was added many years later, Eugene didn’t own the
house, he never really put a name to the owner, he just explained that 3
generations had lived in this house, the previous occupant died this past
December at the age of 75. I was stunned to find out that anyone had actually
lived in the house that recently considering the condition it was in.
Eugene continued by the telling me that the gentleman slept
on the floor, had no running water or indoor plumbing, he lived there all his
life, never married. I still find it hard to believe that anyone in this
country would live this way voluntarily.
I was invited back to the house after it was emptied to
photograph the inside whenever I like, I really believe he wants to have
another opportunity to tell me more, so of course I told Eugene that I would be
taking him up on his offer.
I have more but it's getting late, I'll continue this in the morning.
How could you not photograph the outhouse, can’t imagine how
inconvenient this had to be on those really cold winter days.
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