Abandoned House in Saluda, NC - Carnegie Survey, 1953

This vintage photograph captures an abandoned house in Saluda, North Carolina, located in Polk County. The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a significant collection documenting the architectural heritage of the region. The house, now overgrown with vines, reflects a bygone era, showcasing the remnants of its once vibrant existence in this picturesque mountain town.

Frances Benjamin Johnston, the photographer, documented the architectural landscape of the South between 1864 and 1952. This particular image illustrates the interaction between nature and human-made structures, highlighting the passage of time and the effects of abandonment on the built environment. The photograph serves as an important record of the architectural styles prevalent in the area and the changing dynamics of rural life.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, this piece is part of a larger effort to preserve and study the architectural history of the Southern United States. The Carnegie Survey offers valuable insights into the cultural and historical context of the period, making this photograph a significant addition for collectors and historians alike.