This Was Once A Cornerstone Of American Culture, But Now? A Mere Shadow.
In 1915, the Elks of New Castle, Pennsylvania, were a growing segment of the local population. Their members mostly came from a vaudeville or theater background. To accommodate their large numbers, the Elks built a new, more luxurious lodge in downtown New Castle.
As membership declined in the 1980s, the Elks moved to a smaller home and abandoned their old lodge. It sat vacant until 2011, when the town of New Castle made the decision to demolish the building.
However, before it was destroyed, Matthew Christopher visited the former lodge. The photographer behind the Abandoned America series and book rediscovered the beautiful, old building, full of decaying artifacts from a time long gone.
The beautiful old building from across the street.
It's always a shame to see such a beautiful old building destroyed instead of being rehabilitated. New buildings these days just don't have the same character that they used to.
For more amazing pictures like these, visit Matthew Christopher over at Abandoned America. You can also buy his latest book on Amazon.
As membership declined in the 1980s, the Elks moved to a smaller home and abandoned their old lodge. It sat vacant until 2011, when the town of New Castle made the decision to demolish the building.
However, before it was destroyed, Matthew Christopher visited the former lodge. The photographer behind the Abandoned America series and book rediscovered the beautiful, old building, full of decaying artifacts from a time long gone.
The beautiful old building from across the street.
Abandoned America
According to a local historical website, the Elks didn't pull any punches when they designed their new lodge. It had some pretty amazing amenities.
Abandoned America
Abandoned America
"The new building had a large basement and three full stories, with a large meeting/dancing hall on the top floor, a billiards parlor, social rooms, a two-lane bowling alley, a kitchen and dining area, locker rooms and shower facilities, and a reading and writing rooms," according to Lawrence County Memoirs.
Abandoned America
On the third floor of the building is a large theatrical oval room.
Abandoned America
Christopher believes the room was designed this way because of the performing background of many Elks members.
Abandoned America
Abandoned America
Abandoned America
Abandoned America
Abandoned America
Abandoned America
According to Christopher, little effort was made by the town to save any of the lodge except for these chairs.
Abandoned America
The doors are still on the old bathroom stalls.
Abandoned America
Abandoned America
Christopher made two trips to photograph the old lodge. Sadly, on his second trip, Christopher discovered that demolition was already underway.
Abandoned America
Crews took a wrecking ball to the back of the building.
Abandoned America
What a waste.
Abandoned America
For more amazing pictures like these, visit Matthew Christopher over at Abandoned America. You can also buy his latest book on Amazon.
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