Friday, October 12, 2012

Vintage Photo Friday: Beautiful Abandon


This is The Ball House as it stood in 1949. Built in 1903, the estate was renowned for its Victorian style in what is now Skagit County, Washington.

The property was first abandoned in 1913, following a terrible flood which terrified John Ball and his family and sadly, killed two of the family dogs. 

Ever since its last occupants in the 1930s, the house became something of a local legend. A regular attraction for spectators of the supernatural, The Ball House would succumb to natural wear and tear as the years went by. 

How do I know any of this?


The previous owner and presumed photographer personally inscribed this photo. With a bit of research, I found that the rest was history.

And sadly, the tangible history of this mysterious house is no more. 

According to The Skagit River Journal The Ball House fell mercy to the  Washington winds, and finally tumbled down back in 1996.

What a shame. It's the decrepit buildings, rich with history but in desperate need of repair, that most fascinate me. I would have loved to visit The Ball House. But in some small way, thanks to this thrifted piece of history, I feel almost as if I had. 

The Ball House   
Skagit County, Washington
Built in 1903.
Photographed in 1949 by Bill Osbourne
Thrifted in 2011 by Jackie Jardine






3 comments:

Vanessa said...

That is an amazingly gorgeous house. I'd love to explore it! Very interesting history, too.

Jackie Jardine said...

I feel very lucky to have found this photo last year. I just wish I got to pay a visit to the historical house before it fell down. Well at least I have a little piece of history.

<3 Jackie @ Let's Go Thrifting!

Anonymous said...

Jackie, my name is Char Steiner and I would like to talk to you about this picture. Could you contact me at charcharchar7@gmail.com please...