But even when the school has moved away there are random things left behind, for reasons that shall be forever unknown.

an abandoned school
Terry County, Texas
photographed 11.8.2020

A lot of small, rural schools out here end up consolidating with nearby districts just to have enough students to make it worth the effort. That means the rural roads of the high plains are dotted with the left-behind buildings. It feels like defeat.

an abandoned school
Terry County, Texas
photographed 11.8.2020

It’s not unusual to see left-behind satellite dishes on abandoned farmhouses. Porch pianos, though, are a rare find.

Lynn County, Texas
photographed 11.8.2020

At some point, someone decided that some rough stucco would be a better exterior for the house than the original narrow wood siding. It’s sort of like a heavy overcoat on top of a fancy dress.

Terry County, Texas
photographed 11.8.2020

Rural life on the High Plains is rough. And sometimes scratchy.

Terry County, Texas
photographed 11.8.2020