Unkempt Toilet
by Walker Pickering
My wife probably couldn’t even stand within 10 feet of this toilet without gagging. It’s probably been out of commission for at least 50 years, but I’m not sure that’s kept people from using it. (No, not using using it.)
This is from my recent trip to a ghost town called Payton (Peyton?) Colony, Texas. It’s about 8 miles East of Blanco, and took quite awhile to set up all my shots. I shot 12 sheets of Tri-X 320 so I should have those up soon.
wonderful. the complimentary colors are truly inspiring. as always.
Absolutely beautiful. The colors are excellent, and I love the composition framed in the chaos of the Polaroid detritus. Really draws you in. Draws me into somewhere that I may not want to go! Is that a chair in the bottom left?
Great, the film really does provide a most appropriate frame for this shot.
Great photo. Love the colors.
I just LOVE this shot.
I’m well-acquainted with Peyton Colony (Boardhouse) ,having engaged in oral history research with its residents in the 1970s and ’80s. In the course of that project, I became close friends with several of the inhabitants, now deceased. The hamlet was one of two founded by freed slaves in Blanco County immediately after the Civil War, and, as you know, about all that remains in terms of public structures are the Mount Horeb Baptist church and the school. Additional information may be obtained in Thad Sitton’s new book, “Freedom Colonies.” My work, which consists of interviews and recordings of church services, including the 100th anniversary service in 1974, can be accessed through the University of Texas’ Center for American History. But to the point: Your shot of the john in the school is gorgeous. By the way, it is Peyton Colony, named for pioneer settler Peyton Roberts. The oft-cited spelling on the county road sign is in error. Roberts’ grave is in the community cemetery, although the last time I was there it was broken in half. (I actually cemented it together once, but it’s broken again. Time conquers all.) Drop me an email if you post any of your other photos.