Two very different abandoned places today, with the first being much more than meets the eye...
The Cora Mill and the Holt Mill.
Under various owners it donned many names, but these are the originals, as near as I can tell. Along with the nearby Granite Mill (no photos, still in use), they are all located in the town of Haw River, along the Haw River, and are considered local historical treasures. As was extremely common in the area, all were textile mills. The immediate "millsite" area hosted water-powered cotton mills as far back as the 1840's, predating the railroad.
Connected by this derelict bridge over the NS/NCRR H-line...
The bridge was built in 1928 by Tabardrey Manufacturing to provide safe passage between the Holt and Cora Mills.
...We first have the Cora Mill, specifically the warehouse, which was built in 1950.
And the mill proper.
Portions of the building were built in 1895, with additions being added into the 1960's.
This tower was originally part of a large non-brick structure, possibly a warehouse. I can find no documentation on it, but judging by aerial photos, it was there from at least 1955, and was removed sometime between 2006 and 2008 (the main part, that is, tower's still there). Both facilities were put out of use between 2000 and 2006.
Moving to the Thomas M. Holt Mill, of which portions were built as early as 1892. This particular photo shows a 1934 addition.
Built in 1892, we have this magnificent smokestack.
Built circa 1897 -1914, we have picker room/drying room/dye house. Pardon the glare.
Additional dye house space, built mostly in the 1910's, with additions in the 50's and 60's.
For more reading and detailed info on these supremely interesting sites, go here -
It's a full breakdown of the "Granite-Cora-Holt Mills" Historic District on North Carolina's official site. I highly suggest checking it out!
I had no idea of the importance of this complex until I researched it for this post. I'll absolutely be going back for more and better photos, hopefully this winter!
Moving to a more mundane site, we have what was an Econo Lodge, but most recently a Travel Inn.
By the way, the "Restaurant" isn't actually connected to the motel, but next to it in the same parking lot (probably all built at the same time) and is open - the Rise & Shine Diner. I haven't been, but the reviews are good, and the food looks mighty tasty in the photos.
The old place was built in 1972.
And looks now basically like it did then, but much dumpier.
CLOSED - no kidding. Note the sign under closed - "Temporary"... yeah, I'd say that's overly optimistic. Most likely permanently, and I'd bet it'll be demolished before too long. Unsurprising, as over the past few years several nice hotels have been built in the area.
That's it for this batch, thanks for looking!
So interesting thanks for sharing