Matthew Means Documents the Haunting Beauty of the Quiet Corner
Matthew Means’s “Abandoned Eastern Connecticut: Echoes of the Last Green Valley” is a superb exploration. It is hauntingly beautiful. The work explores the region known as the Quiet Corner. Far from being merely a collection of decaying ruins, the book acts as a vibrant historical document and a powerful testament to the lives and industries that once thrived in Eastern Connecticut. Means, working under the moniker “Ghost of New England,” brings his extensive experience as a designer. His role as a photographer helps to shine a spotlight on these vanishing treasures. He urges readers to remember a past that is rapidly fading.
The Last Green Valley: A Setting of Profound Beauty
The setting itself is a star of the book. Eastern Connecticut is often referred to as the Last Green Valley. This is because of its remarkably preserved rural landscape. It remains an essential swath of night sky amid the vast coastal sprawl from Boston to Washington, D.C. Means’s book takes readers on a journey through this picturesque region, highlighting the contrast between the idyllic, bucolic New England scenery and the derelict structures that dot its landscape.
The book explores scenic byways and wooded trails leading to:
- Colonial Homesteads: Remnants of early American life slowly succumbing to nature.
- Crumbling Mills and Factories: Echoes of the region’s industrial heritage, standing as monumental reminders of its manufacturing past.
- Rustic Burying Grounds: Mysterious structures and lonely backroads steeped in local lore.
This juxtaposition of natural beauty and historical decay gives the book a profound sense of melancholy. It also evokes wonder, elevating it beyond typical architectural photography.
Photography That Tells a Story 📸
The true heart of “Abandoned Eastern Connecticut” lies in Means’s haunting photographs. His fifteen years of exploring New England’s hidden beauty are evident in every shot. The photographs are not just records of decay; they are artful compositions that capture the dignity and silent resilience of these abandoned sites. Means has a remarkable ability to find the fading beauty in the forgotten, showcasing:
- The intricate detail of a moss-covered gravestone.
- The dramatic scale of a defunct mill’s tower.
- The domestic intimacy of a slowly collapsing farmhouse.
The images draw the viewer in, inviting contemplation about the people who lived and worked within those walls and the unstoppable march of time. They act as a vital preservation effort, ensuring that these “dusty gems” are documented before they vanish forever.
Intriguing Narratives and Local Lore
Complementing the powerful visuals are the book’s intriguing narratives. Means weaves local lore and historical context around the abandoned structures, giving each location a soul and a voice. The texts illuminate the importance of these places, whether they were once centers of community, industrial powerhouses, or simple family farms. This blend of visual and written storytelling deepens the reader’s connection to the region’s forgotten history.
The book successfully draws the reader closer to the vanishing beauty of the Quiet Corner. It transforms an often-overlooked area into a fascinating destination for history buffs, photographers, and anyone interested in the layers of the past. These layers shape the modern landscape.
A Celebration of Historic Preservation
Ultimately, “Abandoned Eastern Connecticut” is a positive call to memory. While it documents decay, its core mission is one of historic preservation. By showcasing the beauty and significance of these endangered locations, Means encourages a deeper appreciation for the architectural and cultural heritage of the area. As an author who is personally engaged in the restoration of an eighteenth-century farm, Matthew Means’s passion is clear: the history of the Quiet Corner is a past worth remembering, and this book is a beautifully crafted reminder of that important truth. It is a must-have for lovers of New England history and evocative photography.
Don’t forget to read the other blogs in my BASEMENT BOOK SHELF series. To add this book to your library, click on the book cover below.