house on the prairie

 

The village of Grenville isn't even a wide spot on the road -- US 64/87 that is.  The cluster of a few houses is located on caliche roads just west of the highway running between Clayton and Raton.  The 2014 population was 36, up 44% from the 2000 census.  From a distance I thought this was an abandoned church,  but appears to be more a house with a tower.  If you like wide open spaces, then Grenville is the place for you.

 

Grenville, New Mexico

8.22.2016

the olivers don't live here any more

 

Throughout the South Plains, vacant homesteads punctuate the farmland.  One wonders what hopes and dreams lie abandoned beyond the padlocked gate.

 

FM 2130

Hockley County, Texas

11.1.2015

open concept

 

From the Dust Bowl to drought to urbanization, the rural demographics of the South Plains are shifting.  People are moving off the farms and into the larger towns and cities.  While the population of Hale County is relatively steady at around 36,000, those folks no longer live in the country or places like Cotton Center or Halfway.  Abandoned houses dot the landscape.  There was a uniformity of construction types in the 1930s and 40; many residences were lath and plaster.  As deterioration occurs, the layers are revealed --- from the exterior stucco to chicken wire to felt to wood lath.

 

County Road K

Hale County, Texas