Abandoned Slave House, turning your passion into projects, derelict GG1 locomotive, Glass House, Bando churches and eating biscuits from 1960s with Bryant Neal (abandonedupstate)
Join urban explorer and photographer Bryant Neal from Rochester, NY, as he takes us on a thrilling journey through abandoned places on the Chasing Bandos Podcast. Bryant’s passion for capturing the beauty and history of decaying locations has led him to explore abandoned houses, hospitals, asylums, car graveyards, schools, movie locations, and more. In this episode, he shares his projects, engages in lively debates about urban exploration, and uncovers fascinating stories.
Since 2015, Bryant has been documenting the abandoned places of Upstate New York and other regions in the Northeastern and Midwestern USA through his Abandoned Upstate Project. His visual documentation preserves the stories of these forsaken properties for posterity, revealing their hidden histories. One such discovery is an unassuming house in Upstate New York that served as a former slave home. Bryant delves into the property’s captivating past, using historical records, personal accounts, and support from current owners to shed light on its rich history. From its former occupant Colonel William Ransom to the details of a family member’s printing press business, Bryant unveils the complex tapestry of this significant American heritage site.
During the interview, Bryant shares the intriguing story of “The Glass House,” a modern dwelling with walls made of thick double-paned glass. Unfortunately, due to construction issues and a bitter divorce, the house remained unfinished, leaving behind a tale of unrealized potential.
Bryant also recounts his exploration of a unique abandoned Pennsylvania Railroad GG1 electric locomotive with an Art Deco design. These locomotives, produced from 1934 to 1943, were retired in 1983. Additionally, he shares his favorite exploration spot, an abandoned mental hospital, where he stumbled upon a well-preserved section containing electro-shock therapy machines and even tried some ancient crackers, with predictable results.
To wrap up the episode, Bryant shares a humorous encounter with a security guard who not only allowed him to explore but also revealed another hidden abandoned location. These are just a few of the captivating stories you’ll hear on this episode. Tune in to the Chasing Bandos Podcast for an exciting conversation with Bryant Neal and delve into the world of urban exploration and the forgotten histories of abandoned places.
SOCIAL MEDIA / LINKS:
Instagram Gallery: abandonedupstate
Website: abandonedupstate.com
YouTube video mentioned in the episode: Tioga County’s Untold History – The Abandoned Printer’s House
Unassuming looking house from Bryant’s latest project
The ‘Glass House’
Abandoned GG1 Locomotive
Linotype Machine: Vintage Printing Equipment Keyboard