Sepia Photographs of a Bygone Era

The images in this gallery capture the Americana of a bygone era, a time when rural life moved at a slower pace. However, the nostalgic view of such times sometimes overlooks the hard work that accompanied it. Rural life in America was not the life of leisure, farming and the operation of grist and timber mills was not an easy task. As times changed, these processes became obsolete and are only a memory now.

Many of these images have been captured in my home state of Missouri where, deep in the heart of the Ozarks the traces are beginning to vanish (being reclaimed by the forests) or have been preserved as historic sites. The natural springs, creeks and rivers of Missouri were a power source for old grist mills where the farmers brought their grain and timber mills to create lumber to build the cities... and the railway was the means of transportation.

This life is all but gone now but the memories are captured in these images. I have chosen sepia toning for the medium of these prints as it captures the nostalgia of that bygone era. I will continue to add to this gallery as I encounter more of these scenes.

The Old Reed Mill and Waterwheel

Sepia toning captures the nostalgic feel of the old mill and waterwheel alongside Reed Spring in the Missouri Ozarks.

Old Barn On a Hill in Iowa

Old Barn in Reynolds County Missouri

Falling Spring Mill

The abandoned Falling Spring Mill is located in a remote spot deep in the Missouri Ozarks. Once a multipurpose mill, there is little left. Falling Spring issues from a bluff next to the mill adding to the beauty of this peaceful setting.

Old Log Cabin in Appalachia

This is the old Carter Shields cabin in the Smoky Mountains.

Old Mill Wheel in the Woods

This old iron mill wheel was once part of Turner Mill and the remains of a community that was located near the Eleven Point River in the Missouri Ozarks. Now being reclaimed by the forest, the 25 foot high iron wheel sits in the spring branch that once turned the waterwheel to operate a timber mill.

Morning Light on Broken Split Rail Fence in Sepia

Photography is sometimes about being in the right place at the right time when a serendipitous moment comes upon you. On this morning I had been photographing and was returning as I happened upon this scene. I had only moments to set up my tripod and capture the light before it disappeared.

Dillard Mill and Farm in Sepia

Dillard Mill is an old faded red mill that sits along the Huzzah Creek in the Missouri Ozarks. The waterfall alongside the mill is the result of a dam that was built to harness the streams power. It is a state historic site situated in a quiet picturesque setting, but it is very difficult to photograph due to the direction the sun travels in relation to the mill.

Gears in Falling Spring Mill

The abandoned Falling Spring Mill is located in a remote spot deep in the Missouri Ozarks. Once a multipurpose mill, there is little left. These large gears were once used in its operation.

Barn In a Field in Iowa

What drew me to this scene was the strong shadows that helped define this barn.

Abandoned Iron Furnace in Hamilton Hollow

The old Hamilton Iron Works once operated iron smelting furnaces in the Missouri Ozarks. This abandoned furnace is located in Hamilton Hollow. Coming across the impressive stone structure in the woods is almost like happening upon the ruins of some ancient civilization... well, almost.

Abandoned Ozark Mill Wheel

Bollinger Mill and Covered Bridge

Bollinger Mill and the covered bridge next to it is a state historic site in southern Missouri.

The Old Klepzig Mill On Mill Mountain

The abandoned old Klepzig Mill along Rocky Creek on Mill Mountain is a remote spot down a rough dirt road deep in the Missouri Ozarks. In this beautiful, peaceful setting the mill harnessed the power of the water from a natural shut ins along the creek. There is nothing left but the external structure now.

Old Iron Furnaces in the Ozarks

These old iron furnaces are found in Maramec Springs Park. The area has a rich history for this activity.

Old Tractor and Barn in Appalachia

Sepia, with a touch of color.

Train Tracks in Pulaski County Missouri

What would the nostalgia of a bygone era be without the railway...

Old Wagon in a Barn in Appalachia

Hay Fork and Kitchen Shelf

An old kitchen display complete with a hay fork... go figure.