Monday, January 15, 2024

Hexeglaawe: Frick's Lock

Our latest expedition to explore Pennsylvania's forgotten places took us to the ghost town of Frick's Lock.  Located in Chester County, PA, it dates back to the 18th century when it was a thriving village thanks to the commercial traffic of the Schuylkill Canal.  By the 1880's, the railway systems dominated the networks of canals and the importance of Frick's Lock diminished.  The canals were ultimately abandoned and drained in the 1920's, and isolated farms remained.

In 1969, the Philadelphia Electric Company began building the Limerick Nuclear Power Station directly across the river from Frick's Lock.  The station went live in 1986 and conflicting accounts suggest that residents were either bought out and relocated or given a 48-hour notice forced evacuation.  The town was left completely abandoned...or so we were told.

Our urban exploration of the village revealed strange noises and a strong feeling of being observed.  As we made our way back to the car, we spotted a small clearing near one of the larger houses.  Standing in a field was a scarecrow.  Before getting a chance to investigate any closer, a large rock was thrown in our direction.  Our expedition was cut short, but not before we snapped a few photos.









14 comments:

Lady M said...

What a lot of beautiful old homes in Frick's Lock. I did a quick google search. That scarecrow looks great there.

Rot said...

We were lucky to make it out alive.
Haha

Revenant Manor said...

Love that scarecrow (like, a LOT) and the physical environment is just perfect.

I’m not sure it could get better than rural / abandoned with nuclear cooling towers as an inherently ominous backdrop, AND as key players in the ghost town’s story.

The whole scenario kinda gives me some ‘Hills Have Eyes’ vibes.

Rot said...

We really appreciate that, RM! This shoot has been in the works for a really long time and it’s such a relief it all came together.

Mike C(JASONV123) said...

The scarecrow fits perfect!! Couldn't ask for a better location!!

Rot said...

Thanks a ton!

MR. Macabre said...

Did he follow you home? Awesome as usual.

Rot said...

He did!

Scarecrow Atelier said...

Man, I love the way you build the scarecrows. Anyone else would just put the head on top of their neck and maybe tilt it forward. But you put it under the scarecrow's shoulders and create such a creepy, crouched posture that it's like... freezes the blood in your veins. This is so unique and brilliant. Especially in the last picture you can see it perfectly because it was taken from higher up. This is so damn good. Just had to be said.

Rot said...

I really appreciate that observation!
Thanks so much! So pleased with this shoot. We had a blast.

Ragged Grin said...

Agree, skull position is perfect. Gives it ominous personality.

Willow Cove said...

Those smoke stakes in the background- Yikes.

Rot said...

So strange to see them.

Rot said...

Thanks, Jeff!