8 replies to this topic

[ClutchDude]

The metro Jackson in Mississippi is littered with abandoned houses and what not, so rather than serve up what would become hackeneyed photos, there is the an old school (not too far from the new one, actually) visible from the interstate going through Jackson.

I'm heading out later today after work to do a precursory scan of the site and will draw up a plan of attack for Saturday.

I'm pretty green to urban exploring, so any advice is welcomed. I do practice common sense and know that if I'm think it's dangerous, it probably is. However, there are probably some tips/tricks for it(I do have an SLR I'm planning on using for the photography and a friend will accompany on the weekend for additional support and photography)

EDIT: Now that it's been done...
Trespassing Signs: Y
Patrolled: Y/Irregularly(only saw during the week)
Personally Visited: Y

Edited by ClutchDude, 22 July 2008 - 11:00 AM.

[Fancy Dan]

ClutchDude, on Jul 16 2008, 04:23 PM, said:

The metro Jackson in Mississippi is littered with abandoned houses and what not, so rather than serve up what would become hackeneyed photos, there is the an old school (not too far from the new one, actually) visible from the interstate going through Jackson.

I'm heading out later today after work to do a precursory scan of the site and will draw up a plan of attack for Saturday.

I'm pretty green to urban exploring, so any advice is welcomed. I do practice common sense and know that if I'm think it's dangerous, it probably is. However, there are probably some tips/tricks for it(I do have an SLR I'm planning on using for the photography and a friend will accompany on the weekend for additional support and photography)

Well, lets see... advice...

1) Since your a new explorer, its best advice to stay away from ANY places that look like they are patrolled. If there is chance that they could be, likely they are.
2) Avoid any known squatter houses, drug houses/labs. These places are pretty easy to spot and you can usually tell by the smell where they are.
3) If you run into squatters or homeless, be respectful and if they tell you to leave, do it. If they don't ask/tell you to leave, be respectful of them and do not photograph them or their stuff unless they invite you to. If you got spare cigarettes/drinks/snacks/food you might want to offer to share if they are cool with you.
4) Don't break into any places unless you are sure you will not get caught. It is also a good rule of thumb not to do any damage that you cannot reverse (i.e. opening a door/hatch you cannot close back up).
5) Don't leave structures wide open if you do not have to.
6) Don't graffiti. Its not polite and ruins the experience for other explorers.
7) Never travel alone. Always take at least one good buddy with you, and you both tell one person [each] where you'll be and when you'll be back.
8) It is a good idea to take a cell phone, but keep it on vibrate or silent unless you're sure you're in a safe location.
9) Don't get yourself into any situation that you can't get yourself out of. Don't overestimate your own ability as well.
10) Stay away from structures that do not look structurally safe and take each step as its own. If you venture above the first floor, stick to the edges of the stairs (they are the safest and test each floor as if you're walking on thin ice.
11) Its a good idea to wear a face mask or repsirator or some sort of covering over your mouth and nose.
12) Beware of areas where pidgeons might live. Their shit is really hazardous to your health.'
13) Alternatively, also beware of asbestos and chemicals.
14) Please, don't carry a gun.
15) Overall, be safe and have fun. Don't over do it and keep hydrated and fed. Make sure you bring back lots of photos for us.

[ClutchDude]

Initial Run thru was VERY interesting. I planned on taking prelim shots but alas, my camera battery was dead.

Anyways, the campus is split up a good bit. I didn't try opening many doors, but the back door to the main school building was wide open. There is also a bunch of broken windows that haven't been boarded up, so I'm assuming the state has given up on keeping hooligans out.

With the grounds scoped out, we're planning on attacking saturday around 10AM, earlier if I wake up sooner.

[BobManPerson]

ClutchDude, on Jul 16 2008, 04:23 PM, said:

I'm pretty green to urban exploring, so any advice is welcomed. I do practice common sense and know that if I'm think it's dangerous, it probably is. However, there are probably some tips/tricks for it(I do have an SLR I'm planning on using for the photography and a friend will accompany on the weekend for additional support and photography)

Homestead abandonments are usually the best. They're almost never patrolled, and are usually in rural areas where people wouldn't really care if they saw someone go inside an abandoned house.

[ClutchDude]

I let my roommate do the photography, which was a worked out ok, though he wasn't quite as sure with the SLR as previously said.

Anyways, the complete flickr set can be seen *removed for the moment*

Here are the most encompassing photos.

Our equipment thus far. That one weird LED in the center is one I built myself that casts a pale green light that is hella bright.


On our way to the main school, a wrecked courtyard.


A sign outside on the buildings before...I took this one.


Right underneath the sign, is this room. It's filled with various stuff as you can see.


One of the weirder things is that this place still apparently has electricity.


A trophy sits right inside the end of the building.


A bunch of files sits right inside the entrance to the back of the school. We didn't dawdle long enough outside to take a picture entering.


There was a bunch of kitchen equipment. The state never bothered sending it to surplus.


Another kitchen shot. Slightly blurry.


Coat racks just outside the empty cafeteria.


As we went down the hallway on the first floor (There is only long hallway on each floor...) we came across this burnt up area. The shots of the actual burn source didn't develop right.


The gym was just a door away from the burn area. Here's a shot of the goal.


A shot back down the hallway.


Lockers with names still on them.


Picture of the auditorium


Graffiti in Said auditorium. The weird part is this is really the only spot it was in. The rest of the school was rather disheveled but untouched.


The school's building plaque.


Tiger Mural


A safe in the business office. It was locked and I wasn't going to try and open it with what I had.


Old timey Fuse box?


Another weird thing is that they wrote lesson and other stuff on the board. Like they were at recess and never came back.



Class rules...Guess this was the deaf school and not the blind.


Tapes in the library. One of the few interesting things on the second floor.


My roommate and I in UE-ing "costume". Funny how far a hard hat, state gov't work badge,work gloves, and what looks like survey equipment will get you when passerbys see you and don't think you are trespassing, such as two people in explorer waving at me. (and they are all legit!)
*removed*
Some back history

The school for the blind and deaf for Mississippi opened in 1889. The building we pictured was built in 1949 and used well up until 2004. At that time, a new school opened up right across from the old one. I inquired about who owned the current building and learned that the Mississippi Development Authority was given the building via a Senate vote. They are currently developing a "RFP Project plan" for the site. Based on what we saw, the building hasn't been destroyed by the elements and was very structurally sound.

Hobos will probably stay away as it's slightly nicer side of town and there is really no nearby food sources for them. Security was lackadaisical and there are still 4 more buildings to investigate, though 2-3 are more than likely to be inaccessible at our current "skillz".

All in all, a great first Urban Exploring Experience.

EDIT: Too much sensitive info exposed for the moment. Anyway to make this a member's only thread?

Edited by ClutchDude, 22 July 2008 - 03:07 PM.

[Fancy Dan]

ClutchDude, on Jul 20 2008, 03:37 AM, said:

My roommate and I in UE-ing "costume". Funny how far a hard hat, state gov't work badge,work gloves, and what looks like survey equipment will get you when passerbys see you and don't think you are trespassing, such as two people in explorer waving at me. (and they are all legit!)

Clutch, glad to hear you had a great first experience. I should warn you that posing as a government official can have its drawbacks. While its a good guise, I think there are probably laws against posing as an official. I mean, just be careful who sees you.

[ClutchDude]

Thanks! Luckily there was no posing/impersonation as the ID badge and my position with the state are legitimate. Though I could expect more than few harsh words from my boss if I wore it in the wrong situation. I don't intend on falling back them for every exploration since I do like being employed.

This site just naturally lends itself to such, being owned by the state and all.

[ClutchDude]

columind99, on Jul 22 2008, 03:10 PM, said:

Good photos, first time out? It's always surprising how much gets left behind at state run institutions!

Yep. The site, in my n00b opinion is great for a first run through. No pigeons, mold, or other things. Easy to locate(you're an idiot if you can't find it.) and enter. Lots of interesting things to look at and look through. I'll probably return this weekend to get my B&W shots and cruise around Jackson for some other sites.

[Fancy Dan]

ClutchDude, on Jul 22 2008, 10:56 AM, said:

Thanks! Luckily there was no posing/impersonation as the ID badge and my position with the state are legitimate. Though I could expect more than few harsh words from my boss if I wore it in the wrong situation. I don't intend on falling back them for every exploration since I do like being employed.

This site just naturally lends itself to such, being owned by the state and all.

Just be careful.
Us explorers gotta look out for each other.

ClutchDude, on Jul 22 2008, 03:47 PM, said:

Yep. The site, in my n00b opinion is great for a first run through. No pigeons, mold, or other things. Easy to locate(you're an idiot if you can't find it.) and enter. Lots of interesting things to look at and look through. I'll probably return this weekend to get my B&W shots and cruise around Jackson for some other sites.

I want to see the burn site. Get lots of pictures of that for me 'kay?