That's a gravity fed embalming rack. Old school. No electricity needed.

Looks fresh too.

Incredible how ceramic tile walls retain a brilliant shine in these places. Last month I watched a documentary on the wreck of the Titanic and for the first time a submersible found it's way into the Turkish Bath deep in the bowels of the ship. Sure enough, the ceramic tile on the walls had retained it's colors and shine.

Good to have you back Motts. Your galleries were missed but more importantly, we care for your well being.

Old soda machines are very collectible right now and this one is a classic from the 1970s. In this condition, it can easily be restored. But, given the fact that this photo was taken over 7 years ago, one must wonder if (A) the machine is still there, and (B) what condition it's in today. I'm a firm believer in the rule "take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints". But when the time comes for this building's demolition, it would be cool if this beauty could be salvaged.

@??????, sadly, this hospital was demolished in 2007. Plus, Opacity has a policy never to disclose locations.

http://rustytagliareni...smith-infirmary.html

The Grand Old Lady is gone now. Such a waste of beautiful architecture.

Judging from the windows that allow the staff keep close watch on the patients, I would say this was the Coronary Care Unit.

KPPC "Down the Spine" was one of your best galleries, Mr. Motts. Some would call an abandoned & rotting asylum an "eyesore". But your use of light, angles, exposure times, and uncanny eye brings out the hidden beauty. Plus, if one's not careful, one just might learn something about architecture, past mental health care, urban exploration and photography. Thank you for Opacity.

Incredible. Time and nature doing their thing. The colors are spectacular.

I wonder why the window curtains were tied in a knot like that.

Beautiful craftsmanship and details.

Wow, this is a huge campus. The green vines on that red brick are beautiful.

I've said it before. Nature eventually reclaims everything. It's fascinating to watch something as massive as this building transform.

Dang, that's a big room.

There are homes and businesses that pay handsomely to get that patina on their buildings.

Resistance if futile. This building will be assimilated.

I love the mixture of natural and man made elements. They blend together well making for a serine place. Very nice shot.

I'll be looking forward to your Sunburst Set. :-)

I agree Melissa. Sadly, much of the damage in these magnificent structures are caused by vandals and scrappers.

@Melissa. I've loved your comments. I believe Opacity has earned a new fan. Welcome to the club. Mr. Mott's photography is spectacular to say the least. "Stark" in this context means a lack of other objects or a barren surrounding. The moon was described by the Apollo Astronauts as having "a stark beauty all it's own" because of the bare landscape.

@Biig L, That actually happened in Detroit several years ago. The bottom of the elevator shaft had about two feet of water in it. In the frigid winter, the body laid frozen in ice for months before being discovered.

I wonder how many young women sat here, lost in though, looking out this window? Her first time away from home, she missed her family and especially a special boyfriend she left behind in a far away town. She dreams and plans her future from this spot, a "springboard" of sorts, of a future life that will be full of twists and turns, joys and sorrows, laughter and tears. Now, a century later, the girl lived her life and is forever gone. The future has given way to the past. How her life unfolded is unknown. All that remains is this special springboard where it all started. May she, and Bennett School for Girls, rest in peace.

Reminds me of my old college dorm room.

I bet those are infested with roaches and bed bugs.