Back Home in Indiana: Poneto

Poneto is an incorporated place with a population of less then 250. Folks have asked me , why are you photographing what you are photographing? My answer-the Midwest has had and is having a hard time. These discarded buildings/locations show people that the hard times are not something recent, but have been in place for some time. Small towns once had a lively economy-banks, retail stores with goods and services. Today these midwest communities provide few, if any goods and services. Jobs are almost nonexistent. Russell Lee, FSA photographer, told the people of Pie Town, NM, you are having a hard time, people need to know that you are and these photographs will show that you are. It is in that spirit that I photograph what I photograph. (click on image to enlarge)