If you drive along Washington State Route 6 in Lewis County and pull off into Dryad, Washington, you might notice a dilapidated building. It looks like an old schoolhouse but has been abandoned for years. What is the story behind this mysterious structure?
Dryad is a small town with a population of around 200 people. The town is situated near the Chehalis River, with a history of logging and farming.
The old schoolhouse was built in the early 1900s and served as a place of education for the local children. At some point, the schoolhouse was converted into a four-plex apartment, but it has since been vacated and left to decay. The building has suffered from vandalism, weather damage, and neglect. It is now a sad sight but also a fascinating reminder of the past.
While photographing the schoolhouse, I was intrigued by the contrast between the dark windows and the light walls and the texture and detail of the wood and metal. I also liked how the building stood out against the clouds and the trees.
I hope you enjoyed this and learned something new about this historic building in Washington. If you ever have a chance to visit Dryad, check out this old schoolhouse (while it’s still standing) and imagine what life was like for those who lived and learned there.
Nikon D700, Nikkor 50 mm f1.8, ISO 200, 50 mm, f16, 1/15 second.
