The landmark Smith-Esteb Memorial Hospital has stood along US-27 and Potter Shop Road south of Richmond for decades. Last year, I shared the story of how it became the Wayne County Home before falling silent in the 1970s. A few days later, I received an unexpected invitation from Donald Reed of Cross Road Christian Recovery Center for Women: would I like to see the inside? It wasn’t an offer I was about to refuse! Armed with flashlights and accompanied by some backup -my mom- I finally got the chance to explore one of Indiana’s most fascinating institutions. Here’s what I found.

It’s not often that I pass through Lewisville, Indiana- case in point, these photos date from January! Every time I do, though, my eyes lock onto the same thing: an enormous stone tower that rises a few blocks off State Road 103. Curiosity finally got the better of me last winter and I pulled off the road, grabbed my phone, and snapped a few photos to try and figure out what the hulking survivor once was.

I guess it should come as no surprise since the mall that houses it will soon be demolished, but Muncie’s MCL cafeteria is closing on March 29th. This is a real shame: I’d only just become acquainted with it!