Ep 13. Scranton Lace Factory

In Abandoned season 1 episode 13, entitled "Scranton Lace Factory", host and urban explorer Rick McCrank heads to Scranton, Pennsylvania to explore the abandoned Scranton Lace Factory. Once a bustling hub of textile manufacturing in the early 1900s, the factory eventually closed its doors in 2002, leaving behind a hauntingly beautiful and decaying structure.

As McCrank enters the factory, he is immediately struck by the sheer size of the building and the intricate details of the lace-making machinery that still remains intact. McCrank meets with local historians and former factory workers, who share stories of the factory's glory days and the devastating impact its closure had on the community.

In addition to showcasing the history and decay of the factory, the episode also delves into the artistic possibilities of abandoned spaces. McCrank meets with a group of graffiti artists who have transformed the factory walls into vibrant and thought-provoking works of art. Their pieces bring new life to a space that has been abandoned and forgotten for almost two decades.

As McCrank explores various nooks and crannies of the factory, he discovers unexpected treasures, including a secret room hidden behind a false wall. He also delves into the darker side of the factory's history, including the story of a worker who tragically died on the job.

Throughout the episode, McCrank's reverence for the beauty of decay is evident. He marvels at the way nature has begun to reclaim the space, with vines and vegetation sprouting up through cracks in the concrete and birds nesting in the rafters. This appreciation for the intersection of nature and industry gives the episode an almost meditative quality.

As the episode comes to a close, McCrank reflects on the incredible history of the Scranton Lace Factory and the resilience of the community that surrounds it. He also acknowledges the bittersweet nature of exploring abandoned spaces, as the beauty found in decay is always tinged with a sense of loss.