Ep 3. St. Louis Schools

In season 1 episode 3 of Abandoned, viewers are taken on a journey through the abandoned schools of St. Louis, Missouri. Host Rick McCrank explores a number of old institutions that have been left to decay and ruin, highlighting the rapid decline of educational facilities in the region and the impact it has had on the community as a whole.

Throughout the episode, McCrank speaks with a number of experts on the subject, as well as former students and teachers who share their memories of the once-thriving institutions that now lay empty. The show takes a poignant look at the buildings that once held so much promise, and the individuals and communities that have been left behind in their aftermath.

One of the primary locations explored in the episode is the Cook School, a beautiful structure that has long been a part of the St. Louis skyline. Despite its grandeur, the school has been abandoned for years, and much of its former glory has faded away. McCrank takes viewers on a tour of the building, pointing out the various architectural features that made it such an impressive place in its prime.

As he moves from room to room, McCrank notes the various signs of neglect that the building now shows; peeling paint, water damage, and broken windows are just a few of the issues that have plagued the Cook School since it was abandoned. However, despite its current state of disrepair, the host remains optimistic about the future of the building, and the potential it has to once again become a source of pride for the community.

Another location featured in the episode is the Switzer School, a majestic building that has been abandoned for several years. As with the Cook School, McCrank takes viewers on a tour of the Switzer, pointing out the various architectural features that made it such an impressive place in its prime. He also speaks with former students and teachers who share their memories of the school, and the impact it had on their lives.

Throughout the episode, it becomes clear that the decline of St. Louis' schools has had a significant impact on the surrounding community. One of the most heartbreaking moments comes when McCrank visits a community center that used to be a school, and speaks with a group of local residents who express their sadness over the loss of the institution. They describe how the school used to be a gathering place for the community, and how its closure has left a noticeable void in their lives.

Despite the sense of loss that permeates much of the episode, it also highlights the resilience of the St. Louis community. Viewers are introduced to a number of individuals who are working to revive the city's abandoned buildings, and bring new life to the neighborhoods that have been impacted by the decline of education in the region. Through their efforts, there is a sense of hope that these buildings may once again become vibrant centers of learning and community life.

Overall, season 1 episode 3 of Abandoned is a powerful portrayal of the impact of neglect on our communities, and the potential that exists for renewal and revitalization. Through stunning visuals, insightful interviews, and poignant storytelling, the show presents a compelling case for the importance of investing in education and preserving our architectural heritage.