Disappearing Dreams of Yesterday
The lonely bell is silent now, but it has observed countless memories over its long life. Constructed as a one-room schoolhouse in 1910, Palisades School survives, albeit under a new name and expanded footprint.
And, oh yes, it also served as the first meeting place of two students (the author included) who would meet in 3rd grade and, certainly unbeknownst at the time, marry 27 years later.
Through it all, I can’t help but conjure lyrics from Kris Kristofferson’s Sunday Morning Coming Down:
Then I headed back for home,
And somewhere far away a lonely bell was ringin’.
And it echoed through the canyons,
Like the disappearing dreams of yesterday.
Brian Gaynor Photography 
I went to a one-room school in Canada. It is now a skating rink and community center. I guess at least it’s not demolished.
It’s refreshing to see that some older things still survive, and aren’t torn down for the new. Thanks, Lilly.
Great story, great pic.
Thank you so much for the comment!
great shot, I love seeing old buildings.
Polly, thank you for the feedback!
Beautiful photography and in sync with the romantic story attached!
Ann
Thanks very much, Ann!
Welcome! My school is no more by the way. The pub next door is still there though! After 50 years!
That sounds like a story in itself — the demise of the school, but the survival of the pub.
It’s called The New Winning. It’s in Wallsend, England. I never understood the name. I seem to recall I thought it was something to do with Winnipeg! I was at school there at the same time as Sting – though I was at the Grammar School and a girl whereas Sting was at the Boys-onlyRoman Catholic School.
So there IS a story!
Ann
I am loving the soft focus you used in the processing…makes this rather dreamy and surreal!
Thanks so much for the feedback, Tammy. I thought the soft focus really enhanced the capture.
Lovely soft, dreamy effects!
Nikhil, thank you so much!
Beautiful silhouette!! Looks like an old film photo. Beautiful work and I love the history that accompanies the image 🙂
Hi Polly, thank you very much for the thoughts.
Black and white is such a fun way to experience the photo. Great job 🙂
Melody, I appreciate the comment!
Good photo, good song, good thoughts!
It’s all good…thanks so much for the comment, Lois!
Beautiful shot and meaningful post… I loved it dear Brian, Thank you, with my love, nia
Thank you so much, dear Nia! I appreciate your comment.
Beautiful post…. You almost made me cry!
Angeline, thank you so much for the kind words!
First, thank you for the “LIKE”!
Second, wow, you’re in the western suburbs! Rogers Park, here.
Third, this bell shot is so very exquisite…I wish it were my own, but haven’t been to Burr Ridge in many years!
A fine shot!
Thank you very much for the comment! It’s great to have a Chicagoland compadre.
I have to say: It sure is!
Love the nostalgia!
Thanks, Mary Jane!
very nice contrast!
Derrick, thanks very much.
Nice post Brian
Thanks, Ian!
Very nice post, picture and romantic story make it so. 🙂
I appreciate the kind words, Francis!
Great post Brian.