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Tonight’s premiere of the new series Abandoned is a doubleheader, with the team visiting two historic sites filled with potential lost treasures. After searching through each of the sites and negotiating selling prices, Jay selects items for refurbishment, creating some truly one-of-a-kind pieces.
Photo: Though the interior of the mill is in bad shape, the place reeks of history. Every wood gear, cog, and post was hand made 200 years ago, and is still intact today.
Maryland Grist Mill
The Abandoned team, Jay, Dan, and Mark, search for forgotten relics in a rare historic gem —a 19th-century grist mill in Westminster, Maryland that’s been abandoned for decades. During its heyday, farmers brought their grains here to be ground into flour, and the mill was a bustling cornerstone of trade for the local community. Now, the team moves through the dilapidated structures on the property, hunting for valuable objects, some of which may even date back to when the place first opened its doors. In each building, they discover a myriad of historic relics, from antique farming equipment to old-fashioned cooking devices. But the old grist mill is where they come across their biggest payoff . A temple to the art of pre-industrial engineering, it’s an impressive structure that turns out to be a salvager’s paradise. In a pile of rubble, they uncover a set of artistic ceramic tiles from the late 19th century that Jay believes are worth a lot of money. He’s determined to save the beautiful tiles and his other big find, an authentic grist grinder, before they’re lost in the rundown buildings, already falling apart. But to do this, he must negotiate with the mill’s owner, a man who’s attached to the property and is clearly not ready to let go.
Photo: The Ruffin Nichols Memorial Church was built in 1844 as an Episcopal church serving a wealthy Philadelphia community.
Philadelphia AME Church
On this episode of Abandoned, the team heads to historic Philadelphia to explore an abandoned gothic church. The magnificent structure, which dates back to 1844, is set to be demolished in 60 days. Knowing forgotten treasures may be hidden inside, they set out to save these items from destruction and turn a handsome profit. Inside the building, they navigate the dark hallways and make their way to the sanctuary. In many churches, this is the most lavish area where the most valuable items are kept. The room holds several treasures but one immediately stands out —a stunning set of stained-glass windows, crafted by a renowned Italian artist. The windows are a striking reminder that a wealthy congregation spared no expense in decorating these halls. Along with the stained-glass, the team uncovers other valuables throughout the building. In the basement, they come across several recreational items that suggest this was where the congregation gathered to socialize. Among the objects found were a set of parallel bars, bowling equipment, and a set of rare, tin gas lights. Determined to take home these relics, Jay now sets out to negotiate with the owner. If he closes the deal, he can bring these historic pieces back to life.
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Don’t miss the series premiere of Abandoned tonight, August 22nd, with Maryland Grist Mill at 9P and Philadelphia AME Church at 9:30P et/pt.
August 22, 2012, 10:14 pm
