I visited the long-abandoned Van Nattas Pumping Station in Ithaca, New York while on a life-changing several-week-long road trip to the Finger Lakes in 2016. It was such a contrast to the grit, decay, and crime of Cleveland, Ohio, where I had lived for two years working contracts. I had just been let go from a temporary position at the Federal Reserve Bank, had just been mugged for my phone, and had an unreliable apartment. I was missing nature, small-town life, and easy back road romping. I packed my camera backpack, hopped into my Subaru, and made the five-hour drive to the Finger Lakes. I fell instantly in love with the region’s many waterfalls and historic sites—including Van Nattas. From that visit, I made an effort to move to Ithaca and was able to secure a dream position at a local university. In early 2017, I said goodbye to Cleveland and hello to Ithaca, a fresh start.

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Add Yours →“Sure, I was surrounded by grit and decay, but it just wasn’t satisfying.” LOL! It just wasn’t your kind of grit and decay.
is this structure still there and what is the condition? Can it be saved?
It’s still there but in very poor condition. I don’t believe there are any structural elements left inside to walk on – or much of a roof.