Focus on Texas: Broken

Old, worn-out items invite us to imagine a time when they were functional and useful for their owners and remind us how temporary things on Earth really are

By Ashley Clary-Carpenter March 2013

Resting near an abandoned homestead, this dilapidated horse-drawn wagon has just about collapsed under the weight of a dead tree and years of neglect. Thanks to Tim Benson, Lyntegar EC, for sending us the photo.

Sandie Ward, Lighthouse EC, spotted this old, broken-down truck hiding on a vacant lot in Dimmitt.

Something old, something blue: Mildred Hempel, Navarro County EC, says blue jays love to hang out on this long-retired tractor. Think the seeds on the seat might have something to do with that?

Tammy Fetch, Navarro County EC, found this windmill, which has heralded and weathered many a storm, in Telico.

Says Harry Ransier, Pedernales EC, of the crumbling facade of Salado College’s former home: ‘We have come a long way since its construction, as indicated by the jet contrail above the broken wall.’

David Pritchard, Guadalupe Valley EC, used to fish from this old pier with his grandfather, who built it on their family ranch near Yoakum in the 1960s.

After a huge storm, Ruby Turner, United Cooperative Services, found this beautiful cedar tree broken from the wind and rain.

These doll heads for sale at the Fredericksburg Market Days await repair and a loving home, says Liz Murray, Pedernales EC.

Toy Thornton, Mid-South Synergy, spied these long-ago beauties while driving through Anderson.

No object is immortal; eventually, everything is lost to posterity or succumbs to the elements. That doesn’t mean it can’t still be beautiful. Finding the perfectly imperfect takes a nostalgic heart—and is open to interpretation. Thank you for all of the unique, beautifully broken objects you shared.