Uninhabited by Hannah Pittel

Uninhabited

By Hannah Pittel

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Copyright 2019 Hannah Pittel All rights reserved. This book may not be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including photographs, without permission in writing from the owner. Scanning, uploading, and electronic distribution of these materials without permission is prohibited.

Temple University - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Uninhabited A photography book about Revere Beach, Massachusetts

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“She says she glories in being abandoned�

- J.M. Barrie

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Revere Beach is a public beach in Revere, Massachusetts, located five miles north of downtown Boston. Revere Beach used to be a destination for Bostonians and visitors from surrounding areas, however, the beach has seen decline for many years. The city developed different attractions, including restaurants, ballrooms, dance halls, roller rinks, bowling alleys, and roller coasters that lined the water.

The popularity of Revere Beach began to decline in the 1950s as there began to be limited funding which led to deterioration. In 1978, a blizzard destroyed many of the structures, sidewalks, and seawall, leaving damage the city could not afford to repair.

The beach reopened in 1992 after a significant effort in revitalization by the city of Revere and the state of Massachusetts. In 2003, the beach was designated a historical landmark.

Despite the efforts from the city and state, Revere Beach remains empty year-round even years after revitalizations.

All photographs in this book were taken on disposable film on March 8, 2019.

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Uninhabited

The Atlantic Ocean meets the seawall.

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Pittel

Empty benches face the ocean on a winter afternoon.

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Uninhabited

An icecream truck is parked in a lot. Many businesses are forced to close for the majority of the year in Northeast beach towns similar to Revere Beach.

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Pittel

Empty tables remain unnocupied outside of a closed-down icrecream shop.

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“Absence is a house so vast that inside you will pass through its walls and hang pictures on the air.�

- Pablo Neruda

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Uninhabited

Sammy’s Patio, one of the few beach-front properties in use year-round, experiences less business in the winter.

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Pittel

Two beach chairs are discarded and unused during the winter.

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Uninhabited

Banana Boat, a seasonal mom and pop icecream shop closes its doors to customers from mid Oct. to mid Apr. every year.

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Pittel

Ordering windows at Banana Boat icecream shop will remain closed until mid Apr.

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Uninhabited

Empty shells are spread over the sand.

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Pittel

Seagulls fly over the Atlantic ocean where the water meets the sand.

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