Abandoned Village of Johnsonville

Knock on the door this October and say "Trick or Treat" and there will be no answer. While walking through the now abandoned village of Johnsonville is East Haddam, CT you can help but think to yourself "Where is everybody?". Johnsonville was once a thriving Mill Town in the 1800's with twin mills creating powers from the villages pond. Raymond Schmitt purchased the 52 acre property in the 1960's with intention of turning it into a Victorian tourist attraction, he transported most of the building that lay on this quiet piece of land from near by communities. The horse stable was used for weddings and fundraising functions but in 1994 this all ended when Schmitt got into a dispute with the town permanently closing the village to the public.

As of October 2014 the village remains abandoned but is to be put up to bid for $800,000 which raises the question... Wouldn't it be cool to be a Mayor of your own town?

 Inside the General Store

Photos taken by Michael Parisi and Michael Ackler of Abandoned CT

Downs Road

Downs Road, located between the towns of Hamden and Bethany, Connecticut. What once was a complete route from one town to another is now an abandoned dirt road with gates blocking the entrance and exit. The remnants of foundations and rock walls are all evidence that remain of this road’s past.

We have experienced this road in both the afternoon and night. The afternoon makes for a great scenic drive through the woods with a peaceful hike thereafter. The night...well that is a different story. When we arrived on site after a long and quit spooky drive through the woods we were greeted by a long dark dirt road (Downs Road). While walking the entire stretch we heard on multiple occasions what appeared to be screaming in the distance, as well as figures appearing ahead of us on the trail. It made for one scary night. So if you are up for a good scenic drive and day hike Downs Road in the afternoon is the place for you. If you are the more adventurous thrill seeking type, the night time is what it is all about.

Be mindful of Private Property! Do not walk across peoples lawns!