Abandoned

© Jason Dufner/NGC
Abandoned

Synopsis

ABANDONED follows Jay Chaikin and his buddies Mark and Dan as they look to make money in an unusual way exploring abandoned buildings in search of items of value.

Episodes

Season 1
  • Philadelphia AME Church

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    ABANDONED follows Jay Chaikin and his buddies Mark and Dan as they look to make money in an unusual way exploring abandoned buildings in search of items of value.

  • Maryland Silk Mill

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    Jay, Dan, and Mark hunt for historic treasures in an historic time capsule - an abandoned silk mill believed to be the last one intact in the U.S . Sitting idle for over 60 years , the building is badly rundown, and several of its windows are broken . From the outside, it looks as if the building has been looted and vandalized , but the team steps into a place that is packed with objects. In fact, it looks as if time simply stopped back in 1957, when the mill shut down . In every room, they find items that help piece together the story of both the factory and its workers - Records reveal earnings were as low as 20 cents an hour , and employees...

  • Maryland Grist Mill

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    Jay, Dan, and Mark search for forgotten relics in a rare historic gem - an 18th-century gristmill in Westminster, Maryland thats 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...

  • Maine Paper Factory

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    Jay, Dan, and Mark explore a defunct paper factory that turns out to be a true historic giant. The building, which dates back to the 19th century, was once was one of the countrys largest mills. Its the size of 12 football fields and is bigger than anything the teams ever tackled. Now, in their search for industrial relics, the three journey through the mills venerable history. They walk through the massive machine room, equipped with a giant roll press that once churned out mass quantities of paper. Another stop is the groundwood room, the oldest part of the factory. Back in the day, this was where colossal millstones pounded pulp into paper....

  • Mississippi Homestead

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    Jay, Dan and Mark search for lost history in the Appalachian woods of northern Mississippi. Today, they explore an abandoned homestead that dates back to the 1830s. The area was once the frontier edge of society, where settlers struggled to survive on the land. Items from the pioneer period can be worth good money, so the team is eager to see what theyll uncover. The homestead is now a collection of badly dilapidated buildings. But despite their rough shape, each structure may have a stash of historic treasures. Theres vintage furniture, antique appliances, and collectibles from every era. Many of the items tell the story of the family who once...

  • Georgia Cotton Gin

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    Jay and the team land in the deep South where they hunt for treasures in an abandoned cotton gin. Dating back to the late 1800s, the place was once a thriving business and may now be full of valuable relics. The heart of the property is the ginning area, a giant labyrinth of cogs, gears, and gizmos. Though the machines are impressive, theres nothing the guys can salvage. But beyond the gin, the team finds an assortment of treasures. Theres an old farmhouse filled with antique furnishings and historic paintings, along with a large storage shed thats packed with unique collectibles. But outside, near this shed is where they make their most valuable...

  • Pabst Blue Ribbon Factory

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    Jay and the crew hunt for treasures in the abandoned headquarters of the Pabst Brewing Company, a sprawling castle-like complex that dates back to 1844. For this mission, the team must travel hundreds of miles to Milwaukee, but for Jay, the potential rewards justify the long haul. Once home to the nations largest brewery, the cavernous building is rich in legend and history. That means it could be filled with valuable relics that celebrate the Pabst story. Jay also knows that the company has a mass of loyal followers, and the right devotee would likely shell out big bucks for its memorabilia. When the three begin exploring, it isnt long before...

  • Oil City, Pennsylvania Bank

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    Jays salvaging crew seeks riches in an old abandoned bank that was built to hold the spectacular fortunes of Americas big oil barons. The bank sits in the center of Oil City, Pennsylvania - a small town that itself is a hidden historic gem. In the 1800s, when the first commercial oil well was dug up nearby, it became home to some of the biggest legends in the business. As the oil wells dried up, the bank shut its doors. Since this was once a high-class establishment, Jay believes treasures may still be hidden inside. The gamble pays off. The strikingly posh structure is filled with historic gems that celebrate the banks rich and remarkable story....

  • Connecticut Ghost Town

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    It's an extraordinary opportunity to explore not just an abandoned building, but an entire town. Johnsonville, CT was purchased by a millionaire who planned to turn the mill and the surrounding village into a tourist attraction, only to shut it down in 1994. Jay, Dan and Mark expect to find well-preserved properties, but shocked by excessive mold, mildew and disrepair at every turn. Jay fears this will be a run-of-the-mill trip, but he's thrilled when he finds a butchers block, a wrought iron fence, and a bell designed by the Meneely family, famous for casting Saint Anthony's Church Bell in Prague. After struggling to negotiate fair prices with...

  • New York Masonic Lodge

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    What started as a trek through the depths of a spooky Masonic retirement home transforms into a trip to hot rod heaven. After failing to find valuable goods at a Tappan, NY retirement home, the team explores two barns set for demolition in nearby Newtown, CT. Jay is blown away by the automotive relics stored in the barn, including a restored tractor, porcelain signage, and a Chrysler Saratoga. Now, Jay must convince the owners that he will successfully restore and resell the entire contents of both barns, but only if they can agree on a fair price.

  • Hot Springs Hotel

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    Known for hosting Babe Ruth and Al Capone, Hot Springs, Arkansas was frequented for its luxury spas. The historic Majestic Hotel closed its doors in 2006. At the abandoned hotel, the guys do some serious room service and find bathtubs, chaise lounges, and a mosaic tile fountain. When Ricki gains access to the nearby Medical Arts Center, formerly the tallest building in Arkansas, Jay gives Dan and Mark a challenge: bargain for as many objects as possible at the abandoned building on a $300 budget. Despite the heat and a disconnected elevator, Dan and Mark ascend multiple flights of stairs to uncover a wooden wheelchair. Now, Jay must negotiate...

  • Vermont Marble Factory

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    The guys head to Vermont where marble was processed for the U.S. Supreme Court Building, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Jefferson Memorial. The owners of an abandoned property grant Jay access to an entire marble factory and encourage him to find a hidden bomb shelter in the basement. After finding antique crane signage, a vintage scale and a huge air raid siren, the guys hop on a working elevator that sends them straight to the basementand on their way to the bomb shelter. There, they find incredible collectibles, including White House blue prints. But Jays in for a shock of his own when Ricki drives up to the factory to surprise him on...

  • Scranton Lace Factory

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    If making lace in the early 20th century was like printing money, then the guys will be rolling in dough after they explore the abandoned Scranton Lace Factory in Scranton, Pa. Founded in 1897, the Scranton Lace Factory produced the finest American lace for more than 100 years before closing its doors in 2002. As they cross the immense factory, the guys collect a check protector, a pair of doors and a vintage tampon dispenser. When Jay spots a single shoe and Mark finds a bowling score sheet, the guys follow the clues to a four-lane bowling alley full of American-made bowling pins and balls. The property owner gives Jay permission to take whatever...