The Empire Theater in the tiny wheat town of Lind, Wash., opened in 1950 and closed in 1980. But the peeling, discolored sign still is the main attraction on East Second Ave., the town's main street. I set up my camera and tripod in the middle of the street to get a shot of the sign. Only one vehicle drove past me; we exchanged waves. Most of the cafes and stores have closed. At least the food mart still is open. The first relic you see approaching Lind is the Milwaukee Road railroad viaduct. Active tracks pass by the ruins. Lind does come to life three days each summer with a popular combine demolition derby. The agricultural smackdown is staged at the rodeo arena. I just missed it by a few days. The closed bank building is creepy with two dolls looking out a window. My reaction: Just look away.
