Old Homestead #1
by Robert Bales
Title
Old Homestead #1
Artist
Robert Bales
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
This is another presentation of the same old truck that I have been taking for many years at the old pony express station in Nevada. You may want to go back and see the changes over the years.
Every time I go by the Schellbourne Station a little distance from Eli, Nevada I need to stop and take a look at this old truck. Each year it seems like it becomes a little more rustic along with the old buildings. The first time I found it a small winch was on the bed, but now you can see it is gone.
Schellbourne was once a Pony Express Station which grew into a mining town of 300. Today it is a very well preserved ghost town on a private ranch.
Schellbourne became a mining camp in 1871 but only after the Schell Creek Station that served both the Pony Express and the Overland Stage both ceased operations thereby eliminating the need for the Schell Creek station. By fall of 1872, Schellbourne had a population of about 100. A townsite was laid out that included five saloons, a Wells-Fargo office, two blacksmith shops, three stores, two restaurants, two lodging houses, and two law firms. During the summer of 1872, the Schellbourne boom reached its peak. Close to 400 residents were crowded onto the flatlands around the old Pony Express station. Schellbournes future looked rosy until rich strikes were made at Cherry Creek, directly across Steptoe Valley. This stifled the Schellbourne boom and drained most of its residents. By 1881, Schellbourne still had a population of 85, most of whom were staying in hopes of a revival of the mines. Unfortunately for the town, the early 1880s ended all serious mining activity forcing virtually all the businesses to leave town. Schellbourne has enjoyed a quiet and serene existence for more than a hundred years. While never abandoned, the town has not had more than 25 residents since the early 1900s. Schellbourne is a must see for the ghost town enthusiast.
Uploaded
April 28th, 2017
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Comments (17)
Ola Allen
Love the depth and detail!!! Wonderfully done with the wide angle!!! F/L/T
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks Ola for the wonderful comments and the FLT!! It looks so wide because it is 3 captures put together!
Anna Matveeva
I love the endless tranquility of the place and beautiful overview! f/l/t
Robert Bales replied:
So glad you enjoyed the image and thanks so much for the comments along with the LFT!!
Robert Frederick
This could not be done any better. Lots of depth and detail from foreground to infinity, great composition and mindful of how the road divides foreground from background. And lots to keep the viewers interest. Excellent work, Robert. LFT
Skip Willits
Robert, your work is so well done from topic to execution it is so professional. The depth here is simply outstanding.
Gene Parks
Wow! Robert this is awesome... a definite addition to my bucket list! L/F
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks Gene for the wonderful comments and I hope you get to see it someday!! Thanks for the LF!!
Paul Quinn
What a spectacular capture! The overview of this scene with the rustic buildings and truck against the prairie, mountains and blue sky in the background is just wonderful! Thanks for the detailed story as well! Very well done. L/F
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks so much Paul for the wonderful review and so glad you enjoyed the information along with the LF!!
Miroslava Jurcik
Gorgeous view and love the mountains and the old homestead gives it extra character ! l/f/t