Schellbourne Station And Old Truck
by Robert Bales
Title
Schellbourne Station And Old Truck
Artist
Robert Bales
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
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
October 23rd, 2013
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Comments (26)
Christopher James
One of your peers nominated this image in the 1000 views Groups nominated images by your fellow artist in the Special Features #14 promotion discussion. Please visit and pass on the love to another artist.....L/F/Tw
Rafael Salazar
A Masterpiece Robert! Brilliant artwork. Very captivating!!! Reminds me of an Ansel Adams... L/F
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks so much for the wonderful comment and the comparison along with the LF!!
Nick Boren
A wonderful vintage image Robert... fv
Robert Bales replied:
Yes it sure is a old looking place and thanks for the comments and the FV Nick!!