The Schellbourne Station
by Robert Bales
Title
The Schellbourne Station
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
February 10th, 2016
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Viewed 1,793 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/27/2024 at 4:41 AM
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Comments (25)
Steven Bateson
The Trucks Old Abandoned and Rusty Group is honored that you chose to submit your work to the group and we are proud to feature your magnificent image on the Homepage in the Featured Images.
Don Columbus
Congratulations, your work is Featured in "All Automotive Artworks" I invite you to place it in the group's "2020-2023 Featured Image Archive" Discussion!! L
Robert Bales replied:
Sorry, I missed this one, Don, but thanks for the feature, congratulations, comments, invite, and promotion!
Mark Alder
It's been too long since I visited your gallery Robert. This is a wonderful image that speaks to our history, culture, and perseverance. Great work Robert! l/f/t
Kathy Liebrum Bailey
Excellent composition Robert! Love the rich tones and the old truck! Well done! l/f/g+
Ellen Levinson
Love that you have been documenting the aging of this old truck at the old Schellbourne Pony Express Station. Great shot!
John Bailey
Congratulations on being featured in the Fine Art America Group "Images That Excite You!"
Belinda Greb
This is fantastic Robert, Beautiful western scene. Love the composition, clarity and processing!
Sharon Duguay
Great capture of a past era Robert L/Twt
Robert Bales replied:
So glad you enjoyed it Sharon and thanks so much for the comments and the LTw!!