This Old Truck
by Robert Bales
Title
This 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. Schellbourne's 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 21st, 2013
Statistics
Viewed 5,273 Times - Last Visitor from Cambridge, MA on 04/23/2024 at 2:43 AM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet
Comments (121)
Lexa Harpell
Very cool...such a history to ponder each time you see this truck. Beautifully presented Robert! L:)
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.
Robyn King
Congratulations your amazing artwork is being featured in Over 5000 Views:-) Please take a moment to add your beautiful art to our archives in the message area and have a wonderful day!
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks, Robyn for the feature, congrats, invite, and promotion!! the feature helps to have a great day!!
Bob Christopher
Hi Robert…I like your image. Very beautifully photographed and beautifully presented…Well executed…Cheers Bob fv
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks so much, Bob for the wonderful comment, visit, and Fv!! this one is on my wall!
Skip Willits
Wonderful image Robert, nice to have an old friend to visit every once in a while.
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks, skip for the nice comment and the visit! This one is on our living room wall!
Aurelio Zucco
Wow...what an evocative shot! This is inspired, Robert! L/F
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks so much, Aurelio for the wonderful comments and the LF!! So glad you enjoyed the image!
Kathy M Krause
Remarkable capture, Robert! i love the old pickup and those gorgeous mountains! Exceptional! L/F
Paul Quinn
I just love everything about this. The beautiful background, the baron foreground and the lone truck, slowly returning to nature. Stunning composition Robert.
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks paul for the wonderful review! I saw this many years on my way to Arizona for the winter and it just disappeared two years ago!!
Angela Davies
Just love this, the scene, the mood and information LF
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks, Angela for the nice comment, and the F!! Sorry, I missed your comment, but I was traveling!!