Ghost Towns; one of my favorites!

Bannack, Montana

            On July 28^th 1862, John White and William Eades were the first to discover gold along the banks of Grasshopper Creek, originally named Willard’s Creek by Lewis and Clark.  Thus began the gold strike that established the town of Bannock in western Montana.

            Bannock grew into a large city and actually vied for the title of State Capital of Montana.  The most interesting aspect of this town is its survival.  Although completely uninhabited, it still stands in all its glory, many buildings partially restored or repaired.  Because it is owned and operated and protected by the state, there are no commercial entities allowed.  For a truly ‘ghost town’ experience, this one has all the stars.

            We have visited this town each year and never tire of the pioneer atmosphere or legends associated with each building.  In a booklet provided at the visitor center, there are stories taken from old letters and diaries that are written by actual residents who helped to establish from bare roots the wonder and enchantment of this famous old ghost town.  As you move from building to building, you are able to understand and experience the history and incidentals associated with each.  In July, the town fills up with actors, vendors, and musicians for their Bannock Days Celebration; very much worth your time!

            If you are looking for a new experience close to home, I would recommend a trip to Bannock.  You can pan for gold (and keep what you find!), join a tour with an interpreter, or just wander alone, absorbing the haunted atmosphere of past lives.  And when you leave, you may just see a crowd of people dressed in long gowns and cowboy gear, waving good-by.

©2012 Linda Gatewood

Reunions

    

July is the month of family reunions.  Who, out there, isn’t involved in some form of get-together, whether it’s a giant gathering of all clan members or just a visit from those far away?  Many have looked forward to this for months and others have probably dreaded it a bit; lots of extra work, always eating too much and, of course, the expected and uninvited thread of tension that weaves its way around and through the mingling crowd: the members of the group who have never gotten along very well and only meet this one time each year.  We may pretend that it isn’t there, but it is - snaking its way through the gathering.

     This is the test of our roots – these moments of confrontations and how we handle them.  This is when the instincts and knowledge of our ancestors and their histories is most important. 

     Remember how great-great-great grandmother handled that burglar who invaded their campsite when they were pioneers?  She pulled out the gun given to her by a gambler passing through – payment for a meal – and aimed it at the thieves ordering them to leave.  She had never handled or owned a gun before and was a very gentle soul, but her children were there, her husband was away and she did what she had to in order to protect them.

     And how great-great grandmother hid the children in the large flour bin when the Indians came to her home, then cooked a meal for the natives before they left because they were so hungry.

     And during the depression, when great-grandpa took in a large family who were homeless, he quietly went into the field and began to plow an extra acre to plant more food.

     Strength, charity, tolerance, forbearance – some of the qualities passed down through the generations to you and me.

     So, this month, remember who you are and draw from those memories to bind the members of your family closer and cherish what you are; a person molded from the challenges and choices of those who lived before you – your ancestors.

©2012 Linda Gatewood