Adventures with Usain van Boldt

Bannack Ghost Town, Part 2

by

Lisa

Too many pictures – Tony says they won’t load, so I’m splitting the post:)

Once lined with fancy paper – Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote about that
newspaper insulation
Cloth first on shiplapped boards then wallpaper; before drywall
Sluicing to divert creek water
second jail—had rooms
Barred windows gave view of gallows
Jail privy?
Ovitt Store and Chrisman’s Store

The jails were built after Sheriff Plummer was elected. Before 1863, criminals were warned, banished or hanged as no one had time to guard a jail—too busy working their gold claims (had to be worked at least 5 days/week according to law). It was thoughtful placement for the views out the jail windows to be of the gallows.

Gibson House stairs
Linoleum was popular
Masonic Lodge and School with fun merry-go-round
Merry-go-round
Carrhart House
Asphalt fake-brick siding
Dr. Rayburn’s House
Graeter House kitchen
Electrical wiring
Graeter House
Graeter House fireplace
Large Sagebrush
Three-lobed leaves
Small rabbit
Once again, Primrose climbs in on top of Catnip

This was a really interesting state park. They are just preserving the town as is; they aren’t adding to it or doing recreation activities. It felt very non-commercial and very open. They just ask that you leave everything alone in the furnished places and close the doors behind you as you leave each building. One of the stores was just packed with antiques that were tagged for provenance, and the doctor’s house was completely furnished. Fun history!

←
→

4 responses to “Bannack Ghost Town, Part 2”

  1. Kenneth Dunnington Avatar
    Kenneth Dunnington

    Does the town have a crew that goes around every evening and put everything back and close the doors?

    Reply
    1. Lisa Avatar
      Lisa

      There was a guide talking to a group outside one of the stores and there was another one in the store. We also saw a bathroom cleaner and a ranger that came and collected the money envelopes from the campground. I imagine they do have wrap-up chores to make sure all is right.

      Reply
  2. Kenneth Dunnington Avatar
    Kenneth Dunnington

    The merry go round is very much like to one we had at the Gallatin School house in the 50s and 60s

    Reply
    1. Lisa Avatar
      Lisa

      Great memories of playing on that, Dad? There were some kids having lots of fun on it before their auntie called them all inside to sit in the desks for a picture.

      Reply

Leave a Comment

Discover more from Adventures with Usain van Boldt

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading