Disheveled in appearance, this mansion has long stood
Waiting silently in a long forgotten town’s neighborhood
The spreading sagebrush peeks out and feels alone
Lacking any proper care, the yard appears overgrown
Years ago, sophistication resides here with its appeal
Bringing people to dinner parties, glamorous and real
The walls still remember, offering all guests a seat
Listening to stories of wonder that continue to speak
The family appreciates their glittering life of pleasure
Living with opulence from a wealth of gifted treasure
Then the Great Depression delivers hard, uncertain times
Drying up bank accounts, from thousands to a few dimes
A life of splendor and privilege, now forever gone
Sending lives into financial ruin, no longer strong
A great town collapses into isolation and despair
Causing the grand home to fade without repairs
The once-proud family packs up and departs
Moving on to an uncertain future, falling apart
Now the mansion of grandeur stands alone and tattered
Allowing Father Time to leave her final years battered
The town remains deserted, quiet, and dark
Surviving as a ghost town without any spark
Sometimes the wind blows, bringing past voices to hear
Remembering better times without any shattered tears
The photograph is of an abandoned mansion found in Nevada City, Montana. This townsite is located a short drive outside of Virginia City in Madison County of the Big Sky state. Both of these communities are worth a visit when you travel to southwestern Montana. In 1863, Montana’s second major gold strike centered along Alder Gulch, which runs through the area. For additional information about this gold strike, visit Alder Gulch.
I recognized that mansion before I read to the bottom of your post. It’s just a 15 minute drive from us here in Ennis. Don’t forget to visit our darling little town of less than 1000 people where there are 5 great art galleries, a beautiful library, a wonderful medical center (worth seeing), a distillery, a great sports shop called Shedhorn, a brewery soon, and a selection of fine restaurants (The Alley Bistro is my favorite … but for lunch, don’t miss Nacho Mama’s). We have greaT shopping too, at Plain Jane’s and at the Trading Post. And do pop in on JanBeek’s hospitality! It’s highly recommended!! 👍🏽❤️
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I visited Ennis two years ago with my youngest daughter and her husband. We enjoyed breakfast, visited the distillery, and saw a few of the sites. I have been to Ennis several times, had a schoolmate whose grandparents (Carmichael) had a cabin on the lake. I wonder who lives there now.
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Time to come back!
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Wow! The fragile and absolutely ephemeral nature of existence. This leaves me with feelings of gratitude for this gift of life and all of its hardships. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You write very well, too.
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You are most welcome and thank you. The ability to write—to share one’s thoughts is an honor.
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Old homes are like old souls. They hold hidden treasures and mysteries. Simply fascinating!
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Very much Renee! They hold stories that only our imagination can interpret. Thank you for sharing a thought.
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You are welcome!
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Wonderful piece of art, i’m glad read it, have a wonderful weekend, hugs❤️
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Thanks for reading Ilona. I appreciate your comments. Enjoy your weekend as well.
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