I was out traveling the back roads. As far back as I dared to travel. Far away from civilization. Deep into the soul of the hills. When I explore, I want to get as far away from the cities and towns as I can get.
On this day, the sun was shining and the temps were just right. Not too hot or cold. The sky was a deep blue, and the sun was shining down on me. A perfect day!
Heading down a one lane, country road, I spotted an old, abandoned mansion. It stood like a monument of time against the cyan sky. I was wanting to see inside, bad! I was determined to find someone who could give me some information on the place. Even if I was unable to get into the place, I wanted to find out as much information as I could. Parked in front of the mansion, I so hoped someone would stop. I was not there very long, when a car pulled into the drive next to the estate. I went over to see if they owned the place and if they knew anything of the history. The gentleman was very friendly and happy to oblige. Here is some of the history that he shared with me.
At one time it was an old hotel. Built in the 1700's, it was part of a booming town, which by the way is no more. People would come by train, or horseback to this bustling town, and would stay at the hotel by the train station. (Also gone). There had been a stable for the horses as well as a hitching post. (There are still some remnants of the stables and hitching post, left). He said there were rumors that Billy the Kid had stayed in this town and possibly the hotel. As well as some other notorious outlaws. There are many tales told, about the hotel. True or not? Seems no one is for sure. These were just stories past down from family to family and person to person. As I ,myself am from the mountains and know how stories travel down through the family. I am also aware, that these stories, that are passed down, usually have many truths to them. So there is a good chance outlaws had stayed in the hotel, at one time or another.
Back during the horse and buggy days, many things went on in these hustling towns. Many of the hotels had brothels. Women would keep the travelers (men) company. It wasn't a secret. This was done out in the open. Brothels, bootlegging, and bandits. Ghost from the past that linger among the walls of the abandoned hotel on the hill?
I ask if he owned the place and if it was OK to explore and take pictures? He said the damage to it, was terrible and that I couldn't hurt the place, any worse then it already was. So, go ahead. He was sure that the owner wouldn't mind if I went and took pictures of it. Kids in the area had vandalized the place a long time ago. Which when I passed by, I had noticed that the windows were broken and curtains were hanging outside them. Sad a piece of history, like this, was being destroyed.
I was so excited! It was hard to contain the passion, inside of me! My heart was racing, pulse pounding, as I entered the large entryway, into the old hotel! Before me was a lovely, large stairway, that lead upstairs. I can only imagine how wonderful it must have been. The floors to the right and the left of the stairs had gave way and had fell into the basement of the place. The stairs looked solid, so I cautiously headed upstairs. The structure above was a lot better then it was downstairs. The floors were solid but the window panes were broken and weather had been rough on the carpets and walls.
There was a kitchen at the top of the stairs. People had ravaged the place. Tables and cabinets flipped over, dishes broken and strewn across the floor, pots and pans thrown about. Really upset me to see what had been done to this place. Brokenhearted I continued to the next room. It was, most likely, one of the hotel rooms. There was a chair, a chest of drawers, and a mirror, which stood against the wall. Once again, vandals had left their mark! It makes me angry, when I see what is done to these treasures. What is the reason? What is the thrill of destroying someones property? I will never understand. From this room you could look down the hallway where there were more rooms. Yes, I can see how this could have been a grand hotel or even a bed and breakfast. All the rooms, upstairs where terrorized. Suitcases tossed about, clothes thrown across the floor, and furniture broken. Not much left to save. SAD!
I headed back down the stairs. I wanted to see if there was anything left to see. Knowing that the rooms on either side of the stairs were not safe to enter, I walked down the hall directly beside the stairs. To the back of the manor. There was another large kitchen area. Things were piled up in the floor and broken dishes under my feet. I had to carefully walk over all the clutter to get to the back of the hotel, where there seemed to be a laundry room. Clothes still hung on a hanger by a broken window.
Well, I hope you enjoyed my adventure through the old hotel, that once was. I was a great place in its day! Sad to see it wasting away and its history with it! Until next time......
No comments:
Post a Comment