After leaving Goldfield, I continued to Tonopah which isn't too far north. Here's a photo of Tonopah from an early 20th century postcard, and another from my trip. The Mizpah Hotel is the only constant between the two photos. The hotel was completed in 1908 at a cost of $200,000.
After passing through Tomopah, I headed to Belmont, a ghost town in central Nevada. Side trips included the Tonopah airport about 7 miles east of town. I've flown over the airport a number of times over the years but never landed there. There are three large wooden WWII era hangars at the airport including this one below. I heeded the Keep Out warnings and took the photo below.
Fortunately the weather was excellent during my entire trip. I don't remember how long it took to drive to Belmont; probably an hour and a half, on a desolate highway in the wide-open sagebrush desert.
Above is the Belmont courthouse which was built in 1876. There are a few occupied residences in town in addition to crumbling adobe buildings, old wagons and vehicles whcih gives the ghost town an outdoor museum feel. If you are a ghost town buff, this one is worth the drive.
The pioneer life was difficult and often short as underscored by the grave of two-year-old George Morgan at the lower right.
Amazing before and after pictures! I just wish you took it in the same perspective as the postcard. Your other pictures are very dramatic, especially the ones with the clouds in it. That truck isn't what you used to get there, right? That would have been one difficult road trip! Anyway, are you a professional photographer?
Posted by: Nicole Vickers | May 31, 2011 at 10:27 AM
Unfortunately, I didn't think of the before & after until I was in Tonopah, and I didn't have the post card with me. So I went by memory which is sorta hit and miss these days.
I have my own old truck, so I didn't need the one in Belmont although soon they will be equally reliable. I found out after getting back from Colorado (see more recent post) that my Grand Cherokee had a blown head gasket and would not have lasted much longer. Also, I got pulled over by the UT highway patrol for speeding, but got a warning instead of a ticket. Guess all that is good luck.
No, I don't make my living with photography. My wife insists on meals on the table and a roof over our heads. I just do it for fun.
Posted by: Keith | May 31, 2011 at 03:55 PM