and then there are the losses that I will mourn with my last breath...




all 4 photos taken by cabel noteboom photography




back in 1915, we have George McGovern to thank for homesteading this 160 acres in the Custer National Forest - without his patent request, we would never even have had the opportunity to live and work here.

We always thank George..

An older bachelor of age 31, he signed up to fight against the enemy in WWI,  leaving his hard work and horse plowed fields behind in the care of the neighbors who were deemed too old to sign up or were of the female pursuasion who werent allowed to fight  then.

he was part of the 3rd Wyoming Infantry of the 41st division in 1917, later to become the 115th Cavalry
the true originators of the use of as a battle cry

"Powder River, let 'er buck!"

he never came back.

I always think of him when I would walk about, touching those large wood logs, hewned into a makeshift home, such hard work, finding a rusty bucket here, a broken bottle there, as it was later used for animals, thanking George under my breath, in my thoughts, sometimes even in our plans for the land ~

 "what would George have seen? what would he do?"

We always thanked George.





its all gone now.






"Powder River, let 'er buck!"




~






Comments

  1. :( It was beautiful. A wonderful tribute. Sorry to see its' gone.

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  2. I like how you tie in what was, what is, and what has yet to come, from George to you and Mr. Foresterman to your daughter and her new husband. For all the devastation you've experienced in the past year or so, you've also been blessed with miracles, a promise of tomorrow, and a legacy of your own. Attitude is, indeed, everything.

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  3. So sad to see that gone, to think that someone long ago cut all those logs by hand to carve out a home. Cherish the phots.

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  4. It was beautiful and so special. You will always have the photos and wonderful memories to cherish. *hugs*

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  5. i know it cannot be replaced, but your heart still holds gratitude to george.

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  6. now I'm about to cry. Losses of historical value crush me.

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  7. It's all so sad.You are an incredibly strong person and if anyone deserves a little Bad Martyr moment it is you, although I don't think of you that way or as a whiner either...you say what is, and you haven't lost your humor because right after a tear fell down my cheek I had a little chuckle. That !!!woman!!!! is a special talent few have.

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  8. I know your heartbroken and sad.
    Glad you still have good thoughts for George..
    and then there is those awe inspiring photo of a happier time in that lovely spot.
    Blessings

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  9. A beautiful tribute for a wonderful man from a loving and caring heart. You are a special person. Seeing the pictures just makes me want to cry. You have a way of telling your story that brings tears and then laughter.
    I pray that God will bring blessings to you and this land.
    Peace,
    Brenda

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  10. I hate to see pieces of history lost forever. The photos are beautiful and I am sure will be cherished forever.

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  11. How sad on so many levels. At least not forgotten. Wishing you all healing and we feel sadness for all your loses. Have a good evening.
    Best wishes Molly

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  12. Oh my dear Feral you have such a caring soul for those people you have never met. George has provided the history but your photos and memories of that day have also provided memories for the next generations. We should never forget our past history and it is heart wrenching that it was destroyed but people like you and others will never let it really disappear.
    I love those photos and they were just in time. A blessing indeed.
    I will be thinking of you and your tests coming soon. Hugs B

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  13. Always thank George.

    The founders of this guest ranch started it the summer of 1930. Not a good year to be starting your own business. They built it from the ground up and almost lost it all to the flood in 1964. It wasn't until the owner was 88, 30 years later, that she could write about the pain and heartache. It was her writing that whispered to me to start my blog. To keep this mountain's story alive.

    It is the joy we search for, but it's the pain that makes joy ever sweet.

    My heartaches for you and all you lost. Keep writing. Keep it alive.

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  14. It's awful when beautiful old buildings are lost, but you will still remember George and you will still be grateful to him. You would never have called yourself Feral Woman here if you were not strong, fearless, and resilient. You have been through so much, but there's no doubt in my mind that you will be OK. In the meanwhile, in addition to your family and friends, your blogger friends will be here and help as best we can.

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  15. So sorry that it didn't make it. This is a wonderful tribute, though.

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  16. What a lovely tribute to the old homestead and I like how you included some history too. The pictures from the wedding are also a wonderful way to remember. It is always so sad when historical buildings are lost forever.

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  17. I have succumbed to the fact that nothing is forever except in your memories, letters, and photos. Thank goodness you have all three.

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  18. The "thank you George" will be for always . . . very sad for you for what is gone, the loss must be overwhelming . . .

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  19. George's spirit lives on in the land, that will come back. He will always be there with you, thanking you for taking care of the land.

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  20. Your photos are such a wonderful tribute, as well as a way of preserving and SHARING the memories. New to your BLOG, now a new FOLLOWER too. Love your pics and your stories. Check me out if you'd like: donj156.blogspot.com Living From The Heart. Just every day living and making memories.

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  21. A wonderful tribute to George, so sorry to see the structure was destroyed in the fire.

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  22. This is all so sad. We have a similar old building in our family and it would break my heart if it was destroyed by fire. Sending you many good wishes. You've been through so much.

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  23. I have been searching for the words , and still can only say "I am sorry"

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  24. Thats sad...great tribute to George. He´s soul will always be at that place anyway.
    How is Tomez doing??

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  25. It is so sad to see the loss of this beautiful site. I am so happy for you that you will have such fond memories of this lovely wedding site.

    My heart hurts for your loss.

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  26. What a lovely backdrop for their wedding pics... I agree it is a big loss...

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