Not-So-Wild West

And there it is…..a one-road, four-block town amid the open desert and big sky. The tattered, 1880’s-style edifices are all built in 2/3 scale, giving the place a rather surreal feeling.  Mane Street (yes, that’s right….it is called Mane Street) is an extra wide dirt road.  Its abundant width accommodated the narrative action + the camera crew and equipment. No cars are permitted. This town must be experienced on foot.

Stepping out of my car with my feet firmly planted on the dirt road, I breathed the desert air and felt the sun warming my cheeks. I stood tall, as if my city-boy soft soles had sprung heels, spurs, and pointed toes. The town seemed nearly deserted. Gone were the sounds of charging horses, gunshots, and player pianos from the saloon.  It was as if it had become a ghost town of sorts. Only a bit of life was spotted amid a one-model fashion shoot.

There is a post office, jail, hotel, saloon, livery, bath house, and on. Although the typical movie set might contain only a collection of facades, these are complete buildings which were built to accommodate the actors and crew during the actual filming. For their entertainment, a bowling alley (Pioneer Bowl) was built where local school children were hired as pinsetters--until it was automated in the 1950’s. It is here that Gene Autry taped his show.

Although it was hauntingly quiet, all is not lost. I soon discovered that many of the buildings were now home to artist studios and galleries. Artisanal furnishings, fashions and art could be found. It was quite interesting. Somehow or another, they all seemed to be right at home among the empty saddles, rocking chairs, and weathered wood walls.