Out On The Range - Old Abandoned Auction Corral
Mar 17, 2021 09:32:35 #
This was where the local ranchers would bring their livestock to sale. Livestock would be held in a small corral next to the arena and brought in when called. The auctioneer would be up in the booth and call out the bidding and tell a few tales. When our kids were young teenagers, we would do an annual fishing float trip to Montana. Just outside of Dillon, MT was an auction corral like this where they held livestock sales on Thursday's. We would spend a few hours watching the proceedings while visiting with local ranchers...fun times! Love the "patina" and textures on the old range fences here.
1. Auctioneer's booth and livestock arena overgrown with sagebrush
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2. Chute gate to the abandoned arena...lot of character in the log pole fence
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3. Wider view of the area
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Mar 17, 2021 09:53:10 #
A very nice set. I visited cattle and horse auctions in my younger days. It was a great experience. The auction was held indoors where I attended but it still had flavor.
Mar 17, 2021 10:18:38 #
My dad used to take me to the auctions back in the late 50s. Every time I see something like this or one of a dilapidated sale barn, it brings those wonderful bonding memories. Thanks for sharing.
Mar 17, 2021 10:25:52 #
Love your photos and back-story. That auctioneer stand has such character! Looks like it was made rather make-shiftly, yet it has stood all these years. Even the stairs look like they are just boards quickly nailed on, (in the days before all these bothersome safety codes!)
Mar 17, 2021 14:28:44 #
I really like your tours, Jim! The shots are excellent and the narrative even better.
Mar 17, 2021 16:19:42 #
Mar 17, 2021 17:35:03 #
Mar 17, 2021 20:28:23 #
Interesting shots and stories you come up with Jim - I sure like this one.
Mar 17, 2021 22:18:44 #
kpmac wrote:
A very nice set. I visited cattle and horse auctions in my younger days. It was a great experience. The auction was held indoors where I attended but it still had flavor.
The one we attended in MT had an indoor arena also that was used for the larger sales as well as the adjacent smaller outdoor arena...everyone wore a straw cowboy hat!!
Mar 17, 2021 22:20:30 #
47greyfox wrote:
My dad used to take me to the auctions back in the late 50s. Every time I see something like this or one of a dilapidated sale barn, it brings those wonderful bonding memories. Thanks for sharing.
You are very welcome, Greyfox and thanks for stopping by and commenting...those were great times and I'm glad we got to experience them!!
Mar 17, 2021 22:25:52 #
ELNikkor wrote:
Love your photos and back-story. That auctioneer stand has such character! Looks like it was made rather make-shiftly, yet it has stood all these years. Even the stairs look like they are just boards quickly nailed on, (in the days before all these bothersome safety codes!)
Thank you ElNikkor...enjoyed your comments!! Yes, this facility was probably put together by a few local ranchers in the area and the sales held here were full of social activity as well the actual auctions. Sad, but you don't see any of these local auction sites anymore...think they are probably held at fairgrounds, maybe in conjunction with rodeo's or tractor pulls!!.
Mar 17, 2021 22:28:23 #
UTMike wrote:
I really like your tours, Jim! The shots are excellent and the narrative even better.
Thank you very much, Mike...was toying with whether or not to post this story/series...but figured most people probably are not aware of the existence of these little hubs of western lore so what the hey!!
Mar 17, 2021 22:29:50 #
Sylvias wrote:
Interesting narrative and excellent downloads Jim.
Than you very much, Sylvias...something a little different and hopefully entertaining too!!
Mar 17, 2021 22:32:45 #
Cwilson341 wrote:
Nice shots and lovely reminiscing.
Many thanks, Carol...this post has got me thinking to ask my son & daughter if they remember going to these little country auctions and what their recollections are.
Mar 17, 2021 22:38:16 #
weberwest wrote:
Interesting shots and stories you come up with Jim - I sure like this one.
Thank you, Joe for allowing me to share some memories with you. The story behind this post is something we don't see anymore in our travels...these small town auctions...tried to replicate the flavor of those memorable times!! Country people came by as much to kibitz as to buy or sale.
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