Ruins

After a 12 hours drive from Turlock, CA to Forest Grove, OR, we arrived with plenty of daylight left for me to spot a most unexpected sight.



The trip was target-rich for barn scenes from Willows, CA north. Once we were above Redding, CA the landscape became almost entirely rural. I have several barn pictures I will post tomorrow but tonight the building that captured my attention as we entered Forest Grove must stand front and center.



I've tried to find out a little bit about this house and perhaps I will have more to add here tomorrow if I get a reply from the Chamber of Commerce. The little I did learn is from Susan and Mark, my son's future in-laws. I haven't been able to determine when the fire occurred but it seems that two sisters lived in the old house and cared for their mother. One of the sister may have been a bit odd as she seems to have been a character around town.

I have the family name but will wait to post it until I can confirm the story of the family who lived there and the circumstances of the fire that destroyed the house yet left is standing.

By the time Sunday morning had come around, there was no question in Don's mind but that we HAD to stop by the side of the road so I could take a picture. As we approached, Don spotted a clearly defined driveway and turnabout at what was at one time the front entrance to the house. Without a thought regarding private property, in we drove.

It was apparent that someone was maintaining a clear cut area around the building. This kept weeds and grass down and I suppose thereby inhibited the growth of a fuel source against future fires.

I was surprised this house was left standing. In California it would be down. Lord knows we don't want to deal with liability in lawsuit-happy California. At the least it would be surrounded by a security fence. But no - here there was a slight but futile effort to protect what was left evidenced by the blue and green tarps.

I do hope that the chamber of commerce answers my email with some interesting information. Somehow I think there must be quite a story waiting to be told about this old house.