Cheapside
Cheapside was once a thriving little town. It isn’t anymore. According to Wikipedia, “Cheapside had three grocery and general stores, a drugstore, a broom factory, a blacksmith shop, a hotel, a butcher shop, a barbershop, a confectionery, several doctors, a Masonic lodge and a Woodmen lodge, a daily stagecoach, and at least two saloons.” Now, it is generally considered a ghost town. Only an interdenominational church is still active, serving the surrounding countryside. Nature is slowly and relentlessly taking over what was Cheapside. As a result, only a few remnants remain, silently awaiting their fate.
There’s not a lot to see or photograph in Cheapside anymore. However, there’s enough to give you a hint of what was and to stir your imagination. I visited Cheapside in 2018 and found a few photo-worthy subjects. However, they didn’t turn out to my satisfaction. Due to a period of oppressive heat and humidity I’ve decided to stay inside for a while. This gave me the opportunity to revisit my photos from the 2018 trip. I am much happier with my Cheapside shots as a result of revisiting them. It seems they just needed to marinate a little longer.
The Church
The first (and just about only) thing you see when you arrive at the spot that Google maps says is Cheapside is the church and off to the side is a nondescript old schoolhouse that serves as a community center. The church sits on a hill above the highway with a field of wildflower in front of it. The church’s sign has a noticeable lean to it. Perhaps, that’s symbolic of the town’s condition.
Open Door
Perhaps the most photogenic scene is an old, abandoned, “gingerbread” style house. Despite its age and condition its inherent beauty still shines. Through the open door you can see furniture. That open door seemingly invites you into explore. Sadly, a barbed wire fence and a “No Trespassing” sign suggest otherwise. Cattle sometimes roam through the house. I guess they don’t like visitors.
Old Ranch House
Technically, this old ranch house is not in Cheapside. It’s a couple of miles outside of town. However, it’s close enough that the residents, no doubt, considered it to be their town. Nonetheless, I’m sure that at one time a ride into town was quite a big deal.
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