The Homestead Door
Friends, I’m absolutely giddy!
Can’t wait to tell you about the treasure I hauled home from our Wyoming trip this summer.
If you’ve read my post “Decorating with Memories,” you know I’m passionate about infusing my home with artifacts that hold special memories of people and places I love. Well, I just added the crown jewel!
Our Wyoming road trip included a stop in Pinedale, the last place my great grandfather homesteaded. (In case you missed it, here’s his story.) At the time, the ranch included a large main cabin flanked by two smaller ones. My grandmother was likely born in this main cabin in 1908.
The main cabin is long gone, but the two smaller ones are still standing…just barely. The current owner (who lives in New York) graciously allowed us to poke around and take some photos. We first discovered the cabins during a visit two years ago, and I noticed that the door on one cabin had fallen completely off its hinges and was lying on the ground. Somewhere on the drive home, it occurred to me just how awesome it would be to have that door! But it was too late.
This time, I screwed up my courage and asked the current owner if she would mind if I took the old door home. Thankfully, she had no particular attachment to it and generously agreed. Woo hoo!
It always helps to have a strong man handy for these types of adventures, and as luck would have it, my brother-in-law, Dan, willingly volunteered for the heavy lifting. Old wood lasts a long time in the dry Wyoming climate, but our door certainly showed the effects of its age. Nevertheless, after a cursory brush of dirt and bugs, we loaded that baby in the back of our packed-to-the-hilt SUV and we were off.
Can you even imagine my excitement? I mean, just look at this beauty!
To be honest, not everyone shared my excitement. My mom and sister exchanged a few side glances, and asked more than once, “But what are you going to DO with it??”
But I had a plan. I could already see it. And, thanks to my very handy and supportive husband, it’s even more glorious than I envisioned. Ta da!
My Granny’s baby photo is one of my most prized possessions, and now it hangs from a rusty nail on the door from her very first home. I have 110 years of history — my history — hanging on my wall. And my heart sings every time I see it.
Yay! Aileen you got the door and I love how you have it displayed! It is beautiful
Thank you, Ida! You and Wes need to come see us in Missouri sometime so you can see it in person. We would love to have you!