As you know, Holden Village began in 1937 as a copper mine owned by the Howe Sound Mining Company. Many homes were constructed and despite the isolation, a full thriving community began its life high in the Cascade mountains. Dormitories, a gymnasium, bowling alley, a mess hall, a K-12 school and a hospital were built for the miners and their families.
West of the Holden a group of small houses, named Winston, were constructed for families to live. Holden still hosts a miner's family reunion every so often. In 1957 price of copper spiraled downward and the mine was closed in a day. Families picked up their belongings and took the next boat out, seeking work in other mines. After everyone was gone, the Forest Service burned Winston to the ground to allow it to go back to it's natural state. The foundations and stairs to a life once lived are all that remains today.
Art and I took a walk yesterday evening to explore Winston and to see if any of the spring flowers had come up. Much of Winston is open for walking but the top most tier is covered with brush and a tangle of branches. This is where we headed last night.
We walked and discovered lilacs and daffodils coming up in the long abandoned gardens. We found an old cement garage and small streams cascading down through what once was terraced gardens.
Our walk came to a sudden end when this guy poked his head out of the bushes. His ruffled back told us that he now lived here and we should be gone.
Today the weather was chilly and to keep warm I headed out with my camera. I was barely down the hill before these 3 young ladies grabbed me to show off their sidewalk art or a "chalk walk" as they called it. First we have Isabelle who lived her two years ago and is back for a two week visit. She is very proud of her popcorn art. Next, Anna, who was her a month this winter, show off her drawings of the chalets.
Eli, who has lived all year with me and is one of my favorites, drew many long lines on the brick but I liked her "Welcome to Holden" the best. Summer time at Holden has fully arrived with guests, families and kids everywhere. I was touched that these three honored me with their afternoon artwork.
This last picture is just one taken from the Lady of the Lake of Domke Falls. The boat rarely goes in close to the falls but today they put the nose right into the falling water. Quite a lovely day to end our time out with. Tomorrow it is back to work.
At one point we took a look down Railroad Creek valley toward Holden. You can just barely see the Honeymoon Heights tailing pile in this photo.
