When we left off yesterday, Sexy Hubby was about to take the left fork on the Old Yellowstone Trail…
We crested the hill, and saw that the road ended.
It ended at Tinker’s Hill – an old cemetery just west of Gardner, Montana.
The end of the line. Literally.
Of course, we immediately got out of the truck and began exploring. Once you get past the creepy part, cemetery’s are such a fantastic spot to observe local history. As I read the headstones, I like to imagine what kind of life that person might have had, and what the world was like while they were alive.
Tinker’s Hill is one of the oldest, and most rustic cemeteries I’ve ever seen. And I love the history we discovered.
Tinker's Hill Cemetery - Gardner, Montana
Overlooking Gardner, Montana - with the Roosevelt Arch in the Distance
Tinker's Cemetery, Gardner, Montana
Headstone at Tinker's Hill
Privacy Gate at Tinker's Hill
One thing I noticed at Tinker’s Hill, it’s what I like to call a “Privacy Gate” around the plots. Not only is this a special way to memorialize a loved one, but perhaps most importantly, to keep the critters at bay. After all, this property is neighbor to America’s first national park – and home to bison, elk, big-horned sheep and the top of the food chain – the Grizzly bear – all of whom are used to walking anywhere they damn well please.
Tinker's Hill Cemetery
Love this shot!
Old Tinker's Hill Headstone
Headstone at Tinker's Hill
As would be expected, there are sad stories to be found in a cemetery. I try to imagine what the medical facilities were like at the turn of the century, and what this poor family must have endured knowing they were returning home to Nebraska without their 9 year old daughter.
Old metal pinwheel
For those who follow this blog, you know I love all things old and rustic. I was so excited to find an old metal pinwheel on the ground next to one of the headstones. I took its photo, then placed it gently at the base of the stones. For one second, I thought about taking it home, but that reeks of bad taste, not to mention bad karma. When I voiced my desire to take the pinwheel to Sexy Hubby, he said, “Are you crazy?”
The pinwheel stayed put.
Colorful Lichens Growing Atop the Headstone
My favorite of all photos taken at Tinker’s Hill Cemetery is this…
Old wooden cross plot marker
There were no dates on this plot marker – but obviously, it is quite old. Seems I can’t refer to it as a head “stone” as it’s made of wood. Very old wood.
Score one for Sexy Hubby for his insight to take the road less traveled, leading us to the gates of Tinker’s Hill.
KT…love your Montana Yellowstone adventures…It’s my favorite place to visit and I’ve only been there 3 times…You are a fabulous writer and I enjoy ever minute reading your blog…Keep it up. Next up a book perhaps???? love ya Judi
Thanks JJ!!
Yes, I do love YNP…one of my favorite places!
Thanks for your kind words and encouragement. And yep, hopefully there is a book (or two or ten!) somewhere in my future!
Take care!
KT
Love, love, LOVE this! What a cool cemetery in the middle of nowhere. Neat find. I enjoy going through cemeteries…I guess that explains a lot
That explains it ALL Cheesemeister!!
luv u!
KT
What an amazing find!! My dad calls old cemeteries “marble museums.” Leave it to big Lyle to come up with that terminology. Can’t you just picture the look on people’s faces the first time they hear that phrase???
Love your pix and posts and you!
Hmmm….tell Big Lyle that I just may steal that line!
Thanks LB! Love u too doll!
KT
P.S…I liked your “cliffhanger” from the last post having to wait until today to find out. It was fun
I don’t miss a post! You have avid gentle followers… stay the course!
You Rock LG!!!
Wish we’d taken the left fork. I love old cemeteries and how cool to find the pinwheel. Glad you left it, though.
Next time Barb, it will be on your must see list!
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http://www.yellowstonetrail.org/id225.htm
M. A. Mowbray, Exec. Dir.
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[...] our visit to Tinker’s Hill, we ventured the remainder of the Old Yellowstone Trail and through the northwest gates of [...]