Follow the adventures of an obsessive, semi-talented old man who built a 149 year old
Old West Ghost Town
in 2022
alone
The Townsfolk of Thornbush
As the time approached for the completion of the first phase of Thornbush, I realized that something was missing. People. In common terms, what sets ghost towns apart from living towns are... people. So if I'm reconstructing a ghost town, it shouldn't have any people. Right?
Even though it defies logic, I wanted to supply residents for the town in order to facilitate my future plans, photos and scenarios. So, I did what I do best. I made 'em.
Let me introduce you to the core population of Thornbush, and my friends.
Chester McDerkson
Chester is the Father of Mrs. "B". He has been a farmer his entire life but gave it up after his house burnt to the ground several years ago on Christmas eve. Chester's wife Doris perished in the fire and Chester sustained extensive burns trying to save her but he failed to reach her in time. He's lived in a small cabin south of town near the Clark Cattle Ranch for the last 5 years or so and makes his way to town every day, rain or shine - always a smile on his face. At 83 years old he spends most of his time now-a-days hanging out in town, where he visits the Hog-Leg for his one beer a day and then socializes with the merchants or anybody who will stop and gossip. He adores his Grand Daughter Oakley and they are quite the pair. Oakley calls Chester her Angel Bear.
(above) Chester, Ms. B and Doc Stanford
(right) Chester exits the Utter freight office
Mrs. "B"
Mrs. Bekenburg, or Mrs. "B", is the owner and sole operator of the Thornbush Mercantile. She has been widowed since Mr. Bekenburg died of the Pox in '68. She is small in size at 4'8" but big in heart. She will give you the shirt off her back and all the children love her, not only because her store sells peppermint candy and lemon drops but because she is a Mother to all the kids in town and loves them all. "B" is raising her grand Daughter Oakley Bekenburg, long blonde hair and cute as a bug, whom you will see playing in town daily and usually has a boy or two following close behind. One thing I know for sure is you don't EVER want to get on the bad side of Mrs. B. I've seen her knock out a man twice her size for stealing in her store, and I hear she's a crack shot as well. I don't want to find out! Mrs. "B" or just "B" donates unsold bakery goods and produce to the orphanage daily. She is a wonderful, treasured, hard working member of our community and everybody is fond of her. Be sure and stop and say "Hi" to Mrs. B at the mercantile.
Doc Stanford MD -
Telegram
24 Aug, 1873
07:16PM
To Mayor Shuey - Croaker Diggs, NV
From: Dr G Hart - St Louis City Hospital - St. Louis MO
Message:
Congratulations -- Dr Stanford has accepted -- your invitation to reside -- and practice in your --
fair city of Croaker Diggs -- Should arrive 25 August Via Rail -- awaiting your reply - Dr Hart
-----------------------------------------
Dr Dennis Stanford is well educated
Experience
General Surgeon (Certified by the American Board of Surgery), 1885-Present
Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY
Experience
Board Certified General Surgeon, 1870-1873
Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Lewis Stimson
New York State Lunatic Asylum at Utica’ 1864-1870
Duties and Responsibilities
Performed general surgical procedures such as Cholecystectomy, Appendectomy,
Exploratory Laparotomy, Thyroidectomy, Tonsillectomy, etc.
Operated on emergency (trauma) surgical procedures
Diagnosed medical conditions that warranted general surgery and other related treatments
Oversaw the performance of new general surgeons in the hospital
Acted as an adviser and consultant for journal-published researches on general surgery
Board Certified General Surgeon, 1868-1871
Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Lewis Stimson
New York State Lunatic Asylum at Utica’ 1864-1870
(Doc Stanford relocated from Croaker Diggs to Thornbush in June of 1872 to continue his practice as MD and General Surgeon)
Oakley Bekenburg
Oakley Belchamp. 5 year old Oakley is Grand-Daughter of Mrs. B at the Mercantile. She is also shown spending time with her Great-Gramps Chester.
Mahala
Small Sioux Child, a young girl of 7 or 8 years. Her mother took up with a young soldier and was banished from her tribe, the mother was murdered under mysterious circumstances and her child 'Mahala' was left to fend for herself. The orphanage tried repeatedly to convert her to the ways of the 'New America' but the young girl was a difficult convert. She befriended a couple of the children in the thorofare but no one really knew where she lived, or at least they weren't sayin. At 7 or 8 years old, townsfolk often offered her food and clothing - the latter being refused every time. For better or worse, she was part of Thornbush and they didn't deserve her. The Sheriff had a particular interest in
her and helped her and protected her from the realities of the current attitudes and prejudices. Some say she sleeps in a vacant jail cell under the Sheriff's wing.
Mahala - a person who is full of love. Your beautiful emotions create harmony and balance for anyone who is lucky enough to become your friend.
'Sheriff Jack Buford
(in process)
Short for Jackson Buford, he's also known as 'Ax' since his ever-present companion is an oak axe handle, always at his side. It's a bit premature to even show him...