Lamplight Shadows - Missoula, Montana

"Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light shining somewhere nearby." ~Ruth E. Renkel

(Note: If anyone has info on who is Ruth E. Renkel, I'd love to hear it - she is a rather elusive character who Is credited with some well-spoken words. But it drives me a little crazy to be stymied in finding out more about her!)

Midnight Train - Missoula, Montana

"I was standin' at the station,

Ten to midnight in the rain

I was mindin' my own bus'ness,

Waiting for that midnight train..."

- from Midnight Train lyrics by Jon Tiven/ Roger Reale 
- My fave recording by Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang.

Winter Depot - Livingston, Montana

"Waiting for the train to come
I keep a'waiting for the train to come
Dreamin' of the river and the rising sun
I keep thinkin' 'bout the world to come..."
- from "The River Unbroken" written by  David Hurst Batteau & Darrell R. Brown

Click the following text links to listen to versions by Dolly Parton & Russ Taff .

Looking Forward, Livingston, Montana

The Train of Life
by Marv Hardin

"Some folks ride the train of life,
looking out the rear,
Watching miles of life roll by,
and marking every year.

They sit in sad remembrance,
of wasted days gone by,
And curse their life for what it was,
and hang their head and cry.

But I don't concern myself with that,
I took a different bent,
I look forward to what life holds,
and not what has been spent.

So strap me to the engine,
as securely as i can be,
I want to be out on the front,
to see what I can see.

I want to feel the winds of change,
blowing in my face..."

There’s more to this though-provoker; read the rest here.

Rail Décor, Livingston, Montana

In Montana’s early days, the state’s movers and shakers built key structures to not only be impressive but to last for the long haul. Old rail depots, county courthouses, and downtown mercantiles across the state still stand with enduring dignity and impressive architecture intact, regardless of their current function. Marble, sandstone, brick, and prime-grade timber paid off as a long-term materials investment. Indeed, they don't make 'em like they used to.

Iconic, Murray Hotel, Livingston, Montana

Seen here reflected in the old rail depot's window, Livingston’s iconic Murray Hotel has been hosting visitors to Montana’s Yellowstone Country for over a century. 

Find out more of the hotel's history and updated amenities here, at their website; the site also includes a historical video narrated by Margot Kidder.

Stationary, Missoula

As America’s transportation systems changed, small western train depots often were closed down. Many fell into disrepair or were torn down, while others have been converted to house new enterprises. The really lucky ones exist as well-maintained reminders of where we've been. 

In 1982, the old Drummond Depot was transported from Drummond, Montana, to its present Fort Missoula site, where it houses a railroad history exhibit. Click here to read more and view before and after photos.