The StoryYears ago, one of my oldest and best friends moved to Deadwood, South Dakota, in the heart of what is known as the Black Hills. My friend worked occasionally for Mary Schmit, local history buff and part owner of the historically famous Bullock Hotel. Schmit was concerned that much of the areas historical sites were literally disappearing, disintegrating back to nature or the bulldozer. She commissioned me to photograph many of these sites so there would be a visual record, which I did during the summers of 1995-96. From the negatives approximately 20-25 images were selected and archival 16”x20” prints were made and used to decorate guest rooms in the hotel’s adjunct boutique building called the Branch House. Perhaps they still exist there.The prints were produced in my darkroom facilities in San Diego and needed to be shipped to Deadwood without damage. A hardwood container with metal corners and a handle got the job done.
