February 15, 2013 - During a recent road trip, I found myself trekking through the small town of Eden, Wyoming.  And I do mean small town - it has a population of less than 300 people, and most definitely does NOT have a Walmart! As I drove through the town, I caught glimpse of this small, log constructed church that was situated right off of the highway. I knew immediately that I had to stop and photograph this gem. Unfortunately, I have not been able to learn much about the history of this church. A sign that sits in front of the church identifies it as the Oregon Trail Memorial Episcopal Church. But beyond that there is little information on the Internet about this Church - or the town of Eden. I was able to find out from a fellow Flickr photog (eddie_tk) that this Church was built in 1937, and has the distinction of not having a lock on the front door. I didn't know this at the time I stopped to photograph the Church, else I would have certainly have tried to get some interior shots.  I would have guessed that this church was much older that 1937. I would have guessed that this Church was constructed in the late 1800's.
February 10, 2013 - This is a capture of the Ryssby Church cemetary. Many of the original swedish settlers from the area are interred here.
February 10, 2013 - This perspective is viewed from the side of the Ryssby Church. Kyrka is swedish for 'Church'.  Interesingly enough, there is an old wooden stove inside the church that is still used today to provide heat. I tried to get a photograph of the interior, but there was just too much reflection from the windows to get a decent shot.
February 10, 2013 - This perspective is viewed from the rear of the Ryssby Church.
February 10, 2013 - I happened to be trekking around the farmlands near Longmont Colorado, and happened across this wonderfully old stone church. This is the historic Ryssby Church that was constructed in 1881-82.  The inspiration for this church came from a similar church located in the village of Ryssby, which is located in South Central Sweden.  Emigrees from that village left beginningin the late 1860's and 1870's. They, like most Emigrees, were looking for the promise of a new land and new opportunity in the United States of America. After arriving in New York, the Swedish immigrants traveled westward using the recently completed Transcontinental Railroad. The Swedes established a Homestead in this surrounding area, which was then known as the Territory of Colorado. The establishment of a community soon followed, which led to the desire for a church in which people could meet and worship. The stone that was used to construct this church was quarried from one of the homesteads located northwest of the church's location.  As the community grew and people spread out, this congregation joined with the Elim Lutheran Church in Longmont to become the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Longmont. The Church continues to be used today for special occasions and services. Many of the original settlers to this region are interred in the cemetary located behind the building.
September 21, 2012 - A shot I took during a Fall road trip. I spotted this wagon and windmill in the middle of a farmer's field, and thought it would make an interesting photo.
While all this was happening computers and the digital age was starting and before long the digital camera came to be.  I purchased my first one and haven’t been the same since.  I started with a 2 megapixel and now I have a 16 megapixel looking to get a 35.  I have been taking photographs for over 40 years and am just starting to take ones that I’m proud of.  But I love it, just love it.
September 21, 2012 - A shot I took during a Fall road trip. I spotted this wagon and windmill in the middle of a farmer's field, and thought it would make an interesting photo.
September 21, 2012 - A shot I took during a Fall road trip. I spotted this wagon and windmill in the middle of a farmer's field, and thought it would make an interesting photo.
September 21, 2012 - A shot I took during a Fall road trip. I spotted this wagon and windmill in the middle of a farmer's field, and thought it would make an interesting photo.
See photo in original gallery.