Linda and I stayed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for two nights
so we could explore Grand Teton National Park.
After seeing most of the popular sights we left the crowds and drove to the
Gros Ventre River Road. Here we found a
cluster of three log buildings popularly known as the Shane cabin.
This is an old homestead with a remarkable history in
popular culture. It started In 1916 when
Luther Taylor homesteaded here.
Extra care was made to make the cabin comfortable. The inside of each log was flattened,
insulated with newspapers, whitewashed and covered with layers of decorative
wallpaper. The marks of the ax or adze
can still be seen, but the paper covering is gone. Through a window we could see one of the
outbuildings.
In 1948 the property was sold to rancher Andy Chambers and
his son Roy, who rented the cabin out for a couple of years. The cabin had been vacant for a while when it
was used in the 1953 movie "Shane" and has been abandoned since then. The black and white photo shows the other
remaining outbuilding.
This beautiful view of the Grand Tetons was probably one reason
the cabin was selected for the iconic western movie, thought by many to be one
of the best ever.
Now the cabin is returning to the earth. The roof and floor are gone, and the cabin’s
floor joists balance on a few remaining foundation rocks. No one has tried to preserve the site and
there isn’t even a sign to describe its wonderful history as a homestead and then
a movie star.
Please be aware that these photos are copyrighted. They must not be used without my permission.
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