I remember watching the TV show Gunsmoke while growing up. It was on quite often, almost nightly it seemed (maybe it was the re-runs, who knows). It was a memorable experience watching this show during my childhood. I occasionally will watch an episode here and there. I also enjoyed listening to the Gunsmoke radio shows as well.
Growing up in Southern Utah, I had no idea the set for this show is in Kanab, Utah (one of the sets anyway from what I’ve found online). All these 40 odd years living here, and I found out just a few weeks ago that it’s still there! Boy, did I want to go see the set, look around and reminisce about days gone by, and imagining what it would be like to live in the Old West.
I recently made a trip to Kanab to see the set. I was saddened to see the condition of the set. Most of the buildings have either collapsed or are on the verge of collapse. It’s too bad that the set hasn’t been maintained.
I have a panorama of the site; unfortunately, it’s too big to post here. However I took some images of the site, and chose to do them in black and white, I think it’s fitting to tribute the show.
It seems that the only structure still standing in relatively one piece is the hangman’s noose. Ironic, really.
I feel it’s better to go back and watch the TV show, and remember the times it represented and the people who shaped this country and West into what it is today. Even though the set is mostly gone, it’s good to know that these times are going to be looked back on as a turning point in history, and future generations will look back at us and see how we did. Question is, how will we fare? It’s up to us to choose the high road, stay on the right side of the law, and always remember to be friendly to strangers and those you know.
Kelly
Kelly Guymon Photography 