I used to live in Helena, MT, and went up there several times. I remember the little graveyard up there. There were a lot of children's graves in there that had died around the same time, so there had to have been some kind of illness going around. Of the ghost towns I've been to in Montana, this one is my favorite.

@JakeysMom07

Жыл бұрын

I think I heard at one time, diphtheria went thru town and alot of kids passed.

I'm so glad to have this piece of John's voice and vision. It was indeed his last stop. John died in mid June 2021. He graced me with his kindness and his gooseberries for several years.

@cindybarton8562

2 жыл бұрын

So 😢 sad to hear John passed... Wish I could have know him!!~* Such a wonderful video!!~*

John is a great guy. I have known him for years and worked with him at MDC. He was always a caring person when it came to working with the clients. He is a open, friendly person who cares about all. Glad to see he's still healthy and strong.

@tishburris1748

3 жыл бұрын

This was awesome! Thank you.

@garyfrancis6193

3 жыл бұрын

What’s MDC?

@jeffwilson6807

3 жыл бұрын

@@garyfrancis6193 Montana Developmental Center. It was a state institution for people who had developmental and mental health problems with explosive behaviors

Im sitting here knitting and watching The Last Stop Elkhorn Montana. I enjoyed it so much just listening to Johns story and i hated when it was over, lol so now im going to watch it again. Listening to John tell his story and the background music, makes me wish i was there with the peace and quiet listening to natures sound. Thank you John

Montana my favourite State, greetings from Mexico

I remember Elkhorn, and the great Halls, I must have been about 11. So, I am guessing 1971. We were on one of the many trips, my parents would take, twice a year, all over the west. If there was history, they would find it. For many years I would remember the Halls, no clue even what state they were in. Now I know, thank you for placing a pin in the map of my memories.

My dad took my brother and I one summer to see the old west ghost towns back in the 70's. We stopped at Elkhorn on the 4 of July. It was fenced off and he had to get permission to enter. We were in a Ford Bronco and had to use 4 wheel drive. It was rainy and we wound up getting two flats and only one spare. Remember having us sit on side to take the weight off the side that was flat while going back down the mountain. Luckily there was a service station that was open to repair the tire. Great memories , that was were I found what my dad told me was my first fools gold nugget in a small stream or run off crossing the road. Great times, thanks for the memories.

@garyfrancis6193

3 жыл бұрын

Where I found?

Great video ! John is sitting here he says hello ! He's very pleased how the video turned out!

@ruthcisneros9471

3 жыл бұрын

Ghost stories please I'm sure he knows a few 😀

@georgiaware3248

3 жыл бұрын

Is John still living there now?

@otda3675

3 жыл бұрын

You and him need to start up a channel, day in the life type videos...people love him and everything about his way of life is interesting, he literally could rake in the money if he made a channel and that could go a long way to helping him preserve the area he lives in, think about it and bring it up with him....cheers 🍻

@beblessed3742

3 жыл бұрын

BE Blessed

@BWLightGuy

3 жыл бұрын

He is alive and well .

I could just sit and listen to him for hours. Maybe someday i will get to meet him. Stay safe John.

I live about 20 miles from Elkhorn and have yet to make a visit! This spring I think I will change that.

Just moved to Philipsburg, from Phoenix, absolutely love Montana and the people here. I really like your videos, keep them coming!!

Well John I just recently turned 73 and would still love to live the way that you do! I am no stranger to hard work as I was raised in saw mills and on a farm later. When I was a young mom I packed my three children in my station wagon along with all of the supplies and tools that I knew we would need to survive on a old homestead that a friend had found and made arrangements for my children and me in north central British Columbia, Canada. It was late afternoon on a beautiful summer day when we left. By the time I got to the mountains past Hinton, Alberta, storm clouds were building so I pulled into a camp ground just before the storm hit. My two boys and daughter (and her cat) were already asleep so we stayed the night. Through the night I thought about what I was doing to my children by taking them so far away from what was familiar to them, their friends, school and horses. I knew that my parents would be angry with me to say nothing of what my (then) husband and his parents would do. So, I turned around and went back to the same abuse that I had run away from only to leave a few years later. I have been on my own since then and enjoying the freedom though never finding that true Joy of living my dream. You have a wonderful life and I can see the peace and contentment in your expression.

Rest in Peace John. You were loved by so many and you gave so many people something to remember.

I take my grandchildren up here when they come to visit. We always have a great visit with John.

I would love to bring my grandchildren out there to see that town and spend a little time with this man. I'm a history buff... and they would learn so much.

My mind would be reeling every second living in a place like that, thinking about what it used to be like

@garyfrancis6193

3 жыл бұрын

You get used to it. I lived in Greece among ruins 2000 to 3000 years old. You see them in summer and winter on sunny days and rainy days. Eventually you just walk by as they are always there and will be long after you are gone.

All I want to say is, I am envious of how you live there. You are a very lucky man to have the beginnings you had. I have always dreamed of moving to Montana and living as you do there. But it takes a beginning. I never really knew my family. We were not close at all. My parents died when I was young, 22. I left home when I was 17. Went to Vietnam. By the time I returned at 22, I only had months to know my parents before they died. All the time wishing I could go to Montana and find a life there. Ending up just riding around this Great Country of ours in a truck. Every time I drove through Montana, getting that feeling of history and freedom. Good Luck to you in your very SPECIAL life!

@mickeymarchwick4752

2 жыл бұрын

There's a ghost town the state will pay a wage and restored house to live I .it's on utube

@gl9855

2 жыл бұрын

Me too

@k1j2f30

Жыл бұрын

Hey man, it's never to late to follow our dream! What's the worst that could happen, you finding your place in the world? Go for it man, there is still a lot of room in Montana...albeit, it is getting expensive, but if you seek out the back country and small towns, you'll find your dream! Go for it!!!

What a cool guy! He made everything about that old abandoned town, fascinating! His story about the old bird really touched my heart. I bet the people who visit , love a resident historian. He loves all of the old, rusty relics, and treats them with such tenderness and respect. This was a truly wonderful visit, into his own little oasis, and I appreciate the tour.

Wow, this is so well done

that was awesome. he gets to in joy a world of his own.

What a lovely history & wonderful you've keep the family legacy alive. Back to nature & simplicity, is good for the soul.💞

I met John a little while after he moved up here and worked with him at MDC, also. I had the great pleasure of spending time with him at his home. I loved it!!!! There is a lot of hard work to his lifestyle, I'll tell you. We have remained friends all these years. He IS a great guy. I don't get up there anymore due to physical restrictions ( dammit), so I almost cried when I was able to view this for the first time. I had to keep it under wraps for quite awhile, but I have had the original copy on my computer for months. Thank you all who appreciate it!!! Hi Jeff

@josephlopresti6825

3 жыл бұрын

Do you mind sharing the original copy?

Great Video. I visited Elkhorn in August 2020. Recognize his cabin. Visited Elkhorn many times over the years. As a teenager I lived in Boulder and have many memories of this place, especially the cemetery.

I thank you, John, for this video...following your dream!

Seeing this video, working 75hrs per week makes me think we work so hard for what, life just passes by and when you realize it, its too late. So Im at a starting point making a promise to myself weekends are to relax, smell the roses, watch the bird fly by, smoke my pipe and do nothing it's Friday night and it's time to start, I was going to work tomorrow but no more. They will see me Monday.

Great documentary, Doug. John seemed like such a wonderful person. May he rest in peace.

Hi John from Trenton , Georgia . Thanks so much for this trip to Montana it was awesome . I'm 73 years young and I thank I would love it there , it reminds me so much when I was growing up in Tennessee , both good times and not so good times but I thank it made me a strong person. Everybody knew everybody and we were there if you needed help . We lost a family behind us in a flood we had one year . One son was my age and we were inseparable and drowned with his dad , mom , and little brother . It was really hard , it happened in 1961 and I still thank about it a LOT . Thanks for sharing I would love to visit there soon . Be safe my friend and happy trails 👣

I see he has passed away. Seemed like a nice fellow. Godspeed John

John must be an Earth sign because he connects with nature just perfectly. I enjoy every moment of this video. Wish the Best for John. ⭐

Rest in peace, John. You will be missed.

My wife and 2 daughters and I went to Elkhorn Montana years ago. We walk through the town there was one man living there I'm guessing it's this gentlemans younger brother. We had to stop and open and close a gate to get to the town at that time. We talked about many of the dates in the cemetery being so close together.

Well done video sir. I was very entertained. But all the people who would love to live this way don't know how difficult it is. Imagine going to the outhouse all the time when it's super snowy, cold and dark. That's just the start. But ya, one likes to dream. I live in Montana and have been there in the 70s.

I really enjoyed watching this video. It's a damn shame that this ghost town seems more peaceful and safe then our current living situation. He seems like a kind, friendly and interesting guy.

This is great. On my list as I travel the state doing clinics. Thank you!!

@DouglasChester

3 жыл бұрын

Yes...enjoy. Stop and say Hi to John!

Great story. I left LA myself in 2001 for Florida and have been there since. I will visit Montana when I retire

“Loves to cook”, slurps down RAW eggs. Lol. Wish I could visit Elkhorn.

Very well done documentary !!! We met "Elkhorn John" about two years ago and visited for a bit, glad to see he's doing well and hanging in there. Great work on this video production.

Went there several times thirty five years ago, to photograph Elkhorn when I lived in Bozeman. It was an amazing and beautiful place, that made me feel like I was living in the 1800's. The cemetery made me feel very sad for those early residents who, had very little medical support for the serious and contagious deadly diseases that took the young and/or, entire families in a very short time span. Life back then was very hard and different, even if the residents back then appreciated the beauty of the landscape, compared to how we do now! It's a portal to life in a totally different time, and most of us could not imagine the hardships involved! I think however, they enjoyed the beauty of the land and life, much more than we do today!

John, my best to you. Always enjoy life when you can to your expectations. I applaud you for being able to live such a full life surrounded by everything good in a atmosphere created by God. Take care. My best

I would love to live in a old west ghost town!

@scottevans8489

3 жыл бұрын

Look up Ghost Town Living, it is about a guy who bought the ghost town of Cerro Gordo in CA. He is living there and restoring the town.

@mariemorgan7759

3 жыл бұрын

@@scottevans8489 Thank you for the information. I already follow him on youtube,really entertaining videos!

Just got back from a wonderful trip that included Elkhorn, it was wonderful to see and to experience.

I love the leave it right joke made me chuckle so much it was really funny

I remember my great grandfather because of the pipe he smoked. He was the 1st born son of my 2nd great grandfather who fought in the Civil War and named his son after his commanding officer during the Civil War. That was Roy Stone of the 149th Pa Bucktails. My great grandfather was named Roy Stone and I sat on his lap as a child...

Great video I do wish that money could be spent on fixing up that town and repairing or restoring some of those buildings that are sitting vacant it’s a town that has a lot of history and it should be saved.

Thank you, this was so enjoyable. ❤️Jodie 🇦🇺

Beautiful beautiful video, i live in Montana, most beautiful place in the world.

Watching from the UK, It looks like a fantastic but hard lifestyle. Somedays you would wish to be there. But thats probably just me

Wonderful video! John was so happy😊

What a great guy and beautiful story. I travel by car a lot and like seeing places like this because they are rare. About halfway through the video I started thinking about a trip to Elkhorn and possibly meeting John. I was saddened to read the previous post which told of his death in 2021. Still, I may go anyway and maybe I'll run into his ghost and say "Hi" to him. I'm sure he's found a way to stay in Elkhorn, dead or alive.

Thoroughly enjoyed this documentary and your conversations with John. I honestly could see myself living in a similar situation someday. Perhaps lonely at times though the natural beauty and peace are more than any city can offer. Hope to see more documentaries from you in the future.

Many great ghost town like elkhorn in Colorado.....St. Elmo is very similar in its history & mining.....this story is repeated 10,000 times across the west

Would love to visit and meet you someday. Thank you for the video John🧡 the bird.

What a beautiful place and beautiful history!

The true way we were meant to live. Look at how we have become slaves to the commercial world. Would love to live here❣

I would move back to Montana for the peace and quiet as I really miss the Treasure State..

That would be a great place to metal detect.

I live in Helena. I've been up to Elkhorn years ago to explore the old cemetery with a digital recorder. You can believe what you want but, there is definitely something weird going on there. I recommend checking it out! You just might catch something recorded that is not there with you. Here's a hint, There are kids buried in that cemetery.

@ericsimpson1176

3 жыл бұрын

Infant mortality was very high in the 18 hundreds and early 19 hundreds, dont make up some b.s. wishful thinking "ghost" story about it.

@kebwick78

3 жыл бұрын

@@ericsimpson1176 It's not b.s. or made up. Go up there and find out for yourself instead of feeling the need to bash me on it.

💗💗💗💗being born and raised in Montana

a gentle man ended his days where his father began John Bonan bless you. full circle . thats leaverite son you leave it right where it IS ✨🌳🌲🏡🌾🌲🌳🙏💖

Beautiful! Thanks!

Great Story , thank you

Leaveitright .....what's leaveitright?....means leave it right there 👏🏻😂👏🏻 I gotta remember that quote 😃

Thank you for sharing this amazing video!

thank you , i enjoyed this so much.

I visited, and I heard the music.

I'd need indoor plumbing with a proper bathroom, especially in the winter! Brrrr can you imagine having to go outside to use those outhouses when it's -10 degrees below and 2 feet of snow?😳🥶 Can't beat that scenery though, Montana is stunningly beautiful for sure.

Great video John! Your dad sounds like my late grandfather...a real card.

What a beautiful place.... thank you

A delightful story well-told. Thanks.

You are an alright dude. Keep it up guy....I love Montana...keep doing what you like....

Great video!!!! Make more like this please !

Great video & testimonial, thanks for sharing!

I don't want to visit.....I want to live there. What a gorgeous place and to be so close to GOD's majesty there 🤴🕊️💗.

Well , that was beautiful. Like John , I'm a landlocked ( by choice) beach boy and lifetime nature boy living in a similar place in Black Eagle, Montana. I'm sorry our paths did not cross in this life, we'd have been friends at the get-go. I'll make a trip to Elkhorn to say hello and bring peanut butter for that old bird.

Wonderful video. Well done to all involved.

Fantastic video thank you for sharing your life brought smiles to my face that you’re living your dream it seems very exciting

@DouglasChester

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! D.S. Chester

Nice story John glad you found your happy place many people search their entire life and never find it!

Would love to talk to you john .The story about the old bird landing by your face ,they are lifes stories that mean something

Wow 😳 A really heart 💜 felt video-

What is this, the thumbnail. I have had a very distinct dream about this place two years ago. 😳

I loved this!

Nature is amazing- what an awesome place ..

Montana is an absolutely beautiful place, my grandparents on my mother's and fathers side were born and raised, still have many relatives there, they all grew up in Great Falls area ! Now everyone has spread out threw the state , Whitefish , Great Falls, Helena, Billings , Wolf Point, Cut Bank , Martin City ,and on ! I will be move back when my husband retires !

@mickeymarchwick4752

2 жыл бұрын

I grew up in Culbertson and graduated from wolf point in 75 ,been in the wind now over 40 yrs , now live in small Wyoming town

@jameshankinson132

Жыл бұрын

My dog Dixie and I wish John a awesome travel in the after life. I'll miss our time together. Oh by the way I stopped by this summer and feed your critters.

Heartwarming!!

Loved that video

Elkhork John is the man!

Great work to the producer!

Awesome video 😃

Rest in peace my friend.

What a really neat place....it could be really Kool to live there..unfortunately , I'm very ill and I have to be near hospital s.....(such a drag )....glad to watch these videos bc I can't go there....thanks for the videos...xo

Wow! i never knew where Elkhorn treatment center got its name!!! now i know!!!

Great video

enjoyed your video .

" Custer getting his just dues"- still haven't shaken that LA attitude.

Great video! I wonder how he handles the cold winters?

@sheilayoung5683

3 жыл бұрын

The winters are tough.

God speed to you my friend live long and stay happy I pray you are well maybe I'll get up your way to visit you from Forsyth I hope this weather is not to hard on you God Bless

I would sure love to come visit and soak up the atmosphere. Now if I just had a horse to tour the area. Nice quiet town.

Just checking this out so cool

Love the video. He has it made.. wish I could do this....God bless...

John really enjoyed doing the film on his life in Elkhorn. There will be a short video tribute later this year. Doug Chester-Video Producer

@josephlopresti6825

3 жыл бұрын

Is John ok? When do you plan on releasing the tribute?

@josephlopresti6825

3 жыл бұрын

Douglas, my wife and I absolutely love your video. Is there anyway to get an uncut version of John’s story? Would love to check it out!

@DouglasChester

3 жыл бұрын

@@josephlopresti6825 send me your email address at mine listed on the video. We can talk off-line.

@NTiVE-tq7tj

2 жыл бұрын

When is the video gonna drop?

@wendylabonte9330

2 жыл бұрын

Would love to see the tribute...also what other films have you made...this one was so good...how much was cut out of the actual footage?