Yo and Hey to ya'll Oddaseers,
Day 45 started a bit late due to our late arrival after a war with Interstate 64 through Raleigh-Durham. There were wrecks and some mysterious road construction which all lead to a massive traffic jam/parking lot. We eventually made it to Four Oaks.
Our first point of interest was "Western Town" -- man builds old western town in his back yard. One photo was just enough to pique our interest and off we went toward unincorporated Brogden out side of Smithfield. The directions were good and were blessed with adequate signage.
After a few miles of mobile and manufactured homes, it was starting to look a bit bleak. Then came a densely forested area with a sign directing us to "Shadowhawk". There we found a rather nondescript town on the right, appearing like "Mercantile Store" and off to the left a hint of an old western town's main street. Most guys consider themselves lucky to have a den or game room. Not Mr. William Dallas Drake, he built himself a life-size town. There was a jail, a church, an undertakers, a blacksmith, the doctor's office, bank, barber and not one but two saloons (the larger one was built because the first one was too small and he wanted to add a brothel upstairs) and even a cemetery. All not quite authentic but close enough for a guy that was a Hollywood bit player for years.
Wild Bill, as he calls himself, greeted us and we paid our entrance fee (a six pack of beer, Corona in this case). He aimed us at main street and said he'd meet us there shortly. He returned in proper attire -- old jeans, cowboy boots (appropriately worn out) and a crunchy old hat.... perfect. Then we were given the tour and story.
Bill is the real deal. He built every structure and decorated every room according to his version of accuracy. Very friendly good ole boy who had had actually been born nearby. In one room there were costumes and various western garb. He had a recurring role on Gunsmoke as the town drunk. The first bar was built and designed to approximate the real Long Branch in Dodge City. He had parts (very small) in "The Outlaw Josie Wales", "North and South" (mini-series) and many westerns in both movies and television. He often played your black hatted bad guy.
His "town" is currently used as very large meeting place. There are weddings, parties and lots of just hanging out. This weekend there will 200+ bikers arriving. It really did feel like a place where people just come, kick back with Bill, and smoke and play pool/cards. He only has 4 undeniable rules. In his words: 1. No narcotics 2. No arguing. 3. No fightin' 4. No rough language -- this place is for families and kids too.
One thing that struck us was how wonderful it is that the neighbors and local authorities do not have any issues with this quirky attraction. There is no way a single building code has been fulfilled. It's a guaranteed fire hazard. Lots of smoking and drinking goes on and surely there are times when it gets loud and parking must flow out to the street. He says the cops have never been to the place in an official capacity.
It's very cool that this place exists. It's great that some bureaucratic nonsense does not prevent Bill and his friends from goofing off in this anachronistic place. Not sure we can call Bill an artist but we can honestly say he's a work of art that walks among us; what a character.
Well.... after sitting at a table in the saloon chatting with Wild Bill 'fer a piece, we reluctantly saddled up the 'ole Toyota and drove off into the the sunset. We plan on viewing his latest film "Justice - Law the Colt 45 Way" at our earliest convenience.
Love, jangling spurs and dreams of Tombstone,
Rodney and Susan
ps. Bill quote of the day. As we said our goodbyes -
"I don't shake no woman's hand, I hug 'em." Note: He's on wife #4 going - 30+ years
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