Ardoch, ND
Ardoch is a town of around 60 residents in Walsh County. We visited Ardoch once before to photograph the quite impressive Mondry Elevator, a visit during which we spent quite a bit of time looking for a phone lost in the tall grass. Since I was in the area again, I decided to stop in for a better look.
There are an unusually high number of trailer homes in Ardoch, both inhabited and abandoned. Most of the historic structures are now gone, with only a few exceptions. I was somewhat shocked to discover a teenager burning leaves in a driveway right in the middle of town. It was a breezy day at the end of the driest summer in decades… seems pretty risky in a town without a fire department.
Photos by Troy, copyright Sonic Tremor Media LLC
A couple of years ago (?), I sent you a photograph of my grandmother’s family – in front of their home – in Ardoch, ND. Grandmother was about 6-7 years of age at the time the photo was taken – which would date the photo about 1895. It was the Kerr homstead, in the Dakota Territory – before statehood.
Karen, thanks for the reminder. I just re-categorized that post so it will now appear under the Ardoch category when you click on ‘Ardoch, ND’ under galleries on the right side of the page. Thanks again!
Hey Guys,
Should have stopped in Grafton where we live. Would be great to have a visit. Also could have shown you a few of my images.
Bill
The empty lot to the right of the red and white building used to have Smokey’s Steakhouse on it. It was a fine establishment. Many years after that it was a bar.
My dad, Florian (Smoky) Schultz, was born in Ardoch, and owned and operated Smoky’s Bar and Lounge in Ardoch, ND, for many years until he retired. My mother, Barbara (Kennedy) Schultz, was an accomplished musician and accompanied many of the bands that played umpapa/old-time music in their dance hall on weekends. My mom and dad served smorgasbord on Saturday nights following the dance, and on Fridays they served Walleye and Northern Pike, lobster, and steak at their famous fish fry. Dad is 95 years old and lives in Grand Forks, independently, and is in good health. My mom, sadly, transitioned nine years ago. I last visited Ardoch in 2009. Ardoch Hall City Hall is right across the street from what was our family home that burned. My dad sold Smoky’s to a Fargo restaurateur who was required to change the name from Smoky’s to Smokey’s (with an e). The photo of what you identify was once located next to Smoky’s is what I believe is the original Smoky’s built prior to my dad’s expansion of the business around 1960.
As someone who loves vintage trailers as much as ghost towns, don’t hesitate to include some photos of old and abandoned trailer homes too!
I wonder if the large number here, were do to some past boom like some other towns in the region have recently experienced?