The former compound is located approximately 9 miles from Waco and is located on a desolate, lonely stretch of road. When I arrived two workers were finishing up a stone wall entrance to the compound and seemed like friendly folks. When I asked for permission to take pictures, they waved me in; I wonder if they really knew what I was there for since it seemed they did not speak English.

At the very back of the property there is a double wide mobile home with a prominent NO TRESPASSING sign, so I did not enter that area.

I recall vividly the images as they were streamed across the television in 1993, as the siege went on for 51 ending in the fire that took the lives of so many innocent people, including 23 children.

I have no intention of debating the issue of who is to blame, who fired first, only to show respect for all those that lost their lives.

This is the foundation of the church’s vault, this is the place that the 23 children died when the building above them collapsed.

This is another image of the vault, off to the far right you can see what remains of the swimming pool.

This is the new Davidian Church that was recently built on the site of the Davidian Siege.

Another view of the vault area in which women and children died when the building collapsed.

This is the lake or pond that sits directly across from where the compound was located.

This monument stands outside the new church.

Another view of the Davidian Church

This is a stone monument remembering the victims of the Oklahoma Cit Bombing and the four ATF agents who were killed on February 28, 1993.

Another monument erected from the stones of the original compound.

80+ trees have been planted along the roadway in remembrance of all the Davidians who lost their lives during the 51 day assault.

This is the Museum that sat along the roadway for several years ago the siege.

Another image of the museum.

This is the Branch Davidian Memorial that is nearing completion. Each stone used to reside at the base of one of the trees.

A monument listing each individual who died at Mount Carmel.

Another view of the Memorial.

Entrance to the Mount Carmel site in Waco, Texas.

I will be blogging daily on what is happening on the floor of the convention, the town, sites, sounds, the whole works…I hope that all of you will enjoy the information. In addition, I am driving along the roads less traveled (weather permitting) and will be taking photos along the way, sharing with you those sites and sounds….

I would also like to wish all of you a Happy New Year – May the worst of your future be better than the best of your past, may all your dreams be yours!

Here’s to Jose, the quintessential definition of a true friend!

Word of caution, when shooting lightning, IT IS DANGEROUS!!!! AND YOU MUST BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL AT ALL TIMES – A STORM CAN TURN QUICKLY. LEAVE YOURSELF A WAY OUT. I do not advise anyone to attempt lightning shots due to the inherent danger it poses, but for me – I always make sure I am on the trailing edge of the storm (IE: Behind it, where it just came from and ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS leave myself a way to get into a vehicle, or out of the open quickly).

After about fifteen minutes, the lightning backtracked and was heading south, so I called it a night – no sense in getting stupid.

Here is an image from the effort!

Former Train station that is now the Skidmore Musuem

One of the businesses that has been shuttered for years

The dock on the backside of the B&B Grocery where Bo Bowenkamp was shot by Ken Rex McElroy

A view of the main part of Skidmore from the South

Another business north of Sumy's that has been closed for years

Another view from the South

The former post office, the X shows the approximate location of the killer(s)

A view of the former post office and Skidmore Library

Sumys Gas Station

Gas station across from Sumys, same gentleman that owns this owns all the junk filled property

The remains of the Masonic Hall

View from 113 as you approach four corners. The old bank and B&B Grocery can be seen on the right

Skidmore Food and Drink formerly known as the D&G Tavern McElroy was parked just to the left of the building at the time he was shot

a view of the old Post Office from the spot of the old quonset hut

The old B&B Grocery

Memorial to Bobbi Jo Stinnet

McElroy's headstone

Former Skidmore Bank that is apparently the Skidmore City Hall now

]]> http://www.dougpalme.com/misc/skidmore-part-4-final/feed/ 0 http://www.dougpalme.com/misc/skidmore-the-town-part-3/ http://www.dougpalme.com/misc/skidmore-the-town-part-3/#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:48:20 +0000 admin http://www.dougpalme.com/?p=199 One of the most depressing aspects of Skidmore, is the condition of some of the properties.  When entering from the North on 113 most of the homes are well kept, with neatly trimmed yards and no debris scattered about.  However south of Sumy’s as 113 turns East the properties take a turn for the worse.  It reminds me of La Belle Ave in Rockford, IL that has seen far better days.

I did find it disheartening that anyone would allow their property to become this cluttered and junk filled.

I am hopeful that at some point the residents will revolt against this mess; although I would not bet the mortgage.

Skidmore’s population is  reported to be 342 according to the 2000 Census, reality suggests that it is far closer to 225 to 250.  Since the killing in 1981 Skidmore has lost approximately half its residents.

Here are a few more pictures:

Route 113 from the North

One of the houses that seems to be accumulating junk

The new U.S. Post Office next door to the Methodist Church

The new Methodist Church

The bar which is now called the “Skidmore Food and Drink”, Sumy’s gas station, and the grain elevators that still process corn and soybeans.   That is really about it.  The old Masonic Hall is gone, as is the oil station across from Sumy Oil.  The bank closed years ago and the B&B Grocery has been shuttered for years now.  Despite the changes, much remains the same.  It is a quiet but friendly community that still to this day refuses to talk about the killing, or who did the shooting.

I will not attempt to rehash the entire story, there is an excellent book “In Broad Daylight” by Harry Maclean that covers all the details in an easy and engaging style that will keep you turning pages for hours.  Bottom line is, two men have been mentioned numerous times as the primaries behind the shooting, Del Clement – who was named as the killer by McElroy’s wife Trena the day of the shooting, and Gary Dowling according to police records recently opened to Harry Maclean.  Del Clement passed away in April 2009 from Cirrhosis of the Liver.  He died without saying a word about the killing.

Masonic Cemetary - Skidmore, MO

Reported to be the oldest home in Skidmore

Skidmore Christian Church

Entering Skidmore via Route 113

Another view from Route 113 (Elm Street)

Weather beaten, and faded Punkin Show sign that is no longer maintained

Entering Skidmore via Route DD