Photography of Charles W. Guildner ~ Lives of Traditions

Hello friends and hivers I hope all is well. Today I'm going to share some photography of Charles W. Guildner at a recent visit to the Durham Museum here in Omaha, Nebraska. The above picture is a Lego model of Omaha Union Station (Train) which is now known as the Durham Museum.

A little background on the photographer first. Charles W. Guildner was born in 1932 in Hastings, Nebraska. In 1990, he began photographing the regions of Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. Initially he was drawn to the landscape for his images but that quickly changed when he focused on the people he encountered.

I personally was drawn to his photos because I have seen ranches, farms and known people who work on them. Every photo contained a small story and I'll tell you that story through his words and add my thoughts as well. A lot of the work that gets done on these farms and ranches has remained the same for many generations.

Ellis Bockelman~Greenwood,Nebraska 1998

Ellis was born in 1924, he lost his dad at the young age of 13, took charge of the farm and went on to farm long after that. He grew milo,corn,soybeans and wheat. He also raised & fed beef cattle and milked dairy cows.

What I like about the photograph is it shows things that haven't changed all that much. The standing pitch fork laying on the outer wall of the building is a tool that has been used for decades. Also the pail he's carrying is another example of some manual labor that he's about to start. The last thing that catches my attention is Ellis's attire, overalls have been part of farming for a long time.

Orland Wahl ~Western, Nebraska 1995

Charles Guildner was photographing alongside the road when Orland pulled up in a vehicle. Mr. Wahl wanted to know what Charles was up to. This so reminds me of a time a few months ago when I was doing the same thing. I didn't have someone chase me down though, but it was heavily on my mind. Farmers and ranchers are not shy when they witness something out of the ordinary especially if it involves their land.

Anyways Charles showed Orland his camera and showed him photos of his farm. Mr. Wahl invited Charles to his farm and he shared with him about his life. This particular photograph is Charles's favorite he took that day.

A year later Charles returned to the farm with a print of this photograph for Orland. He met his wife, Leah and learned more about them. Orland talked about his time in World War II and their implementation and operating their farm business.

I find Orland to be quite the character just by seeing him in this photograph. His white cowboy hat, white beard and his tobacco pipe hanging from his mouth just gives me the impression this guy has seen and been through a lot. I'd guess he would have many stories to tell.

Edsall Family ~ Avon, Montana 1997

Not much of a story on this photograph other than one of the subjects wanted to be pictured sitting on a wooden box rather than standing with others. Some of these ranches and farms have turn of the century houses on them still. This photo definitely documents that and I personally love the old rugged look.

'48 Plymouth ~ Lowell, Nebraska 1990

This image was Charles Guildner's first image taken for his "Lives of Tradition" project. This was an abandoned car in a deserted farmland with deteriorating buildings. He took this photograph because it induced some youthful memories. Seeing this and reading the caption it to reminded me of places that have been abandoned with things left behind. Growing up in rural South Dakota I seen a few farms like this and have even seen an old one room school house all by its lonesome just rotting away.

Generations ~ Polson, Montana 1993

This photograph was taken on the cattle ranch of Walt Vermedahl. Over the years, three generations of his family ranched the property. The succeeding generations of gas pumps echo change and continuity. I love how Charles tied the story together with this photograph.

Mick Goettle ~ Avon, Montana 2004

Mick has been a cowboy his whole life. He is training this horse named Rooster for its owner from Great Falls, Montana. What do you think of those pants he's wearing?

Glenna & Earl Stuckey ~ Avon, Montana 2001

They own and operate a cattle ranch together. Glenna is a homemaker but also works right alongside the men on the ranch. You have to give Glenna a lot of credit. Not only is she taking care of the household she's doing the manual labor required on the ranch.

Haythorn Branding ~ Arthur, Nebraska 1995

The old school methods of ranching takes place at Haythorn Ranch. Branding takes place usually in early June for two to three weeks. The branding site (camp site) is set up with camp tents, chuck wagon, cook, and supply wagons. Camp site is moved about every three days covering about 50 miles. Branding is employed using a wood fire.

Pictured is Craig Haythorn holding a branding iron while Shawn Vineyard restrains the calf. Cows roam and when they are displaced it easy to return them to the owner looking at the brand. Also it's somewhat of a theft deterrent, as it's not uncommon for cattle theft on non branded cattle.

Troy Reinke ~ 1997

Troy is from Axtell, TX and came to Haythorn Ranch to experience the branding tradition. A lot of young cowboys come to this ranch each year to do this. Charles mentioned he often photographed these cowboys at the end of their work days, there not dressing up these are their work clothes. Each cowboy has own unique style of dress and manners.

I will tell you one thing don't ever mess with a Cowboy's hat!! They hold them dear and hold a great significance to them. Also not to mention they aren't cheap. It's one of the most disrespectful things you do. Hey if you insist to do it don't be surprised if you end hog tied to a tree or something, haha.

Katherine & Mary Ann Kelly ~ Atlanta, Nebraska(Rock Falls Township)2003

Hey there are Cowgirls too. These two at the time of the photo were age 18 and 16. They both work work alongside their family members and operate the Cocklebur Ranch. Both are excellent cow hands and horseback riders. They train horses, ride bareback, and are trick ropers. Much of the work on the ranch involves using horses. Any ladies out their inspired by these two young ladies and up for the challenge of being a Cowgirl?

I really enjoyed the photography of Charles Guildner. It was a neat display of some good photography that documented the lives of individuals who still are keeping old traditions alive. I also learned he has other projects on display at various other locations. Perhaps sometime in the future I will visit them and share the with you.

I'm curious which one of the photographs/stories did you like the most? Let me know in the comments I'd love to hear them. I hope you all enjoyed, until next time!