Frontier Town, a 1950s era wild west them park in upper New York State, is in its final death throes. Closed since 1998 due to failing finances and weak attendance, the property was seized in August 2004 by the county for past-due property taxes to the tune of more than $300k.

The attraction opened in 1951, designed originally to be an 18th century pioneer village, with candle dipping, a blacksmith shop, and other sleep inducers. The costumes hadn't arrived before opening day, and the park owner hastily bought cowboy duds in New York City. Frontier Town worked into the mix some 19th century wild west gunfights, stagecoach rides and an Indian village.

The liquidation auction is this weekend, Oct. 9-10, 2004. Items for sale can be seen at Gokey's Trading Post on Rt. 9 in North Hudson. Everything must go -- stage coaches, trains, bumper canoes and all contents of the motel and restaurant. A large Davey Crockett statue that stood out front is also part of the auction. [10/09/2004]

November 26, 2009