When we think of St. Elmo, it reminds Lou of St Elmo's fire ( the static electric display of lights on the windshield of the airplane when flying through weather).
Apparently, Elmo used to be a patron saint of sailors. (St Elmo's fire was first seen by sailors in the rigging of their tall sailing ships).
This towns name is probably after a popular novel of the time.
I doubt there were many sailors in this rugged mountain range at 10,000 ft.
The historic mining town of St. Elmo was founded in 1880 and flourished for less than a decade. Although it is actually inhabited by a small handful of full-timers (probably about 10) and dozens of summer residents, it is considered one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the West. The town attracts roughly 50,000 tourists annually, including many who use it as a base for hiking and four-wheeling.
The Town Hall has been burnt and rebuilt with the efforts of the few remaining relatives of the original residents ( and with the Historical Society)
The most fun part of the visit is this!
For 50 cents worth of sunflower seeds you can have some great entertainment
as they climb up and all over you.
their checks are stuffed full trying to get enough stored for the winter!
