Walking up the long steep driveway that cars can’t always climb in bad weather, Debbi and Moe head to the weekly Wednesday night potluck dinner at the Martin’s home.
A community of friends and family has grown out of the weekly potluck dinners.
Music and conversations are a large part of the evenings each week.
Full of children’s books, toys and dress up clothes, the Martin’s home has always had children present in it, from their own families, to their friends and community members.
The Martin’s oldest son G.W., with his son, in the kitchen.
G.W. standing in whats left of the family home the morning after a fire broke out leveling the three story house. Fire departments from at least three surrounding towns came to try and put it out. Unable to get the trucks up the long steep mountain driveway in the winter’s snow and ice, firefighters connected hoses from the multiple fire trucks attempting to reach the home.
The family stove that fed all those that needed a meal.
For the next few months, family and friends showed up to the mountain to assist in the clean up of the ashes.
The ashes were searched for what remained of the family’s possessions.
As members of the community who have always been there to support others, the community, in turn, was there to support them. Though emotional and physical support, donations, and auctions, outdoor concerts, and supplies, the community, an extension of their family, supported the rebuilding of the new home for the Martin’s family.
With the rebuilding going on during the summer months, the Martin’s put up temporary shelter in a small camper at the bottom of the Mountain, with a small outside kitchen and living space.
The Wednesday night dinners continued at G.W.’s home at the base of the mountain. The spirit of the community continued wherever it gathered, as long as they did it together.
The Martin’s new house is not yet finished, the walls are just plywood, the bathroom door is a shower curtain. There is no paint, no trim, nothing feels completed, but its Wednesday night, the family’s pictures are up all around, and its the first night the Martin’s can host potluck dinners back on top of the Mountain.
Sue Martin greets her grandson as he arrives for the first night back for Wednesday night dinners at their new home.
The Martin’s granddaughter looks out over the valley from the second floor of the unfinished new house.