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The San Juan Historic Society Museum
We hadn't set out looking for the Pagosa Springs Museum. We had another destination in mind. But in the one main street along the 160, we passed this building with their "Open" sign, made a spur of the moment decision and stopped.
This Pioneer Museum is located at the corner of 1st and Pagosa Streets, on the east side of Pagosa Springs. We parked and got out to take a look at our surroundings. I'm guessing that this was pretty much a normal day for Pagosa.
There was a lady in a small office as we entered. Like us, she was trying to keep warm. She handed us some pamphlets which included information about the various displays for a self-guided walking tour. I did try and open it to read to the boys; but we'd already been down this path at Wupatki and after about 2 minutes of trying, I gave up.
So, we just did a rambling walk round - twice - through the place. Afterall, it wasn't really a big space; more like a big old barn with stuff just about everywhere.
The displays depicted life in the area from the 1890's to the early 1900's and it took me a while to realise that they Society must have gotten a various bits and pieces from scavenging old houses and businesses from the area.
Each section was arranged in groups. I think we're looking at stuff from a smithy to the right and a typical looking front room here.
I was particularly amused by the Dentist's office.
Especially when you consider the bottles displayed right out the front.
There were collections of clothes worn at the turn of the century. All froth and bustle.
This was the closest I was getting to rocks today! But it was a fascinating collection of different rocks and colours. These were collected in the local area and it was incredible to see how many different types of rocks there were.
The turn of the century instruments and gramophone was also fascinating to me. I wondered where they found them and who used them and what their lives were like.
I also liked the detail of this saddle. I expect there might still be one or two individuals in this part of the world capable of carving leather.
And the quirkiness of this "Cat's Cradle' had me chuckling.
For those in the computer industry, this would be a very familiar name. Who would have thought a simple adding machine would have developed into mainframes and computers?
Without a doubt, the displays that were the most eye-catching here was that Quilt collection. If the pamphlets we were given had any information about why they were holding a Quilt Exhibition, I didn't notice or remember the reason. But I did take a lot of time taking a look at the stitchwork.
Americana Redwork. Instantly recognisable - Abraham Lincoln, the Mayflower, Statue of Liberty, American Eagle, Declaration of Independence, Liberty Bell and George Washington. Wonderful stitchwork.
The Butterflies are from the 1930's.
I think this might have been the oldest quilt on display. It was labelled Chuck Red Wagon. I'm guessing pioneer days?
I did take a closer look at the stitch-work and I think it might be hand-sewn.
I originally didn't "get" the Trees of Pagosa quilt as the trees all looked the same to me. And then, on closer inspection, I realised that there was stitchwork on each panel with the name of a different tree type.
I think these two patterns are still rather popular in the modern quilts made today.
I do like the stitches with the names of the women in the family on this quilt. It just adds that wonderful personal family touch to it.
The second popular pattern is the Dresden Plate. I have a friend that loves this pattern and I've seen her bedquilt that she made a few years ago.
By this stage, DS was chafing to go. DH and I had taken the second leisurely turn round the museum because we could hear the rain outside. As the car bonnet proved, it had been particularly heavy at this time of day.
When we heard it stop, we return the pamphlets, dropped a few notes into the 'donations jar' and headed out.
(Continued in Next Post)
