A couple of weeks ago Kevyn Mack of the White River Museum produced Letter No. 56. Correspondence between Nathan Meeker and E.A. Hayt, commissioner, Indian Affairs. On July 2, 1879, the commissioner had approved the appointment of five employees and mentioned two resignations: Edgar E. Clark and James S. Fullerton. This[Read More…]
History Lessons
HISTORY LESSONS: Fire, the sequel
As a veteran Boy Scout, I can tell you that any camping experience can be rated on the quality of food consumed, how many blisters on your heel, and the availability of dry firewood. A rainy day spent in a leaky tent with no chance of lighting a campfire can[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: Miller Hill Cemetery Pt. 4
The Meeker Herald in the July 27, 1895 issue reported the US 8th Calvary was headed to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to persuade members of the Bannock tribe to return to their reservation. A large number of Indians were roaming the area hunting game. They were granted these hunting rights by[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: The discovery of fire
One of the characteristics that separate man and beast is the control of fire. Eons ago, the first man discovered a burning ember left over from a lightning strike and said, “OUCH.” Language and four letter words were also discovered. Things progressed when he found a roasted squirrel left over[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: The Miller Hill Cemetery Part 3
The Meeker Herald in the July 27, 1895, issue reported the U.S. 8th Calvary was headed to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to persuade members of the Bannock tribe to return to their reservation. A large number of Indians were roaming the area hunting game. They were granted these hunting rights by[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: The Miller Hill Cemetery Part 3
I am continuing the series on people involved with the Miller Hill Cemetery, whether you want to read it or not! The names will appear in their order of death, if known. I am interweaving newspaper headlines as a backdrop to what was happening here in Northwest Colorado and the[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: The Miller Hill Cemetery Part 2
When the oil companies began buying up land in the Piceance area, Miller Hill Cemetery was deeded along with the rest of the ranches. Through the efforts of the Rio Blanco Historical Society, RBC commissioners, Lila Cox, and Phyllis Lake, Exxon-Mobile deeded the cemetery and access to the Meeker Cemetery[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: The Miller Hill Cemetery
Miller Hill Cemetery is located on County Rd 5 (Piceance) just about 1 mile north of the Rock School. I would recommend it as part of of a leisurely half-day trip. The White River Museum has an informational brochure giving you points of interest along the way. If you are[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: Memorial Day recollections
By ED PECK | Special to the HT On Friday, May 24 at 9 a.m. the Meeker VFW will be placing flags on veterans’ graves. They will finish at 10:30 SHARP. On Monday, Memorial Day there will be ceremonies at the Circle Park bridge at 9:30 a.m. and immediately after[Read More…]
MUSEUM MUSINGS:
Letters from History, No. 49 White River Agency, ColoradoJune 15, 1879. Sir: Advertisements for proposals for building agency structures have been made, agreeably to your directions, copies of which will be sent you; and I think I ought to ask you whether contractors can have anything from the government here, as[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS — Founders’ Stories: Susan C. Wright, Pt. 2
MEEKER | There has been much written about Mrs. S. C. Wright. She was born Sarah Caroline Ball in Pleasant Mound, South Carolina. She preferred the name Susan, and it was by that name Meeker knew her. She was formally referred to as Mrs. S. C. Wright. As the only[Read More…]
Museum Musings: Letters from History No. 48
White River Agency, ColoradoJune 12, 1879. Sir: As the three wagons you have purchased by my request for Indians will I understand, soon be here, I ask your authority to retain them for agency use and give the Indians instead those we are using. First being 3 ½ inch, they are[Read More…]