White River Agency, Colorado June 30, 1879 Sir: The mail is now coming here three times a week, and the contractor wishes to get his horses shod at our shop. There is no other shop nearer than seventy-five miles, if so near, and, as we have a good smith and[Read More…]
Tag: Meeker History
DAYS GONE BY – July 11th, 2024
Meeker Herald ~ 125 years ago The Anderson brothers of Powell Park report the best oat crop they ever had. Monday’s rain was hard on cheap bunting. Dr. Ketcham continues to be the busiest man in town. Those who wish to consult him regarding dental work had better get around[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…]
MUSEUM MUSINGS: Letters from history, No. 55
Department of the Interior, Office of Indian Affairs, June 27, 1879 Sir: In reply to the inquiries contained in your letter of the 15th instant, relating to privileges of contractors who are about to erect agency buildings on your reservation, I have to advise you that the furnishing to them[Read More…]
HISTORY LIVES HERE
The Rio Blanco County Historical Society is in the process of installing signs to signify Meeker’s historic houses. Stop by the White River Museum to find out 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…]
MUSEUM MUSINGS: Letters from history, No. 54
Department of the Interior, Office of Indian Affairs, June 26, 1879 Sir: At a recent awarding of contracts for supplies for the Indian service, no proposals to furnish your agency with 20,000 pounds of oats and 1,500 pounds of salt were received, and now N.W. Wells has made a proposition[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…]
MUSEUM MUSINGS: Letters from history, No. 53
White River Agency, Colorado. June 23, 1879 Sir: Yours of 11th instant (F. Colo. M. 1159, ’79) shows the deficiency in my request of 26th ultimo as regards mules, harness, wagon and saddle, and I respond as follows: I respectfully ask for your authority to purchase and pay for: One[Read More…]
Raising the bar — literally
Hundreds of hours of labor later, the original Meeker Hotel bar (left) has been redeemed from storage in a barn and restored. It’s now on display at the White River Museum, with some additional TLC and detail work to come. WHITE RIVER MUSEUM PHOTO/Niki Turner Photo MEEKER | The Meeker Hotel[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…]
MUSEUM MUSINGS: Letters from history, No. 52
White River Agency, Colorado. June 17, 1879 Sir: Hitherto the appropriation for pay of herder and Indian assistants has been remitted and kept under the head of “fulfilling treaty”, &c. (etc.); and under sub-head of “subsistence, pay of herders”. Not I note in your statement, May 22, 1879, that you[Read More…]
