White River Agency, Colorado August 25, 1879 Sir: In regard to circular No. 31, July 12 1878, I have to say that I was awaiting your decision as to whether any agency buildings would be erected this year. The warehouse as proposed would have furnished storage for roots, and for[Read More…]
Tag: Meeker History
HISTORY LESSONS: Meeker History Primer
EDITOR’S NOTE: This fall will mark the 140th anniversary of the official founding of the Town of Meeker (and this newspaper). In light of that upcoming event, we’ll be sharing town history and stories about the town’s founders in the coming weeks. When someone on the Front Range asks, “Where’s[Read More…]
MUSEUM MUSINGS: Letters from history No. 83
White River Agency, Colo. August 11, 1879 Sir: In a letter of this date (A) are several things connected with the subject of this letter. I have a strong belief that a raid is to be made on our herd through the connivance of the Indians, and what I want[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: The Rio Blanco Store Pt. 2
There were many owners of the Rio Blanco Store, even more operators. I was able to document most: Irvin Melville & Lilie Arnold Kellogg, Carl &Lona Dixon Lindstrom; Andrew Asberry Alley Jr; Parker L. Snyder; Donald & May Snyder McKay; Benjamin Marton Strawbridge; Gene Voeltzel; Owen “Pete” George Roberts; Christian[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: The Rio Blanco Store
Long time residents fondly remember the Rio Blanco Store as a place to get gas, eats, and treats. It was located along Highway 13 near the intersection with the Piceance Creek road, north of the Rio Blanco School. There is nothing left to see now. The State scraped away even[Read More…]
MUSEUM MUSINGS: Letters from history No. 81
White River Agency, Colorado July 16, 1879 Sir: In regard to purchasing the grist mill of Todd and Co., Saint Louis, I find it hardly practicable to do business with them. First, they insist that the man performing the skilled labor, for which you have appropriated $400, must have $3[Read More…]
MYSTERY SOLVED
The tool pictured at the top is a hitch pin for a wagon that doubled as the tool to remove the axle nut. Tool owned by Ron Hilkey. Ed Peck PHOTO
HISTORY LESSONS: Husband finds pickle relish
March 25, 2025, a date that will live in history. This husband (me) found a jar of pickle relish in the pantry that his wife could not. I thought about renting a billboard, but none were available. Now, it is not special for men to search for 30 minutes for[Read More…]
MUSEUM MUSINGS: Letters from history No. 77
Special to the HT White River Agency, Colorado July 7, 1879 Sir: In close, herewith, proposals of Messrs. Clements, Leadville, Colorado, for constructing agency building, they are so indefinite that I cannot see how they can form more than a basis, and as I do not know whether it was[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: ‘Gunsmoke’ Meeker-style
“Gunsmoke” was one of the longest-running American TV shows, airing from 1955 to 1975. Stories of the West were, and still are, popular. There is something about the elements of adventure and the independence of frontier life that continues to captivate audiences. Marshal Dillon, Doc, and Miss Kitty were fictional[Read More…]
MUSEUM MUSINGS Letters from history No. 76
Special to the HT MEEKER | The information that follows was taken from the ANNUAL REPORT OF 1879. The contents of this book are the reports from the Indian agents from coast to coast. In browsing the contents there is a common thread from coast to coast. The agents are[Read More…]
DINNER AT THE MUSEUM
It wouldn’t be a night at the museum without the presence of Teddy Roosevelt in the background. A small group of Meeker residents enjoyed a catered meal at the White River Museum recently. With the restored Meeker Hotel bar as the backdrop on one side and the historic stagecoach on[Read More…]
