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…]
Tag: Meeker History
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…]
HISTORY LESSONS: Candy chronicles from yesteryear
When I would visit my grandparents on my mother’s side, I would often get a treat. I think it is a universal thing to deny your own kids sugary snacks. Grandparents are allowed to offer bribes more readily. It is part of the contract. As a kid, if we wanted[Read More…]
MUSEUM MUSINGS – Letters from history No. 75
Hon. E.A. HAYT, Commissioner of Indian Affairs Washington, D.C. White River Agency, Colorado Aug. 13, 1879 Sir: Yours of 18th ultimo (Colo. M, 1432, 1434, 1435, 1436, 1879), gives authority to issue “salt, baking -powder, tobacco, and beans monthly”, for reasons I had stated. I now wish, for same reasons,viz,[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: JoHantgen
The White River Museum has a new item to view, a double barrel shotgun! I know what you are thinking: Big deal, my husband has 17 in his gun safe/militia arsenal. The shotgun itself is not particularly rare or ancient, but its history is unique because of its owner. The[Read More…]
