"One hundred years ago Meeker, Colorado was a typical western town of frame buildings and dirt roads with nary a tree in sight. Now it is a beautiful and thriving community, rich in history.
The History of Meeker can be seen first hand by visiting the White River Museum! You won't be able to miss the rough hewn log buildings which store the treasures of the White River Valley. Stop in when you're in Meeker and take a look at the picture by the door. It was taken 4 years after the military left in 1883. There's another large picture that's on the wall to the right as you go into the last room. It was taken from the steps of the Garrison and you can see where the people put false fronts on the old adobe enlisted men's barracks. It's fascinating!
The original structure was built in 1880 as quarters for U.S. Army officers. The army pulled out in 1883 and sold to the town, the officers' quarters for $100 each and the adobe enlisted men's barracks (on the block where the bank is) for $50 each. The museum was a private residence until 1945. The Garrison building, which recently underwent major renovation, was a residence until 1995, and the corner building continues to be a private home.
You'll find dresses, wedding gowns, hats and jewelry, from the late 1800's through the 40's, and on. If you don't find the large Victorian wreath made of human hair, make sure and ask someone. It truly is exquisite. There are uniforms from every branch of the service, worn by Meeker men in wars going back to WWI.
Concord StagecoachThrough personal belongings you'll meet people who've added color to the Meeker landscape. You can see Rory White's bear hide coat. Rory was the stagecoach driver between Rifle and Meeker at the turn of the century. Only in high summer was he seen without his bear hide coat! You can read articles about the "real" facts behind the Meeker Massacre, and on the spot coverage of the Meeker bank robbery in 1896.
Chief ColorowYou won't want to miss seeing Chief Colorow's peace pipe, or the pair of moccasins made by a Ute woman for a pioneer boy. You can see the original hand printing press brought to Meeker in 1885 from Leadville by wagon to print The Meeker Herald weekly newspaper - which, by the way, is still in circulation under the name of The Herald Times.
Antique pianoNo matter what strikes your interest as you walk through the museum, let your imagination take hold. These pieces of furniture, pictures, and personal treasures are truly the pioneer west!
The White River Museum is located at 565 Park Street, behind the red flagstone Rio Blanco County Courthouse, one block from downtown Meeker.
The museum is open daily year around. Our hours are 9AM-5PM Mid-April through end of November, 10AM-4PM through the winter.
Please call the White River Museum at 970-878-9982 with any questions. You can also e-mail: wrmuseum@nctelecom.net
Admission is free. Donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you from the Rio Blanco County Historical Society." (excerpted from (
visit link) )
Please do donate to this local museum. They are working hard to preserve local history that should not be lost.