The Past Lives in Wickenburg

The Past Lives Again in Wickenburg

Absolutely nothing can beat the fierce community spirit and civic pride of the people in a small Western town, especially when they're desert-bred folk faced with a disaster. It brings out the best in them.

Case in point: the new Desert Caballeros Western Museum in downtown Wickenburg, Arizona.

On Dec. 21, 1972, fire destroyed the original museum along with all the antique treasures collected during the dozen years of its existence.

People were heartbroken, especially Н. К. "Mac" MacLennan, one of the five original organizers of the Maricopa County Historical Society, which was responsible for the museum. But hardly had the embers cooled when a woman was already thrusting a check into Mac's hand with the directive, "Let's do it again!"

And now they have, only better!

Three years to the day, on December 21, 1975, the new Desert Caballeros Western Museum opened its doors. The driving force behind the project? Community volunteers led by dynamic Harry Needham, a retired engineer and merchant. They, along with the Senoras de Socorro, a volunteer ladies auxiliary, and backed mostly by public subscription and private donations, reached their goal: to once again bring people the history of Wickenburg projected into the future.

You begin your trip into history at the museum entrance. Dominating one wall is a huge wall tile scene created by the McKusicks of Globe, Arizona, depicting prospector Henry Wickenburg of Vulture gold mining fame. From here you're lead through eons of regional pre-history with displays containing fossils of ancient mammals as well as artifacts of the early Indian inhabitants.

Later, mining came, which gave birth to the community. To pay its respects the museum has created displays containing reproductions of early area mines, mining techniques and the tools of the men who went down into the earth in search of the yellow metal.

A gold coin collection plus an actual mine head frame and hoisting works will soon be added to complete the exhibit.

And there is much more.

The most unique portion of the museum is the recreation of the old town of Wickenburg, which extends up through two floors. Here building fronts based on actual town structures have been constructed. Included are several bars, an assay office, a newspaper office, a leather shop and mine supply, a church and the Hassayampa Hotel (still in existence) plus the Brayton Commercial Company. The latter display, by far the largest, depicts the building which formerly stood on the site of the present-day museum.

Meticulous attention is given to historical accuracy. Where possible actual pieces of the period have been used. The old saddle resting on the rail outside the leather shop, for example, once belonged to Henry Wickenburg.

You'll also find this same kind of attention to detail in the several rooms on the main floor, all of which are circa 1900. Complete in every detail, they include mannequins in period dress and furnishings with all the accessories necessary to show what some of the homes in the region looked like back at the turn of the century. A stroll through these rooms may just bring back memories of having to take the ice water out from under the old ice box and bringing in wood for the iron stove.

But by far the most pleasant surprise is the art gallery. The quality and extent of this fine collection is impressive. Supplemented by bronzes and paintings from a host of public and private collections, the museum's gallery is a collector's treat!

Out of the ashes of the fire were salvaged two fine Frederic Remington bronzes owned by the Museum. His "Savage" is an excellent example of his feeling for the Indian, while "Mountain Men" is a powerful essay on these early trailblazers. There is a Charles M. Russell bronze, as well. He only created 16 pieces in his lifetime. His "Where the

VULTURE SALOON

(Right) Original oil paintings and sculptures in bronze help capture the elusive spirit of the great Southwest.

(Below right) Impressive work in basketry and rugs adds color and beauty to the Indian Collection.

Photographs by Jeff Kurtzeman "Best Riders Quit" was originally a gift to President Warren Harding in 1923.

Along with his bronzes, the gallery has an original Remington painting, "The Mystery of Thunder," on extended loan from the Rancho de los Caballeros guest ranch nearby.

Also featured is the work of Lon Megargee, capturing the humor and feeling in the life of the cowboy. His most famous painting, "Cowboy's Dream," hangs here.

And here too are a number of other original works, both bronzes and sketches and paintings, representing a cross-section of noted Arizona and Western artists. They range from R. Farrington Elwell to Hopi artist K. Tuvahoema. All these form a solid nucleus around which the Trustees gather on loan bronzes and paintings from noted collections.

Other displays, which conclude the tour, recognize the Indian craftsmen of the West. Pottery by Blue Corn and Margaret Tafoya, Navajo blankets galore, and fine silver and turquoise jewelry are a reminder of the impressive work done by Arizona's first people.

Future plans include an extensive program of education for young and old alike, with emphasis on the youth of the community. Film and slide programs, already in progress, will be offered once the new auditorium is finished.

Completing all these final arrangements may take a little more time, but with a strong volunteer organization like the Senoras de Socorro and determined leaders like Harry Needham the old mining community of Wickenburg will have its museum, one even better than before. It's a matter of civic pride.