Sutherland Indian Museum

(excerpt from Verna Barr)
An extensive arrowhead and point collection from Elizabeth Sutherland's estate is one of the largest displays of its kind in the country. Pioneer Town was offered the complete collection if they could come up with a suitable building.

The project was presented at the 1990 annual banquet and meeting attended by many of the historical society members. Ed and Beryl Marah started the museum building fund by purchasing SCVHS family memberships, challenging others to do the same. Within ten minutes $13,000 was raised among those present. Grand Junction's St. Mary's Hospital had received $13,000 from the Sutherland estate and contributed that amount to the fund.

Maynard Nelson designed the structure in the western tradition with pole beams to support the flat roof and a stucco exterior finished to represent adobe. The faithful 'construction gang' was called in again and work began under the leadership of Steve Baird. Three walls were built of cinder blocks. The front wall of adobe brick was left exposed on the inside. It was sprayed with a mixture of white glue and water to keep it from flaking. The outside of the building is painted with a special type of paint that not only gives it the adobe look, but also fills the cracks.

Huge logs needed to be peeled for roof supports, estimated time ... five days. Jack MacAdams talked his neighbors into volunteering. Ten guys reported to work and the beam stripping was completed by 2 p.m. the first day.

Inside, walls and glass cases are filled with artifacts. The Sutherland collection is displayed in 60 black frames. Three jars of pottery shards are part of that collection. There was one more jar of shards that inadvertently was broken while setting up the display. The deadline for opening the exhibit was near. No other jar was at hand. Shards were left, scattered on the floor of the display case where they remain today, appearing as if the scattered shards were meant to be there.

John Loring donated his collection of arrowheads, pictographs, and other items. They are mounted on white backgrounds. The arrowheads are mostly made from obsidian from the state of Washington. His varnished pieces came from the Columbia area. The carved eagle, hanging from the ceiling, was made by Dr. Carreau. Donations by the Cedaredge Rod and Gun Club add to the display.

Any of the numerous books about Indian culture, history and lore may be used on the premises, for reference by anyone.

The wooden Indian, on exhibit here at present, is from the Girling collection. Outside, copper and ceramic scones that light the front porch were made and donated by artists John and Margaret LaBounty. Note the totem pole. Though not indicative of local Ute Indians formerly inhabiting the Surface Creek Valley, it, like some of the other exhibited artifacts of other tribes, adds interest and provides information on Indians from other parts of the Americas. The totem pole was carved and painted by "Buck" Blackledge of Cedaredge, donated on completion in 1992. The sign at its base gives insight into the history of lore of the totem.

The bronze buffalo (bison) skull was made in 1998. It's been said that, "If you rub the cast, it will bring good luck!" At least rubbing it will maintain the patina. Another, it's been said, "Pioneers would leave messages in skulls along trails for others to carry back to families left behind."

PIONEER TOWN HISTORY

Bar I Wooden Silos
The silos are listed in the Colorado State Register of Historical Properties, dedicated on November 9, 1994. On August 17, 2000 the Bar I Silos as the structures were officially recognized by the National Register of Historical Places, United States Department of the Interior National Parks Service.