Charles States Museum

The States collection, Print Shop and Medical exhibit Plans for building the States Museum, to be constructed by the Surface Creek Valley Historical Society, were devised so that the new building would blend with the old. Keith Butler donated a section of wooden ornamental railing left from the “Sears house” remodeling project that gives the authentic finishing touch to the second story façade of the building. Steve Baird worked with the “construction bunch” during the project.

The States collection came from a small museum that Charles States had established in an underground room lined with cinder blocks, part of the States mine. The coal mine was located on the east side of Red Hill northwest of Cedaredge.  “Charlie” States discovered the Fairview (1901), States (1905), and Top Coal Mine (1935) in the Coalby area. He was one of three children who traveled from Michigan with early pioneer parents, George O. and Carrie States, settling in the Surface Creek Valley in 1885. The collection, in its entirety, was donated to the historical society by Welland and Doris States along with Bernard and Carol Boyd, the heirs of Charles States.

It was obvious that “Charley” was a collector! The museum reflected his interests: rocks, minerals, shells, artifacts, antiques, drawings, and more including a dinosaur track that had been taken from one of the mines. A larger dinosaur track from one of his mines, at that time the largest track known in existence, is on display at the Museum of Natural History in New York City. Some of the items in the States Collection are not typical of the area…the shell exhibit, for example, shows an interest that has led to one of the best collection of shells in the country. The States Museum collection is displayed upstairs.

A curator from a large museum came through (about 1994). He commented, “You have one of the most unique museums in the country. You won’t find another like it! This museum identifies what you have in this area and it also reflects the personalities of individuals in the community.”

Replica of Early Doctor's Office displayed at Pioneer Town

By Verna Barr

Deanne Bauer and Susan Triebwasser cleared a fairly large corner in the States Museum to create an exhibit of items that could be found in most any Dr's. Office in the Surface Creek Valley in an earlier era. The collection will be an on-going project though many items are now in place to make an interesting display.

A large glass-fronted display case was moved to form a divider wall and a railing (left over material from remodeling the "Sears' House" was installed to fence off the area allowing for easy viewing of the restricted space.

Doctor T. Herbert Aust's diplomas are displayed on the rear wall. His grandson intends to bring additional items for the exhibit.

Dr. Charles Frey's office stool, an early eye chart, and a quarantine sign have found their permanent home in the display.

Many items were donated by John Triebwasser from his collection of antique doctor's equipment including: a hand operated centrifuge (dictionary definition-a machine using centrifugal force to separate substances of different densities, or for removing moisture): a medicine case with medicine containers; a doctor's black bag; an early stethoscope; and various other items.

 

 

PIONEER TOWN HISTORY

Sand Creek Schoolhouse

The school was originally built near the old Wenton Coal Mine (probably in the early 1900's) about six miles west of Cedaredge. It was later moved onto the Hallenbeek property, a more accessible and convenient location.
The building was converted into a three room home to house farm workers when it was no longer needed as a school