The Salida Museum hosts their 2024 Open House, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday May 25. Admission is free this day and refreshments will be served. All the exhibits will be available for your enjoyment and docents will be on hand to share their insights. While supplies last, the museum has small packets of sepia-tone historic photos, as a free souvenir of your visit.
A special feature on May 25 is local Salida historian Steve Chapman. Chapman will be giving presentations on Salida history at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. A colorful and entertaining speaker, Chapman’s knowledge of Salida history is extensive. He regularly conducts downtown walking and specialty historical tours of Salida.
While many locals have visited the museum at least once, it’s also true that we often overlook the best of what’s in our own backyard.
An extensive collection
Wilbur Foshay created the iconic Follow the Hearts To Salida promotion but may have broken other hearts with dubious financial schemes. Salida Museum photos
Recently, Ark Valley Voice stopped by and visited with Museum Treasurer and Docent, Larry Kovacic. An array of historic objects is arranged in vignettes with major exhibits focused on Salida’s main drivers – the railroad and mining. In addition, displays are devoted to ranching, farming, frontier culture and everyday life, to name a few.
“These are valuable items…every piece we accept has a local story behind it,” said Kovacic. Indeed, the extensive exhibit signage explains the context and provenance that brings the place to life.
What also makes the museum unique is that most of the artifacts are not kept at arm’s length or behind glass so visitors can get up close. While handling historical items can degrade or harm them, the relaxed vibe in the museum is that visitors are adults, will be respectful, and also keep smaller children well within their view.
Plaque commemorates Loyal Duke, a beloved American Water Spaniel. Exhibit in Salida Museum. Merrell Bergin photo
While some of the exhibits have been on display for some time and may be familiar icons, others are curated and added as donors relinquish their treasurers. One exhibit pays tribute to legendary canine, “Loyal Duke“.
A mention of the late Bob Meyer brought back memories of the reporter receiving a handwritten thank you for donations raised by Meyer to help maintain the memorial to Loyal Duke on “Little Tenderfoot Hill” on Tenderfoot Mountain. In 2017, the Friends of Loyal Duke dedicated a completely refurbished memorial there, which attracts many visitors.
Fraternal lodge ceremonial garb at Salida Museum includes hat and robe plus accessories. Goggles may have been used to keep initiates “in the dark” until their induction. Merrell Bergin photo
Other exhibits that catch the visitor’s eye include those devoted to local chapters of the many fraternal lodges that were popular in the day. Knights of Pythias, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows are just three of the local fraternal lodges.
Exotic ceremonial garb are on view, that relate to initiation rites and the hierarchy of membership their members ascribed to.
A valise was given to IOOF lodge members to hold their ceremonial sashes and accessories. This one was engraved as belonging to J. E. Hope of Salida. Merrell Bergin photo
Asked about the Sons of Italy, another group in Salida, Kovacic said he was not aware of any of their artifacts but that he would welcome outreach from anyone who has knowledge of them.
Another fascinating corner of the museum has many items that tie back to the medical arts and the original “railroad” hospital. Various surgical instruments, glass bottles and uniforms tell the story of what was then progressive healthcare. A mid-century corded telephone switchboard evoked memories for this reporter, of a summer job in 1969 operating the same switchboard in a small motel.
Finally, for those interested in military memorabilia, a few German, WWI spiked metal helmets donated by former Salida Mayor Jim Dickson were just one unexpected item to find in a small city museum. Dickson has his own Army Aviation items in the collection and explained that his uncle had made these relics available to him.
An active pilot and railroad buff, Dickson was also instrumental and recently recognized for his role in helping to get the red caboose restored and brought back to downtown Salida.
A visit to the museum is a great way to do a deep dive into Salida’s beginnings – well worth an hour and a must-visit for your extended family when relatives and friends come to town.
A horsehair coat made for Otto Jackson, donated by Clyde Chandler. The horse “a favorite of Mr. Jackson” remained a memory, after being put down after an accidental fall ended its life. Merrell Bergin photo
About the Salida Museum
The museum appreciates the continued support of their patrons.
Special thanks also go to the volunteer docents who keep the museum open for visitors:
Terry Pintane
Giff Kriebel
Dennis Kapela
Judith & Ed Kinzie
Larry Kovacic
Earle Kittleman
The Salida Museum is generally open from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, and can be reached at 719-539-7483. A newly added docent is expected to allow the Museum to open their doors on Wednesdays as well. Admission: Seniors $3, Adults $5, Kids $1
Featured image: Salida Museum at 406-1/2 West U.S. Hwy 50 adjacent to Salida Chamber of Commerce and Hot Springs Aquatic Center. Parking area also includes an EV charging station. Photo by Merrell Bergin
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