by Rebecca Young

Hiwan Homestead Museum's newest permanent exhibit is located in the Housekeeper's Cabin. In the early days of the museum, this room housed the JCHS gift shop, "Heritage Hideaway." After the gift shop closed, the space was used as the JCHS office. Last November the JCHS board voted to expand the museum's educational opportunities by converting its office into usable exhibit space. The museum staff quickly organized a committee of volunteers to assist in the development of a permanent exhibit that, like the 1876 Schoolroom, offers hands-on activities. And thus the "Bear Creek Mercantile" general store exhibit was born.

Like all exhibits at Hiwan Museum, the Bear Creek Mercantile is supported by funds provided by JCHS. This newest exhibit creates a fictional general store and post office that would be typical to our mountain area, circa 1895. "This date was chosen because of the significant number of historic items available for our display," Sue Ashbaugh, Hiwan's Museum Education Coordinator, explained. The 1893 Chicago World's Fair introduced several food staples which can still be found on grocery store shelves, including Quaker Oats, pancake mix, Cream of Wheat, Cracker Jacks and Juicy Fruit gum. In addition, Museum Programs Coordinator Meghan McGinnes, a/k/a Super-EBay Surfer, found a coffee mill and a cheese preserver typical of the period. She also obtained an "old-timey" cash register and a store ledger and ledger-holder from the 1880s. In addition to these newly-acquired items, a few items from the JCHS collection have been "re-deployed" to the general store. A woodstove, wall clock and paper dispenser have been moved from the Pioneer Workshop to add a real touch of authenticity to the general store. Likewise, fabric bolts, spools of thread, yarn and needles have been taken from our "craft stash" to create the store's millinery department. Last, but certainly not least, the store has been the recipient of generous donations from the community, including fish creels, a mop bucket with ringer and a fruit press. Of course, a spittoon and a checker board, appropriately balanced on a barrel, grace the warm space around the woodstove.

The Bear Creek Mercantile will be on permanent view for all visitors to Hiwan. Interpretation will be offered to tour groups, primarily children, which will allow visitors to experience shopping in a general store. "There will be many hands-on activities for children to actively participate in," Sue Ashbaugh points out. "They can 'buy' items from a list, trade with money or eggs, measure and cut ribbon or string, grind coffee, sort mail, play checkers, and choose a pencil or piece of candy to really buy."

Do you have something you think would benefit the new Bear Creek Mercantile exhibit? While we'd love to see what you've got, in order to avoid duplication, etc., the Hiwan staff needs to evaluate all donations. Furthermore, since this is a hands-on exhibit, all donations must be made on a non-return basis. Please call Sue or Meghan at 720-497-7650 to discuss your donation ideas. Thank you!

Changing of the Guard

There is a saying, "If you want to get something done, give it to a busy person." That is so true with our JCHS Board members. Three of them -- Randi Marcos, Rebecca Young and Susan Halama - are retiring from the board next month after many years of service. While they all have other things to fill up their busy lives, I am pleased to say that they will continue to find the time to contribute to the Historical Society.

Randi Marcos will continue to help JCHS in our book sales, which have brought in a nice revenue this year. During her tenure on the board Randi has served as Historian, Recording Secretary, Director-at-Large and Grove Events Director. She is the Coordinator for Discovery Days this year, which she also did in 2004 and 2005. In addition, she is a Pioneer teacher for the 4th Grade Program at the museum and has arranged many of the Society's social events. She has moved on to become president of the Foothills Genealogical Society.

Rebecca Young will continue as our newsletter editor. Rebecca became a member of the board in 2003, shortly after taking the tour guide training program at Hiwan. While on the board Rebecca served as Recording Secretary, Vice President, President and Past President. She hopes to complete her Native Plant Master certification through CSU this summer. In June, her family is holding a special celebration for the family home in Fortson, Georgia, to commemorate its 150th year.

Susan Halama has written several published articles for the Historical Society and has assisted with the writing and submission of grants for our photo digitization project. Susan will continue to support our community and its history through her freelance writing.

We are very fortunate to welcome two wonderful new members to the 2008-2009 JCHS Board. They join the returning members of the Board, all of whom will be voted in at our Annual Meeting on June 22:

Mike Goldblatt is a 32-year resident of Evergreen and has owned Lam Tree Service since 1978. Lam Tree Service has cared for the trees in Heritage Grove for several years. He is involved in several community organizations including Evergreen Chamber of Commerce, Evergreen Trout Unlimited, and Evergreen Scholarship/Bootstraps (Lam Tree Service sponsors an annual scholarship for a mountain area graduating senior who is interested in the fields related to forestry). Mike states, "I look forward to serving on the board of JCHS, especially in the capacity of consulting arborist for the Heritage Grove trees."

Heidi Markley taught in the Jefferson County School System for 30 years, 22 years a classroom teacher and teacher of the gifted and talented. She was also a PE teacher for eight of those years. She retired in 2004. As she shared with me, "I needed some time to reinvent the wheel, so I hit the road and lost myself in as many places as possible. Early in 2005, I discovered volunteering. I trained with John Steinle at Hiwan. From tour guiding, I became involved with Pioneer History... Helped to create the 3rd grade program about Native Americans and teach in this program." For the past two years she has been the Discovery Days Coordinator and ran several classes for the "Just for Kids" program.

What did I say about "asking busy people..."? Here are some other busy folks who deserve our thanks for making time to support Hiwan and JCHS:

The chapel event held on March 29 was a beautiful ceremony and a huge thank you goes Bev Wickland, Dale Devine, and Joan Ball for being the hostesses for the event. The chapel is indeed available for small weddings, renewal of vows and christenings. Our website, www.jchscolorado.org, now includes rental information and applications for the chapel and Heritage Grove.

Meghan McGinnes did a fantastic job putting together the John Fielder program on April 19th. The attendance was tremendous and Mr. Fielder, true to his mission of community support, donated 40% of his book sales back to Hiwan.

Thanks to Sue Ashbaugh, Meghan and Rod Matlock for the great work they've done on the Bear Creek Mercantile exhibit (see lead story). Their work has created some very rewarding "busy work" for volunteers and, very soon, some "pioneer" shoppers.

Looking Forward to a Fun Summer

All members should have received their invitation to this year's Annual Membership meeting at the very historic Marshdale Lodge now known as the Marshdale Bistro. Please remember that friend and family are welcome; perhaps they'll be interested in joining JCHS when they see how much fun we can have!

Keep in mind there are several fun events occurring in Heritage Grove this summer (see events schedule in The Record.)

Have a wonderful summer and see you June 22, 2008 at Marshdale Bistro.

Don't forget, if you have children or grandchildren sign the up for Discovery Days and Medlen School in June (see related stories).

Most sincerely,

Diane Fuchs, JCHS President

In keeping with the revived tradition of historical venues for the Annual JCHS Meeting, the historic Marshdale Lodge, now known as the Marshdale Bistro, has been selected for this year's meeting. We will have a Sunday brunch on June 22 at 11:00 AM, with three wonderful choices of brunch items for $15.00. We've invited Hank Alderfer and Bud Weare to do a tag-team presentation on the history of the Marshdale area.

Each year, the Society holds this general business meeting to ask the membership to approve the proposed slate of officers and directors for the coming year. The slate for the 2008-2009 membership year is as follows:

Please call Diane Fuchs at 303-674-9639 by June 16 to make your reservation for the Annual meeting and brunch. Mail your check ($15.00 per person, made out to Jefferson County Historical Society) to JCHS, P.O. Box 703, Evergreen, CO 80437. We look forward to seeing you there.

Provided by Sue Ashbaugh, Meghan McGinnes, and John Steinle

To inquire about any of the above activities and programs, please call Hiwan Homestead Museum at 720-497-7650. Hiwan News provided by John Steinle, Sue Ashbaugh and Meghan McGinnes.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT HIWAN

Friday, May 30, 4:30 - 6:30 PM

Bear Creek Mercantile Grand Opening

Saturday, June 21, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Model T Centennial Festival

Monday,July 14, time tba

Adult Summer Tea. Reservations are required and a donation is requested.

Monday, July 28, 11:30 AM

Children's Summer Tea. Fun and games in the Museum as children celebrate summer with an old-fashioned dress-up tea. Reservations are required and there is a requested donation.

CURRENT EXHIBITS

Enjoy Fit to a T, a new exhibit of vintage clothing from the Model T era (1908-1927), invoking memories of flappers, automobile touring, and lawn parties. The majority of this clothing comes from the collection of the Jefferson County Historical Society, with several pieces on loan from the Historic Costume and Textiles Collection at Colorado State University.

A tandem exhibit showcases American-made dolls from the collection housed at Hiwan Homestead Museum. The exhibit features both storybook dolls and folk art dolls, as well as other examples from the late 19th through the middle of the 20th centuries.

See these exhibits now through June 22, 2008.

ADULT EDUCATION

Thursday, June 12, 1:00 PM

Basket Weaving taught by Susan Grannell. Her classes have been very popular in the past. A new basket will be offered. Beginners and more experienced weavers are welcome. The class costs $8.00 which includes instruction and all materials.

KIDS CLASSES

Just Being Kids Children, 1st grade and older, are invited to classes Wednesdays and Thursdays, July 9 through August 7. All classes are $2.50 per class, per student. Join us for some old-fashioned fun! Call the Museum for class themes or to receive a brochure.

SUMMER FUN FOR TEEN VOLUNTEERS

For fun and a chance to learn some local history, the Hiwan Homestead Museum staff is seeking teen-age students (13 years or older) who would enjoy spending time with a friend while:

• leading & assisting at Discovery Days (June)
• guiding young children through Hiwan (June - August)
• assisting with children's craft projects (July - August)
• helping with special events

The staff will provide complete training as needed. Hiwan volunteer positions provide a great way to learn a new skill, earn community service hours and meet new friends. Partnering with a friend, students will be asked to schedule two or three afternoons per month. Call Sue or Meghan to learn more.

JCHS is celebrating its 35th birthday this year. A check back in the archives to the first issue of The Record, dated November 1973, includes this report on "How We Spent Our Summer" provided by editor Marji Todd:

"... In August, twenty good souls undertook (JCHS's) first major preservation project. One hundred year old Rockland Church in Vernon Valley needed a friend. It was love at first sight. After two hard-working Saturdays, the exterior of the old church shone with new paint, the fences were mended and painted, and the yard was in good order. A batch of people who love good old "things" had a warm glow - and very painty clothes.

It was during the summer that the Homestead - old Camp Neosho - came into the hopes of the Society. The property had been purchased by Hurst Realty. George and Betty Hurst, of all wonderful blessings, realized its potential as a museum, loved history and offered the society first opportunity to purchase it. Members of our board, knowing the county had been looking for a museum site, approached the commissioners with the Homestead proposition. They looked, were "strongly interested" and now the possibility of acquisition with Open Space funds under the "historic monument" provision of that body's original resolution, is being actively investigated."

... And the rest, as they say, is history.

In celebration and appreciation, The Record plans, in our 35th year, to feature highlights from our Society's first year which correspond to each of our quarterly issues.

Discovery Days at Hiwan Homestead Museum is for children who have finished kindergarten, first or second grades. This year's theme is "Pioneers," providing kids with hands-on, small-group opportunities to experience crafts, games, stories, chores and "vittles" authentic to the Colorado pioneers. What's more, you'll be among the first to enjoy the brand new Bear Creek Mercantile exhibit. Three sessions will be offered this year, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, 9:00 -11:15, June 3 - 5, 10 - 12, 17 - 19 and 24 - 26.

To find out more about Discovery Days offerings for kids and/or volunteers, give Program Coordinator Randi Marcos a call at (303) 679-6797. Check out our website, www.jchscolorado.org, for program and registration details.

Medlen School Days is celebrating its tenth year at the Medlen Schoolhouse on South Turkey Creek Road with three sessions offered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, 9:00 - noon, June 3 - 5, 10 - 12 and 17 - 19. "Headmistress" JoAnn Dunn invites adult and teen volunteers, especially Medlen School graduates, to help children who have finished grades 1-5 go back to the 1920s to experience "reading, 'riting, 'rithmetic and recitation" in a genuine one-room schoolhouse setting. In addition to lessons, children will enjoy games, songs and fun 1920s-Colorado-Country style!

For more details about the program and opportunities for volunteers, call JoAnn Dunn at (303) 674-1695. You can also check out our website, www.jchscolorado.org, for program and registration details.

Muchas Gracias to Dale Devine and Randi Marcos for putting on a fabulous Spring Fling event for Hiwan volunteers! The "Cinco de Mayo" theme was delightful, tastefully - and tastily - delivered by our favorite caterers, JCHS members Anita and Jerry Johnson. Thanks also to Susan Jones for the terrific Evergreen History presentation.

Four local authors will present their exciting new works at JCHS's second annual book-and-author event, "Reflections/ Colorado Authors, Colorado Stories", scheduled for October 4, 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM at the beautiful Mount Vernon Country Club. Our authors are:

• Mark Eberhart: Why Things Break: Understanding the World by the Way It Comes Apart. This professor of chemistry and geochemistry at the School of Mines has written a remarkable and entertaining guide through the field of materials sciences.
• Jan Murray: Outlaw Tales of Colorado and Mysteries and Legends of Colorado. Jan grew up in Evergreen and is excited about doing our program to benefit Heritage Grove.
• Roger Baker: Clara is the story of an ex-slave in gold rush Colorado and Blackhawk. Roger is a former Gilpin County librarian and Clerk and Recorder.
• Nancy Larner: A Mouse in the Rabbi's Study. Yes, this is our very own JCHS member who will be presenting her first book, a delightful children's story with incredible illustrations.

Be on the look-out for your invitation in the mail ... and remember to share this JCHS fundraising event with fellow book-loving friends and family!