Animas Museum

Photograph taken in June, 1955 of the K-36 locomotive #484 in front of the Durango depot by an unknown photographer. The 484 is currently running on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

Catalog number: 24.43.65

It is so hot and dry, we're not sure it will be a good year for Charlie's roses at the Animas Museum. 🙁

Join us as we take a look at La Plata County, 150 years ago, part II. Two years ago we looked at the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the county, you can watch that webinar on our YouTube channel . This time we’ll be talking about the changes to the county that happened in 1876 and how that related to Colorado statehood on Saturday, June 13th at 1pm. Just a heads up, as it gets warmer, we’re going to be encouraging everyone to watch on Zoom with a cool beverage although we will record the talk and stream it in the classroom. Sign up for a Zoom link on the Events page of our website animasmuseum.org.

On this day, June 8th, in 1963, a Masonic cornerstone ceremony for new Durango City Hall at 949 E 2nd Ave. was held. The old courthouse and clock tower are visible in the background.

Photograph from the Durango Public Library Collection.

History La Plata 2026 will be inserted in The Durango Herald on July 17th. Support the Animas Museum and History La Plata by being a Friend. Sign up on our website at animasmuseum.org via PayPal or send a check to Animas Museum/PO Box 3384/Durango, CO 81302.

June 5th is National Donut Day. At the Animas Museum in 2017, we looked at La Plata County's role in World War I and even made donuts from an original recipe. Unfortunately, no pictures exist but we can share the recipe for Salvation Army Donuts:
5 cups flour
2 cups sugar
5 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs
1 tablespoon lard (we used shortening)
1 3/4 cups milk
1 salt spoon salt

Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately before being put together. More flour is sometimes needed. Roll with wine bottle, cut with soap box, and fry in hot grease.

Enjoy!

Image - cover of the Salvation Army Magazine "War Cry", November 9, 1918, depicting "Doughnut Dollies"- American volunteers serving in France. Public Domain.

A museum's job is not to just preserve artifacts, but also to preserve the process. Join our local spinners on Saturday, June 6th here at the Animas Museum starting around 10am. Bring your wheel, spindle, fiber project, and of course, show and tell. Or just come by to watch and learn.

We believe this photograph is from the first annual Huck Finn Days which took place in June, 1955. The legendary Dolph Kuss was behind the festivities, and he is the man in the center of the photograph facing the pond.

Catalog number: 92.06.1.30.1

Classic photograph by Partridge Studios of Fred Klatt Sr. and the rainbow trout he caught on this day, May 30, 1945 near the Pine River Dam.

Catalog number: 89.14.21