We visited the High Desert Museum in July, just south of Bend, Oregon. It is a huge complex with exhibits both inside and outside.
There is a replica of an 1880s homestead. These cabins were even smaller than our RVs that we live in today, so living in small places isn't all that new! And, they raised a family here.
The cabin was well furnished with everything they needed to survive those difficult times. Outside "pioneers" were doing laundry using a wash board. Another lady was dressed in period clothing and "teaching school' to visiting children showing them how to use a pen and ink well. Two children had a scrub brush and were having fun scrubbing the porch from water in a metal tub! It probably wouldn't have been so much fun if they HAD to do it!
This is a barbed-wire sculpture by Bernie Jestrabel-Hart. The mare and foal are made completely from barbed-wire. The detail was amazing.
We watched a raptor and wildlife show while at the museum. Here, a handler had a hawk perched on her hand. The bird would fly from one handler to another (for a treat), skimming over the heads of those in the audience.
A badger, along with other mammals, made an appearance. Notice the length of his claws!
Tom's sawmill, a working replica of an early sawmill, was a must needed business in the early days of Oregon's lumber industry.
The mill was not operating today as the museum is located in the high desert area of central Oregon and the fire danger was extremely high. Most people don't realize that most of the eastern half of Oregon is considered high desert and very dry. We haven't had rain since early June and everyone is very aware of the destruction from a forest fire.
This is a life-size display in the indoor museum which explained the history of Oregon starting back with the fur trade industry. There were numerous displays depicting the fur trade industry, mining, and of course, the lumber industry which is still so valuable to Oregon's economy today.
A much used stage coach was also on display.
Yep, Bill found another truck... This 1935 forest service fire truck has been restored to immaculate condition.
The Indian jewelry was just as beautiful as the bead work. What a sight they must have been when dressed in their ceremonial garments and jewelry!
There is a replica of an 1880s homestead. These cabins were even smaller than our RVs that we live in today, so living in small places isn't all that new! And, they raised a family here.
The cabin was well furnished with everything they needed to survive those difficult times. Outside "pioneers" were doing laundry using a wash board. Another lady was dressed in period clothing and "teaching school' to visiting children showing them how to use a pen and ink well. Two children had a scrub brush and were having fun scrubbing the porch from water in a metal tub! It probably wouldn't have been so much fun if they HAD to do it!
This is a barbed-wire sculpture by Bernie Jestrabel-Hart. The mare and foal are made completely from barbed-wire. The detail was amazing.
We watched a raptor and wildlife show while at the museum. Here, a handler had a hawk perched on her hand. The bird would fly from one handler to another (for a treat), skimming over the heads of those in the audience.
A badger, along with other mammals, made an appearance. Notice the length of his claws!
Tom's sawmill, a working replica of an early sawmill, was a must needed business in the early days of Oregon's lumber industry.
The mill was not operating today as the museum is located in the high desert area of central Oregon and the fire danger was extremely high. Most people don't realize that most of the eastern half of Oregon is considered high desert and very dry. We haven't had rain since early June and everyone is very aware of the destruction from a forest fire.
This is a life-size display in the indoor museum which explained the history of Oregon starting back with the fur trade industry. There were numerous displays depicting the fur trade industry, mining, and of course, the lumber industry which is still so valuable to Oregon's economy today.
A much used stage coach was also on display.
Yep, Bill found another truck... This 1935 forest service fire truck has been restored to immaculate condition.
The Plateau Indians in this area made their teepees from reeds, not animal skins.
The bead work was phenomenal. There were many examples of Indian clothing, head dresses, arrow quivers, etc., all with intricate bead work.
The Indian jewelry was just as beautiful as the bead work. What a sight they must have been when dressed in their ceremonial garments and jewelry!
This was one of the most outstanding museums we have visited and well worth a trip to Bend, Oregon if you are ever in this area. It is very family oriented, having many displays and activities for children.
1 comment:
they creatively preservative the culture, place, whole of it! Love the way you travel, this blog is just other discovery channel og blogspot
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