[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 107 (Monday, August 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING BIG TIMBERS MUSEUM

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                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 31, 1998

  Mr. BOB SCHAFFER of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Big Timbers Museum located in Lamar, Colorado. Open since 1966, the 
museum houses a fine collection of memorabilia celebrating Western 
culture. Rare newspaper clips, turn of the century cowboy gear, and 
Indian relics serve to share the history of Southeastern Colorado with 
the museum's many visitors.
  For the pioneers traveling on the Sante Fe Trail, the area known as 
the Big Timbers began at a point 20 miles east of present-day Lamar, 
flanking the Arkansas River with a verdant primeval forest of giant 
cottonwood trees, lush prairie grasses and fresh water springs. For the 
next 40 miles westward, Big Timbers became a haven for Indians, 
Mountain Men, Traders and Settlers alike. It was a welcome site from 
the wide-open plains for the weary traveler.
  Today, the Big Timbers Museum is also a place to stop, rest, relax, 
and reflect on the history and heritage of the Western High Plains. The 
museum, founded and operated by the Prowers County Historical Society, 
provides an intimate and in-depth look at the lifestyles of Colorado's 
first pioneers and settlers. An extensive photo collection, dating from 
the late 1800's of Prowers County's earliest homesteaders.
  Big Timbers Museum houses the largest collection of Western History 
in Southeastern Colorado. Museum displays are both permanent and 
rotational, affording even the most frequent visitor something new and 
exciting to view and enjoy. The eclectic mass of artifacts, antiques 
and memorabilia cover almost 8000 square feet of display area and 
include everything from 1400 year old (carbon-dated) arrowheads to 
cowboy clothing, ladies fashions from the 1800's through the 1920's and 
30's, Indian tools, early farm equipment, household fittings and 
furniture--all indigenous to Prowers County and donated by the area's 
families.
  The Big Timbers Museum currently features exhibits detailing the 
events of the Fleagle Gang Robbery & Trial, showcasing gowns designed 
by Charles Worth, and remembering American wars beginning with the 
Revolutionary period and ending with the Gulf War. Until September 
1998, visitors can view original court documents and proceedings, 
photographs of chained perpetrators, the Fleagle guns and escape car, 
original newspapers and headline stories, and furnishings from the old 
1st National Bank where the Fleagle robbery occurred. Museum goers can 
also spend time enjoying the creations of Charles Frederick Worth, 
haute couturier of the mid and late 1800's. A wedding dress designed by 
Worth is made of hand-tatted Battenburg Lace and 100 years later 
continues to remain in excellent condition. Finally, an exhibit 
entitled Our Sacred Honor features Patriotic and Red Cross World War I 
posters, a Confederate regimental battle flag, uniforms, armaments, the 
original plans for the D-Day Invasion of 1944, trench art, and GI 
souvenirs.
  I recently visited the Big Timbers Museum and found that it provided 
an educational and enjoyable experience. I found located amongst the 
treasures kept the museum interesting artifacts which gave me a new 
perspective on the history of the district I represent. I also found a 
treasure in the museum's curator, Ms. Jeanne Clark, who used to ice 
skate professionally and was known to America as ``Jinx.'' As a Member 
of Congress representing Colorado's Fourth District, I would like to 
commend the men and women who have contributed to the Big Timbers 
Museum and thank these individuals for continuing to provide visitors 
with a taste of Southeastern Colorado.




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