Recently the museum has been involved in several projects and activities. Several significant artifacts have been loaned to the Del Webb Community and are on display in their Sales Pavilion. In addition, thanks to the Arts Council kindly allowing the use of the display case, a new display is in place in the lobby of the theater at the CCSN Campus. We also celebrated the Fourth of July with a special display at the museum, where visitors have also been able to enjoy some audio history as an old 78 is played on the museum’s Victrola. The museum hosts love to share the history of the museum and of Mesquite with visitors.
In 1941, the building that now houses the museum was constructed by the National Youth Administration and was first used as a library. In 1943, the library became a hospital when Bertha Howe came to town. At that time living quarters were built onto the back of the building for her and her husband Charlie. Doctors came and went during the years, but Bertha served faithfully until her death in 1977. The building was then used for Boy Scout activities and other town meetings until it became the museum in 1985.
The museum has a knowledgeable and dedicated staff of employees and volunteers. Pete Clayton has been associated with the museum since 2001 and Frank Wright began volunteering his time and talents in 2002. Margie Hargis has been working since 2005. These dedicated workers have kept things going well and their efforts are appreciated. They would love to have you stop by and give you a tour,
New to the museum’s staff is Don Montgomery who was recently hired as the Museum Coordinator. Since moving to Mesquite in 1990, Don has taught school in Littlefield and Bunkerville, but has really been enjoying his summer working at the museum. He and his wife Carolyn have one daughter, Robin, who graduated from Virgin Valley High School in 2000. She now lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband and two children. Don graduated from Southern Utah State College (now Southern Utah University) in 1974 with a degree in Elementary Education with minors in history and biological science. He enjoys studying United States History. One of his hobbies is old phonographs and records. When visitors come to the museum, he enjoys winding up the 1924 Victrola and playing a record or two. Don has plans to completely restore the old record player and also hopes to rotate displays in certain areas of the museum.
A new picture hanging system is now in place in the main room. Over sixty historic pictures are now displayed and some are undergoing modifications and frame changes. Another computer is now in place. A table has been acquired and a small media center is in place. Visitors can watch DVDs and VHS programs and study written records of pioneer families. Plans are being made to convert the back area into a small living area as it might have looked 80 years ago. The piano and Victrola, along with a couch, rug, and table are part of the plans for this display.
The museum has numerous written histories of families who have lived in the Virgin Valley and many artifacts, including some that predate the settlement of the area by early pioneers. They are on display to help visitors better understand the great heritage that is here! Come by and visit us, it’s a great way to spend an hour or a day.
