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In the late summer of 2001 a group of local individuals, realizing the value of this area and the economic possibilities available to the town if visitors to nearby Steamboat Springs would travel 45 miles west during their stay, the High Plains Mustang Club (HPMC) was formed. Thier purpose, to promote and presere the western heritage of Moffat County while providing opportunities for some economic diversity to a community that relies mainly on the energy industry and ranching for its livelihood. Settling on the idea of building a park and interpretive center highlighting the wild horse herds nearby seemed a good way to advertise Moffat counties virtues and bring people to Craig.
Members of the HPMC sought out nationally renowned, local artist and sculptor Curtis Zabel to help create something unique and spectacular that will bring people to the park and interpretive center. Curtis expressed excitment at the prospect of creating life size bronze horses and the idea took fruit. Initially, operating under a Fiscal Agent agreement with a local non-profit, HPMC received a donation of 2 acres land to be used towards creating the center. But by 2008 the group realized the need to terminate this agreement and form their own 501(c) 3, which was completed by December of that year.
Progress has been slow but steady, 2009 brought some exciting changes. In January of the HPMC group had an unveiling of a diorama created by Bill Shue depicting the bronze statues of Curtis Zabel. This presents an exciting visual of this part of the project. In June the group reached an agreement with the Wyman Museum (who also wanted to create a park) to join forces and work to create the Wild Horses to Iron Horses Project. (Members from both groups have been working on acquiring the depot for several years.) The diorama is on display at the Wyman Museum, which is open daily with free admission. HPMC, partnered with the Wyman Museum, is actively seeking grant funding and financial support to turn this dream into a reality.
The Wyman Museum is the result of years of collecting that began in 1949 when Lou Wyman discovered an abandoned 1932 Lincoln automobile in Elk Springs, Colorado, while he was filling water barrels to take to his sheep herders. He paid $15.00 for it and has been collecting ever since, gathering a unique collection from throughout the west and beyond. His assortment of items gives museum guests an experience spanning one hundred (100) years of American life, ingenuity, and advancement.
The Wyman Museum has something for everyone, items like a working blacksmith shop from an old homestead, the Stockman's Bank from Yampa, Colorado that closed for lunch one day in 1929 and never reopened, the Pagoda store, opened by J. W. Hugus who saw himself as the J.C. Penney of the west. Artifacts of daily life, unknown to most, forgotten by many, are on display.
Contributions are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated
For
more information call 970.824.0105