New museum to be housed in former SIEA Appliance building
by Sharon Vezzani
WALSENBURG — San Isabel Electric Association Board of Directors would like to announce the donation of San Isabel’s former Appliance Store, located at 114 West Sixth Street in Walsenburg, to the Huerfano County Historical Society.
The building is currently being renovated by the Historical Society. Hopes are that a Western Heritage Center will honor the wishes of Huerfano County rancher and philanthropist, the late Alton M. Tirey. In his will, he provided funds dedicated to the creation of a center to be used for “general museum purposes.” Artifacts belonging to Mr. Tirey will be permanently displayed. In addition, a donated antique appliance will serve as a focal point recognizing San Isabel Electric Association’s Board of Directors for the donation.
Plans are that the center will house small rotating displays, on loan from local families, depicting the agricultural history of the county. Also included will be the extensive newspaper archive collection currently housed at the Tirey Center on the second floor of Washington School. This amazing collection, dating back to the 1890s, will be available to the public for research.
The historic two story brick granary immediately behind the old Appliance Store is included in the donation. It was once owned by Fred Walsen, for whom Walsenburg was named. Hours of operation are yet to be determined. A schedule for opening will be announced in the near future.
Volunteers are welcome and we continued to encourage membership. If you are interested in this project, you may contact Huerfano County Historical Society. Pertinent information can be found on our website huerfanohistory.org.
Mailing address: Huerfano County Historical Society, P.O. Box 3, Walsenburg, CO 81089
