September 15-19, 2020
The Florence Pioneer Museum Presents: “Yesterday and Today”
In 1882, the pioneers of Eastern Fremont County began gathering and celebrating their new life with stories of their journey to our rich land, their trials getting here, songs, lots of food, with everyone drinking from the same cup. Later in 1927, the Florence Women’s Club took the celebration to new heights and set the 3rd Saturday in September as the day to honor our pioneer of days gone by. This year Pioneer Day was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the Florence Pioneer Museum and Research Center is stepping up to honor these pioneers and our past with an invitation to join us on one or more days during the week of September 15-19. The Museum is planning special displays and activities with extended hours. Admission to the museum will be waived for the week and donations will be appreciated.
There will be historical coloring sheets for children (or ANYONE!) to learn about Florence history, a “Scavenger Hunt” through the museum to get to know the artifacts a little bit better. “Organ-lubbing Day” to get acquainted with local Florence organizations such as the Florence Elks or the Florence Rotary, and, find out what they are all about. Learn about past Florence organizations such as the Bearded Men’s Club or the Thimble Club.
A “Family Reunion” coffee will be held to help identify the many pictures we’ve received and have NO idea of who, what, when, and where they might belong (maybe in YOUR family scrapbook!). Darrin Norberg of the Florence Water Treatment Plant, will be on hand to talk about the history of the Florence Waterworks. The Florence Road Angels Car Club will come roarin’ in with their good ol’ cars to talk about the good ol’ days. The museum has many pioneer stories such as the one in 1900 where a family was crossing a creek in their wagon and the baby fell out of her cradle! She married her savior in 1922.
In the early days of the Museum, the Board had sidewalk sales to raise money for the only expense they had at the time–electricity–as other services (water, gas, trash, phone, etc…) were donated. Because our expenses have grown since becoming a year round venue, we will honor the past with a sidewalk sale on the morning of September 19th. The Museum is seeking “gently used donations” for fundraising for that day. Donations can be dropped off at the museum during business hours or call us, 719-784-1904, and we will try to arrange pick ups within eastern Fremont County.
A full-time schedule can be found on our web page or Facebook soon. The Pioneer Museum Board is very excited about presenting this week to the community, its families and friends, and, we hope you can come and join us. www.florencepioneermuseum.org.