The permanent exhibits and audio-visuals are now in place, stated the center director, David Jamiel. They also have a mile of interpretive trails, an outdoor wagon encampment and a Shoshone wickiup on display. We were able to see a wagon pulled by two oxen. The oxen were really big. A special gun display was enjoyed by many which included an explanation of the many firearms used in the pioneer days. Kerry Tuckett from Battle Mountain gave a gun powder demonstration.
I encountered several ladies with their spinning wheels, spinning yarn. I sat with them for a while and was soon invited to try my hand at spinning. I learned how to attach a new skein of yarn with its natural burr. It is quite a skill to try and make the wheel go clockwise with a even flow with your feet , pull yarn with one hand and feed yarn into the spinning wheel with the other hand at the same time. I appreciated the time these ladies spent trying to teach me their art of spinning.
Another special site was a mural 25 feet wide by 10 feet high that depicts the crossing of the 40 mile desert. The oxen are down and they are trying to get them up. The people are finally unloading all of their unnecessary items and repacking many things on the backs of the oxen. The oxen are very thin and tired. This mural really shows the "Height of Despair," of these people traveling overland.
Last summer over 5,000 visitors from 46 states and other countries stopped at this center. They expect more this year. It is very educational and well stocked with history.
We had a group picture with Chris Bayer, the banjo player. He was practicing some songs and he agreed to have his picture taken with our group.
It was very special for Lena Temoke to find a painting of her father, Frank Temoke, in the interpretive center. He was born March 23, 1903, in Long Valley, Nev. He spent his life working on ranches in Ruby Valley. Later in his life he moved to a piece of land in the valley that was hereditary land for generations. He told many stories about the old ways, his people and how they lived.
Upon the death of his father Chief Muchach Temoke in April 1960, Frank became chief. He began his quest to have the Six Mile area in Ruby Valley recognized as tribal land by the government. Chief Temoke passed away April 30, 1994. Most of this information was obtained from the Temoke family.
All of the ladies at the center were honored with flowers for Mother's Day. Pansies were a favorite of many. On Father's Day all of the men were treated to a fresh loaf of French bread. They were happy with their treat. All of the homebound were remembered also.
Summer meals of salads, hamburgers and fresh fruit are being served often. Come and join us for lunch at noon.
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