FLV Heritage Museum
located adjacent to the Wagon Wheels RV Park
A thought from our museum founder…
Over the past 12 years, the descendants of the early settlers of this area began tracing their heritage. Their families from the East, Mid-West and South came to explore the West and stake out a claim of land for their families. Soon they realized that this agricultural area had become a critical attribute to the overall economy of the mining industry. It was this discovery that initiated the “Heritage Reunion” whereby families of these pioneers could gather, share stories, photos and artifacts and discover their connections not only with one another but with a written history being taught in schools. A “dream” emerged as they adopted me into their heritage families and I began searching for buildings to preserve. My family re-pioneered this area in the early 1950’s allowing me the opportunity to discover the history and preserve all that I found. I am humbled at the opportunity to become part of this preservation project and look forward to sharing the importance of historical preservation to our youth.
Museum – Other Historical Buildings
The Visitor Center is constructed from timbers salvaged from the Mina railroad depot. The Gas station is from the Folwick Ranch – early 1920’s. The Mining camp house moved from the White Mountains. The post office, bunk house and other buildings depict life from the 1860’s. Also around the museum you find early American farming equipment collected and donated.
Story from our past…
Story from the book:
“The Unsung Heroes of Esmeralda”
by Herschelle and Genevieve Hanson
Stories as told by Esmeralda Co old timers to the Hanson’s in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
The Desert Canary
…. Along with “Bar Flies”, a city bred burrow would make the rounds of the saloons. Goldfield being the metropolis of Nevada in the early 1900’s Reno and Las Vegas did not arrive on the scene until later years.
Said burrow, mascot of the town, would make the rounds, and when admitted, would sit on his rear on the floor and wait for his bottle of beer as the drinks were setup. As the day or evening wore on, our friend the burrow would really get drunk. Unsteadily he’d make his way to the street and lay down in the gutter to sleep it off. His hair became extra long, and of course dirty. He would become very impatient of not admitted immediately and sa he presented himself at a saloon. Turning around he would kick the door with his heels. This would, of course, get immediate action. Admitted, he would proceed as before, till he could hold no more. Incredible as it may seem, we feel the desert canary should have a place in the hall of fame, or at least among the unsung heroes.
Look for another interesting story from our history next month.