Museum Highlights
Archives
Located behind the Customs House (across the street) is a collection of historical documents available for anyone’s research. Contact one of the volunteers (check staff listings at the front desk) to learn who works there to arrange access to these Archives.
Museum Store
The best souvenir shop in Deming!! There are many different types of memorabilia available to commemorate your travel to Deming. Enjoy browsing through the great selection of great gifts; shirts, jewelry, collectible cups, toys for the little ones and much, much more.
Washing Machine
The antique washing machine (1921), located in the hardware store along the Main Street section of exhibits, was a gift from Pauline and Hubert Ruebush. It is the *original
important donation that led to the creation of this Museum. When the former Museum
was located in the Portwood House on S. Nickel St., Hubert offered them the washing machine and was told there was NO room for it! This planted the seed that a bigger building was needed. When the old Armory / USO building became available he knew this would supply ample room for the Museum to grow.
important donation that led to the creation of this Museum. When the former Museum
was located in the Portwood House on S. Nickel St., Hubert offered them the washing machine and was told there was NO room for it! This planted the seed that a bigger building was needed. When the old Armory / USO building became available he knew this would supply ample room for the Museum to grow.
The Old Timers Room
Located to the left of the lobby desk (as one enters the Museum), this room was sponsored and financed by the Old Timer’s Association. It contains a priceless photographic collection of pioneer families and activities from the early Deming and were mostly preserved through the efforts of our volunteers. The time came when a permanent home was needed as pictures were becoming damaged in private collections, and some were just “disappearing.” When Virginia Measday was chairman of the photo room, her son Henry built the “pages” still being used.
Starting at the right of the room are some of the oldest scenes, before 1900. Each is identified. Point out to visitors the panel with the Harvey House, one of the nicest between California and St. Louis. The Camp Cody panel shows buildings during 1918. There’s another of Cooke, NM (N of Deming), a mining camp formerly in the hills around Cooke’s Peak, and now considered a “ghost town.”
We welcome old photos for both this room and the Archives Section. If someone wants to donate photos, please have them identify the people/places in them.
Two plaques in the room record the names of ”Old Timers” who have been honored through memorial gifts to the Museum. Scrapbooks of Old Timers’ activities review the group’s colorful history. A glass-front bookcase, donated by Pauline Ruebush, houses a growing collection of Deming High School annuals. Additional high school yearbooks are located in the school exhibit on the second floor.
Starting at the right of the room are some of the oldest scenes, before 1900. Each is identified. Point out to visitors the panel with the Harvey House, one of the nicest between California and St. Louis. The Camp Cody panel shows buildings during 1918. There’s another of Cooke, NM (N of Deming), a mining camp formerly in the hills around Cooke’s Peak, and now considered a “ghost town.”
We welcome old photos for both this room and the Archives Section. If someone wants to donate photos, please have them identify the people/places in them.
Two plaques in the room record the names of ”Old Timers” who have been honored through memorial gifts to the Museum. Scrapbooks of Old Timers’ activities review the group’s colorful history. A glass-front bookcase, donated by Pauline Ruebush, houses a growing collection of Deming High School annuals. Additional high school yearbooks are located in the school exhibit on the second floor.
The Doll Room
During WWI this room, now known as the Louise Baumgardner-Southerland Room, was the National Guard small arms target range. Then under the USO during WWII, it was used a bowling alley. When the building became a Museum, Louise’s family members completely remodeled the room and had cases built to house her outstanding collection of 300 dolls.
Beautifully dressed and well documented, the doll collection has grown with donations from around the world representing well over a century in time. Now over 1,000 dolls and related toys, from the crudest to the finest, tell stories of human love in all conditions
of living. Some noteworthy displays include the complete Snow White and Seven
Dwarfs set, the Dionne Quintuplets made by the Madame Alexander Company, a wax doll from France, doll reference books, a train, a wedding procession and a dollhouse - complete with furniture made by the donor. There’s also a sampler made in 1796 by a 9-year old girl.
On the immediate left (as one enters the room) are dolls carved by Ned Baumgardner and costumed by his sister, Louise Southerland. They represent their ancestors beginning with their 9th great-grandparents - William and Susanna White, who arrived on the Mayflower (1620) with their 5-year old son, Resolved; their baby boy Peregrine was born in Cape Cod Harbor on the ship and was the first English baby born in the new colony. William died in 1621, and Susanna then married the widowed Edward Winslow, making theirs the first marriage in the new colony. The final grouping of dolls shows Louise, her husband and children dressed in clothing of 1946. At the end of the case by the doorway are descriptions of the period clothing and genealogical information.
The oldest dolls in the collection are along the left wall. They have china heads and were made in Germany from 1830-1940. Most have black hair styled in the fashion of the period. In 1893 they sold for 42 cents to $1.87/dozen wholesale.
Various German firms made the Parisian dolls, untinted Bisque, around 1860. A flesh tint was later added to give the dolls a more natural look. They were made between 1860 and 1940 in Germany, Bavaria, France, and then in 1918 in the USA, England and Japan. In 1876 the prices were 75 cents to $9.00/dozen wholesale.
Kewpies were designed by a Rose O’Neill in 1913 and made mostly by German firms. Imitations were made in Japan.
Other doll delights in our Museum include the Madame Alexander dolls, made since 1923; some think they are the finest made in the USA. In that collection are the “Sound of Music” and “Little Women” dolls. Our Shirley Temple dolls (Ideal Toy Company) are the most famous from the 1930s, designed by Bernard Lipfert. Ginny dolls (Vogue Co., 1937 to present) occupy two shelves. This was the “first family” of dolls – not Barbie! There is Ginny, big sister Jill, boyfriend Jeff, baby sister Ginnette, baby brother Jimmy and Jill’s friend, Jan.
Of special interest to youngsters are: Little Green Sprout, the Pillsbury dolls, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Barbie and Ken, Dr. Spock, Joe Namath, Jesse ‘the body’ Ventura (a former Gov. of MN), Cabbage Patch dolls and dolls dressed in Scout uniforms. With the Scout dolls is a picture of Lady Baden Powell, wife of the founder of the Boy Scout movement in England and lady Powell’s thimble given to Louise Southerland when she and her husband visited with Lady Powell in Hampton Court Palace, England.
One of our most prized dolls was sent to us by a visitor (former US soldier) upon his return home to Wisconsin. He found this doll we call “Susie” in the rubble at Hiroshima after WWII. The child’s mother, using her own hair to sew into the doll, most probably made this Japanese doll. After 50 years in storage she was donated to us. Susie now has a “good home.”
The collection is all-inclusive and promises to bring back memories to visiting adults and give children an idea of toys that “used to be.” There are old schoolbooks, some over 100 years old.
Beautifully dressed and well documented, the doll collection has grown with donations from around the world representing well over a century in time. Now over 1,000 dolls and related toys, from the crudest to the finest, tell stories of human love in all conditions
of living. Some noteworthy displays include the complete Snow White and Seven
Dwarfs set, the Dionne Quintuplets made by the Madame Alexander Company, a wax doll from France, doll reference books, a train, a wedding procession and a dollhouse - complete with furniture made by the donor. There’s also a sampler made in 1796 by a 9-year old girl.
On the immediate left (as one enters the room) are dolls carved by Ned Baumgardner and costumed by his sister, Louise Southerland. They represent their ancestors beginning with their 9th great-grandparents - William and Susanna White, who arrived on the Mayflower (1620) with their 5-year old son, Resolved; their baby boy Peregrine was born in Cape Cod Harbor on the ship and was the first English baby born in the new colony. William died in 1621, and Susanna then married the widowed Edward Winslow, making theirs the first marriage in the new colony. The final grouping of dolls shows Louise, her husband and children dressed in clothing of 1946. At the end of the case by the doorway are descriptions of the period clothing and genealogical information.
The oldest dolls in the collection are along the left wall. They have china heads and were made in Germany from 1830-1940. Most have black hair styled in the fashion of the period. In 1893 they sold for 42 cents to $1.87/dozen wholesale.
Various German firms made the Parisian dolls, untinted Bisque, around 1860. A flesh tint was later added to give the dolls a more natural look. They were made between 1860 and 1940 in Germany, Bavaria, France, and then in 1918 in the USA, England and Japan. In 1876 the prices were 75 cents to $9.00/dozen wholesale.
Kewpies were designed by a Rose O’Neill in 1913 and made mostly by German firms. Imitations were made in Japan.
Other doll delights in our Museum include the Madame Alexander dolls, made since 1923; some think they are the finest made in the USA. In that collection are the “Sound of Music” and “Little Women” dolls. Our Shirley Temple dolls (Ideal Toy Company) are the most famous from the 1930s, designed by Bernard Lipfert. Ginny dolls (Vogue Co., 1937 to present) occupy two shelves. This was the “first family” of dolls – not Barbie! There is Ginny, big sister Jill, boyfriend Jeff, baby sister Ginnette, baby brother Jimmy and Jill’s friend, Jan.
Of special interest to youngsters are: Little Green Sprout, the Pillsbury dolls, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Barbie and Ken, Dr. Spock, Joe Namath, Jesse ‘the body’ Ventura (a former Gov. of MN), Cabbage Patch dolls and dolls dressed in Scout uniforms. With the Scout dolls is a picture of Lady Baden Powell, wife of the founder of the Boy Scout movement in England and lady Powell’s thimble given to Louise Southerland when she and her husband visited with Lady Powell in Hampton Court Palace, England.
One of our most prized dolls was sent to us by a visitor (former US soldier) upon his return home to Wisconsin. He found this doll we call “Susie” in the rubble at Hiroshima after WWII. The child’s mother, using her own hair to sew into the doll, most probably made this Japanese doll. After 50 years in storage she was donated to us. Susie now has a “good home.”
The collection is all-inclusive and promises to bring back memories to visiting adults and give children an idea of toys that “used to be.” There are old schoolbooks, some over 100 years old.
Ruebush Hall
The beautiful display cases in the main room of the Museum are a memorial to Hubert Ruebush, whose vision and efforts to preserve the history of Deming and Luna County, made possible the purchase of this building and the establishment of an endowment fund to assure the permanence of the Museum. These cases house much of our glass, china, crystal, teapots, silver, copper and Depression glass collections.
War Memorial Cases – The war memorial cases are of special interest to veterans. Many young men from this community were in the local National Guard unit of the 200th Coast Artillery. The Japanese in the Philippines captured this unit and they became unwilling participants in the Bataan Death March, spending 42 months in prison camps. An Honor Roll bears the names of these honored veterans.
This room also houses certain musical and Native American collections.
War Memorial Cases – The war memorial cases are of special interest to veterans. Many young men from this community were in the local National Guard unit of the 200th Coast Artillery. The Japanese in the Philippines captured this unit and they became unwilling participants in the Bataan Death March, spending 42 months in prison camps. An Honor Roll bears the names of these honored veterans.
This room also houses certain musical and Native American collections.
Bessie Comer May Room
When the Luna County Historical Society was conceived, Bessie May was there, taking a very active part in every function of the Society. No one knows just how many terms as “President” she served, but when families had moved away from Deming they entrusted Bessie with mementos that should remain here “for a Museum” – even before there was a museum!
Bessie graduated from Deming High School in 1912, the year New Mexico became a state. She taught three generations of Deming families and was much loved and respected. This room, dedicated to her, was refurbished through a memorial fund created by Bessie’s friends and relatives to specifically house the artifacts she had collected for the museum, with many items later contributed by her family.
The exhibits in the Bessie May room attempt to show that an appreciation of finer things, such as the curved glass buffet, survived the very hard beginnings in Luna County of the old west. (The dining table was contributed by Bob Beckett.)
Bessie graduated from Deming High School in 1912, the year New Mexico became a state. She taught three generations of Deming families and was much loved and respected. This room, dedicated to her, was refurbished through a memorial fund created by Bessie’s friends and relatives to specifically house the artifacts she had collected for the museum, with many items later contributed by her family.
The exhibits in the Bessie May room attempt to show that an appreciation of finer things, such as the curved glass buffet, survived the very hard beginnings in Luna County of the old west. (The dining table was contributed by Bob Beckett.)
Doorway to the Art Gallery
This doorway had been a boarded-over window. During the Historical Society’s expansion of the Museum in the late 1980s, Rev. Asher Gottschalk was commissioned to do the stained glass insert over the door. Rev. Gottschalk was quite artistic and did other windows in Deming. He also donated paintings to our Museum.
Art Gallery & Solarium
You will see many pictures and paintings along these walls. An old pump organ and some lovely antique furniture line this transition to the Annex. The sculpture of “Gabriel” blowing his horn is by Hivana Leyendecker of Las Cruces. Note the Wild Cats song sheet composed by Nacio Herb Brown.
The Western Area
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Continue through the automatic door to the ‘back porch.’ The porch railings were donated by Marquerite Benedict and Genevieve Gunter. The roof was donated by the Hatcher Ranch.
The jail cell is from the old three-story Deming jailhouse and was in use from 1918 to 1975 when the new jail was built. |
Diamond A Chuckwagon
The Diamond-A chuck wagon was built in Deming around 1900 and is unusually large. It serviced cattle roundups for many years at the Cow Springs section of Victoria I and Cattle Co. Edward L. Allison of Tucson and Cleveland, TN gave the wagon to the Museum in 1979; he had worked on the Diamond-A as a young man.
The Victorio Land and Cattle Co. was started in 1890. Since their brand was a large A in a diamond shape, it was known as the Diamond-A Ranch. Each of their three headquarters ran with its own wagons and crews. The upper section of the ranch was located at Apache Tejo, near the present Kennecott smelter and later headquartered at Cow Springs (W of Deming.) The southernmost section was located south of Animas. The middle outfit used different headquarters. The main office of all sections was in Deming. Walter Burchfield was boss; Tom Marshall, father of former Judge A. W. Marshall, was office manager. Owners of the Diamond-A in those early days were George Hearst (father of William Randolph Hearst) and James B. Haggin.
When in use this chuck wagon was stocked with food that would keep, such as flour, sugar, lard, beans, dried fruits, salt, etc. A young heifer was butchered daily with only
the hind quarters being used; the rest was often thrown away for the coyotes to eat. Local ranch women always had cakes and pies and fresh milk for the cowboys and were often given meat in return. The drawers in the back of the chuck wagon held spices, dishes and “silverware.” The one above the coffee grinder is where the “boss” kept payroll, tally sheets, a pistol and other personal belongings. Contrary to popular western movies, no cowboy was allowed to carry a pistol as arguments could become heated and dangerous.
In some outfits the cook was known to make biscuits in the top of the flour sack, but Ed Allison said the cook used a big dishpan for making sourdough biscuits, as there were always at least 50 men – and often up to 100 people to cook for. At night after the cattle were settled down by the night herders, Ed said they surely didn’t sit around by the campfire nor sing and “tell windys.” They awoke before daylight and worked ‘til sundown; as soon as they had supper they’d “hit the sack” or maybe take a dip in the nearby water tank. (Owners frowned on their using soap as that ruined the water for cattle!)
The Cow Springs Ranch, among others, had what was called “Mud Gangs.” At Cow Springs Henry Mann (boss) along with a crew of 8 or 10 men were in charge of the upkeep of the entire ranch – windmills, watering places, fence and corral buildings, and with keeping all round-up grounds supplied with wood for cooking and branding. In spring and fall, buyers, mostly from the Midwest, would come to buy steers and old cattle for hamburger meat. Cattle were shipped by rail to the Midwest for fattening up and slaughter. In those days cattle were not sold by weight but by the head - $15 or $20 each. They were shipped by rail from Animas, Gage, Lordsburg, Silver City and Deming.
The Victorio Land and Cattle Co. was started in 1890. Since their brand was a large A in a diamond shape, it was known as the Diamond-A Ranch. Each of their three headquarters ran with its own wagons and crews. The upper section of the ranch was located at Apache Tejo, near the present Kennecott smelter and later headquartered at Cow Springs (W of Deming.) The southernmost section was located south of Animas. The middle outfit used different headquarters. The main office of all sections was in Deming. Walter Burchfield was boss; Tom Marshall, father of former Judge A. W. Marshall, was office manager. Owners of the Diamond-A in those early days were George Hearst (father of William Randolph Hearst) and James B. Haggin.
When in use this chuck wagon was stocked with food that would keep, such as flour, sugar, lard, beans, dried fruits, salt, etc. A young heifer was butchered daily with only
the hind quarters being used; the rest was often thrown away for the coyotes to eat. Local ranch women always had cakes and pies and fresh milk for the cowboys and were often given meat in return. The drawers in the back of the chuck wagon held spices, dishes and “silverware.” The one above the coffee grinder is where the “boss” kept payroll, tally sheets, a pistol and other personal belongings. Contrary to popular western movies, no cowboy was allowed to carry a pistol as arguments could become heated and dangerous.
In some outfits the cook was known to make biscuits in the top of the flour sack, but Ed Allison said the cook used a big dishpan for making sourdough biscuits, as there were always at least 50 men – and often up to 100 people to cook for. At night after the cattle were settled down by the night herders, Ed said they surely didn’t sit around by the campfire nor sing and “tell windys.” They awoke before daylight and worked ‘til sundown; as soon as they had supper they’d “hit the sack” or maybe take a dip in the nearby water tank. (Owners frowned on their using soap as that ruined the water for cattle!)
The Cow Springs Ranch, among others, had what was called “Mud Gangs.” At Cow Springs Henry Mann (boss) along with a crew of 8 or 10 men were in charge of the upkeep of the entire ranch – windmills, watering places, fence and corral buildings, and with keeping all round-up grounds supplied with wood for cooking and branding. In spring and fall, buyers, mostly from the Midwest, would come to buy steers and old cattle for hamburger meat. Cattle were shipped by rail to the Midwest for fattening up and slaughter. In those days cattle were not sold by weight but by the head - $15 or $20 each. They were shipped by rail from Animas, Gage, Lordsburg, Silver City and Deming.
This chuck wagon originally had a longer tongue and was pulled by four horses. It was driven by the cook and his helper. This helper, called a “flunky,” helped only the cook; he didn’t hitch nor unhitch the horses, as he was too busy planning and preparing the meals. Tending to the horses was always done by two cowboys who also tended four mules that pulled the “hoodlum” wagon – a long wagon that carried all the bedrolls of the cowboys. Only the bedrolls of the wagon boss, the cook and his flunky were carried on the chuck wagon.
Note: Near the wagon is a portrait of Noah Scott (by M. C. Henderson) who had been a popular cook and ranch hand of the outfit. A former boss of this wagon, Red Ethridge, was in Deming in the late 1970’s for the dedication of the chuck wagon.
The branding irons on display are from the United States, Mexico and Argentina.
Harvey May’s trophies from professional championship rodeos are also on display. He was the son of Edgar and Bessie Comer May.
Note: Near the wagon is a portrait of Noah Scott (by M. C. Henderson) who had been a popular cook and ranch hand of the outfit. A former boss of this wagon, Red Ethridge, was in Deming in the late 1970’s for the dedication of the chuck wagon.
The branding irons on display are from the United States, Mexico and Argentina.
Harvey May’s trophies from professional championship rodeos are also on display. He was the son of Edgar and Bessie Comer May.
Tack Room
Every ranch had at least one “tack room.” In ours you will find preserved equipment used by ranchers of the area in the raising, grooming and working of their horses. There’s a fine collection of beautifully tooled saddles, many made by Deming saddle-makers. Note, also, the sidesaddles that were considered proper for women. Another crudely made saddle from Mexico was found near the border following the Pancho Villa raid in 1916.
The cowboy hat, a symbol of the West, is represented here by hats of distinguished ranchers of the 20th century in Luna County. Every cowboy had a special way of tilting or creasing his hat to give it a personality of its own.
The cowboy hat, a symbol of the West, is represented here by hats of distinguished ranchers of the 20th century in Luna County. Every cowboy had a special way of tilting or creasing his hat to give it a personality of its own.
Outside Exhibit
Farm and mining equipment is displayed just outside, on the East side of the Annex. These well-used farming items are from local and surrounding areas.
Farming
The story of farming parallels the availability of water. With the Homestead Act of 1912, many families moved here hoping to farm. Some were able to hand-dig a well and found adequate water. At one time enough tomatoes were grown south of Deming to warrant a tomato-canning factory. Prolonged dry spells, however, drove most to give it up. At present only the larger farms are successful, and only those with deep wells and modern equipment for irrigation. Much attention is given to water conservation and presently there are no additional permits being given in Luna County for irrigation water since the water table is steadily being lowered.
Outside of a few truck gardens that supply vegetables mainly to local residents, crops are primarily cotton, milo and chili. Enough chili is grown in Luna County for a successful canning operation (Border Foods.) In 1983 a new adventure came to Deming: grapes! A Swiss group bought up land, planted several thousand acres and built a winery. Using a type of trickle irrigation, they expected to use less water than was used on previously grown crops. Pecans are another important crop here.
Outside of a few truck gardens that supply vegetables mainly to local residents, crops are primarily cotton, milo and chili. Enough chili is grown in Luna County for a successful canning operation (Border Foods.) In 1983 a new adventure came to Deming: grapes! A Swiss group bought up land, planted several thousand acres and built a winery. Using a type of trickle irrigation, they expected to use less water than was used on previously grown crops. Pecans are another important crop here.
Military Room
Fort Cummings: 1863 – 1866
The fort was named for Maj. Joseph Cummings who was killed by Navajo Indians. It was built by Capt. Valentine Dresher and Company B, First Infantry California volunteers. The location was chosen to protect “Cooke’s spring” which was vital to early travel, and to protect passengers and crews on the Butterfield Overland Stage route.
Several hundred persons had been killed in ambushes in the area by Mangas Colorado Apaches. The Fort was completely enclosed in a 12-ft. high adobe wall, making it the only walled fort in New Mexico in the 1860s.
Stagecoaches stopped running this route during the Civil War and the Fort was abandoned and later leased to a cattle company. The property is now part of the Hyatt Ranch. Artifacts picked up at the site by early Deming residents are exhibited in a special case.
Pancho Villa Raid: March 9, 1916
Pancho Villa crossed into the United States, killing several people in Columbus (Luna County), New Mexico. The flag of the Deming unit of the National Guard is exhibited. These men were then immediately dispatched to Camp Furlong at Columbus to help protect the border. The Pershing Expedition, commanded by Brig. Gen. (Blackjack) Pershing, led a military unit into Mexico to capture Pancho Villa. It was the first time the cavalry used motorized vehicles - trucks and motorcycles – and it was the first time military used the new Aero Squadron (aircraft) for observation and scouting
between El Paso, Texas and Columbus, New Mexico and down several miles into Mexico. Pancho Villa managed to evade all these efforts and Pershing returned to the U.S. It’s interesting to note that Gen. George Patton’s first assignment out of West Point was serving as a Second Lt. here in Luna County under Gen. Pershing.
A few buildings from Camp Furlong are used by Pancho Villa State Park in Columbus 32 miles south of Deming. The old train station is now a Museum.
Camp Cody: World War I
Soon after the Pancho Villa raid, a large infantry camp, Camp Deming, was established northwest of town at the western edge of Deming’s city limits. Guardsmen from several states were stationed here in support of the effort to capture Pancho Villa. The camp had not been closed for very long before the Army began to mobilize for WWI. Camp Cody was established on this same site north of the railroad tracks. 30,000 to 40,000 troops were stationed at Camp Cody.
Deming Army Air (Corps) Field: WWII
The Army Air Corps (precursor of today’s Air Force) established a bomber training base southeast of Deming in the early 1940s. Our mild weather and clear air permitted flying almost every day. Here bombardiers were trained in the first use of such aircraft in the war effort. A Norden Bombsight, on display, assured accuracy and was a critical instrument in the bombers of the Army Air Corps; human hair was used for the “cross hairs.” Practice bombs were sacks of flour.
The airbase and campsite were later given to the City of Deming. The original 3 hangars are still there and were recently used as part of the set during the filming of Indiana Jones IV. The entire area now comprises the airport and an expanding industrial park.
The fort was named for Maj. Joseph Cummings who was killed by Navajo Indians. It was built by Capt. Valentine Dresher and Company B, First Infantry California volunteers. The location was chosen to protect “Cooke’s spring” which was vital to early travel, and to protect passengers and crews on the Butterfield Overland Stage route.
Several hundred persons had been killed in ambushes in the area by Mangas Colorado Apaches. The Fort was completely enclosed in a 12-ft. high adobe wall, making it the only walled fort in New Mexico in the 1860s.
Stagecoaches stopped running this route during the Civil War and the Fort was abandoned and later leased to a cattle company. The property is now part of the Hyatt Ranch. Artifacts picked up at the site by early Deming residents are exhibited in a special case.
Pancho Villa Raid: March 9, 1916
Pancho Villa crossed into the United States, killing several people in Columbus (Luna County), New Mexico. The flag of the Deming unit of the National Guard is exhibited. These men were then immediately dispatched to Camp Furlong at Columbus to help protect the border. The Pershing Expedition, commanded by Brig. Gen. (Blackjack) Pershing, led a military unit into Mexico to capture Pancho Villa. It was the first time the cavalry used motorized vehicles - trucks and motorcycles – and it was the first time military used the new Aero Squadron (aircraft) for observation and scouting
between El Paso, Texas and Columbus, New Mexico and down several miles into Mexico. Pancho Villa managed to evade all these efforts and Pershing returned to the U.S. It’s interesting to note that Gen. George Patton’s first assignment out of West Point was serving as a Second Lt. here in Luna County under Gen. Pershing.
A few buildings from Camp Furlong are used by Pancho Villa State Park in Columbus 32 miles south of Deming. The old train station is now a Museum.
Camp Cody: World War I
Soon after the Pancho Villa raid, a large infantry camp, Camp Deming, was established northwest of town at the western edge of Deming’s city limits. Guardsmen from several states were stationed here in support of the effort to capture Pancho Villa. The camp had not been closed for very long before the Army began to mobilize for WWI. Camp Cody was established on this same site north of the railroad tracks. 30,000 to 40,000 troops were stationed at Camp Cody.
Deming Army Air (Corps) Field: WWII
The Army Air Corps (precursor of today’s Air Force) established a bomber training base southeast of Deming in the early 1940s. Our mild weather and clear air permitted flying almost every day. Here bombardiers were trained in the first use of such aircraft in the war effort. A Norden Bombsight, on display, assured accuracy and was a critical instrument in the bombers of the Army Air Corps; human hair was used for the “cross hairs.” Practice bombs were sacks of flour.
The airbase and campsite were later given to the City of Deming. The original 3 hangars are still there and were recently used as part of the set during the filming of Indiana Jones IV. The entire area now comprises the airport and an expanding industrial park.
Geode Kid Exhibit
Robert Colburn donated and set up this beautiful exhibit, including cases, for us. FYI: A “nodule” is solid throughout, while a “geode” has a hollow and often crystallized space in the center.
Gem & Mineral Collection
This collection was donated and is maintained by members of the Deming Gem & Mineral Society. There is a fine display of petrified woods, gems and minerals from all over the world. A popular item is the casting of a dinosaur skin, and also a black light display of fluorescent minerals, which allows visitors to view the natural rock and experience the way it changes under black light. Be sure to point out the mammoth tusk and mammoth tooth that were found in gravel pits near Deming.
Mineral mining in Luna County was strong at the end of the 1800s. Manganese was mined in the Little Floridas and fluorite in Fluorite Ridge. The Mahoney mines at the west end of the Tres Hermanas Mtns. and the mines on Cooke’s Peak at one time produced enough ore to make a profit. There are many prospecting holes on the Big Floridas attesting to the efforts to “strike it rich.” It was all placer mining, meaning no water was used. Presently there are no working mines in the county.
The Society has donated specimens available to purchase. An “honor system” has worked well so far: visitors can pay for their items in the gift shop on their way out. The key to locked rock cases is located at the gift shop. If accompanied by a volunteer, offer to take the rock(s) to hold at the gift counter until they are ready to leave the Museum.
Mineral mining in Luna County was strong at the end of the 1800s. Manganese was mined in the Little Floridas and fluorite in Fluorite Ridge. The Mahoney mines at the west end of the Tres Hermanas Mtns. and the mines on Cooke’s Peak at one time produced enough ore to make a profit. There are many prospecting holes on the Big Floridas attesting to the efforts to “strike it rich.” It was all placer mining, meaning no water was used. Presently there are no working mines in the county.
The Society has donated specimens available to purchase. An “honor system” has worked well so far: visitors can pay for their items in the gift shop on their way out. The key to locked rock cases is located at the gift shop. If accompanied by a volunteer, offer to take the rock(s) to hold at the gift counter until they are ready to leave the Museum.
Old Main Street
Here is located what was Deming’s first traffic light among storefront scenes and artifacts from typical businesses in the first half of the last century, along what is currently Gold and Pine Streets in our downtown area. As you meander you will see barber and beauty shop implements, a dental office; grocery, hardware, clothing and leather stores; a saddle shop, a café, a funeral parlor and an embalming display; survey equipment and a lawyer’s office…truly a walk down Memory Lane….
Liquor Bottles
Donated by Albert Fabian who had owned a bar for many years in Deming. Note the U.S. historical sequences in bottles, for a total of over 2,000 bottles in this colorful exhibit.
Transportation Annex
Here you’ll find vehicles, railroad exhibits and a meeting area. The Rio was the first automobile owned in Deming. The fire truck is also one of the first used in Deming.
Railroad History:
Deming was the middle of the southern route of the transcontinental railroad. The Southern Pacific construction crews from the west met the Santa Fe crews from the east here in 1881, completing the second transcontinental railroad. Estimates show there were 250 Chinese in the crews working across New Mexico. A Chinese “crew” was comprised of three gangs: land clearing, digging / filling and track lying. They were hired in China and were almost slave labor here until expenses such as their passage, fee for the job broker, housing, food and clothing allowance were paid off. Brokers supplied special foods shipped from China every month. Their families were kept as security until all indebtedness was paid off. If they were killed or died on the job, they were buried where they died, and their families were held responsible for any unpaid debts.
The founding families of Deming were railroad employees who were not involved with the track building. Charles Crocker, President of Southern Pacific, named the new town “Deming” which was his wife’s family surname. About 20 families, a blacksmith and harness shop and a saloon made up the beginnings of Deming. After much fanfare, the “silver spike” was hammered in on March 18, 1881.
Railroad History:
Deming was the middle of the southern route of the transcontinental railroad. The Southern Pacific construction crews from the west met the Santa Fe crews from the east here in 1881, completing the second transcontinental railroad. Estimates show there were 250 Chinese in the crews working across New Mexico. A Chinese “crew” was comprised of three gangs: land clearing, digging / filling and track lying. They were hired in China and were almost slave labor here until expenses such as their passage, fee for the job broker, housing, food and clothing allowance were paid off. Brokers supplied special foods shipped from China every month. Their families were kept as security until all indebtedness was paid off. If they were killed or died on the job, they were buried where they died, and their families were held responsible for any unpaid debts.
The founding families of Deming were railroad employees who were not involved with the track building. Charles Crocker, President of Southern Pacific, named the new town “Deming” which was his wife’s family surname. About 20 families, a blacksmith and harness shop and a saloon made up the beginnings of Deming. After much fanfare, the “silver spike” was hammered in on March 18, 1881.
Harvey House: 1880'2 to 1930's
Deming’s Harvey House was one of the largest early Harvey Houses. It had rooms for travelers, a lunch counter, bar, waiting room and an elegant dining room where many lavish parties were held. (Photos are in the Old Timer’s Room.) All Harvey Houses along the Santa Fe Railroad were famous for their elegance, gourmet food and young waitresses called “Harvey Girls.” There were not many “available” women in the west at that time, so the Harvey Girls from back east often married local men.
Many of New Mexico’s Harvey Houses were built in the Indian or Mexican architectural styles, except for Deming’s. It was in the style of midwestern towns, as were most of the early buildings here. The Santa Fe Railroad donated the paint for our Harvey House exhibit so it would be true-to-life in authentic color
Many of New Mexico’s Harvey Houses were built in the Indian or Mexican architectural styles, except for Deming’s. It was in the style of midwestern towns, as were most of the early buildings here. The Santa Fe Railroad donated the paint for our Harvey House exhibit so it would be true-to-life in authentic color
Native American Crafts Hallway
Located in the hallway next to the pottery room are arrowheads above the basket window. Weaving samples and a large Navajo rug are shown. Cases house pottery from Casas Grandes, Mexico. There are also horsehair baskets and miniature pottery samples; a mano and metate (used for grinding corn) are on the floor.
Mimbres Indians Pottery Room
Approximately 950 to 1200 A.D., native peoples, now called the Mimbres Indians, lived in small villages along what was later named the Mimbres River. It is thought they left the valley because their population (possibly 5,000) had outgrown the resources, then migrating to Mexico and joining those of the Casas Grandes culture. Since they didn’t have a written language, scientists and scholars had to learn about them through their artifacts and village sites.
They buried their dead under the floors of their homes and were therefore well preserved. Scholars surmise that holes found in the bottom of burial pottery were put there to “release the spirits,” since bowls with holes were found over the heads of the dead. (The Pottery Room has many specimens.)
Archaeologists believe the Mimbres Indians were small in stature with a life expectancy of only 40-50 years; they were a religious, peaceful and agricultural people. Pots depict wedding ceremonies, babies carried on cradle boards, children playing and storytelling, giving us ideas of their culture in dress, hair styles and weapons – and show activities of hunting, snaring birds, ceremonial dancing, gambling, etc. The black on white (some red on white) pottery was painted with a yucca leaf. Paints were made from minerals. The Mimbres are noted for this pottery, and many pieces have been found in ruins of other Indian tribes, showing trading between the groups.
Our collection is mostly from the King family who owned a local ranch and became avid historians and collectors. There are also more Indian artifacts in the Western Annex.
They buried their dead under the floors of their homes and were therefore well preserved. Scholars surmise that holes found in the bottom of burial pottery were put there to “release the spirits,” since bowls with holes were found over the heads of the dead. (The Pottery Room has many specimens.)
Archaeologists believe the Mimbres Indians were small in stature with a life expectancy of only 40-50 years; they were a religious, peaceful and agricultural people. Pots depict wedding ceremonies, babies carried on cradle boards, children playing and storytelling, giving us ideas of their culture in dress, hair styles and weapons – and show activities of hunting, snaring birds, ceremonial dancing, gambling, etc. The black on white (some red on white) pottery was painted with a yucca leaf. Paints were made from minerals. The Mimbres are noted for this pottery, and many pieces have been found in ruins of other Indian tribes, showing trading between the groups.
Our collection is mostly from the King family who owned a local ranch and became avid historians and collectors. There are also more Indian artifacts in the Western Annex.
Stairway to Second Floor
To the right of the Ladies’ Room, at the bottom of the stairs, is an old mirror that hung in a pharmacy in Columbus at the time of the Pancho Villa Raid in 1916.
Quilt Room (2nd Floor)
This room was remodeled as a gift by the Richard Gilmore family. On display are quilts given by local people. There’s a modern day renewed interest in quilting, and a variety of popular patterns are shown plus some fine examples of homespun coverlets and bedspreads. Antique sewing machines are in and around in this display.
Lace Exhibit
This display is from the collections of local women who were members of the International Old Lacers, Inc. Most of the laces were made by hand, along with some machine-made samples. Observe fine samples of tatting, knitting, crocheting, bobbin lacing and filet work. Each piece is numbered and coded to identification cards.
On the bottom shelf are tools of the art: knitting needles, crochet hooks, tatting shuttle, bobbins, pins and prickings (patterns used in bobbin-lace making.) On the wall to the right of the exhibit is framed “The Story of Lace.”
On the bottom shelf are tools of the art: knitting needles, crochet hooks, tatting shuttle, bobbins, pins and prickings (patterns used in bobbin-lace making.) On the wall to the right of the exhibit is framed “The Story of Lace.”
Hispanic Heritage Exhibit
Lola Upton donated these cases in memory of her husband, Bill. The large embroidered / fringed scarf is in the style of the Philippines; the smaller shoulder wraps are serapes and made in Mexico. Dolls are dressed in typical fiesta costumes. The colorful dishes are carved from wood. Piñatas are paper mache figures stuffed with candies and surprises for children’s parties. They are suspended in the air, each child is blindfolded and then in turn attempts to break the piñata with a large stick, shortly causing the contents to fall out.
Some of the musical instruments were made by the Tarahumara Indians from north central Mexico. The old tamale cart is typical of the sales carts that were pulled through early Deming neighborhoods by owners selling hot tamales to make a living.
Some of the musical instruments were made by the Tarahumara Indians from north central Mexico. The old tamale cart is typical of the sales carts that were pulled through early Deming neighborhoods by owners selling hot tamales to make a living.
Bell Collection
The collection contains over 2,000 bells.
Early 1900's Rooms
Kitchen: This reminds us of old things that were in our parent’s or grandparent’s kitchens. Note the timer that rang a bell, a crockery butter churn and the hand (water) pump on the sink. Dining Room: This furniture is from the 1920’s, donated by the C. B. Morgan family. Edna Morgan, born in Michigan in 1884, came to Deming in 1915 as a kindergarten teacher. She taught piano and was the organist at the Presbyterian Church for 63 years. She died in 1986, age 102. Living Room: This room contains furniture donated by various local citizens and a nurse from Ft. Bayard. Bedroom: The Leonard and Lula Dexter were among the earliest settlers in Deming and operated a grocery store for many years. Their daughter, Carolyn, used this furniture in the 1930’s. She played with these dolls and paper dolls of that era. Some of the dresses on the walls were made by her mother.
Deming's Legends In Sports Exhibit
This exhibit features trophy's, and pictures of champions in Deming's local sports events of times past. Basketball, Baseball, Football, Bowling, Tennis, Golf, Track and Boxing are among some of the sports enjoyed in Deming. The Memorial stadium was dedicated, September 6th, 1949. Deming's place of sports events, graduation ceremonies and other special events origin began with Deming's Mother's Club. Once the idea of establishing a place for Memorials and Park began, it was supported by tremendous support from the whole Community of Deming. Large donations, grants of labor, service and land were given to accomplish the dream. The popular location for most of the outdoor events is the Memorial Stadium that is still in use to this day. Band and cheerleading top off this display to help the fans cheer on our champions of sports. Many students graduating from Deming Schools have walked on this field to receive their diploma.
The school mascot for Deming High School is "Charlie the Wildcat".
The school mascot for Deming High School is "Charlie the Wildcat".
Deming School Exhibit
Many of the artifacts belonged to Alice Smith for whom the old Smith School was named. School desks and old textbooks were the gift of Bill and Lola Upton. The strange looking glass object is the time capsule from the first High School (1911.)
In Deming’s early days there were two private schools where children paid to attend. As the town grew certain businessmen took up a collection, making money pledges for a public school. The Santa Fe RR donated land for the school. The building consisted of one big room for high school classes with the grade school in another building; the smaller room was for the primary grades. Restrooms were “outside” the building. A windmill, to pump water, made it possible to have trees and wild rose bushes.
Mrs. Alice Smith was one of the first teachers. In 1892, Central (grade) School was built, later becoming Smith School. The earliest high school graduate classes (seniors) numbered 3 to 7. The original high school, designed by a Henry Trost, was built in 1911. The larger quarters gave rise to sports, drama classes and debating. The combined enrollment of the junior / senior high (grades 7-12) was then about 300.
During the Camp Cody years (1917-1918) the schools were temporarily overcrowded; the student population surged, once again, during WWII when the Army Air Field was active. The original high school was torn down in the 1940’s because building codes had modernized and it would’ve been too expensive to bring the building up to code.
Note that Henry Trost also designed this Armory Building that houses our Museum.
As Agriculture being a vital part of Deming's economy, it is noted that the F.F.A (Future Farmers of America) and the 4H Jackets earned by students participating are displayed to show the preparation for their careers in this sector.
Deming Middle School formerly Deming Junior High had the school mascot of "KITTENS". A school letter and school album are a couple of items displayed to reflect a time in the past for this school.
In Deming’s early days there were two private schools where children paid to attend. As the town grew certain businessmen took up a collection, making money pledges for a public school. The Santa Fe RR donated land for the school. The building consisted of one big room for high school classes with the grade school in another building; the smaller room was for the primary grades. Restrooms were “outside” the building. A windmill, to pump water, made it possible to have trees and wild rose bushes.
Mrs. Alice Smith was one of the first teachers. In 1892, Central (grade) School was built, later becoming Smith School. The earliest high school graduate classes (seniors) numbered 3 to 7. The original high school, designed by a Henry Trost, was built in 1911. The larger quarters gave rise to sports, drama classes and debating. The combined enrollment of the junior / senior high (grades 7-12) was then about 300.
During the Camp Cody years (1917-1918) the schools were temporarily overcrowded; the student population surged, once again, during WWII when the Army Air Field was active. The original high school was torn down in the 1940’s because building codes had modernized and it would’ve been too expensive to bring the building up to code.
Note that Henry Trost also designed this Armory Building that houses our Museum.
As Agriculture being a vital part of Deming's economy, it is noted that the F.F.A (Future Farmers of America) and the 4H Jackets earned by students participating are displayed to show the preparation for their careers in this sector.
Deming Middle School formerly Deming Junior High had the school mascot of "KITTENS". A school letter and school album are a couple of items displayed to reflect a time in the past for this school.
Medical & Dental Room
Two respirators, commonly known as “iron lungs,” dominate the room. Helpful in alleviating medical problems involving the respiratory system, these were vital life-saving devices for Polio patients whose lung muscles were paralyzed in the 1930’s during the first polio epidemic. The Deming Rotary Club purchased these adult and infant iron lungs for the local hospital. There was again a national epidemic between 1949 and 1952. The Salk and Sabin vaccines ended this terror, but not before a large number of Americans spent from weeks to months to a lifetime in an iron lung.
Other obsolete medical equipment includes the Opthalmometer used by Dr. John Moir in the early days and a hospital PH Blood Gas Analyzer. In display cases are old medicine bottles and small objects once commonly seen in doctors’ offices. The Gray Lady uniform modeled here was a gift from Faye Wells who was in the first class of volunteers from Deming during WWII.
A reprint from the History of Deming (written by the Junior High Class of 1924) tells how prominent citizens helped to start Deming’s Hospital. Photographs show Holy Cross Hospital, which was built after WWI, using the former mess halls from Camp Cody that had been located northwest of town. Tuberculosis Sanitariums were a big industry in NM at that time because the only effective and known treatment was to send TB patients to a “high dry climate” where they could breathe easier. The dry air was thought to help “dry out” diseased lungs. This hospital treated many people but it was never financially successful and closed in the 1930’s; the empty facilities burned to the ground in 1939.
The Sisters of the Holy Cross (from South Bend, Indiana) also thought they could treat soldiers who had been mustard gassed during WWI, here in Deming. However, the Army opened an Army Hospital at Ft. Bayard instead. Other photos show Faywood Hot Springs (about 25 miles N of Deming) that was a popular spot where people went to bathe in the healing mineral waters. That facility has been opened and closed repeatedly over the years.
Other obsolete medical equipment includes the Opthalmometer used by Dr. John Moir in the early days and a hospital PH Blood Gas Analyzer. In display cases are old medicine bottles and small objects once commonly seen in doctors’ offices. The Gray Lady uniform modeled here was a gift from Faye Wells who was in the first class of volunteers from Deming during WWII.
A reprint from the History of Deming (written by the Junior High Class of 1924) tells how prominent citizens helped to start Deming’s Hospital. Photographs show Holy Cross Hospital, which was built after WWI, using the former mess halls from Camp Cody that had been located northwest of town. Tuberculosis Sanitariums were a big industry in NM at that time because the only effective and known treatment was to send TB patients to a “high dry climate” where they could breathe easier. The dry air was thought to help “dry out” diseased lungs. This hospital treated many people but it was never financially successful and closed in the 1930’s; the empty facilities burned to the ground in 1939.
The Sisters of the Holy Cross (from South Bend, Indiana) also thought they could treat soldiers who had been mustard gassed during WWI, here in Deming. However, the Army opened an Army Hospital at Ft. Bayard instead. Other photos show Faywood Hot Springs (about 25 miles N of Deming) that was a popular spot where people went to bathe in the healing mineral waters. That facility has been opened and closed repeatedly over the years.
Cameras & Office Equipment
Note the many types of cameras in the case; many will be familiar to you.
Several examples of old office equipment – typewriters, cash registers, etc. are also on display. Understand that just because something is on “display” doesn’t necessarily mean it is “antique.” Many of these items are just of interest to most people.
Books and articles are available for further study in the Museum Archives and in the business office of the Director. These can be checked out by our volunteers to assist in your answering questions and providing information to visitors, as well as enriching your own understanding of the area.
Several examples of old office equipment – typewriters, cash registers, etc. are also on display. Understand that just because something is on “display” doesn’t necessarily mean it is “antique.” Many of these items are just of interest to most people.
Books and articles are available for further study in the Museum Archives and in the business office of the Director. These can be checked out by our volunteers to assist in your answering questions and providing information to visitors, as well as enriching your own understanding of the area.
Oriental Theme Exhibit
Most items in this display were donated by the estate of Bruce and Virginia (Punkie) Luedke. These items were collected in Japan during the 1960's and early 1970's. Bruce was a Marine Colonel and was stationed in Japan multiple times. Many items were gifts presented to Col. Luedke, from Japanese dignitaries as was the custom at the time. Deming was always "home" for this military family
Czechoslovakian Pilgrams of Deming Exhibit
This exhibit is in tribute to the Czech families that immigrated to Deming in the early 1910's to 1930's time frame, particularly those who moved from Texas to Deming. Pictures and memorabilia depict some of culture and life style that played a vital part of Deming's history and development. The display reflects the origin of country, the hardship of immigrating by ship to the US and then the further move on to New Mexico. The trip on the ships took 30 plus days to arrive to the new country as these families left their homeland Czechoslovakia. 42 families came during this time, so not all are featured as the decedents have moved away and no information was available. Determination to find the promised land always lay ahead. Being primarily of farming and agriculture background, Deming's plentiful water struck their dreams potential. Many of the immigrants moved here for health reasons and were treated at the Holy Cross Sanatorium while some of the family members worked there.
Many of the Czech families were businessmen, nurses, law enforcement, teachers, bankers and surveyors. A tradition of these families involved the annual fall festival to celebrate the harvest from the fields. This festival become an annual tradition in Deming like in the "Old" country and is currently held still to this day and is known as the KLOBASE, being held every third Sunday in October.
Many of the Czech families were businessmen, nurses, law enforcement, teachers, bankers and surveyors. A tradition of these families involved the annual fall festival to celebrate the harvest from the fields. This festival become an annual tradition in Deming like in the "Old" country and is currently held still to this day and is known as the KLOBASE, being held every third Sunday in October.
Mimbres Pottery Collection(s)
One of the collections on the second floor was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Allard Bartlett in October of 2012. Their collection was donated with specific instructions to be kept together as the history and whereabouts of their findings were meticulously logged.
Alaskan Exhibit
The Alaskan display is composed of various pieces of very old historical pieces originating in Alaska. Edythe Polster and Virginia Pool are a couple of individuals who have contributed from their own collection for this display.
Nutcracker
This collection is a very large collection that not only has the nutcrackers that are seen in this display but as you look up to the third floor you will see additional pieces hung in large frames, that are a part of the same collection.
Beer Stein
This collection is comprised of approximately 200 pieces from one individual's collection. The collection contains various themes as the collector pieces were distributed by the beer company. Military, Olympics, St Patrick's Day, Christmas, Wildlife, Points of Interest are just a few of the different pieces.