Museum exhibit honors Crook County veterans
Uncle Sam’s Crook County Heroes, a month-long exhibit, is hosted by the Crook County Historical Society.
In honor of our local Military Heroes and Veteran’s Day, the Bowman Museum is hosting an exciting temporary exhibit that showcases United States Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines artifacts ranging from the Civil War to Desert Storm.
Eight uniforms from different military branches, as well as photographs and memorabilia, will be on display November 1 st thru November 29 th at the Bowman Museum Annex, 246 N. Main Street in Prineville. Admission is free.
For generations, local men and women have served in the armed forces to protect our country. Resident families have been generous enough to donate their prized artifacts, as well as oral histories, to the museum.
One of the most exciting veteran artifacts on display is a Civil War saddle on loan from the family of the late Dr. Elon L. Wood. The grandfather of Dr. Wood was Elon N. Lee, a Civil War Veteran.
After having been discharged from the Army due to illness, Elon N. Lee traveled while he recuperated. At one point, Elon was visiting with his uncle, who was in the Army in the South.
Unfortunately, Elon’s uncle, Charles Lee, was killed during his visit. Charles was shot through the lungs during an altercation and his tent was burned to the ground.
During his visit, Lee left all of his possessions in his uncle’s tent and these were lost in the fire.
Elon took his uncle’s body and remaining effects – which included a saddle that had previously been captured from a rebel (see exhibit) – home to Charles’ wife.
In a letter written to his parents, a penniless and saddened Elon writes: “I am now on my way home with his body. All of my things were burned. If Grandfather comes to our house I must see him. Charlie had only five dollars in money when he died.” This saddle, along with many more of Elon’s Civil War artifacts, can be viewed at the Bowman Museum.
The “No1Forgetten” Veteran’s memorial race car will be on display – alongside the temporary exhibit – at the Bowman Museum for one day only. Join the Crook County Historical Society and the Crook County Band of Brothers from 1:00pm to 4:30pm on Friday, November 7 th for refreshments.
For more information call the museum at 541-447-3715, email brittany.shunk@co.crook.or.us or visit the web page at www.bowmanmuseum.org.
