Historical Society delves into Hurley's past

By ISABELLE KLEINSCHMIDT

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Hurley - The Iron County Historical Society held an open house to celebrate the annual Heritage Days at its museum Friday morning. The event drew in children and adults alike to learn about, and celebrate, the rich history of the area.

Each room had a given theme and presenter who was dressed in accordance with said theme.

On the main floor, Kristin Kolesar led visitors in old-fashioned parlor games while telling about the lives of the pioneer families of the past. In the kitchen, there was Saga Erickson giving broommaking demonstrations

In the upstairs rooms, Eric Sorenson played live music on antique musical instruments in the museum's old courtroom.

The garment room showcased the historical garb of area locals. Joyce Martin was there to educate visitors on the fashions of the times. "Only wealthy people could wear colorful clothes," said Martin "Most people wore black because it was the easiest color to make."

The museum's ornate old-fashioned bar - complete with Beth Bordner dressed-up as Fina Dahl, a Silver Street bar owner from 1925 - also drew crowds.

"The family owned the bar up until prohibition when they had to close the bar and transition into farming," said Bordner.

In the school room; Nicole Giancola channeled a teacher from 1905, while Kamryn Swartz and Patience Sivula played obedient students.

The fun continued into the museum's basement where young visitors could enjoy a model of the Hurley Train, operated by Joe Metzger. Metzger dressed up as an authentic railroad switchman from 1930.

Kids were treated to pickles and penny candies by Jaret Lupino dressed as the owner of the neighborhood grocery store from the 1930s.

There was even more to see with live demonstrations and information being given in the many other rooms throughout the museum.