Today we’re going to share info about Broomfield’s Depot Museum Please enjoy this YouTube video on the Depot’s restoration.
Wilson: Mum loves historical places and always likes to investigate unusual or unexpected things inside and outside the Depot. After capturing those prairie dog images, she went inside to see what life in general looked like in 1909 Broomfield.
Elsa: Mom was skeptical as to whether there was electricity for that toaster from last week but she discovered that electricity actually came to Colorado in the late 1800’s during the railroad boom. It makes sense that this stop would showcase some of the modern conveniences of the times that passengers liked. Pictured above is the Kolster Tombstone Tube Radio with a vintage Kodak box camera on top of it. However both items were actually from the mid-to-late 1920’s. They were likely added to the display because of their antique-y look of the period and might have been added after the Depot was opened.
Wilson: You’re right, Ninja. She suspected many of the items displayed at the Depot were more associated with the 1920’s, like this amazing looking ice box.
Elsa: That piece is in great condition, though and is similar to this early 1900’s wall-mounted telephone. I’m going out on a limb by saying they probably didn’t use this phone to order an Uber carriage ride home after they reached the station.
Wilson: That’s likely a good bet. But we’re very sure this next photo showing a Hall’s Safe & Lock Company safe (circa 1849) actually was one of the initial things they had when the Depot opened to safely stash ticket receipts. At that time, the Cincinnati based Hall’s company sold half of all fireproof and burglar-proof safes and vaults in the US and was the largest vault company in the world by 1892.
Elsa: I’ll bet that was one heavy safe and it looks like it too was in pretty good condition.
Wilson: It sure is. As is this classic Hoosier cabinet which was very popular from 1900 to 1930. Around the 1890s, several furniture manufacturers in Indiana discovered that a stand-alone kitchen cabinet with storage and workspace would be an easy sell. Having a kitchen workstation where ingredients and various utensils could be stored, yet easily accessed when preparing meals and they were all the rage. It’s always a treat when Mum finds antiques like these especially when they’re in such good shape. She used to go antiquing years ago and still has a few nice pieces she collected nearly 50 years ago.
Elsa: Whoa…didn’t realize that Mom was that old. {heh, heh} Because I know how much you like meals, where do you think they stored the dog food?
Wilson: {oooh..yum…smack…drool} Good question…I personally think our food should have been stored in that large door on the bottom left but I’m sure things were a lot different for us dogs back then.
Elsa: Easy on the drool, buddy. Let’s get back to focusing on what else Mom found at the Depot.
Wilson: {disappointed} You sure know how to take the joy out of sharing these images.
Elsa: Not everything is about food, dude.
Wilson: {gasp} Perish the thought but I saved the best history for last. There wasn’t any info that Mum found during her quick poke around inside the Depot but she did a lot of sniffing around when she got home about “Shep, the Turnpike Dog,” after she came upon this spot outside. She wanted to know all about Shep.
Elsa: So the story goes that back in the early 1950’s when the Denver-Boulder Turnpike toll opened, Shep was already a fixture on the scene. Rumored to be part of a litter of pups who escaped from a farmer, Shep apparently made his way to the construction site where the toll road was being built. Workers on the toll road would share their lunches with the friendly pooch and then Shep was eventually enticed to sleep in the toll booth on a cold night. Being no ordinary fool, Shep welcomed the invitation and then spent part of his days with the toll booth operators where he quickly became their mascot. Soon travelers would offer treats, toys, bones and even left donations to fund food for the engaging dog as they made their way along the toll way.
Wilson: He sure sounded like he enjoyed his ‘job.’ I know first hand people love dogs with a purpose and he likely brought a lot of joy to folks traveling on the turnpike.
Elsa: He was beloved and after he was shot, he managed to return to the toll booth where workers rushed him to a nearby vet, Clyde Bruner who treated the canine celebrity for free. Shep lived the rest of his life at the toll booth and Dr. Bruner treated him for various injuries incurred from coyote interactions. As Shep aged, he began to lose his eyesight and toll booth workers decided rather than have him suffer or get seriously injured around all the cars, and he was euthanized in 1964 at age 14.
Wilson: That seems rather sad, though Mum told me he lived a good life and was personally buried by the highway superintendent, Paul Kempf. A donated headstone marked the grave until 2009 when the Department of Transportation gave the Broomfield Museum permission to move the grave from Zang Spur Park to the Depot Museum which also had been relocated from its original location. He lived at the tollbooth for 14 years. [Photo credits: Justin Kent, L, and Jeff Kissinger, of Broomfield Parks, dug out the grave markers for Shep the Turnpike Dog for the move from his resting place at the intersection of Hwy. US 36 and State Hwy. 121 to the Depot Hill Museum in 2009. Photo courtesy-Staff photo/David R. Jennings.]
Elsa: Gotta love the inscription on the newer headstone. Sounds like quite a dog and another story of famous dogs from the metro area. Well done, House Pony.
Wilson: Many thanks, Ninja. Sharing stories like this always warms Mum’s heart. We dogs are special creatures and by telling their stories, others recognize all of our contributions.
Elsa: Umm, let’s not get carried away with nostalgia but it’s suffice to say how important it is to learn about the local history. So what’s on your dance card for the weekend? Our weather will be taking a detour on the winter from hell tour (color us happy) At the time this post was written we had high hopes but after last night’s 8-10 inch dump, it looks like Mom will only be digging out. I feel sorry for her sternum and torn bicep because this is a heavy snow. Originally I had hoped I’d be well enough to go for a short walk but Mom barely let me go potty this morning. . No offense Mom, but being inside with you all day is getting old, even with the snuffle mats and the Licki-Mat bowl to exercise our minds. Whatever you do, we hope your weather permits you to enjoy the nicer elements that Nature might offer. If you can find them.
Gosh, you sound like you are more than ready for the new season to start. I hope you all feel a bit better soon. Interesting museum. We live in such a convenient and throw-away world nowadays.
We ARE more than ready-February was a bitter cold month with an unusual amount of snow. We have a major storm arriving Tuesday but March storms are usually wet, dump a lot of white stuff but typically melt quickly. We won’t mind…so long as those super cold temps return.
What a grate Mew-seum this iss Miss Monika an Elsa an Wilson! So many kewl itemss to L00K at!!!
BellaSita enjoyed Shep’ss story…shee reememburrss reedin about him many yeers ago…..shee nose so many thingss!!!
An wee still have Winter from H*LL heer…..it sorta warmed up an wee got sum meltage. Today iss frigid cold an snowin again!! CATFISH! Will it efurr ned?
Els mee deer Poochie frend heer iss quad-ru-pell POTP fore you PLEESE get well soon!!!
~~~head rubss~~~BellaDharma~~~ an ((hugss)) BellaSita Mum
Wow, that’s very cool your mum knew about Shep. It was not a story we were familiar with before. That tiny museum was a slice out of the past with some pretty spectacular pieces of the times. Makes you stop and wonder about life back then.
An interesting place. Thank you for taking us along on the tour.
Thank you for coming along. It’s always fascinating to me to see how things were ‘back in the day.’
What a sweet doggie Shep was. Such a touching story😿We like all the old stuff, especially the telefoon, that’s really beyond old school, isn’t it, Elsa😺Sorry you and your mommy are still ill. Will send Healing Pawkisses to the both of you, and hope you feel better soon🙏🐾😽💞
Thank you, sweet kitties and Granny. We’re all glad you enjoyed Shep’s story. Like you, we love beautiful antiques.
Let’s hope we all find nice elements of Nature.
Hope springs eternal, even in winter.
I hope this finds Elsa feeling better. And WOW, those pieces are in really amazing condition! I have an old icebox that I consider selling every once in a while, but it’s one of the last pieces I kept so for now anyway, it stays. As for the kids, they once again have outdone themselves as Friday narrators so treats all around!
And here’s to Shep. Well done mama.
Thanks, Marc-glad you enjoyed it. Elsa’s health remains stubbornly in the ‘ongoing recovery’ mode, along with me. Our infirmary is at full capacity.
Furniture like those featured pieces are true masterpieces. While my decor leans toward the modern, I cannot bear to part with the classic and exquisitely made pieces I have, some since the 70’s. Sometimes an easy refinishing spiffs them up so nicely, they come to life again after being revived with beauty and craftsmanship to continue enjoying. Shep seemed like quite the dog, exceptional in all ways.
Imma send MORE good vibes then.
I agree. It only takes a little bit of elbow polish sometimes and the results are so satisfying.
Shep was all that.
I see you guys have agreeable temps this weekend. Hope you can take advantage. 🙂
We’ve got 60’s through Monday I think. Then rain/snow mix and 40’s on Tuesday. I do love me some spring storms.
Actually I did get a nice dose of vitamin D today-mid 60’s, bright blue sky…it was paradise and did a lot toward making my spirits high.
Less yo yo going forward and we sweet, right? I feel that. Not as drastically as youse guys though.
Boom!
Have a great weekend mama
You’re too kind, sir. Yes, the vitamin D levels have been extra grand today.
🙂
Thanks for sharing Shep’s story. That was nice to read. I hope you guys start feeling much better soon.
Thanks Dan-glad you enjoyed the Shep story. The Ranch has turned into a makeship infirmitory/MASH tent for both Elsa and I. Today is the first day I’ve been upright in several days. We are hoping and praying for a turn-around since we’re sick and tired of being sick and tired.
I hope you all are in great health and good spirits soon.
Lulu: “That looks like a cool museum, and we loved the story about Shep! It sounds like he was a Very Good Dog and everyone knew it!”
Java Bean: “We are sorry to hear Elsa and Mom are both feeling poorly and that there is al that snow to move. We send tail wags for them both to feel better soon and for the snow to take a break already.”
Charlee: “And we cats send lots of purrs!”
Thanks Oceanside kids; we’re very glad you enjoyed the museum and Shep story. Keep us in your thoughts, please, the Ranch has turned into an isolation ward for pets and peeps. Today is the first day the peep has been upright in several days.
What a beautiful tribute to Shep. I also loved looking at all the beautiful old furniture and devices like the radio. We have Jeff’s old LP player in a beautiful stand alone cabinet with four doors. It holds lots of very old LP 78’s.
Elsa, girl, what are we gonna do with you?! More prayers coming your way.
Thank you. That kind of furniture is just too classic and beautiful not to appreciate. Shep was quite the local celebratory and I know folks here who gave him treats at the toll booth.
Elsa isn’t the only patient at the Ranch infirmary-I’ve been sicker than a dog for several days now with today being the first day I’ve been out of bed. Hopefully the meds for both of us will kick in soon and we’ll start to feel better. I for one am sick and tired of being sick and tired and I’m sure Elsa is too.
Oh no, is it the flu? I had that over the holidays in December. 🙏for you both.
Thanks, Amy. Appreciate the extra prayers. I’m actually feeling a bit better this morning so hopefully I’ve turned the corner.
Loved the details about the museum. Especially the ice box and the telephone. Hope you feel better soon. Love to you all
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the post. And thanks for the get well wishes. It’s been too long since both of us were 100%-hopefully soon. 🤞🏼 Hugs and tail wags.
There is so much interesting history. The video about the Broomfield Depot Museum was interesting and story about Shep was just amazing. He looks like an Australian Shepherd.
He definitely did. I loved the inscription on his headstone. Part shepherd, mostly affection. 💙
Great photos. I have always wanted a hoosier like that. XO
Thanks. That cabinet was in amazing shape. It’s a great piece.
I sure hope you feel better super soon sweet Elsa. Those were interesting stories about the depot and sweet Shep too.
Thank you, Terry. Shep’s story really captivated my love of history.
Sorry for the snowfall. It cannot be fun to shovel that snow with your injuries. I loved the story about Shep. I think having a more permanent home honors him completely. Thanks for the lovely tour Elsa and Wilson.
Our great pleasure, John. Thanks for your kind comment and wishes.
Hope that lingering cough clears up soon, Elsa… no fun there.
Interesting to learn about Shep, but I’m not clear on his getting shot… how did that happen? He sounds like he was a venerable canine!
Rumor had it he was hassling some farmer’s chickens. Back in the ‘50’s that area was very rural. But most peeps adored him and loved seeing him at the toll both.
Thanks for the get well wishes. I’m seriously considering digging out my old mist humidifier to see it that helps loosen her lungs up.
Fascinating story about Shep!
It really was. Sounds like he was a pretty beloved character on the north side.
Oh, Elsa, we sure hope that nasty and mean pneumonia will get lost so you can feel so much better. POTP by the bucket load.
And the same goes for your Mom with all her ouchies. Gads:(
And then to see so much heavy snow, how discouraging that must feel…
We’ve had more snow here, too, but at least it’s not nearly as much as you had, maybe 2 – 3 inches. At least we have sun today, but it’s very cold, about 17F.
What cool place, that depot museum. And Shep…What special pup he was! Earned his keep and then some!
17F, eh? I’d have to break out the sandals if it were that warm here. LOL Thanks for the get well wishes. Elsa and I can both use them. I’m always excited to find little places like that depot. If only the walls could talk-I’d bet there would be some faswcinating stories! Have a great weekend.
I love history too. Thanks for sharing! Gotta love that phone. 🙂
Aww on the story of Shep! <3
Take it easy with the shoveling, my friend! Too bad I can't send Betsy to plow through the snow and shovel it up that way. LOL!
Happy Weekend to all of you!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed Shep’s story. It sounded like laquite the dog. Happy to report, shoveling is done…only took 3 hours. Now I plan to spend 3 hours soaking in a hot bath with epsom salts! Yeah, where is that cow when you need her? 🙂
Yay!! Enjoy the tub soak.
Haha! Betsy must have had trouble coming through the snow. 😂
No doubt! Don’t know why she just didn’t tune into the Hallmark channel for GPS coordinates. LOL
🤣🤣
Oh dear! I feel for Elsa. We probably sound similar!
And you! What’s this with the torn bicep and sternum issues? No youngsters can come by and do the shovelling for you? Sheesh…
I love old buildings like that, too. And thanks for the wonderful Shep story!
There are plenty of people who’d happily shovel for a fortune. Sadly, I cannot afford that bill.
The broken sternum continues to be somewhat painful and I think all the recent shoveling has contributed to some overuse/overcompensation issues. That and not being a spring chicken. Talk about humbling.Hope you are able to feel better and get some R&R this weekend. Kudos to Team Canada. They were impressive and look odds on favorites for next year’s Olympics…even McJesus. 😉 But for the record, I note MacKinnon scored more goals in the tourney. 😉 The only Canadian player I was rooting against was the goalie. That guys chaffes my backside with all his tantrums.
Right. For a fortune, Little heathens! I was so lucky. I had asked my neighbour’s kid to just ensure my walkway didn’t look like it was abandoned… boy did I get my money’s worth. While I managed to shovel on Sunday, I thought I was going to expire. That evening, they passed by and again the following Monday. I was feeling cheap at giving them each a $10.
How the hell did you do that? I’m so behind I missed that bit of news. Not being a spring chicken is so humbling. What the heck?
And yes, they were and I think both sides were worthy opponents. McJesus! LOL! And yes, MacKinnon did. I didn’t know this particular goalie, to be honest. I didn’t realise he was tantrum-prone – but he showed no signs of that last night!
“Bitchington” as I like to all him, is a real hot headed jerk. When Kadre was in Colorado, he threw a glass of water at him after the game when they lost in the playoffs the year we won the cup a couple of years ago (Kadre had a hattie that game btw). He plays for St. Louis. The whole team were bad actors toward Kadre (I realize he had a goon reputationbefore) but the Av’s had to hire a bodyguard for him because of the muslim thing). #badactors #poorsports Just in case you couldn’t tell, I despise that jerk.
Yeah, broke my sternum in a freak accident a number of weeks; and it still hurts. The bicep tore no doubt due to overuse with all this 🤬 snow and/or overcompensation to trying to keep the sternum from hurting. That ole the song that goes “the sternum is connected to the ribcage, the ribcage is connected to the shoulder bone…” wasn’t missed in the irony department by me.
Hahahahah! You kill me. Ah jeez. These types of players get my goat. That’s terrible. This racism thing knows no bounds, either.
How does one break one’s sternum, pray tell? I don’t doubt that is something that takes a long time to heal. I just wish you had good neighbours, tell you what. Grrr
It was a freak accident in the car. Seat belts almost always break a sternum when you have to brake hard to avoid a collision.
Bitchington is a real douche bag and not just against the Av’s. Biggest whiner and fussbudget in the league. Even Brad Marchand with his constant chirping/goading isn’t as bad and that’s saying something for me. I’ve called Bitchington that for so long I have to stop and think what his real name is. 😈
Bloody seatbelts – can hurt as much as save. I am so sorry you are suffering.
I cannot help but laugh every time you cuss him out. It’s rather hilarious. Who does he usually play for?
He plays for St. Louis. Glad you enjoyed my loathing the wanker. He has always irritated me.
Seat belts and air bags can injury as much as save a life. Ironic, isn’t it?
It’s been entertaining.
And yes. I do think they save more often then they hurt. They have to!
We’ll be here all weekend. 😂
😂🤣
Wow! What a snowy winter you all are having! We just got the cold part of the bargain.
Sending you lots of get well snuggles, Elsa!
xoxo,
Rosy & Sunny
I know, right? And February is the second driest month! I’m afraid what March and April will be like. Thanks for the get well wishes.
Shep’s story really moved me…but I’m easily moved when it comes to animal stories – Shep was DEFINITELY a special guy though. PLEASE get better soon!!! OK? Promise?
Hugs, Pam
Shep’s story was very touching. Mom was totally smitten with him after she visited the relocated gravesite and did more research about him. We’re both trying to get better…winter seems to be conspiring against us. Hope you have a lovely weekend.
so so sorry to hear Elsa is still coughing, poor girl and mama to worry
Thanks. She sounds like a fireplace bellows at times. Yesterday she was actually able to dislodge some phlegm which I think is a good sign but for a so-called mild case, it has been quite challenging. She’s starting to eat a little, but only canned food, no kibble or toppings. Always the princess.
I heard you will have close to 60s in the near future. Maybe it will melt. I’m so done with snow. We had an inch yesterday (not complaining — the big storm went farther south) but I’d be cool with an early spring.
Supposedly. Just spent close to 2 hours shoveling the walks. This storm was like the stuff we usually receive in March and April and the 8-10 inches that fell were a complete surprise to me. Winter has worn out it’s welcome…moisture be damned at this point.
I remember feeding dog bones to Shep as we went through the toll booth. And I remember crying when my mom told me he had died. But he did live a life most of us can only dream of.
Wow, how cool was it that you met him in person! He sure seemed like a very special pup who was totally adored by area peeps. Living 14 years after all his scrapes is quite a testament to his strong spirit.
wow the electricity came very early to the people in the US… we are not even fully powered till today hehe… we love the story of shep.. what a wonderful famous pup!!!
It was one of those happy stories to stumble over…literally. I had no idea electricity was here back then and was fascinating to learn about. Sweet Shep, he was a special dog loved by all.
Poor Elsa, you could do with some warm weather…as it is, stay warm and cosy at home.
We’re trying but Nature is wearing us down. Today’s snow storm looks like a spring storm but the single digit temps are a guarantee it won’t be leaving any time soon like it does with spring storms. Hope you have a good weekend.
What a cool story about Shep and what a life that guy had! Super cool story. Our weather is disgusting, going into the 40’s, it only means a huge melting mess and it is too early so it will all freeze again. Not very happy about it. We are done with below zero days and that is alright but it could stay in the 20’s for a month or so. Have a good weekend and feel better Elsa.
We were touched by Shep’s story too. We received nearly a foot of snow overnight, so perhaps it’s headed your way. Forecast calls for another night of single digits as well. There’s so much snow, I”l only been able to do about 3-4 ft. at a time before my sternum and torn bicep start yelling at me. It’s gonna be a long day.
I hope health returns all around in your home! Shoveling heavy snow with your injuries…yikes!
Thanks. Yeah, I can only do 3 or 4 ft. at a time before I have to go inside to rest. I’ve never been so humbled.
I’m so sorry! I hope for healing soon.