Take a Step back into yesteryear and visit the Keller Heritage Center. Located just north of scenic Colville, Washington, Keller Heritage Center sits atop a hill overlooking the community. Recently celebrating its 100th birthday, the Keller Heritage Center and Historical House is on the National Registry of Historical places.
Built in 1910 by then prominent business man Harry Young for his new bride Anna, the house was partially destroyed by fire in 1911. The house was rebuilt in 1912. After her husband Harry passed away Anna remarried Harry’s business partner, Lou Keller in 1915 and the house was given the name of Keller house.
The Keller house was placed under the care of Stevens County Historical Society in 1975 and has remained in their care since that time.
Rich with history many of the original furnishings remain to this day. The Keller house also boasts a lookout tower, pioneer machinery and one of Colville, Washington’s first schools. Imagine how it might have been to attend a one room school house.
Arranged to tell the story of the Colville, Washington era in chronological order the time line begins with geology, the Indians, the Fort Traders of Hudson’s Bay at Fort Colville as well as agricultural, religious schools and mining and timber industries.
In addition, the Jim McMillan Research and Reference Library houses many historical documents as well as research materials and historical photographs.
The museum also boasts a homestead and trappers cabin on the property as well as an extensive collection of Native American artifacts from tribes located throughout the nation as well as the local tribes of the Inland Northwest. Many of these artifacts are thousands of years old.
A fine example of an early day general store is a highlight of the Keller Heritage house. In this general store you’ll have an opportunity to observe the typical items that were once sold in a typical general store. Many of the items are still marked with the seemingly low prices of yesteryear including a sewing machine for $11.90 and a waffle iron for .68. Imagine purchasing a beef roast for you dinner at .18 cents per pound. How about a Western Style Ladies sidesaddle for only $12.45.
One of the newer exhibits is a display of 25 samples of ash from the various areas around the state of Washington. The ash was gathered after the famous Mt. St. Helens’ eruption in 1980.
So go ahead and take a step back into yesteryear. Imagine yourself as a homesteader in Colville, Washington. You’ll enjoy your visit and appreciate your now modern life even more.
Located at 700 N. Wynne, Colville, Washington, the museum is open daily May through September. The museum is always looking for volunteers as well. To volunteer or find out more information or get directions you can call 509-684-5968.
Sources:
http://www.statesmanexaminer.com/content/view/29768/60/
http://www.tourtheinlandnw.com/EasternWACities/Colville.htm
http://www.colville.wa.us/history.htm
