Historic Morrison, Colorado
Morrison Heritage Museum
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Introduction
Morrison Heritage Museum
People & Personalities
Historic Sites
Pioneer Families
Historical Events
The Civilian
Conservation Corps
Current Online Exhibits and Information
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Virtual Historic Tour |
Civilian Conservation Corps |
Selected Historic Events |
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Early History of the Turkey Creek Mail Route: 1895 to 1914 by Maggie Crow. |
History of the Morrison Heritage Museum
Dedicated to Mrs. Lorene Horton
The original Morrison Historical District Museum was founded by Lorene (Reenie) Horton in 1976. "Reenie," as she was known to most, was an enthusiastic amateur historian who collected as much information -- and as many artifacts -- as she could to establish Morrison as a major historic treasure of the Colorado Front Range. With 70 documented buildings or sites, Morrison offers more history in its small space than many larger towns. She produced a small pamphlet, Tour of Morrison Historical Sites, that, with minor modifications and updates, is still in use today.
In its early days, the Museum was housed on the porch of the Newland House (at 116 Stone St.) owned by Mrs. Horton. The collections quickly outgrew this space and took over the entire house. After Mrs. Horton's death in 1991, the Museum was closed. In 1995, when the Town Hall was renovated and the Town Offices were moved from Stone St. to Highway 8, the museum was moved into the former office building (and old Fire Station) at 110.5 Stone St., on the alley behind the Town Hall, where it remained through 2005. (As of October 2006, the Museum is closed and is being relocated.)
Mrs. Horton was also responsible for much of the research and documentation that provided the foundation of knowledge of Morrison's historic buildings, and it was her application that led to the town's designation as a National Register Historic District in 1976. At least six of the older homes, in danger of demolition or in a state of neglect, were saved because she helped purchase and restore them. Today her efforts to protect Morrison's fascinating past are carried on by her daughter, Lila Horton, and the Morrison Historical Commission, appointed by the Morrison Planning Commission.
See also: Horton House Bed & Breakfast.
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