June 2007

Still Crazy Showcases Museums Quilts Historic Collection on Display June 9 to Nov. 4 at County Museum

Quilts of all kinds will be on display at the Clark County Museum, 1830 S. Boulder Highway in Henderson, from June 9 to Nov. 4. Still Crazy: 125 Years of Quilts will showcase the museums collection of historic quilts with a display in the Exhibit Hall and on the beds in some of the historic homes on Heritage Street.

This exhibit examines what may have motivated or influenced the quilts creators. It provides information about what was going on in history when each quilt was made. The collection spans 125 years and runs the gamut from small to large, fancy and plain, good condition and poor, known maker and anonymous. What they have in common is that each one was lovingly handmade.

The Museums collection of more than 50 quilts includes a crazy quilt made by Leva Beckley from her husband Will Beckleys old ties. The Beckleys were pioneer Las Vegans whose 1912 home at 120 S. Fourth Street was transported to the Clark County Museum in 1978 after Leva moved in with family members. Another quilt was made by Delphine Squires, wife of Pop Squires, editor of the towns first newspaper. A quilt that dates back to the 1870s came from the Walter Hunsaker family. Hunsaker was the right-hand man to Leigh Hunt, the developer of the Huntridge area of Las Vegas and for a time, the largest landowner in Las Vegas.

The Clark County Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $1.50 for adults, $1 for seniors and children. The museum features a main exhibit hall, which details the history of southern Nevada from prehistoric times to the mid-20th century. It also has a changing gallery which features temporary exhibits such as the quilt exhibit.

A unique aspect of the museum is its Heritage Street display of restored houses, which have been saved from demolition and moved to the museum. Each house is completely furnished and tells the story of a time period or area of southern Nevada. Participants can travel back in time to Goldfield in the teens, Las Vegas in the 20s, Boulder City in the 30s, Henderson in the 40s and again Las Vegas in the 50s. Another adventure for museum attendees can be found in the Ghost Town behind the main exhibit hall, featuring rustic buildings from mining camps and pioneer towns. Three buildings awaiting restoration are the Ticket Office from Boulder City, an original 1910 Las Vegas railroad cottage, and the Candlelight Wedding Chapel.

The Clark County Museum is a function of the Clark County Department of Parks and Recreation. More information is available by calling the museum at 455-7955 or visit accessclarkcounty.com .