Calendar Tri-State Old Time Cowboys Memorial Museum
City Park – 1 block east of Main Street
Gordon, NE 69343
308-282-1115
The 40 foot by 80 foot log building was constructed in 1969 as a testimonial to the rugged western life of the old time cowboys. Exhibits include an early chuck wagon, old saddles, chaps, spurs, tools and gear used from early ranches of the late 1880s to modern times, as well as many other artifacts and relics pertaining to ranching and cowboys & more than 200 brands.
Gordon’s Cowboy Museum Not Just for Cowboys
By Heidi Beguin for Sheridan County Tourism
A log cabin sitting on the edge of Gordon’s Winship Park since 1964 has been quietly keeping track of Sheridan County history. The Tri-State Old Time Cowboys Museum, originally established by the Tri-State Cowboys Association, began with a goal, and throughout the years and the involvement of a number of people, this entity has remained true to its roots.
The Tri-State Cowboys’ mission statement is to promote and encourage their members to embrace the lifestyle of the American cowboy as a goal for their lives and to preserve the memories and heritage of all members, past and present, by regularly maintaining and updating their museum.
A walk through the building reveals not just a history of the cowboy, but the story of Sheridan County. A glance around the newer front addition encourages visitors to take in Ote Berry’s first World Champion Steer Wrestler Saddle, Dr. David Browder’s extensive belt buckle collection, a drawing of Dick Matula created by Rick Yusten, a photograph of Harry Hanson with his fiddle, and a podium handcrafted by Dean Johnson with a wooden inlay crafted by Larry Turnbull.
Moving deeper into the building, patrons can browse a collection of over 100 saddles, including one commerating the Spade Ranch, donated by well-known saddle maker Veldon Morgan. According to “Doc” David Browder, president of the Tri-State Old Time Cowboys Memorial Museum, every saddle has a story of its own.
There are cases filled with a large collection of bits and spurs. Collectors recognize the numerous pieces by Crocket, Kelly, Garcia, and McChesney.
Other exhibits of note include an extensive barbed wire collection, various paintings and drawings from local artists, and a large number of arrowheads.
Many of the exhibits have been donated by local families. This continues to drive relatives to visit, wanting to see some item of clothing, a saddle, or a photo of their family member.
Doc Browder became the face of the Cowboy Museum around 2006. Board member Link Thompson remembers the amount of time he’s put in. “I tell you what, he and Dorothy have worked so hard here. And before him, Billy and Terrie Gibbons worked so hard here. It’s always been a pair – Billy and Terrie Gibbons, Doc and Dorothy, Kenny and Anna Allison, and Royal and Jean McGaughey.”
Browder is a natural in his role as curator and guide, “You might look at these beams. In 1964, this whole thing was built. It cost about $12,000, and they sold all those brands back there to pay for it. A guy came back here one time and he liked these beams. He looked at them and said, $12,000? He said, you can’t even buy one of these beams for $12,000 now.”
Photos of past Sheridan County Fair and Rodeo Queens and Princesses are assembled within the larger room. Each year, the girls who are competing are drawn to come visit to research material for their speeches and presentations. According to Browder, “Former Miss Rodeo America Lisa Jamison has contributed to the museum. Miss Teenage Nebraska Rodeo Queen of 2013, Robin Ferguson Scherbarth, attributes her success to material and advice from docents at the museum.”
Fundraising efforts proudly announce themselves throughout the space. The back wall of the building is filled with wooden squares covered in various brands and visitors walk inside the front door to find a memorial brick path purchased by different families, which helped pay for the newer front addition. Browder has written three books, for sale on site, with proceeds benefitting the museum.
Events throughout the year, which are open to the public, include an Old Timers Picnic complete with a western band, cowboy poetry, and stories. The annual Cowboys’ Breakfast is held during the Sheridan County Fair and Rodeo. During the yearly Willow Tree Festival, there’s a breakfast of biscuits and gravy and hashbrowns, and pie and ice cream in the afternoons. On Saturday mornings, there’s a bible study and breakfast, as well.
“Our portrayal of the old west is geared to providing a nostalgic atmosphere that encourages viewers to think and act like a cowboy,” Browder says. Board member Debbie Thompson, whose granddad, Harry Hanson, donated part of the money when the museum was first built, adds, “So many people don’t understand. They think this is the Cowboy’s Museum. It’s not the Cowboy’s Museum. It’s here to preserve the heritage of the ranch people and agriculture. Anybody can come here.”
In 2014, the museum was the recipient of Nebraska’s Outstanding Tourism Attraction. The award was presented to the ‘Tri-State Old Time Cowboy Museum for your contribution to the positive growth of Nebraska’s tourism industry.’ Browder states, “People all over Nebraska put in for it and we won it.”
The newer addition, complete with a kitchen, can be booked for class reunions, graduation parties, birthday parties, and other events. The board members ask for a free will donation to those that use the space. That money will be needed as a new roof needs to be installed in the near future. Browder mentioned that grants are being applied for, but donations of any kind will be welcome.
Admission is free to visit the museum, open from May 1 through October 1, but will open anytime by appointment.
