Members of the Wetmore Historical Society enjoyed a wonderful morning celebrating our community at the Florence Pioneer Museum during Wetmore Day.
We began with a brief meeting around the museum’s long table. During the meeting, Dave Alexander presented a painting by Kathy A. Madonna titled Colorado Burning, which commemorates the Aspen Acres Fire that began on June 29, 2026.
The artist and 103 Vintage Market Place in Florence donated the painting for auction, with proceeds benefiting the Wetmore Volunteer Fire Department. Wetmore resident Joan Hamilton-McCrea purchased the painting and later donated it to the Wetmore Historical Society. The painting will become a permanent part of the Wetmore collection at the Florence Pioneer Museum—a meaningful reminder of a difficult time and the generosity and strength of our community.
After our meeting, docent Marty Lamm led us on a tour of the museum. We explored exhibits representing Florence and neighboring communities before spending time with the Wetmore display. The collection includes portraits of Dr. and Mrs. Walters, originally donated by their descendant Jim Walters; a bright red-and-white quilt; wooden tools; and binders filled with photographs of the Wetmore area and its residents.
Several items sparked special interest and memories. One photograph features a young Dick Doman, a longtime member of the Wetmore Historical Society who passed away in 2022. We also enjoyed reading newspaper articles about the Wetmore Cream Station and Barbara and Richard Reeder’s purchase of the Wetmore Steakhouse.
Our tour continued upstairs to the Gene and Gayle MacKinnon Research Center. The research room houses area maps, trays filled with issues of historic Florence newspapers, filing cabinets containing information about local families, and the Wetmore Historical Society’s extensive binders documenting Wetmore and Greenwood history.
Before wrapping up our visit, the group gathered outside the museum for a photo. Members then explored the exhibits at their own pace, shared memories, and caught up with one another around the meeting-room table.
Thank you to the Florence Pioneer Museum for welcoming us and helping us celebrate the history, people, and stories that make our community special.
