2005 >> April >> The Lighter Side Trip  

The Lighter Side (Trip)
By Charlie Allmon

Reprinted from "Crown Jewels of the Wire", April 2005, page 42

The date is August 25. Chris Hedges, Denny Weber and I are headed to the Denver Regional. But first, we had a stop to make. We pulled off I-70 at exit 371, located just west of Genoa, Colorado. From that exit we took the limed access road north of the highway, and drove west just a short distance. There we found the Genoa Tower and Museum, owned by Jerry Chubbuck.

We walked in, and there was Jerry ready to welcome us. Wow -- what a great place! Room after room, of rows and stacks of insulators, bottles, fruit jars, Indian relics, shot glasses, old tools, and much more. The old tools were mounted on the ceiling of most rooms. As soon as I noticed this I found an old hard hat, mounted on a nail. Picked it up and put it on. Jerry said "two bucks". I said, "sold". That is why I am wearing a noggin protector. Keep looking and you'll find everything including a kitchen sink. In the far back of one room, there's even a stuffed Hereford calf born with two heads.

When you visit Jerry, make sure you set aside at least two hours, and bring a flashlight. The museums interior is dimly lit, and you would hate to miss something good located in the far corner of a cabinet. After touring the museum, all three of us found something we wanted to buy.

We had driven a long way, and Denny,. inquired as to the location of the bathroom. Jerry told it was around back. Denny had just entered the rest room when I hollered at him. Honest to Pete! I guess no one ever told him that a man uses the MEN'S ROOM! Maybe he just couldn't walk the extra twenty feet.

Soon all four of us were standing in Jerry's front yard, when Chris noticed the spiffy old two-tone car for sale. Chris mentioned something about needing another company vehicle. Denny suggested they "pop the hood" for a better look. One little bitty car hood, but it took both of them to lift it. Well - one look was all that it took! Chris saw that there were no porcelains in there, and decided he was not interested.

We also met Murray, the Calvary soldier. He seemed a bit stiff, but we could never get him to relax. Denny wanted us to pose for a picture. Jerry supplied us with the firearms. "Hey, Chris watch where your pointing that shotgun!"

We had worked hard looking around the shop and soon realized we were thirsty. Jerry brewed us up a pot of tea, and we all sat down at his well constructed picnic table. As you can see, I'm pouring tea into cups made of milk glass Ponds facial Cream jars. (Talk about roughin' it!)

Finally it was time to go. We paid for our purchases, loaded them, and said our good byes. Jerry is open year round, but he asks that you call for an appointment from October thru April. His number is 719-763-2309.



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