By JENNA RHUDE
Moapa Valley Progress
Another Cub Scout group visited Lost City Museum in Overton, and did not leave disappointed.
On a typically warm June day last week, Cub Scout Pack 26 of Logandale, along with their leaders, enjoyed a guided tour through the museum’s exhibits. The boys from the Pack’s Wolf and Bear dens walked over the grounds and stood attentive as their guide explained the maintenance required to keep the “huts” in working order.
When the boys asked what “working order” meant, they were told that they regularly have to repair the stucco on the huts caused by erosion. They were also told that the only way that experts know about the huts is from their foundations. The museum staff built the current huts on the original foundations.
The tour then moved inside the museum building where the scouts learned how the exhibit located in the middle of the museum is an original foundation created by the early Paiute Indians in our valley. The kids learned how hard living in this harsh environment must have been.
They received hands-on training on how to grind oats using only man power. They used mill stones to grind oats into a usable powder. However, this differed from the Paiutes, simply because the Paiutes ground corn, not oats. Each of the kids had the opportunity to get their hands dirty and grind away.
Emily Wollenzien, one of the scout leaders in attendance, explained that the natives must have spent the majority of their time grinding corn and working very hard, always busy. This is an excellent example of how working hard is a great trait to have, she said.
Evan Wollenzien said that he can’t wait to go back. However, this time he will remember to bring his money to spend at the gift shop. All of the scouts really enjoyed the variety of items that can be purchased at the gift shop.
The museum is a great place to visit. There are exhibits to enjoy inside an air conditioned building and children under the age of 18 get in free. There is plenty of parking and a shaded area for dogs as well.
Make sure to take advantage of this local treasure. If you have not been to the museum, now is the time to visit. You can also call ahead and arrange a tour if you have a group that would like to visit. For further information contact the museum at 702-397-2193.
