Our Gift Shop

There is really something for everyone here! It is a one of a kind shop and is managed by Sue McMahan and Betty Holmes. Our gift shop is located inside the old Schoolhouse Museum and carries a wide variety of unique gifts for both children and adults.


Gift Shop Report

By Sue McMahan

We had a "good run" at the Gift Shop this spring, for which we are grateful. As May comes to a close and we approach the summer doldrums, sales are slowing a bit, as expected. To add to my general feeling of malaise has come the realization that all things must eventually change. For me it is the reality of losing the tutelage and encouragement of my friend Betty every Monay morning. That is when we met to work, rearrange, plan, decide on what to order, and just talk (not always about Gift Shop issues.) Lucky for me and the shop, Doris Lawless has stepped in to help with the marking and arranging. She has a good "eye" for that. Have you seen Doris's eye-catching arrangement of all things Native American on the main display table? Things, especially books, are disappearing from there.

To fill the empty space we've placed copies of Joe DeKehoe's book, The Silence and the Sun there. There was standing room only on Friday night, May 14th to hear his lecture and slide show on the history of people, places, and events on old Route 66 and the railroad communities of the Eastern Mojave Desert. I have to confess that up to that evening, I never understood the fascination many people have with Highway 66. But after hearing that soft-spoken, low-key gentleman talk with such obvious respect for the people who lived and worked in these forgotten places, showing photos of then and now of both the individuals and the towns where they lived, almost all gone now, I was hooked.

The book he has written begins with the story of the Old Woman Meteorite; it's discovery and controversial removal from the discovery site. One of the principal participants in the controversy, Jack Harwood of Twentynine Palms, was interviewed. His side of the story is told.

It's a fascinating book with lots and lots of pictures, always a sure-fire interest grabber for me. According to Mr. DeKehoe, this stock of books is diminishing. After the Friday night crowd got through buying from the author, there are fewer still. The Gift Shop has a few. Come get yours.

Remember, if you can't come by the Gift Shop you can peruse our book selections by visiting our on-line Book Shop.


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