The model below is at the El Pueblo History Museum, in Pueblo, Colo. It is a fine, small museum, that uses its resources creatively and wisely. This model of the Mineral Palace is much more elaborate than the real deal that my mother used to visit in the early 1930s.

It was made of less splendiferous materials but it was built to serve as a showcase of the many minerals that are a part of Colorado's mining industry. In the Palace presided King Coal (14 ft. tall) and Silver Queen 16 ft. tall) sitting on thrones facing their subjects. I heard a lot of stories about what it was like to go to dances, skating, or to the grounds around the Palace. The model was made to tell a tale of a time that is now long gone.

As we have been traveling in the states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona I have been struck by the relevance of the mining industry to the region, both in the past and in what we see taking place today. The balance between artistic expression, community pride and impact on the environment is both old and ongoing.

The pictures of James and me were taken at the Palace of the Governors, Santa Fe, New Mexico. They are a way of establishing time and place. A different technique that tells a different historical tale.

It's been great fun to be on the road with James. As they say, all good things come to an end - we're through with the road and back home tomorrow.

Oh, because of Arizona SB 1070, we drove through the state, but spent no money in the state. Our Prius isn't as colorful as the truck, but it sure gets great mileage.

To learn more about the museums check out:

http://www.coloradohistory.org/hist_sites/pueblo/pueblo.htm

http://www.palaceofthegovernors.org/index.php

Supergraphic - Barbara Bowles