By Mike Armstrong
Reporter, Carbon County Comet
In the spirit of old-fashioned holiday cheer, Hanna Basin Museum director Geraldine Hutchins went above and beyond this year to ensure her community had a truly special Christmas celebration. Hutchins transformed the museum into a festive wonderland, complete with two beautifully decorated trees adorned with handmade ornaments and a charming train set chugging around one of them. The effort, she explained, was a tribute to the town’s deep-rooted connection to the railroad.
The Union Pacific railroad played a pivotal role in Hanna’s history, as it laid the foundation for the town back in 1890. In those early days, Hanna was a company town, characterized by rows of nearly identical houses, each featuring an outhouse and a coal house in the backyard, which were shared between two neighboring homes.
For those curious about what life was like in these bygone days, the museum offers a chance to step back in time. One of these historic homes has been preserved, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the humble abodes that once dotted the landscape.
The growth of Hanna was linked to coal mining, and as more mines sprung up, so did distinct neighborhoods, each associated with its nearby workplaces. Among them, One Town was situated near No. 1 Mine, while Two Town and Three Town emerged as more mines came into operation. Another notable settlement, Jap Town, thrived near No. 2 Mine, where spacious gardens were a common sight. Remarkably, the area still boasts the presence of wild horse radish, a living relic of its coal mining past.
Hutchins, determined to showcase this rich history alongside a festive holiday event reminiscent of days gone by, achieved success. The local community embraced the effort with enthusiasm, and to top it off, two prominent elected officials graced the museum’s Christmas party with their presence.
Wyoming Representative Bob Davis, representing House District 47, joined the festivities and engaged in lively conversations with locals who attended the event. The party also welcomed Secretary of State Chuck Gray, whose visit delighted attendees. Both Davis and Gray were given an informative tour of the museum’s historic buildings and exhibited a genuine interest in the surrounding history taking part in conversations about coal culture with locals.
As the Christmas party drew to a close, the museum board members in attendance declared it a resounding success. Their praise underscored the significance of Hutchins’ efforts over the preceding weeks.
