Garfield County

Eastern Washington Agricultural Museum

Preserving History and Educating Future Generations 

  Please Click Here to Sign Our Guest Book: 

Cultivation of a Dream

            Is there a place that preserves Eastern Washington's rich farming tradition, educates youth about agriculture and creates a space for children, parents and grandparents alike to congregate and embrace the tradition of small-town rural life?  In October of 2004, this picturesque vision inspired eight locals to come together in order to achieve such a goal.  The hope was to teach children who believed Albertsons made their bread about wheat and farming, from plow to plate.  They wanted to preserve the sacred agricultural tradition and history and create a space for memories to be made.  In order to fulfill such tasks they decided that an Agricultural Museum was fitting for the quaint and friendly town.  It could be used not only as an education tool, but would rekindle fond memories in older generations, interest the middle-aged and awe farm kids with stories of farming in the “good ‘ole days.”

            Thanks to local supporters, fundraising, and grants the dream to preserve the cherished history of Eastern Washington and educate younger generations was realized.  The first weekend in April 2008, marked the day in which the desire of those eight local hearts became reality.  About 800 people were in attendance for an experience that would not soon be forgotten.  With over fifty draft horses and mules plowing, harrowing, cultivating, fertilizing and seeding the ground, antique equipment displays and demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, antique quilt and car shows, FFA’s spring preview, steer judging and a home cooked lunch and potluck the event proved to be a success.  The unveiling was just a small step towards what many hope to see the museum become.

            The 8,600 sq. ft. agricultural museum displays farm machinery, equipment, horse-drawn implements, tractors, engines and other machinery dating from the late 1800’s into the 1950’s!  Demonstrations of machinery and draft horses are held throughout the year. 

Hours:

Friday & Saturday 10 am - 2 pm

or schedule a tour ANYTIME (below). 

 

Image Galleries/ Virtual Tours:

(Click on any of the links below to enter a room full of history)

• FEATURED DISPLAY

• Help us Identify These Items

(Think these are cool??  Stop by the museum for even MORE!!)

Museum Intentions/ Goals:

           As the museum is brand new, many hope to see the development of an additional building, a working kitchen, fully equipped with a wood cook stove, regular hours, and offer more events and activities! 

Funding the Museum:

            The building itself cost approximately $200,000 to construct.  The group began raising money and came up with $21,000 by salvaging steel, lumber and roofing from the old Jolly Green Giant pea cannery that was about to be removed, and through donations.  Then, they approached the legislature and received $150,000 from the 2006 State Supplemental Capital Construction Budget, which was passed by the Legislature.   Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville and Reps. David Buri and Don Cox, both R-Colfax, showed extreme efforts in acquiring these funds.  Cox praised Pomeroy FFA Members for taking the time to express their interest in the museum, which increased the chances of receiving funding and made quite an impression on the chairman.  Cox said, “I received personal letters from about 30 students, all of whom expressed their wish to see the museum become a reality. And they weren’t form letters.  These young people wrote very thoughtfully about their ancestors, their family roots in the farming community, and their desire to see that heritage preserved for themselves and future generations. And in every case, the youngsters’ letters conveyed community pride and hope for the future of Pomeroy.”  According to Cox, the chair of the House Capital Budget Committee read each letter.

Set up a Tour:

For a scheduled visit, guided by an old timer contact

Jay Franks: (509) 566-7027 / pvpercherons@msn.com

David Ruark: (509) 843-3506

(A Percheron is a draft horse breed, once used for farming!)

 

Admission Cost:

 Donations !!!  

 

 

Activity/ Event Schedule:

Spring Farming Days:  First weekend in April (April 2-3, 2011)

*   Draft horse and antique tractor plowing and seeding bee, quilt show, chili cook-off, potluck and horse-drawn wagon rides!!

* For more information contact:  Jay Franks: (509) 843-1149

                                                   OR

                                             Gary Cole:  (509) 843-3748

Garfield County Fair & Rodeo:  September 17-19th 2010

* Animal, Flower, Clothing, Craft, Photography, Food and Produce Exhibits, Petting Zoo, Parade, Car Show, Open Museum, Demonstrations, Carnival, Live Music, Dance, Pie Contest, Chicken Scramble, Family Rodeo and Much More!!

 

Location/ Directions:

The Eastern Washington Agricultural Museum is located on the Garfield County Fairgrounds. 

Address:

Garfield County Fairgrounds

99 Fairgrounds Rd
Pomeroy, WA 99347
509-843-1723

Map: 

 

 For detailed directions from your place of departure visit: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/99+Fairgrounds+Rd+Pomeroy+WA+99347/

 

  Contact Information: 

  Still have questions or want to make a donation???

 Contact:       Jay Franks  E-mail:    pvpercherons@msn.com  

                                    Phone:   (509) 843-1149

 (Both monetary and artifact donations are appreciated)

   Please Click Here to Sign Our Guest Book: 

Thank you for visiting!

Come back again soon!!!

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Interesting Links: 

http://www.wacounties.org/wsac/museum.asp

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004338886_farm10m.html

http://www.senaterepublicans.wa.gov/news/2006/schoesler/schoeslerAgMuseum031006.htm

http://www.pomeroychamberofcommerce.com/