Best of Wyoming

“The eighty year history of Wyoming’s first state penitentiary, now known as the Wyoming Frontier Prison, is as colorful and elaborate as the plot of a classic western movie. The cornerstone of the prison was laid in 1888, but due to funding issues and Wyoming’s notorious weather, the doors wouldn’t open for thirteen years. In December of 1901, the prison opened and consisted of only 104 cells (Cell Block A), no electricity or running water, and very inadequate heating.”

Take a walk though time and space with Rawlins’ downtown mural tour. This educational walking tour, funded by Rawlins DDA/Main Street, Carbon County School District #1 Recreation Board and the Wyoming Arts Council, celebrates the history of Carbon County through murals created by local artists in 2005-2007. The 12 murals highlight the history and natural beauty of south central Wyoming. From the innovate work of Thomas Edison and James Candlish to the splendor of the native pronghorn and aspen, the mural tour shows the diverse and rich history of the region.

The Rawlins Music Academy features a beginning hand chime choir that practices every Monday from 5:30 until 6:45pm.  They also have a hand bell choir that practices every Thursday from 5 until 6:30pm.   The first fall concert will be November 10th in Encampment or Saratoga.  The second concert will be November 11th at the Rawlins Middle School.  The final Christmas concert will be held on December 16th at Rawlins High School.

For more information, please visit http://www.jubilante.org/rawlinsmusicacademy.html .

Encouraging and Facilitating Musical Growth

Jubilanté Ensembles of Carbon County exist to create community instrumental groups, which will provide musical playing and performance opportunities, as well as encourage and facilitate musical growth for the players and the community through varying musical genres.

Jubilanté, a large mixed ensemble, rehearses on Sunday afternoons from 2:00 - 4:00 pm.  Della Smith is the primary conductor.  Rehearsals will be at the Rawlins Music Academy beginning June 3.

Carbon County Museum opened in 1940 in one room of the county courthouse. Since then the museum and its collection have grown to include over 30,000 artifacts housed in a former Church. Rotating exhibits highlight regional and local history, including personalities, western industries, and sensational events unique to the county. Displays feature “Big Nose” George Parrott (a bandit who became a pair of shoes), an original Wyoming State flag, restored vehicles, ranching, the railroad, geology and natural history collections.

The Weidner Wildlife Museum opened in September 2002 and houses nearly 125 species of wildlife collected worldwide.  This fascinating display of mounted wildlife entertains and educates visitors, excites hunters and often motivates interest in the conservation of outdoor resources. The wildlife in the museum was donated to Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs by residents, Roger A. and Jeanne A Weidner.  Education is the most important reason that the museum displays mounted wildlife.  The Wildlife Museum is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The Western Wyoming College Art Gallery is located at 2500 College Drive in Rock Springs, as you enter the main entrance to the building.   It is an adjunct to the Art Program at the college and serves to introduce students and the greater community to new concepts in materials’ use or ideas of contemporary visual investigation.