Big Timbers History Corner #15 – Highway Sign

This old style highway sign is made of enamel over metal, kind of like your Grandma’s roasting pans. It marked Highway 89 and was probably placed at or near that road’s junction with Highway 50, as the arrow and mileage direct you westward to Lamar and Las Animas.

Highway 89 had an interesting life. It was first established as a state highway in the 1920’s, when it led to a community in Baca County called Stonington. By 1939 it extended north to connect with Highway 96 and Towner, and it even grew a little northbound spur from there in 1946. That was the peak of its glory days, though. By 1954 it had been scaled back and was only considered to be a run between Holly and a town called Cheney Center (no longer in existence). The state eventually designated the highway as going clear to Lycan. It wasn’t fully paved until 1975!

Speaking of glory days, Big Timbers Museum is dedicated to remembering them all. Admission is only $3 for individuals, or $2 each for groups of 10 or more. $5 lets you bring the whole family for a fun learning experience that also helps preserve our Prowers County heritage for future generations. An even better deal is a membership, $10 for an individual and $15 for a family. Open 10 am to 5 pm Tues-Sat. Call 336-2472 for more details.

Big Timbers History Corner is brought to you by Susan Crites