Horse-drawn history: Museum brings visitors to Pacific County to experience glories of the past

Integrating his enthusiasm for the museum and our local area, Bowman’s presentation was titled “For the Love of Carriages and Community.” Bowman believes modern-day recreational vehicles in some ways mirror Romany traditions. He makes a connection between the theme of “carriages and community” and the splendors of antique-carriage collecting and riding.

It isn’t a surprise that the sense of community is built into Bowman’s presentation. The nationally recognized Northwest Carriage Museum is unique because it is in such a small town. In his symposium talk, Bowman tied the collection to its emphasis on the economic vitality of the community.

‘Endlessly interesting’

Many people don’t understand how the museum even got here, let alone how it continues to flourish. Its origins lie in the collecting passions of the late Gary Dennis, the entrepreneur responsible for the success of The Dennis Company hardware chain his family long operated. From that beginning, Jerry and his wife, Laurie Bowman, the museum’s executive director, made Raymond their home, the museum their passion, and the people who visit the museum their friends. This combination is rarely duplicated.

The museum “is endlessly interesting thanks to the design and display talents of Jerry and Laurie, as we appreciate their passion for sharing it with others. The way they showcase the carriage’s history and timeline in its broad social context … is marvelous,” said Gail Friedlander, museum patron and Raymond resident.

The Bowmans are proud that being an appealing destination means visitors potentially spend money on gas, groceries, small businesses and restaurants. Museum membership provides special deals at businesses that belong to the program. The membership is a relatively new collaboration to help the community make it through the pandemic and all the challenges it brings.

The audience at the CAA-sponsored symposium heard the romanticism in Bowman’s voice, relating a history that is larger than life. It is much the same factual information he presents on a museum tour.

There is awe for what Bowman conveys — awe from tourists and from community members who bring visiting family members — perhaps with their membership card in hand so they can shop at discount in the gift shop that features local art.

Most of all, Bowman’s tours focus on the people who once drove the carriages and rode in them when they were more than historical relics. These accounts make the carriages sparkle, flicker and provide a sense of relief that a piece of their history made it to this museum in this Pacific County town. Bowman makes the carriages and their history a romantic journey into the past.