By John Hernandez
The San Manuel Historical Society has been reorganizing their museum, which is now open two days a week or by appointment. The museum hours are Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The museum holds some interesting artifacts and research material that is available to the public for viewing. There are some Indian artifacts, including a 6,000 year old arrowhead found on the Peppersauce Road. Books and articles about the history of the area can be checked out. One of the first original street lamps of the town and one of the first phone books can be seen there, as well as a voter registration list of Sombrero Butte and photograph albums from every segment of the mining operation.
A mineral collection is one of the more popular exhibits. There was even a booklet of the original housing plans for San Manuel. Rents for the houses then were $87 a month for a 3-bedroom 1 ¾ bath and you could get a 2-bedroom 1-bath home for $67 a month.
The San Manuel Historical Society Museum is supported by the San Manuel Thrift Shop. The shop not only provides discounted merchandise for the public but helps support the community. Helping support the thrift shop will help the museum and your community.
Just this year, the San Manuel Historical Society has given $100 to the Safe Journey House, $100 to Charlotte’s Way Animal Rescue, $500 to Community Schools, $500 to the Mammoth-San Manuel School District Education Fund, $50 to the Education Fund Golf Tournament and $150 to St. Jude’s.
The museum is located at 137 8th Avenue in the lower arcade next to the San Manuel Miner office and in the back of the thrift shop.