Deming Armory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Deming Armory |
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Deming Armory in 2009
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| Former names | State Armory |
| Alternative names | Deming Luna Mimbres Museum |
| General information | |
| Status | Used as a museum |
| Type | Government armory |
| Architectural style | Castellated style |
| Address | 301 South Silver Avenue |
| Town or city | Deming, New Mexico |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 32°15′58″N 107°45′29″W / 32.26611°N 107.75806°W |
| Elevation | 4,337 ft (1,322 m) |
| Current tenants | Deming Luna Mimbres Museum |
| Construction started | 1915 |
| Completed | 1916 |
| Cost | US$17,500 |
| Client | US Department of the Army |
| Owner | Luna County Historical Society |
| Dimensions | |
| Other dimensions | 50 feet (15 m) across x 132 feet (40 m) deep |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 2 |
| Floor area | 14,000 sq ft (1,300 m2) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Henry C. Trost |
| Architecture firm | Trost & Trost |
| Main contractor | W. W. Barracks |
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Deming Armory
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| Architect | Henry C. Trost |
| NRHP reference No. | 83001624 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | April 21, 1983 |
The Deming Armory is a special old building in Deming, New Mexico. It used to be called the State Armory. Today, it is known as the Deming Luna Mimbres Museum. This historic armory is located at 301 South Silver Avenue in Deming.
The building was constructed for the United States Department of the Army between 1915 and 1916. For many years, it served as a place for soldiers to train. Now, it is home to the local museum in Deming. The armory was recognized for its importance in 1978. It was added to the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties. Later, in 1983, it was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
History of the Armory
Building for the National Guard
The Deming Armory was designed by a famous architect named Henry C. Trost. It was built to be a training center for the National Guard of the United States. This armory was the very first one built after New Mexico became a state in 1912.
Its main purpose was to train soldiers. These soldiers were needed to guard the border with Mexico. This was important during the time of the Mexican Revolution.
Serving the Community
The Deming Armory served the New Mexico National Guard for 60 years. During World War II, it also housed a chapter of the USO. The USO helped support the soldiers who were training at Deming Army Airfield.
Even though it was a military building, the armory was also a community hub. People used it for many local events. These events included dances and basketball games.
Becoming a Museum
In 1976, two important things happened that led to the armory becoming a museum. First, the National Guard moved out of the building. They moved to a new facility on the south side of Deming.
Second, a local businessman named Hubert Ruebush wanted to donate something special. He offered his mother's old electric washing machine to the museum. This washing machine was the first of its kind in Deming.
However, the museum at the time was too small. It could not fit the washing machine. So, Mr. Ruebush donated $6,000 to help buy the armory. He said his donation had to be matched by other local donations. People quickly raised the money needed. A group from Deming then bought the building for $11,500. They bought it from the State Armory Board in Santa Fe.
Building Design
The Deming Armory is a very impressive building. It is made of red brick and has two stories. The building sits on a raised basement.
The front of the building has three sections. The sides are very long, with nine sections deep. Tall, flat columns called pilasters divide the side walls. The front of the building has fancy brickwork and concrete details. There is a large arch in the middle with big double doors. The walls of the building are very thick, about 13 inches.
Deming Luna Mimbres Museum
The Deming Luna Mimbres Museum is also known as the Deming Luna County Museum. The Luna County Historical Society runs this museum. The museum shows what everyday life was like for people in the area. It also tells the history of the region.
The museum has many different collections. These include:
- Mimbres pottery
- Dolls and toys
- Glassware, china, and crystal
- Teapots, silver, and copper items
- Depression glass
- Saddles and ranching tools
Other exhibits show how rooms looked in the past. There are also old furniture, paintings, and tools. You can see clothes, Native American artifacts, and shiny gems. The museum also displays geodes, weapons, and items from wars. Large vehicles and farm equipment are also part of the collection.
See also
