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 |
| Construction started | 1915 |
| Completed | 1916 |
| Cost | US$1 |
| 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 |
| Template:Infobox PSF | |
The Deming Armory is a historic building in Deming, New Mexico. It was once a place where soldiers trained. Today, it is home to the Deming Luna Mimbres Museum. This important building was added to the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties in 1978. It was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Contents
History of the Deming Armory
Building for Border Protection
The Deming Armory was built between 1915 and 1916. It was designed by architect Henry C. Trost. This was the first armory built after New Mexico became a state in 1912. Its main purpose was to train soldiers. These soldiers helped guard the border with Mexico during a time of change in Mexico.
A Community Hub
For 60 years, the armory served the New Mexico National Guard. During World War II, it housed a chapter of the USO. The USO supported soldiers training at the nearby Deming Army Airfield. The building was also a popular community center. People gathered there for dances, basketball games, and other local events.
Becoming a Museum
In 1976, the National Guard moved to a new building. This left the armory empty. Around the same time, a local businessman named Hubert Ruebush wanted to donate his mother's old washing machine to the town's museum. The museum was too small to take it. So, Mr. Ruebush donated $6,000 to help the museum buy the armory. He asked that the community match his donation.
The community quickly raised the money. A group from Deming then bought the building for $11,500. This allowed the museum to move into its new, much larger home.
Architecture of the Armory
The Deming Armory is a striking red-brick building. It has two stories and sits on a raised basement. The front of the building has three sections, and the sides have nine sections. Decorative brickwork and concrete details make the outside special. A large arch leads to the main 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 it. The museum shows what life was like for people in the area long ago.
Museum Collections
The museum has many interesting collections. You can see ancient Mimbres pottery. There are also dolls and toys from the past. Other exhibits include glass, china, and crystal items. You can also find teapots, silver, and copper pieces. The museum displays saddles and ranching equipment. There are even full rooms set up to look like they did in different time periods. You can also see old furniture, paintings, tools, and clothes. The museum has Native American artifacts, shiny gems and geodes, and old weapons. There is also war memorabilia, old vehicles, and farm equipment.
See also
