History of the House
Among the early residents of the home was “Old Jimmy” McIntyre, a pumper for the railroad. Born in County Donegal in Ireland, Jimmy was known for his generosity. Later records show Mrs. Martha Ann Griffith lived in the house until her death in 1917. From about 1930 to 1980, it was the home of Laurence and Elizabeth Peterson. Two additional lean-to structures completed their home.
When the Peterson family occupied the dwelling, it was not only their home but the site of Mr. Peterson’s business, AllCars Wrecking and Implement Company. They were a John Deere dealership and also sold used cars and parts, new and used tires, and batteries. AllCars repaired autos and lawn mowers.
Laurence Rupert Peterson was born in Manassa, Colorado in 1893, moving to La Plata County with his parents around 1906. He served in World War I. Elizabeth (Lizzie) Camp was born in Colorado on February 13, 1896. Laurence and Elizabeth were married in Manassa in 1922. The 1930 census shows Laurence owning the garage in Durango and Lizzie working in a laundry. They had a daughter, Betty Lee and a son Lindy. Mr. Peterson died in 1951 and Mrs. Peterson in 1982.
Since this former railroad building was only part of the Peterson home, the furnishings do not portray the home as the Petersons knew it but are typical for the 1930s. They reflect La Plata County during The Great Depression.
The house today consists of two rooms:
- the kitchen/dining room
- and the bedroom/sitting room
Explore each room to learn more about life in the 1930s.