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Silverton, Colorado
Hidden Deep in the Rockies, an Old Silver Mining Town, Silverton Is Still Very Historic and Attractive to Visitors Who Love the Wild West.
It Is the Destination of the Narrow Gauge Railroad That Originates in Durango.
Leaving Hugo, we drove across state to Silverton, nestled in the center of the great Rocky Mountains. Vern Parker spent the last 25
years or so here, owning the "Hitchin' Post," an art studio and gift shop. His stepson, Allen, and his mother ran the Hitchin' Post after
Vern died in 1978. In 2002, when Allen sold the studio part of the store, he donated the remainder of unsold Parker paintings to
the local historical museum, the San Juan County Historical Society.
I had been in touch with Freda Peterson, archive curator, for some time, and when Clarence and I planned the odessey, Freda and I agreed to meet. I would be able to see the art collection and photograph them as well. This was a sizeable collection of horses, Indians and a variety of miscellaneous subjects. When we arrived, we were greeted by Freda's friendly smile, and that of her husband, Brison. They took us upstairs where the
paintings were in storage.
How exciting it was to see the original paintings of "King of the Herd," Tennessee Walking Horse," "Shetland Pony," "Stampede of Wild Horses," and "Palomino Champion," all of which had been published into postcards that I have been seeing for years. It was like greeting old friends.
Also in the collection were lovely portraits of Indian maidens, Chiefs, and Warriors, and Indian scenes. It was truly a memorable experience.
 
San Juan County Historical Society Archive Freda & Brison
Location of the Vern Parker Art Collection
"King of the Herd," the largest and most magnificient of the paintings.
 
"Palomino Champion" "Tennessee Walking Horse"
 
"Stampede of Wild Horses" "Shetland Pony with Saddle and Bridle"
All of these paintings had been produced into postcards. Published by Petley Studios in the '50s, Vern Parker is probably best known for
the world-wide circulation of these cards, and they are still highly collectible, steadily increasing in value. "King of the Herd" is seen often,
"Tennessee Walking Horse" now and then, "Palomino Champion" was published unfinished. I have such a postcard, but have not seen this completed painting in a postcard. The postcards, "Stampede of Wild Horses" and "Shetland Pony with Saddle and Bridle" I do not own. I only know of one otherperson who is in possession of these two postcards as they are extremely rare. The paintings were in very good condition. Since they are some of Parker's
first paintings, they must date back to the 50's if not earlier.
Although the entire collection was exciting to see, the ones that were the most exciting were the paintings of the horses.
Because I had seen these paintings in the form of postcards for so long, it was very emotional for me to see the originals.
I was also stunned by their size and the excellent condition in which they had been kept. They were undoubtedly
important to the artist as they had not been put up for sale and they had been sheltered from the elements for at least 50 years.
These paintings are only a small percentage of the ones produced in postcards. I know the whereabouts of at least four
other paintings, the rest most certainly are in private collections yet to be disclosed.
As well as the horse paintings, a very fine collection of Indian art. All the following paintings were framed.
Cropping was for proportion's sake.
 
Indian Maiden with Painted Pots Indian Maiden Platting Her Hair
 
Indian Maiden with Turquoise Earrings & Necklace ~ Indian Maiden with Feathered Headband
These two seem to be of the same model.
 
Indian Chieftain in Full Headdress Indian Brave In Two Feathered Headdress
Apache Warrior
This painting is remarkable. Not only is it great is size; it measures 32" by 45," but the detail and fierceness of this
man is conveyed in expression and position. To contrast this, the colors are soft and muted as if to show a different
side to this warrior.
Indian Family and Wagon
An assortment of other paintings were among the collection. These are not the typical subject of the western artist, but
nevertheless very interesting and noteworthy.
Jack Dempsey, Prizefighter of the 1900's
This unusual painting may indicate another interest of the artist. The two panels measure 30" by 83 1/2" and is framed in
thin plywood. The upper panel reads "Jack Dempsey, 1916" along with Parker's signature. The lower panel reads "Jack Dempsey As he looked in 1918 one year before he won the title" along with the signature. A great addition to a sports room or an avid boxer fan. Since Parker was at some time in his youth a prize fighter, it is no surprise that he would show an interest in this subject.
 
Native Birds of Colorado Barn Owl & Sparrow Hawk
Framed in Barnwood
Puppy in a Basket
Such a woeful appealing expression. Really adorable.
Joanna & Friend Freda
 
"The Hitchin' Post" as it is today. We were unable to see Allen Parker. By the time we arrived at the shop, it was closed. The brick building
is the present location. The adjacent storefront building has another owner. Note on the side view, Vern Parker's name and paintings still exist.
Before Leaving the Archives, Clarence and I Had in Our Possession, "King of the Herd," "Tennessee Walking Horse,"
"Shetland Pinto Pony with Saddle," and "Apache Maiden Seated with Pots."
Freda Generously Sold Us These Treasures. They Presently Reside in Our Home. "King of the Herd" is Framed, Waiting
to be Mounted, "Tennessee Walking Horse" and "Shetland Pony" Have Been Framed and Are Mounted, and the
"Apache Maiden" Hangs in the Hall. I Feel Like I Have Brought Home Family!
Leaving Silverton, we headed west and south, arriving in Santa Maria a short 2 days later. Of course, it is always good to be
home, but the memory of this fantastic journey remains as one mission completely accomplished! More on Silverton
Joanna Hagman
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