Old Stoney celebrates 100 years of history
A building made from local Crook County stone holds deep meaning to the smalltown community of Sundance where it stands, tall and iconic. Fondly known as Old Stoney, this historical four-story building will celebrate its 100th birthday in August.
According to Crook County Museum Chairman Pam Thompson, a group of local history buffs and friends of Old Stoney have planned a huge celebration to honor the monument’s milestone anniversary, commemorate its involvement in local history and celebrate its role in bringing the community together.
A local landmark
Built from materials out of the same ground it stands on, Old Stoney was originally constructed as a schoolhouse for students across the northeast corner of Wyoming and is considered one of the most unique, historical school buildings in the state.
In recent years, the building has undergone numerous upgrades and renovations and has taken on a new life as the Old Stoney Business and Cultural Center, which officially opened in June of this year.
The main level of the building houses an art gallery and gift shop, as well as a large, state-of-the-art conference room, a shareable workspace and three rentable office spaces for local businesses.
The Crook County Museum is located on the second floor, and fundraising efforts are ongoing to help finish the third floor.
Once completed, Old Stoney’s top floor will house an auditorium and stage, with original ornate-tin ceiling tiles, a kitchen and a party/meeting room.
For the people of Crook County, Old Stoney has become a beloved local landmark, where many have attended business meetings and conferences, funerals and weddings.
But, the love the community holds for this historic building goes far deeper than the events they have attended there.
Crook County Museum Director Rocky Courchaine said the building has brought many friends and family together to make and share cherished memories. Overall, Old Stoney provides a wonderful gathering place for the community.
A milestone event
On Aug. 19, Crook County will throw a 100th birthday celebration for Old Stoney. The party will be held later in the afternoon, following a host of exciting events planned throughout the day.
Thompson noted there will a farmers’ market, food trucks, vendors, a silent auction, live music and other entertainment. The night will conclude with birthday cake to top off the celebration.
Thompson and Courchaine share this celebration means more than getting together to eat food and buy goods.
“It’s about saving part of our community, making memories to share and creating stories to tell,” said Thompson. “Many thought this building would not stand, but it has, so that is really something to celebrate. This celebration proves our community is dedicated to saving our history and celebrating 100 years of education.”
Old Stoney holds a special place in the hearts of everyone in the community and even those throughout Wyoming.
“Everyone has a story to tell about Old Stoney,” stated Thompson.
Preslee Fitzwater is an intern for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
