We had passed the Hubbell Trading Post in Ganada on our way here but did not want to stop with the Wanderer attached. Having listened to a pod cast by Matt and Karen Smith about the site, we decided to drive down to experience it. The Hubbell Trading Post is the oldest trading post on the Navajo Reservation. It was in continuous operation from 1872 to 1967 when it was bought by the National Park Service from the last surviving descendent of Juan Hubbell. We walked through the trading store where we got our passport stamp and Leslie found a beautiful hand made Turquoise Necklace. Then headed over to the Visitor Center where we watched the park film, and were able to take a tour of the Hubbell home with Park Ranger Alvis Burbank. In the home are over 130 “Red Head” drawings of Native Americans, including some famous chiefs, that were done by E. A. Burbank in the late 1800s. Park Ranger Alvis Burbank shares the same name, but is not a genetic descendent of E. A. Burbank. The Navajos did not have middle or last names until forced to by the US Government. Many of the Navajo last names were “given” to them by people that were respected withing the reservation. But it was fun for David to tease Alvis about it! The Red Head drawings are incredible in detail. The Hubbell’s hosted many artists in their home and the artists would leave some of their works for payment for their keep even though the Hubbell’s did not ask for recompence. On our way out, Park Ranger Alvis pointed out a Great Horn Owl nesting in a tree outside the visitor center. They are very unusual to see in this area.
 |
| Entrance Sign |
 |
| The Trading Post |
 |
| Original Trading Post Sign |
 |
| Interior of the trading post |
 |
| Great Hall of the Hubbell Home |
 |
| One of the original Red Heads |
 |
| Great Horned Owl nest |
No comments:
Post a Comment