New Gun Collection

ANTIQUE GUN COLLECTION ON DISPLAY AT OREGON TRAIL CENTER

Fourteen 18^th and 19^th century rifles were recently unveiled for permanent display at the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, Idaho.  This featured collection appropriately covers much of the time period that is commemorated by the Oregon/California Trail experience and the American Civil War. 

The coveted gun collection was assembled by Dr. James Ogilvie of Salt Lake City, Utah and then donated to the Dr. W. C. Swanson Family Foundation with the proviso of finding an appropriate venue to maximize public exposure.  The foundation’s Chuck and Tammy Swanson in turn approached the Oregon Trail Center in early 2014 with a proposal that was eagerly embraced by the non-profit center’s board of directors. 

Discussion then began on the design, construction and location of a custom display case that would provide optimum viewing, lighting and environmental controls in order to protect the delicate nature of the aging firearms.  Local craftsman Brian Brown constructed the display and together with several volunteers recently installed the case in the center’s art gallery.  Leather straps secure each rifle in place inside the enclosed exhibit. 

The exhibit creation was completed thanks to donated proceeds collected from a special gun shoot held last summer outside of the small community of Pegram, Idaho.  Gun enthusiasts and specialists from the western United States descended on the small rural town to feature all types of civilian and military weaponry that thrilled even the most avid gun fans. 

Dr. James Ogilvie is a retired pediatric orthopedic surgeon who was in private practice and on staff at Shriners Hospital for Children in Salt Lake City.  Dr. Ogilvie is a lifelong collector of unique firearms.  The Ogilvie collection to be housed at the Oregon Trail Center includes highly collectible rifles ranging back to 1765 with the most recent gun confirmed from the year 1884. 

These historic guns range from various flintlock muskets to U.S. Springfield cap and ball muskets.  Another featured rifle as a sample of the collection’s variety is a U.S. Springfield trap door rifle/carbine with an eagle and shield clutching arrows with laurels “US Model 1878” on the door. 

The Dr. W.C. Swanson Foundation has been a valued resource in guidance and support of the Oregon Trail Center since the center’s inception almost 20 years ago.  Not only did the foundation arrange for a semi-load of furniture and cabinets to be donated to the center from McKay Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah, they also donated substantial financial support to help construct the original living history tour sets and theatre.  The foundation has graciously supported many Bear Lake valley organizations including Bear Lake Memorial Hospital, Bear Lake County Search and Rescue, Bear Lake County sheriff’s office and the county wild fire protection district. 

An official ribbon cutting is being planned for a later date this spring with hopes of inviting Dr. Ogilvie and the Swanson foundation members to attend a formal unveiling of the collection.  Until then, these unique firearms are currently on display during normal business hours.

For more information about the National Oregon/California Trail Center and the Allinger Community Theatre in Montpelier, Idaho, please call (208) 847-3800 or visit www.oregontrailcenter.org.