In 1919, John Sr. was in a serious wagon accident on the ranch. This accident crushed his hip and impacted his mobility for the rest of his life. While this incident limited his initial dream of turning the homestead into a horse ranch, John Sr. found a way to adapt and took up the taxidermy trade to find personal fulfillment and generate additional income for the family.

The workshop before you was built in 1922. Two years later, John Sr. obtained an official certificate from the Northwestern School of Taxidermy.

Wild game was bountiful in close proximity to the homestead, which gave him ample opportunity for practice. One notable piece included a coat rack with the hooks being crafted out of mule deer legs. Many of his original tools are located inside the shop, including clamps, pliers, files, hack saw, draw knife, and hammers.

After John Sr.’s death in 1932, the building was used as a rental cabin until the NPS purchased the homestead. During the summer, this cabin is open for visitors.

Similar to how the abundance of game fueled John Sr.’s taxidermy, the availability of Rocky’s natural resources was also an essential part of the family’s livelihood.