Tales from the Tread: The Pleasant Collection of American Indian Art

The newest exhibit at the Tread of Pioneers Museum, “The Pleasant Collection of American Indian Art” opened June 23 and features a stunning array of basketry, pottery, weavings and beadwork from primarily Southwest tribes.

The collection itself is a sight to behold, but the history behind the collectors is a fascinating story of a Routt County family dedicated to arts and culture.

The group of artifacts was the love and hobby of Hayden resident H.B. Pleasant. Originally from Indiana, Hugh Bronson, also known as H.B. or Johnny, made his way to Denver in 1908 with his brother.

H.B. became the owner of the general store in the tiny town of Maybell, and moved to Hayden in 1929 to take over the filling station at the corner of Walnut and Jefferson Streets.

H.B. was well known as a kind and civic-minded community member who was devoted to his family. Any extra time or cash H.B. could acquire went toward his passion project of traveling to reservations across the Southwest to meet tribal families and tradesmen and women, and purchase their artwork.

By Katie Adams

Richard Pleasant sits surrounded by his father, H.B. Pleasant’s massive American Indian art collection in Hayden.
Tread of Pioneers Museum/Courtesy photo