Delmar Smith & Cap Mentzer
It began in 1952 with the formation of the Roxy Ann Gem & Mineral Society, with Delmar Smith as its first president. The club members gathered to display their “finds,” discuss their favorite digging sites, and enjoy one another’s company.
As the membership and interest grew, field trips were organized and members would travel as a group to their favorite collecting places. Rockhounds united!
Frieda & Delmar Smith
In 1954 Freida and Delmar Smith founded the Crater Rock Museum at its current location on Scenic Avenue in Central Point, Oregon.
The Original Rock Museum circa 1960s
The original building that housed the rock museum consisted of what is now the two main display rooms.
In 1953, the society hosted its first rock show, held at the McLaughlin Junior High School gymnasium. The show consisted mainly of members’ collections and crafts.
It’s grown to become a large, on-going annual event, displaying lapidary works and the gem and mineral collections from our members and the public. There is a variety of rock and mineral vendors, demonstrations of many lapidary and jewelry techniques, family activity area, door prizes, raffles, and much more. It is currently being held the third weekend of March at the Jackson County Expo.
Mentzer Hall circa 1970s
The museum has grown from a small store-front operation to over 12,000 square feet, housing community meeting rooms, a workshop, large gift shop and expanded exhibit areas.
Ground Breaking Ceremony
The Crater Rock Museum has become a full time show place for the entire community.
Museum Today
We’ve had a lot of changes over the years, and we’re now a top quality museum, housing thousands of rare minerals. fossils and items from the lapidary arts.
Our Founders
The Roxy Ann Gem & Mineral Society has grown as well. With several hundred members, the society is a well-spring of knowledge and expertise in local and regional geology, mineralogy and lapidary.
We’ll always be grateful to THE FOUNDING MEMBERS OF THE ROXY ANN GEM & MINERAL SOCIETY
