Nelson Museum owner and lifelong collector unveils legendary 1909 Frontier Days saddle

CHEYENNE — Bob Nelson has spent the past 83 years of his life collecting artifacts representing the Wild West and Cheyenne culture.

The newest addition to his collection at the Nelson Museum of the West — the first-place saddle awarded to Clayton Danks at the 1909 Cheyenne Frontier Days — was unveiled Friday evening at the Cowboy Bit and Spur Show.

Nelson was born in Cheyenne. Over the course of his life so far, he said he’s collected more than 10,000 artifacts and 12,000 books that are all on display in his museum.

Many of his artifacts were bought from other collectors or auctions, he said. His collection includes Indian artifacts, military uniforms, Old West pistols, taxidermied Wyoming wildlife, a horse-drawn wagon, photographs of notable Cheyenne rodeo stars and so much more.

“We