The Heck Horse has returned to California amid celebration at the Moniteau County Historical Museum, 201 N. High St.
About 75 people crowded into the historical society facility for the event. Known to many as "Heck," the life-sized display horse will remain stabled in the museum, with donated saddle and bridle. (Editor's Note: See correction below.)
Paul Jungmeyer introduced Morris Burger, who gave the history of the horse. He spoke of various people who have had an interest in the horse. Among those introduced were Maxine Hickam, who worked for Heck Saddlery in the 1940s, and Rick Miller, who is seated on the horse in a well-known photo dating from 1952.
The horse, which looms large in the memories of many of the older residents of the city, stood in the window of Heck Saddlery from 1890 until it was sold in 1973.
The saddle and harness-making company closed in 1976. The horse went to an antique museum, "The Wagon Master," in Dardenne Prairie, near O'Fallon. The horse was lost for 43 years, but never forgotten.
When located, the horse showed his 126 years of age, with parts missing or damaged to include an eye, the mane, ears and tail.
The Heck Horse was purchased at an auction June 10, 2016, and turned over to the historical society. The animal was immediately transported to Chase Studio in Cedar Creek, where he has undergone reconstructive surgery.
According to the Heck family, the horse was never formally named, but now is officially known as "Heck." Longtime residents of the county, born prior to 1965, may remember Heck patiently and quietly gazing out his window, where he stood for 83 years.
Children were especially fond of Heck, enjoying sitting on the horse or just looking at the animal from outside.
Morris and Dolores Burger spearheaded the effort to find the locally famed horse, but many others contributed. Donations to fund the restoration the horse came from many sources, including the California Area Chamber of Commerce and a fundraiser held at the Eitzen mansion by owners Rich and Pam Green.
The Bringing Heck Home Committee consisted of: Paul Jungmeyer, president; David Jungmeyer, museum curator; and co-chairs Morris and Dolores Burger, Dorothy Jungmeyer, Rich and Pam Green, Shirley Elliott, Norris Gerhart, Gail Hughes, Nancy Martin and Rudy Schroeder.
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Correction: The saddle and bridle on the restored Heck horse, now "stabled" at the Moniteau County Historical Museum were not manufactured by the Heck Saddlery. Although an effort was made, no Heck saddles or bridles could be found.
The saddle and halter/bridle were donated by Cheryl Grazier, St. Augustine, Florida. They belonged to her sister Gayle. The saddle was ordered through Heck Saddlery, but not manufactured at the business. Sandy Williams, Clarksburg, donated the blanket, and had the bridle customized to compliment the saddle. Lynda Reasoner, Columbia, sister to William, donated the silver bit.