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Thursday, September 20, 2007

Take a Load Off at New Store

By Laura Nesbitt
Mountain View Telegraph
    It took them seven years to build their vision, and they named it after their beloved donkeys and the railroad tracks that run about 100 yards from their property.
    Jackass Junction opened about a month ago in Mountainair.
    Owners Maureen and Neil Hamilton sell horse equipment, collectibles, books, vintage clothing, china and antiques at their store, which resembles something out of the Old West.
    They also have several places for patrons to relax, including the front porch.
    People who want to enjoy passing some time get free membership cards to the Jackass Junction Professional Porch Sitter's Union Local #1881.
    The porch has comfortable chairs and tables, and antiques hang on the front wall of the house and sit on the tops of the tables, along with a checkerboard.
    "We said, 'Let's build it with character,' '' Maureen said.
    The inside of the building is filled with collectibles, including a small train that runs along the ceiling. A book room at the end of a long hallway is another place where people can sit and relax. The Hamiltons plan to add coffee, tea and cappuccino soon.
    Behind the business, off the "smokers' porch" at the rear, the Hamiltons have built several Western storefronts that recall the 1800s, including a hay barn, a chicken house and a livery.
    Running between the storefronts or in fenced areas are two mules, two donkeys, six dogs, two geese, two turkeys, five chickens and three cats.
    The store's address is 506 E. U.S. 60. It is on the south side of U.S. 60 and on the east side of Mountainair.
    Jackass Junction is open on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.— although if someone comes by and rings the bell "at a respectable hour," the Hamiltons promise to open up.