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OLD SCHOOLHOUSE MUSEUM FEATURING SMETON AND HILTON

A new display at the Old Schoolhouse Museum in Twentynine Palms explores pioneer dentist Dr. Robert “Doc” Smeton’s love for the desert through art and gold mining. The exhibit features art by noted desert artist John Hilton as well as Smetonā€™s tools of the dental trade. Smeton, who recently moved to Washington state, served as a dentist in Twentynine Palms for 30 years, and collected Hiltonā€™s artworks. The Old Schoolhouse Museum, located on National Park Drive in Twentynine Palms, is open Wednesdays through Sundays fromĀ 1 to 4 p.m.

This whimsical painting of Dr. Robert “Doc” Smeton’s dental office was gifted to him by artist Elsie Grace. It’s not clear if she created it as the work is unsigned. (Twentynine Palms Historical Society photo by Kelly O’Sullivan)
Dr. Robert “Doc” Smeton joined the Upsilon Chapter of the Psi Omega Fraternity for dentistry in June 1959. He opened his practice in Twentynine Palms on Aug. 3, 1959. (Twentynine Palms Historical Society photo by Kelly O’Sullivan)
Dental tools used by Dr. Robert “Doc” Smeton during his 40 years of practice in Twentynine Palms. (Twentynine Palms Historical Society photo by Kelly O’Sullivan)
Four oils and one pencil drawing by artist John W. Hilton are the centerpiece of the Dr. Robert “Doc” Smeton display at the Old Schoolhouse Museum. (Twentynine Palms Historical Society photo by Kelly O’Sullivan)
Dana Bowden places dental tools used by Dr. Robert “Doc” Smeton on a table in the “Desert dentist” display at the Old Schoolhouse Museum in Twentynine Palms. (Twentynine Palms Historical Society photo by Kelly O’Sullivan)
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