The deep shadows and vibrant colors of yet an-other of the Four Corners' rugged and beautiful landscapes surround the city of Gallup. On the westbound approach to the city, red rock bluffs and monumental peaks to the north rise into a cloudless autumn blue sky. To the south, a sea of juniper stretches into the hills. Stauder's great-grandfather started Gallup Lumber and Supply in 1939 after leaving the mines and becoming a contractor. The family added Rainbird Pawn and Trading Post in 1993 to keep busy during the winter months.
Most people trade.
We have several people who trade jewelry for lumber, or do odd jobs for lumber. The town seems to work together to get everything done. Navajo rugs and Zuni turquoise and silver jewelry are featured in the city's 110 trading posts, shops and galleries. Stauder says Gallup's pawn business also is not typical. Someone may have no place to keep their horse trailer, so they pawn it to store it with us.