History La Plata

A Publication of The La Plata County Historical Society

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$PVOUZ has the most bringing readers a potpourri of stories interesting history! We are never at a loss on serious topics, as well as some fun for topics to research, stories to fnd or subjects. To organize such a variety of artifacts to track down. And as much fun topics we turned to a timeless device… as it is to do research, the real fun begins the alphabet. Volunteers have created when we craf exhibits and publications stories from A to Z to tell the history of to share with you what we have learned. La Plata County. We hope they are as In this edition of History La Plata we are much fun to read as they were to write.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ,BUIZ
.D,FO[JF am sure some of you remember an exercise at school where you were given a word Ilike MOTHER and were asked write to a poem called an acrostic. Each line began with a letter in the featured word. In keeping with the theme of this issue we ofer our Standing; Carolyn Bowra - Museum Director. version of that idea. Seated; (lef to right)Kellie Cheever - Museum Assistant, is for being the LOCAL source of our county’s history Susan Jones - Interim Curator of Collections, Jan Postler - Curator of Collections, L Orianna Keating - MFA Grant Project Assistant and Lauren Butero - MFA Grant P is for the thousands of PHOTOS of our area available in our collection $ is the irreplaceable items found in our COLLECTIONS and the stories they can tell MUSEUM HOURS H is for the HELPING HANDS of our committed volunteers 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday (May – October) S is for the generous community SUPPORT we receive 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (November- April) No matter how you spell it or the letters and words you use the La Plata $ounty The Animas Museum is located at 3065 West 2nd Avenue Historical Society is an organization dedicated to preserving our county’s history. in Durango on the corner of 31st Street and W. 2nd Ave. Without your continued fnancial contributions, memberships and generous donations 
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BOJNBTNVTFVN!GSPOUJFSOFU of time and materials, the Animas Museum could not continue to function as an invaluable resource for this area. To join the histori- BOARD OF DIRECTORS cal society visit our website at www.animasmuseum.org or call the Kathy McKenzie, President Jeff Johnson Museum at 970-259-2402. Tank you for all the ways you help the Rani Holt, Vice President Bruce Spining Animas Museum and the LPCHS. Gay Kiene, Secretary-Treasurer Marilee Jantzer-White Cheryl Bryant Duane Smith (emeritus) 0O
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DPWFS Back when paper could be expensive, children practiced their writing Charles DiFerdinando and did arithmetic on small chalkboards. Tis child’s slate frame is from the Animas Museum’s permanent collection. Photo courtesy of La Plata County Historical Society

A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 3 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX Animas: Nothing Perdidas About It t was 1765, and New Mexico the San Juan River, originated from IGovernor Tomás Vélez Capuchín Rivera’s party, while other names was curious. Rumors had reached were Spanish language versions of the Governor’s office in Santa Fe of Ute names. As they proceeded west, a Ute Indian who traded a piece of the group crossed the Piedra River, silver to a blacksmith in Abiquiu, which he named Río de la Piedra New Mexico, offering a tantalizing Parada for the nearby Ute-named possibility that there might be more landmark of Standing Rock. They of this precious metal in Spain’s forded the Río de los Pinos (which relatively unknown distant territory we know today as the Pine River), to the north. The Governor decided adapting the Ute name to Spanish. to sanction an expedition to track On July 4, eleven years before down the rumored source of the that date would evoke patriotic silver. He authorized Juan Maria fervor among colonists of the fledg- Antonio Rivera to lead this search. ling United States, the Spanish ex- Capuchín’s order sponsored the pedition reached a “quite pleasant” first official venture into this north- river, and named it Río Flórido, the ern extent of New Spain. While it Spanish language version of the Ute was not well-known to government name, River of Flowers. officials, the far flung region was The party crossed the River of This image of the Animas River ca. 1911 shows the spirited water as it might have been quite familiar to the underground Flowers and arrived at the banks of seen by early explorers. Photo courtesy of Animas Museum Photo Archives trading network of New Spain. what Rivera described as “a river Clandestine buying and selling be- so copious and big that we called cross the Animas. They made their rumored silver. By July 22, they tween the Spaniards and the Indian it the Río de las Animas.” Spanish way across with water coming up were convinced that the Sierra de la tribes had been going on since Don language experts can interpret the to their saddles. On the far side of Plata was a misnomer and returned Juan de Oñate led the first colonists name Las Animas a couple of ways. the river was a Ute encampment home to Santa Fe. to the Rio Grande River in 1598, The singular of animas is anima, where they met the Ute leader, Rivera’s reports of his findings but Spanish law set very high taxes which means either soul or spirit. Coraque, and asked if he could help and of the many tales he had heard on trade goods, and prohibited The plural can also mean souls them find the person who could from the Indians about the lands trade with certain Indian tribes, so in purgatory. One historian has take them to the source of the silver even farther to the north intrigued publicly acknowledged trade was argued that given the context of a trade piece. Coraque sent them Governor Capuchín. He commis- minimal. Many members of the ex- swift and big river, Rivera probably south to other Ute camps located sioned Rivera to take a second jour- ploration party had surreptitiously meant “spirited” or lively when he on the Animas. From this point, ney a little later that year. Eleven travelled the route before. settled on the plural Animas. Rivera’s diary describes a meander- years after Rivera’s second trip, the The Rivera party left Abiquiu at Romantic travel writers, dating ing 14-day-long journey, ending Dominguez-Escalante Expedition the end of June 1765. His diary of back to the 1880s, have attempted at the base of what he termed the followed much of Rivera’s route, the trip was discovered in 1964 and to jazz up the river’s name by add- Sierra de la Plata, which eventu- reinforcing the names and locations briefly chronicles the first formally ing the word “perdidas” (which ally became known as the La Plata identified by Rivera, and producing recognized venture through what means lost or astray) to conjure up Mountains. an authoritative map. By the time we now know as La Plata and Mon- the idea of lost souls. Romantic as For two days, the men scoured the land became part of the United tezuma Counties, and beyond. The that may sound, Rivera and other the hillsides of the Sierra de la Plata States and new settlers arrived from expedition followed a trade route to explorers of the 1700s, including taking note of numerous veins of the east in the 1870s, the 100-year- the northwest, crossing the Chama Dominguez and Escalante, never colorful minerals. “It can be said old names were established parts of and San Juan Rivers. While travel- used the word perdidas when they without exaggeration that the our local history. ❦ ling, Rivera bestowed names that documented and mapped the Río entire mountain is made of pure are still used today for many of the de las Animas. metal.” Rivera noted in the diary. By Jill Seyfarth, an archaeologist geographic features encountered It took the expedition the entire Much to their disappointment, and historian in Durango on the trip. Some names, such as next day to find a good place to the men found lead instead of the A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 4 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX #aker’s Bridge – Lasting Legacy of the Baker Party aker’s Bridge has been an im- New Mexico, Baker’s followers had Joseph Freed, an early Animas 1989. A popular tradition of jump- #portant landmark in La Plata made crude improvements to this Valley resident and La Plata County ing of the bridge into the river came County for over 150 years. route to permit wagon travel. Te road overseer, supervised the re- into vogue during this time and While the bridge has long played passage from Abiquiu followed the building of the bridge in the 1880s. became a rite of passage for mostly a role in our history, its namesake, Old Spanish Trail, diverting up the Te Flood of 1911 completely de- teen-aged males. Charles Baker, is one of the least Florida River and entering the Ani- stroyed it. Te bridge that replaced it A better known leap into the known characters from our past. mas Valley by way of Ute Pass and was itself replaced in 1930 by a steel- river was staged just upstream of the In July of 1860 Baker led a pros- Spring Creek near today’s Florida truss span built just downstream bridge for the movie “Butch Cas- pecting party to the headwaters of Road. from the original bridge. sidy and the Sundance Kid” in 1968. the Animas River in search of gold. To reach Baker’s Park, travelers Te dedication ceremony for this Tough the stunt jump was flmed Afer a summer of prospecting in needed to cross to the west side of bridge on June 8, 1930 featured a elsewhere, the scene flmed on the Baker’s Park (location of today’s the Animas River, so Baker’s men pageant about the Baker Party and granite clifs above the Animas fea- Silverton), the party built a log cabin built a log bridge where the river its bridge that may best be described tures Butch convincing Sundance to settlement they named “Animas gorge narrows a short distance north as romantic folklore. Moreover, a jump rather than fght the approach- City” about 30 miles south of Baker’s of their log settlement. Tis bridge plaque placed at the site in 1961 ing posse. When Sundance ruefully Park and some 15 miles north of the also provided access to the hot perpetuates the confusion between admits he can’t swim, Butch laugh- future site of Durango. springs on the west side of the river. Baker’s Animas City and another ingly asks, “Are you crazy? Te fall Baker obtained a charter for the Baker and his followers abandoned town of the same name founded will probably kill you!” ❦ Abiquiu, Pagosa and Baker City Toll the area by the summer of 1861 be- in 1876 about a dozen miles to the Road in December 1860, hoping to cause of hostile Utes, the lack of gold south. By Robert McDaniel, a fourth gen- capitalize on a route to the diggings and the onset of the Civil War. White Te steel bridge served residents eration Durango resident who never from the south. On their supply trips settlers didn’t return to the Animas for another 59 years before being re- jumped of the bridge between Animas City and Abiquiu, Valley until 1873. placed with the current structure in

The Durango Wheel Club poses for a group photo at Baker’s Bridge in June 1895. The photograph was taken by local photographer Frank Gonner (learn more about him later in this issue). Photo courtesy of Animas Museum Photo Archives A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 5 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX $olumbian Exposition – La Plata County in the Spotlight

he year was 1893, a year that The fair offered a potpourri of significance beside these.” The floor Colorado’s exhibit “is a good one.” TDurangoans would long re- exhibits to see and buildings to also included a “large audience hall The minerals display, one felt, member. Two events shaped their visit. In fact, one proud person in which concerts are given daily, at “compares with the best.” lives forever. The first was the eco- wrote, Colorado was “represented the hour of noon.” That seemed a fair summary nomic crash and depression, which in every department of the exposi- A statue also caught fairgoers’ of the state’s exhibit. It had stirred would linger on for several years tion.” The state’s exhibitions could attention. That was Preston Powers’ pride among Duangoans and and be the worst economic times be seen in the Transportation, The Last of His Race. The women of Coloradans and furnished valuable most of them had ever experienced. Mines and Mining, Manuafactures Denver’s Fortnightly Club commis- promotion, while briefly taking The other was the World’s Colum- and Liberal Arts, and Horticultural sioned the statue, which can now be their minds away from the econom- bian Exposition, commonly known and Agricultural buildings. seen on the state capitol’s east lawn. ic situation. The World’s Columbian as the Chicago World’s Fair, that In a burst of pride, the state’s As usual, some people thought Exposition had been a plus for the would impact them for the rest of exhibits promoted the “flora and the state had not done enough state, particularly southwestern their lives. The fair was intended fauna,” the magnificence of its for the fair, or in some cases, they Colorado, if for no other reason to mark the 400th anniversary of mines, and the “progressive nature did not like what had been done. than it eventually helped lead to the Columbus’ voyage by celebrating of the state and its people.” Colo- Durangoans, though, seem to have creation of Mesa Verde National American accomplishments and rado women, about to win the vote, been happy with what they saw and Park. The fair’s impact on Durango progress. were very active in the Woman’s experienced. At least they did not was significant and lasting. ❦ The wonders of the fair were Building and the Mesa Verde complain in the local newspapers. something to behold, and despite exhibit. From the start, each state’s As the fair neared closing in By Duane Smith, retired professor of the hard times some Durangoans lady manager had been involved in late October, the Durango Herald history, Fort Lewis College and co- ventured to Chicago to see what the planning of their state’s exhibit. (October 22) reported that sev- author of the book “Colorado Goes to the fair had in store for them. The Perhaps one of the things Duran- eral locals had just returned from the Fair, World’s Columbian Exposi- variety proved endless. goans enjoyed the most was the attending it. They reported that tion, Chicago, 1893” Perhaps the greatest long range Colorado Building. The two-story impact on the community came building featured, on the first floor, with the Mesa Verde exhibit. a variety of exhibits. Here the visitor Durango, the railroad hub of the saw what “Colorado has to offer.” region naturally thought of itself as Planned and designed by the state, being the “gateway” to Mesa Verde. its architecture gave “evidence of Mancos, and even Cortez, objected the Spanish-Mooresque influences and promoted themselves as the of early Western settlement.” Or at “gateway.” This stirred up some- least that was what one publication thing of a promotional fight among claimed. all three. The fair’s official guide “One would hardly look for a described it as “a 1/10 actual site large display of vegetables and fruit representation of the wondrous and from this State, but the size of the long-deserted cliff-dwellings of the fruit, and not alone the size but evi- Mancos Canon.” Another publica- dent fneness of quality, is a pleasant tion called it “one of the worthiest revelation to the uninitiated. Highly entertainments of the Exposition.” polished specimens of native wood In it were found “many valuable form a pleasing display, while the relics of the race, such as mum- great variety is a matter of surprise.” mies, skulls, bones, pottery, pieces The second floor featured photo- of cloth, weapons and tools.” It was graphs from which “we gain a good also one of the two exhibits that idea of the landscape of Colorado.” charged a fee to tour it, twenty-five As one pamphlet described it; “the cents. scenery of Switzerland pales into in- A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 6 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX

Dryside Explained t was all about the water. As the old the La Plata River, and most settlers the proposal of the original Animas- to build their retirement home there Iwest saying goes, “Whiskey’s for were able to dig producing wells. All La Plata Project (ALP) which was for the beautiful views, peaceful way drinkin’, water’s for fightin’. ” Never the irrigation led to the creation of to provide drinking and irrigation of life, and clean air. A big plus is no was that more true than on the Dry- the Marvel Spring, which is still in water to the area. That’s where the spraying of mosquitoes since Elaine side of La Plata County. Originally use today, providing ample supplies fighting came in. After a battle about is sensitive to the spray. Elaine says, Dryside referred to the area west of household water. After the water the scope of the project lasting over “Living on the Dryside is so quiet and of Cherry Creek which flows south compact with New Mexico went into twenty years, “ALP Lite” was passed peaceful with lots of room to walk through Thompson Park west of Hes- effect in 1922, half of the La Plata which resulted in Lake Nighthorse and explore nature.” perus and empties into the La Plata River water as measured at Hesperus but no irrigation water for the people Current attempts to make the River two miles west of Red Mesa. has to be delivered to New Mexico. In of the Fort Lewis Mesa. Now Dryside Dryside less dry include a new dam Early pioneers in the area like the most years the ditches dry up before has come to mean the whole western being built in Long Hollow which will Oldfields from South Carolina had to irrigation season is over. half of La Plata County. store water to be delivered to New settle for dry land farming and run- In the 1890s some of the La Plata Today on the original Dryside, Mexico so farmers and ranchers can ning cattle on the open range. Their was diverted into Cherry Creek near growth is much slower than in the again keep more of their irrigation descendants, the Dale Horvath family, Mayday in an attempt to make irriga- rest of the county due to the lack of water and the construction of a pipe- still live on the original homestead tion available to Cherry Creek farm- water. Those who do decide to live line to bring some household water and raise sheep there. ers. Tere was also an early attempt to there must make weekly trips to the from Lake Nighthorse to those who It was too hard to bring irrigation bring water from Lightner Creek into Marvel Spring to haul water or/and purchase water taps. It’s still all about water out of Cherry Creek, which the La Plata. Tat ditch was abandoned use other water conservation mea- the water. ❦ only ran in the spring, and hand-dug when rock slides kept pushing it of the sures such as capturing rainwater and wells produced no water or sulfuric slopes. Te La Plata drainage is rocky forgoing having gardens and lawns. It By Jean Campion, amateur historian water that wasn’t useful for most pur- and water disappears, whereas the does have its compensations, though. and the author of two historical novels, poses. The early settlers had to haul Cherry Creek drainage is more clayey Ken and Elaine Spence decided Minta Forever and Return to Rockytop water by wagon from Cherry Creek so water continues to run and can be or the La Plata River. Early attempts delivered to New Mexico afer Cherry were made to make ponds to catch Creek and the La Plata River merge. water. But that meant it had to rain. Fort Lewis Mesa farmers and The rest of the west side of the ranchers run out of water much county, or Fort Lewis Mesa area, sooner than before the compact. An was served by several ditches out of attempt to correct this was made with

Water in the La Plata River passes under the truss bridge south of the pumphouse near old Fort Lewis ca. 1900. Photo courtesy of Animas Museum Photo Archives A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 7 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX

Frank Gonner: A Photographic Legacy In November 1891 Gonner they worked in the gallery together. Gonner purchased Doucet’s Music and Lewis Hurd became the Tey sold Kodak flms, dry plates, cards Store in July 1907 and expanded his proprietors of the Durango Art and amateur photo supplies from his store to include 1050 Main. As an Gallery in the Colorado State new and fnal location at 1052 Main. agent for the Denver Music Company, Bank Building at the corner of Gonner copyrighted his photos on Gonner sold pianos between 1905 and 9th Street and Main Avenue. postcards of Mancos Canyon in 1906, 1909. He partnered with Harry Tim- In 1893 Dave Day of the Sol- before the area was renamed Mesa gan, a piano salesman for that compa- id Muldoon and the Raymond Verde. He took photographs of the Ute ny in 1910 and 1911 operating as the Brothers of the Durango Herald Indians at Ignacio in 1904 and attended Durango Music Store, selling pianos, produced “The Souvenir Edi- the St. Louis World’s Fair to view his pianolas, and musical merchandise, tion of Durango,” using Gonner displayed Ute Indian photographs. and ofered piano instruction. When & Leeka photographs. Another Gonner played the B flat baritone Timgan retired in 1911, Gonner fire destroyed Gonner’s studio and was elected president of the Citi- continued to sell sheet music, musical June 15, 1893. The 1893 Du- zens Band of Durango in 1904, which instruments, and gramophones. rango High School graduating gave Friday evening concerts at street Gonner died by his own hand class photographs were lost in corners along Main Street. during a visit to Silverton in February the blaze. Active in the community, Gonner 1912. Frank Gonner’s 23 years as a pho- Gonner had mining interests ran for Justice of the Peace in Animas tographer, capturing the images of area in the Animas Forks district. City in 1897 and for Durango Alderman people and places produced a priceless In 1899 he partnered with his in 1904. He became the Elks’ Exalted historic record of our community. ❦ Frank Gonner’s 1909 portrait for the Elks lodge. father-in-law, the superintendent Ruler in 1909, and his portrait hangs in Gonner served as Exalted Ruler for Durango of Durango schools, and some the Elk’s photo gallery. He was a mem- By Kathy Gibson, researcher, family BPOE # 507. Photo courtesy of Kathy Gibson established mining men from ber of other benevolent organizations, genealogist, and great-granddaughter Durango in a mine on the West including Woodmen of the World. of Frank Gonner rank Gonner, Durango photog- Mancos. Frapher, was born May 3, 1860, In June of 1897, Gonner’s wife of in Luxembourg. He immigrated to 6 years, Hattie Estelle Roberts, whom the United States in September 1880 he had married in 1891, died along and worked for his uncle at a Denver with their newborn child. Hattie had nursery. Frank had moved to Duran- been a teacher at Longfellow School go by July of 1887 and received train- and later at Whittier. He raised his ing as a photographer from Anson two children, Henry and Dorothea Corey and William Henry Roberts, and never remarried. photographic partners from Missouri. Day’s Durango Democrat pro- Their gallery burned in the great duced a 62-page publication, “The fire on July 1, 1889. The photograph Great San Juan, Durango, The Smelter 0OWDERCOATINGs3PECIALCOATINGSs-EDIABLASTING labeled “Durango after the big fire” is City.” in 1901. Gonner and two other 4URNER$RIVE$URANGO #/s   one of several photographs from this photographers, Frank S. Balster and three-man collaboration. Michael Brumfield, contributed the Gonner & William L. Leeka, from photographs. That same year Day Illinois, produced a series of “views” launched a brilliant photographic in 1890 to advertise the rebuilt city of project, the Democrat-Gonner Durango afer the devastating 1889 Pioneer Gallery. Gonner promised fre. Tirty-two photo cards of schools, to produce 125 18” x 24” portraits homes, churches, new city blocks, and in 1908. These were displayed at the businesses were issued in a bound Democrat Office, Gonner’s Studio, booklet. Gonner & Leeka produced a and the Pioneers of the San Juans second series of 69 views of clif dwell- Headquarters. ings, “hieroglyphs, and picture writings Before his mentor and father-in-law of Prehistoric Races” in June 1891. William Henry Roberts died in 1907, A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 8 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX

Hollywood Highlights of Southwestern Colorado ollywood, California in the early shot along Durango’s Main Avenue a snowed-in evening at Mesa Verde the Sundance Kid” starring Redford H1900s was described by William for $200. Te movie took a day and a National Park earlier that winter. Te and Paul Newman (1969). Selig as “just a crossroads out in the half to make. It was written, directed, flm went on to nationwide showings. Since then, numerous film, televi- country.” Selig, known as the guy who produced, and shot by James W. Jarvis. The heyday of southwestern Colo- sion and commercial productions invented Hollywood, had been film- He also starred in the flm, alongside rado’s cinema career ran from 1949 have used the region as a backdrop to ing in Colorado since 1898. Over the a “wild Irish rose with faming red to 1957 with scenes for 17 Hollywood their features, most notably “When first 15 years of its existence, the Selig hair” named Cathereen McCoy from productions filmed here. The films the Legends Die” (1972), “National Polyscope Company created more Telluride. One month later Jarvis were “Sand” (1949), “Colorado Terri- Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983), “City than 50 short documentaries about founded the Durango Film Produc- tory” (1949), “A Ticket to Tomahawk” Slickers” (1991), “Thelma and Louise” the “wild west,” at its height shoot- ing Company with Billie Black and set (1950), “Across the Wide Missouri” (1991), “The Prestige” (2006) and ing five films in Colorado per week. up shop at 933 Second Avenue. Te (1951), “Denver and Rio Grande” Disney’s “The Lone Ranger” (2013). In 1906, nickelodeons began play- following year, they made two shorts, (1952), “The Outcasts of Poker [Note: Dates reflect release dates not ing Selig’s films allowing viewers to “Snow Wonderland” and “Scarlet Flat” (1952), “Viva Zapata!” (1952), filming dates.] “buy a ticket to Colorado for only 10 West,” followed by a 1919 educational “Naked Spur” (1953), “Lone Hand” Since 1914, various Colorado busi- cents.” By 1913, the Colorado Motion short titled “Mesa Verde,” and a 1920 (1953), “Three Young Texans” (1954), nessmen and state ofcials have support- Picture Company was formed. short titled “Burlesque Bull Fight,” all “Gatling Gun/Siege at Red River” ed initiatives to get more movies made Over the last one hundred of which were silent movies. Also in (1954), “Run for Cover” (1955), in Colorado. In the 2014-2015 state years, the motion picture industry 1920, Jarvis made his only feature- “Great Day in the Morning” (1956), budget, Governor John Hickenlooper has visited southwestern Colorado length flm titled “Love of a Navajo” “Maverick Queen” (1956), “Around allocated $5 million for the Colorado — Durango included —more than 30 which premiered on April 27, 1922 at the World in 80 Days” (1956), “Night Ofce of Film, Television and Media. times. Te earliest flm known to have the Gem Teatre located at 1001 Main Passage” (1957), and “These Thou- Although it will be a long time before been made in Durango was “Small Avenue in Durango. He dictated the sand Hills” (1959). And while only we return to the heydays of the 1950s, Town Vamp,” a 1917 silent short flm script to Jesse Nussbaum’s wife during seven Hollywood films were shot here southwestern Colorado will surely see in the 1960s, many of them are still more and more of itself on screen. considered classics: “How the West For more information, visit the Was Won” starring Jimmy Stewart Colorado Film Commission at colora- and John Wayne (1962), “Diamond doflm.org and Four Corners Film Ofce Jim Brady” starring Howard Keel 4cornersflmofce.org. Also see Cinema (1963), “The Sons of Katie Elder” Southwest by John A. Murray, Holly- with John Wayne and Dean Martin wood of the Rockies (flm and book) by (1965), “The Downhill Racer” with Michael J. Spencer and Hollywood of the a young Robert Redford and Gene Rockies: Te Spirit of the New Rochester Hackman (1969), “The Good Guys Hotel by Frederic B. Wildfang. ❦ and the Bad Guys” with Robert Mit- chum (1969), “True Grit” the movie By Amron Gravett, an indexer and for which John Wayne won his only librarian at Wild Clover Book Services Oscar (1969), and “Butch Cassidy and in Durango

The Emma Sweeny (Rio Grande Southern Engine #20), cast members and railroad crew from “A Ticket to Tomahawk” pause for a photo at Rockwood. Left to right: Roy Buchanan, writer/director Richard Sale, Tom Cummins, Anne Baxter, Wesley Hanna, W.L. Bruce, George Morgan, W.N. Squires, Henry (Hank) Rogers Phillips, Dan Dailey, Walter Brennan and F.D. Gibbs. Photo courtesy of Animas Museum Photo Archives A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 9 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX

COMMUNITY HERITAGE AWARDS EMMA SWEENY he La Plata County Historical Society initiated the Community Heritage Award BY GEORGE NIEDERAUER Tin 2006 to recognize key institutions, organizations, groups and individuals who have made important contributions to preserving and promoting our area’s heritage eautiful Emma Sweeny was the new movie star intro- and traditions. The Community Heritage Award seeks to demonstrate that our duced in the 1950 film “A Ticket to Tomahawk.” She was B heritage is a living thing. It is expressed in the ongoing lives of people, businesses the steam locomotive Rio Grande Southern #20 dressed up and institutions that both embrace our shared past and engage us in our shared with paint and props in an 1876 style. She had a full size futures. Recipients embody much more than the legacies of past traditions. They model as a stand-in for shots off the tracks. The model, made represent living, evolving traditions that people who are new to our community can of iron, wood, and fiberglass, was “so good it fooled the come to know and that old timers recognize and can celebrate. The 2014 Com- experts.” It had been in a museum in Jackson, California that munity Heritage Awards recipients, Andrea Avantaggio and Peter Schertz who are had closed. owners of Maria’s Bookshop and the Durango Public Library will be honored at a In 2010 the Durango Railroad Historical Society learned festive celebration on Thursday, May 22 at the Durango BPOE #507 Lodge (901 E. that Amador County, owner of the model, might be willing to 2nd Ave.). Doors will open at 5:30. Enjoy a cocktail and prepare to bid on wares part with it. We convinced them that it belonged in Durango from the county’s best bakers. The LPCHS pie auction has become a tradition, with because of historical significance and acquired it in 2011. spirited bidding on jaw dropping masterpieces. After a buffet dinner prepared by Hot The model had been modified for use in the TV series Pet- Tomatoes, the awards will be presented, followed by musical entertainment cour- ticoat Junction and had suffered through years of exposure tesy of the Lisa Blue Trio. Seating is limited, so don’t delay. Tickets are $40 and may to weather and neglect. We are using the movie and copies be purchased at Maria’s Bookshop and the Museum or by phone at 970-259-2402. of original studio plans to make sure our restoration is ac- Thank you to our generous sponsors; Durango Friends of the Arts, Durango & Sil- curate. Many parts disappeared over the years, so several verton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango Magazine, First National Bank of Durango, wood craftsmen, including Bayfield and Durango high school Leland House & Rochester Hotel, R.H. Crossland Foundation Historical Museum, students, have been reconstructing parts for the restoration. Southwest Colorado Federal Credit Union and LPEA. ❦ Machine shop students at San Juan College in Farmington made some metal parts. Restoring the model takes a lot of volunteer work in scrap- ing, filling cracks and voids, sanding, and painting. It means making repairs on existing parts and replacing parts too de- teriorated or weak to hold up. When we finish, the model will look just as it did in the movie with bright colors and fancy graphics, including sailing ships on the sides of the tender! ❦

A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 10 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX

Ignacio – Te Founding of La Plata County’s Tri-Ethnic Community gnacio was a place on a map long before Te railroad was almost certainly the purchasing adjoining land parcels be- plats were dated June 4, 1910. Ute Street Iit was a town. Its history dates back to source of the place name “Ignacio.” Rail- tween the agency and the railroad station. formed the dividing line between Hall’s the 1878 establishment of a new agency for road ofcials named their station, located Hall, son-in-law of the wealthy entrepre- and Aspaas’s sections of the town. Despite the Southern Utes on the Rio de Los Pinos almost two miles south of the agency, afer neur T.D. Burns, purchased his parcel an agreement to start selling lots from (Pine River). Afer the Brunot Agreement the well-known Weeminuche chief. from a relative of John Taylor (Taylor, where their land joined, Hall already of 1874, the Moache, Capote and Weemi- On January 31, 1882, about six months whose wife was a Ute named Kitty Cloud, had a store in the north end of town and nuche bands of Utes had mostly been afer the rail line was completed to the Pine was a former bufalo soldier and early began selling lots there. living in northern New Mexico, receiving River, a new post ofce was designated for settler on the Pine River). Aspaas had Early Ignacio resident Nell Bradshaw their rations at two temporary agencies, the area with the same name. Interestingly, purchased his tract from members of a Marker recalled that “For years there was Tierra Amarilla and Cimarron. New early postmarks on mail from that post family named Shoshone. a blank space of about three blocks from Mexican residents, the Ute agents and ofce spelled the name “Ignatio.” Hall fled a plat for the Town of Ignacio the bank [on Ute Street] up to [Wayt’s] Congress all wanted them moved out of Over time, trading posts were built on June 26, 1909. About two weeks later, hotel. Tis made for a decided coolness New Mexico and back to their reservation near the agency, and a small settlement of John Sutton, president of the so-called between the dwellers on the Aspaas side in Colorado. non-Indian traders and agency employees Ignacio Townsite and Development Co., and those of the Hall addition.” Te Town To help convince these Utes to move, developed nearby. For 30 years afer the fled a separate plat of 79 blocks with the of Ignacio was incorporated in 1913, and their agents selected a new agency location railroad arrived, however, there was no railroad right of way running through the the proud residents of this self-described in southwest Colorado that was familiar settlement between the agency and the middle of it. Sutton’s town site apparently tri-ethnic community celebrated their to many of them. Tough the new site railroad station. All the land was part of never came to fruition. centennial in 2013. ❦ was selected in May of 1877, the southern the Ute Reservation and was unavailable Te following year, Hall fled a plat Ute bands didn’t actually move there until for white settlement. for his First Addition to the Town of By Robert McDaniel, a historian whose August 1878. Passage of the Hunter Act in 1895 Ignacio, and Aspaas fled a separate plat extended family played a prominent role in No sooner had the Utes arrived than changed everything. Te Moache and for the Aspaas First Addition. Both these Ignacio’s early history friction developed with the white settlers Capote bands agreed to accept individual who had moved into the area recently allotments of land, and un-allotted areas ceded by the Utes in the 1874 Brunot of the reservation were opened to white IN IGNACIO Agreement. Construction of the Denver settlement on May 4, 1899. Te Weemi- & Rio Grande Railway’s line across the nuche band had refused to take allotments, BY BETH LAMBERSON reservation in 1881 en route to the San so the western part of the reservation was he Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum (SUCCM) is a cultural and Juan mining region was another source of partitioned to be held as lands in common Tarchitectural masterpiece in Ignacio. Colorado history begins with the friction. Ironically, the D&RG may have for what became the Ute Mountain Utes. Ute people and visitors are invited to explore a place that members of the chosen the southern route to reach the Two enterprising individuals, Henry Southern Ute Indian Tribe call home. It is a place where Ute stories are mines in part because of the proft poten- Leroy “Roy” Hall and Hans Aspaas, Jr., told and remembered. tial of serving the new agency. founded the new town of Ignacio afer The state-of-the-art building opened in May 2011 and was designed by Johnpaul Jones of Jones & Jones, the architects for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian on Washington, D.C.’s National Mall. SUCCM was named “Museum of the Year” in 2011 by readers of True West Magazine. The history of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe is told in permanent multi- sensory exhibits, with early rock art, multi-screen video presentations, and camp scenes reminiscent of days when the Utes roamed freely over their beloved mountains. The museum investigates the turmoil and anguish as the Ute people were placed on reservations and boarding schools. The exhibits also take a look into how the modern Utes have trans- formed themselves into one of the most industrious tribes in America. In this outstanding interactive exhibit space, words, sounds, images and priceless artifacts bring history vividly to life. Tribal members have Ignacio civic pride is on display as a group shows off their “Ignacio” pennant loaned many of the artifacts and many are on view to the public for the in front of Hans Aspaas’ store. The photo is undated, but was taken before very first time. For hours and event information please call (970)563- November 1917 when fre destroyed the store and neighboring businesses. 9583 or visit www.succm.org. ❦ Photo courtesy of Larry Turner Collection, Animas Museum Photo Archives A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 11 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX

Jottings on Kewpie: A Durango Native AT THE MUSEUM merrily bounced around her room, o matter how you spell it, there is always something interesting at the Animas and introduced themselves to her. NMuseum! Exhibits tell the stories of La Plata County history. Forged by Flame O’Neill described them as “...elves, but explores how fre shaped our community. From “the bank robbery that wasn’t” of a new kind...” to Durango’s strangest shootout, Law & Disorder tells the stories of local outlaws Afer her dream in Durango, and the brave lawmen that brought order to the county. In the Museum’s Native O’Neill began to add the little elves to American gallery explore area archaeology, fantastic Ute beadwork, Navajo weav- the background of her illustrations. ings and treasures from pueblo cultures. “Wish You Were Here” serves as a broad Te editor of Ladies Home Journal history of the area. The Museum’s 1905 classroom brings turn-of-the-century liked them, and he asked her to create education to life while the 1870s Joy Cabin stands in contrast to modern conve- a series centered around the Kewpies. niences (and comfort). A smash hit among adults and children Additionally, new exhibits are being planned. San Juan Mountains Association alike, Kewpies soon became more than (SJMA) has done a feld study of the arborglyphs carved in aspen trees by Hispanic two-dimensional illustrations. Kewpie herders as they tended focks in the high country. The Pine Valley Heritage Society dolls, soaps, dishes, calendars, books, in Bayfeld will create an exhibit about life in a sheep camp, while the Animas and more soon delighted children This Rose O’Neill Kewpie doll was Museum’s “Seasons of the Sheep” will lead the visitor through a year’s worth of across the country. O’Neill also created manufactured around 1920. It features tasks for sheep ranchers. Te Kewpie Primer for children and movable arms and the distinctive blue The Museum, located at 3065 W. 2nd Avenue, is open 10-5 Monday-Saturday used Kewpies to fght for women’s wings on its shoulder blades. It is part of (May through October) and 10-4 Tuesday-Saturday (November through April). For rights through her illustrations and the Animas Museum’s permanent collec- more information call 970-259-2402. messages. tion. Photo courtesy of La Plata County The Museum is also planning special events throughout the year. The Com- Te Animas Museum has several Historical Society munity Heritage Awards will be held on Thursday, May 22 at the BPOE #507 Lodge. Kewpie dolls and reproductions in the Ticket information may be found elsewhere in this issue. On Saturday, September rom background characters, to permanent collection. Te one pictured 6 we will welcome the alumni of the Animas City School. The annual reunion Fcollectibles, to their own serialized here had a long journey, but primarily is a chance for those who attended school in the building that now houses the adventures in Ladies Home Journal, belonged to Ruby Bowers of Bayfeld. Museum to reminisce and visit. The public is invited to share the history of this Kewpies have been around for over When Ruby was young, her future hus- remarkable building with activities and demonstrations on the Museum grounds. one hundred years, and it all started band Raymond Bowers won the doll at As part of the Durango Heritage Celebration, the Museum will present an afternoon a carnival game and gave it to her. Tis in Durango, Colorado. Rose O’Neill with lady jack-packer Olga Little on Friday, October 10. A celebration of sheep and well-loved Kewpie now lives happily in was an artist from a young age. By Hispanic herding traditions will be held on October 18 as we offcially open the an old school house where other Kew- the time she was 17, she illustrated “Seasons of the Sheep” exhibit with food, fun and demonstrations. The holiday pies spent much of their time helping for magazines and newspapers such season gets underway with our annual Old-Fashioned Christmas Bazaar on Satur- as Harper’s Weekly and Bazaar. children laugh and learn. ❦ day, December 6 including a sneak peek on Friday evening. One winter morning while visiting Events are always being added to our calendar so check our website, www. Durango with her husband, O’Neill By Orianna Keating, Museum for animasmuseum.org or follow us on facebook for the very latest listings. See you at awoke from a dream in which the America Grant Project Assistant at the the Museum! ❦ Kewpies knocked on her window, Animas Museum

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Livestock in the Mountians heep herding in the San Juan Mountains mer pastures of the Weminuche. Within Shas a long and colorful history. Te frst La Plata County, the Driveway is about 26 sheep entered the area in the 1870s and miles long although it continues into the 1880s from northern New Mexico as the Rio Grande area and it is about 46 miles in herders and their focks moved northwest total length. from the Tierra Amarilla area where they Te trail was likely used in some form had been established in the mid to late as early at 1882 when the frst sheep were 1700s. In northern New Mexico, the herd- herded in the area and Hispano herders ing industry was an important economic frst moved into the area on a large scale. endeavor, and it provided for daily life in Te name and route of the driveway were the remote Spanish and later Mexican and designated by the Forest Service sometime A herd of sheep is southbound on an unpaved Highway 550 north of Durango in an US settlements. Early sheep herding was afer 1905 when the Reserve was created. undated photo. Courtesy of Animas Museum Photo Archives steeped in these traditions, and it was an af- Tis trail and a few others were created to Several years ago about 1,000 arbor- Durango and the Pine River Valley Heritage fordable livelihood that individual families regulate the overgrazing of lands by the glyphs images in the vicinity of Moonlick Society’s Bayfeld museum will provide could undertake with minimal investment predominately “Mexican” sheepherders and Park and Beaver Meadows were recorded visitors with information about this impor- and risk. to control tensions between the cattlemen by San Juan Mountains Association volun- tant history which still lives on today. Te As the population increased in and sheepherders over grazing areas. In teers. At present, a new study is conducting Bayfeld Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing northern New Mexico, settlers moved into 1924, the trail appears as a “US Sheep Trail” research into the history of Hispano use of celebrations continue to serve as a reminder the San Juan Basin and southern Colorado on maps, however, by the 1960s the name the Driveway and surrounding area, and that livestock was an important part of early bringing their herding traditions with was changed to the descriptive “Pine-Piedra documenting the camp areas. Descendants La Plata County life. ❦ them. Early herding is associated with New Stock Driveway” and the sheep designa- of carvers and their families are being in- Mexico settlements at Turley, Blanco, and tion was dropped. Some of the prominent terviewed to learn more about the activities By Ruth Lambert, Cultural Program Aztec. In the early 1880s, Colorado herders families that used the driveway included the and life along the Driveway. Tis summer Director for the San Juan Mountains took up residence in the Pagosa Springs Manual Martinez family, the original land and fall, exhibits at the Animas Museum in Association area along the San Juan River. Te cattle owner of the Tierra Amarilla Land Grant, industry had been established in the late and the Isgar, Herrera, and Lee families. 1870s in the San Juan Basin area and south- Tese early residents moved sheep and later ern Colorado, and conficts over grazing cattle along the Driveway. areas soon developed. As the livestock moved along the At the end of the century, the ‘sheep and Driveway, herders set up camps to rest the cattle wars’ escalated and tensions ran high. animals. Grazing permits from the San Juan On the forested lands, the federal govern- National Forest indicate that several camp ment began assessments to develop manage- stops were needed as stock moved along ment strategies to reduce environmental the trail and multi-day stays at camps were impacts from overgrazing, and to regulate common in areas were water and forage water, timber, and minerals. In 1905, the San were available. Two meadow areas where Juan and Montezuma Forest Reserves were herders camped included Moonlick Park established. Te regulations associated with and Beaver Meadows. Both are adjacent the new reserves were designed to reduce to the trail and water is nearby. At these conficts and problems through a grazing sites, remains of early temporary corrals permit system that directed sheep and cattle and camp activies have been identifed. to selected areas to protect the lands from Surrounding these camps, Hispano herders overuse and to lessen conficts between have literally lef their mark. Tese are sheepherders and cattlemen. carvings into the sof wood of aspen trees Designated ‘driveways’ to move stock and include names, dates, hometowns, were established. To the east of the Vallecito and animal and human images. Known as area, the Pine-Piedra Stock Driveway was arborglyphs, they are examples of folkart established to move sheep (and later some that tell a story of personal connections to cattle) from the low winter pastures in home and family from remote mountain northern New Mexico to the high sum- meadows. A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 13 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX

Naegelin - Pioneer Blacksmith harles Naegelin was born on July mining district at Parrot City where $2, 1852 near Hermann, Missouri placer claims were being worked. Tey on the Missouri River. Hermann was returned to Del Norte to get their a large German community settled blacksmith tools and supplies. Afer by Pennsylvania Germans and new leaving Del Norte with a wagon and German immigrants. Charles’s father three horses, they soon realized the was born in Wurttemberg, Germany horses couldn’t handle the heavy load. and his mother was Swiss. Charles So they traded two horses and a saddle came west in 1873 at the age of 21 for a yoke of oxen that got them over with his 16 year old brother, William, the rough trail, arriving in Parrott City on the Santa Fe Railroad which had August 5, 1876. been built as far as Granada, Colorado Charles set up shop in Parrott Territory. Tey then walked to Fort City and began blacksmithing for the Union, New Mexico Territory accom- Parrott Company. Te company agent panying Mexican bull teams pulling paid Charles with a check for $63.75, wagons of goods. Afer visiting their which was refused payment when sent uncle, Frank Metzger, a trader on the to the Parrott Company in San Fran- Santa Fe Trail, he sent them back to cisco for collection. He never was able La Junta, Colorado with seven prairie to collect on it. Charlie Naegelin pauses at the anvil in his Durango blacksmith shop in an undated schooners to pick up goods at the new In the spring of 1877 Charles photo. Photo courtesy of Animas Museum Photo Archives railhead. moved his blacksmith business to Te couple fnally arrived to idly. Soon afer moving to Durango, Te brothers had planned to the new town of Animas City on the a new house Charles had built and Charles became one of the frst city return to Missouri but changed plans Animas River. Charles and William furnished. He had teased her on the aldermen. He served another ap- when they were warned of Indian at- learned that their partner at the North return trip that they would be living pointed term in 1902, and was elected tacks on travelers going east. Hearing Star Mine had sold all the tools of in a tent and hoped she could adapt to for a fnal two-year term in 1907. He that jobs were available, William and the claim. Tey had to reclaim the the frontier lifestyle. Bertha was very remained politically active until his Charles went to Pueblo, Colorado. mine and later resold the North Star relieved to fnd a comfortable, well- death in February 1934. A headline Charles was a blacksmith, having to Johnnie Williams for $80 in 1878. appointed home. Te couple had three noted, “Charles Naegelin, Pioneer of apprenticed in Missouri. Te broth- Charles owned other claims in the children. A son died in infancy, and La Plata County and Grand Old Man ers worked for a blacksmith shop in San Juan mining districts throughout daughters Ruby (Campbell) and Clara ‘Goes West.’ ” He was buried next to Pueblo for 15 months, then moved his life, but never had time to develop (Scharf) lived to marry and have Bertha at Greenmount Cemetery in west to Del Norte. Charles purchased them. With the steady growth of popu- families of their own. Bertha died in Durango, leaving a grand legacy as a an interest in a blacksmith shop. Te lation in the Animas Valley, Charles January 1903. pioneer of the West. ❦ growing town of Del Norte was the was always busy with his blacksmith In 1881 Charles and William supply point for the new settlements and wagon-making business. Still a relocated the blacksmith and wagon- By Charles DiFerdinando, local histori- in the San Juan Mountains. Tere was bachelor, Charles decided to return to building business to the new town of an and member of the La Plata County much work for a blacksmith. Hermann, Missouri in 1880 to marry Durango, which was growing rap- Historical Society Board of Directors In 1875 William went to Silver- his sweetheart, Bertha Honeck. She ton working with mule teams hauling was the daughter of the blacksmith freight. He wrote to Charles, invit- who taught Charles his trade. ing him to prospect in the new San Charles and Bertha returned Juan mining district. Charles arrived to Animas City early in 1881, coming in June of 1876, and he and William by railroad as far as Chama, New Mex- discovered the North Star Mine claim ico, the end of the line for the Denver on Sultan Mountain. It proved to have and Rio Grande Railroad. Te trip good ore. Tey gave a ¼ interest in the had to be completed by stage coach. claim to Fred Linkey for helping to Te last leg of the trip to Animas City work the claim, a decision they would was almost fatal when the coach fell later regret. Charles and William heard through ice, spilling everyone and stories of gold strikes in the La Plata baggage into a freezing stream. A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 14 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX

One Hundred and Ten Years of Community Service: Te Animas City School oon afer settlers began moving into gatherings, musical programs and civic opening to visitors in 1983. Te build- logical Society. Social events remain a SAnimas City in 1876, concerned meetings were also held in the sandstone ing and its surroundings were listed on tradition as well, with the annual neigh- citizens formed La Plata County’s frst building. the Durango Register of Historic Places borhood ice cream social, Animas City school district. A crude log cabin was Te school also had a very active in 1992, based on its signifcance as a School Reunion and holiday gatherings. built to serve as the frst school. Te PTA. Tey sponsored box socials, danc- center for cultural and social activities Afer 110 years the building continues to student body quickly outgrew the cabin, es (ofen featuring a midnight supper), in Animas City between 1906 and 1948. welcome educational, cultural and social so in 1878 students moved into a larger card parties and teas. Tey also hosted Te building still serves in that role, gatherings – a proud legacy. ❦ frame structure on what is now west the 8th grade graduation banquet and ofering meeting space to groups such 32nd St. Tat too was quickly outgrown. Mother-Daughter Teas. One social event as the Wild Woolly Spinners of the West By Carolyn Bowra, Director of the Ani- About 1880 a brick school was built led to a fery tragedy for the school. and the Southwest Colorado Genea- mas Museum on the southeast corner of what is now Afer the 1919 Halloween party, a spark 31st Street and West 2nd Avenue. When lodged in the roof’s wooden shingles, Durango was founded that same year, destroying the roof and damaging the it became the dominant town in the building. Classes were held elsewhere Bringing you the news daily. valley and Animas City was doomed to until repairs were made and the building be a suburb. Nevertheless, Animas City’s resumed its role as the social center of “Te farther backward you can look, the student population grew enough in the the community. farther forward you are likely to see.” late nineteenth century to warrant build- In 1939 Animas City District #1 ~ Winston Churchill ing a new school. Construction began merged with Durango’s District #9. Te in 1904 on a new building across the Animas City School served as an elemen- street west of the brick school. Te new tary school for Animas City and then stone school opened in 1905 and ofered later north Durango afer the communi- classes through the 10th grade. It was ties were formally united. In the months more than a place for classes. Te mag- afer World War II the school was used nifcent building served as a community for the “welcome home” celebrations for center as well. Animas City’s town hall returning G.I.s. Te school continued to was a one-room building, large enough serve elementary students until 1967. for elections but not large enough for In 1978 the La Plata County most meetings or events. Tose were Historical Society began rehabilitation held at the school. Social events, holiday on the building to use it as a museum,

The Animas City School has been the site for school and community events since its construction in 1904. A crowd has gathered in this photo from ca. 1920. Today the building serves as the Animas Museum, and is still a place for crowds to gather. Photo courtesy of Animas Museum Photo Archives A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 15 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX

Parrott City n private land near the mouth of La wealthy benefactor; the mining district OPlata Canyon in southwest Colorado became ofcially known as the California stands a lonely monument to a town that Mining District that same year. has been lost in the sands of time. A river Initially the town was within a huge rock chimney belonging to the Barbierre area named La Plata County that included Hotel is the sole remaining physical trace all of the present day counties of San Juan, of the town of Parrott City, once a bustling Montezuma, Dolores, San Miguel, and La mining town on the Colorado frontier. It Plata. Te county seat in Howardsville, served miners and citizens of the area, and northeast of Silverton, was too far re- is associated with tales of lost mines and moved from many outlying areas to meet treasure. the needs of citizens. John Moss began As with many frontier towns of seeking more prominence for the town the mid to late 1800s, Parrott City was of Parrott City. Meanwhile, Colorado had founded to exploit the mineral wealth been approved for statehood, and in 1876 found near the townsite. Te founder was the frst Colorado Legislature passed a bill John Moss, who was able to negotiate an to create San Juan County from the north- agreement with the Ute Chief Ignacio that ern half of La Plata County; Parrott City allowed Moss’s miners to prospect and became the new La Plata County seat. exploit a 36-square-mile area in exchange Tis was an honor the community would Parrott City, with La Plata Canyon in the background, is shown in an 1881 drawing by for goods such as blankets, livestock, and only enjoy for four short years. Emil Fischer. Courtesy of Animas Museum Photo Archives other gifs. Moss had led a group of ten With the arrival of the Denver & Rio miners from California to the area in Grande Railroad to the area, the railroad or destroyed by fre, leaving a lonely river By Matt Yoder, an amateur historian and 1873, and they initially named the river founded a new town named Durango in rock chimney standing on the site as the prospector of southwest Colorado sediments deposits outside of La Plata 1881 on the Animas River, just south of last trace of Parrott City. ❦ Canyon as “Te Bar” and their mining the town of Animas City. Te formation district as the California District. Ad- of Durango and the lack of gold produc- ditional prospectors from Arizona joined tion from Te Bar spelled doom for Par- the frst group in that same year, but the rott City. Soon Parrott City’s population whole group was forced out of the moun- was dwindling, and many of its citizens tains by winter weather. Te following simply dismantled their buildings to move year Moss was able to acquire fnancial them elsewhere. Durango, with rail ac- backing from a San Francisco banker cess and ore processing facilities, became named Tiburcio Parrott and return to the the new nexus for mining activity in the site with reinforcements. Moss and E.H. region. Some structures remained stand- Cooper ofcially platted the Parrott City ing at the Parrott City site well into the townsite in 1874, naming it afer their 20th century, but were then dismantled

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Quarts, Pints & Barrels: Brewing in La Plata County recent report from the Durango Durango Brewing Company began in AHerald suggested that Durango’s 1990.) Regulations required that beer be unique winter celebration, Snowdown, transported only in properly stamped bar- “fows on a river of alcohol”. While some rels or kegs and later transferred to bottles local residents might quickly agree, it is at local bottling companies. By 1900, even also a local truism that without Durango’s the brewing giant Adolph Coors had locally crafed beer, the annual celebra- opened a bottling plant just south of the tion just would not be the same. While Strater Hotel, saying of the area, “Tere is Snowdown comes just once a year, the considerable outside beer consumed here rich local history of Durango-created beer and it might as well be Coors.” can be enjoyed any time of year. In 2007 Colorado surpassed California Alcohol frst became available 15 as the nation’s biggest producer of beer, miles northwest of Durango in Parrot and not surprisingly, the Colorado main- City when whiskey arrived on a wagon stay, Coors, can still be found in Durango. train from Santa Fe in 1874. In only a More popular in Durango, however, are few short years most local residents from the beers such as Lizard Head Red and Beer barrels line the dock of the San Juan Ice, Bottling and Mercantile Co. The frm, ranchers and miners to Durango police Purgatory Pilsner that can only be found located on 10th Street near the railroad tracks, manufactured carbonated beverages, ofcers could be spotted visiting local locally at Steamworks and CarverBrewing bottled Anheuser Beer and was an ice dealer. Courtesy of Animas Museum Photo Archives saloons. As the popularity of alcohol, and respectively. Soon afer Carver Brewing particularly beer, in Durango increased, frst opened its doors in 1989, it quickly location. In 1995 Carvers helped to launch Bootleggers Society, consisting of Carver so did the popularity of brewing it in came to be ranked among the largest what would become another distin- Brewing, Ska, Steamworks, Brew, and the town. A company called Te Durango breweries in Colorado, an impressive feat guished Durango craf brewery, Ska Brew- Durango Brewing Company, continues Brewing Company released some of the for a company that sold none of its prod- ing, by becoming the frst Durango bar to to commemorate the anniversary of the frst locally brewed beer in 1892. (Today’s ucts outside of its downtown Durango put Ska beer on tap. Ska, unlike Carvers, repeal of prohibition, what the Durango now sells its canned beer across Colorado Herald called, “the favorite holiday of and outside of the state, but co-founder many thankful Durangoans.” Dave Welz says of Bill Carver, “without a From the more modest origins of helping hand like that, I don’t know what liquor in La Plata County, to alcohol’s our start might have been like.” public abundance at today’s festivals and Steamworks Brewing has enjoyed a events, Ska co-founder Dave Welz says rich history at its location in a former that there is one important thing for all automobile garage on East Second Avenue History La Plata readers to remember, since 1996. A second Steamworks location “History is even better with a beer in your appeared briefy in Bayfeld, but closed in hand.” ❦ December 2009. Even though some 81 years have By Evan West, a junior at Fort Lewis Col- passed since prohibition, Te Durango lege studying U.S. History and Teatre

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Rio Grande Southern – Gone, but not forgotten ales of westward expansion are exploits into the region. the occasional hounding by local pundits man Silver Purchase Act. Te growing Tofen punctuated with stories of the Te Rio Grande Southern Railroad critiquing progress of the ongoing grading supply of silver eventually threatened the entrepreneurial endeavors of American was incorporated in the fall of 1889 with project. Te arrival at Rico represented a health of gold values. Tis led President railways. During the late nineteenth the fnancial and business support of area milestone for the RGS. Just over six weeks Cleveland to persuade a divided Congress century, the abundant mineral resources bankers, politicians, and ofcers of the later, in late November, Mr. Wigglesworth to repeal the act in October 1893. Te of Southwestern Colorado had beckoned D&RG Railway. As investors from back would fulfll his obligation as the line from regional panic that ensued just prior to the young Denver & Rio Grande Railway east and abroad joined in the efort, Rio Durango arrived in Dolores. Just four the decision had created a loss in mining to venture west from the eastern slope in Grande Southern president Otto Mears days prior to Christmas in 1891, the fnal interests, devastating the revenue base of order to exploit the riches of the rugged sent surveyors to plot the line from Dallas rails of the Rio Grande Southern right of the Rio Grande Southern. Mines closed San Juan Mountains. By the late 1880s, (approx. 3 miles from present day Ridg- way were spiked in place, and 162 miles of and many workers lef the region in the D&RG’s narrow gauge rails were way) toward what would later be called track would begin serving the San Juans search of other opportunities. In August frmly in place between Durango and Dallas Divide, and down to Placerville, from Ridgway to Durango. of 1893, D&RG President E.T. Jefrey was Silverton from the south, and down from Rico, and Dolores, with a branch into But all would not be well for long. appointed by the court to receive and the new mainline to Ouray via Montrose Telluride. By the spring of 1890, the RGS Troughout the nineteen months afer support the beleaguered railroad. Otto and Dallas, Colorado. Yet, a lucra- was grading from Dallas Junction (soon the line was complete, the future must Mears would lose the railroad line, never tive region bridging Durango and the to be renamed Ridgway) and over the have looked generally secure for Mears to regain control. Tis frst receivership Uncompahgre Range remained untapped divide southward under the direction of and his investors. Ore, coal, lumber, and lasted until 1895 when the RGS landed by iron rails. Te young mining com- Superintendent R.M. Ridgway and Chief agricultural commodities traversed the under D&RG ownership for several years. munities of Ophir, Telluride, and Rico, Engineer C.W. Gibbs. Concurrent with rails, which along with thriving passenger Enjoying only meager successes, the line being served in part by the toll ways of this construction, Animas Valley resident travel produced adequate revenue. Te refected the ebb and fow of the regional road builder Otto Mears, were poised for and veteran railway surveyor Tomas federal government’s set purchase price of economy under the control of a parent modern freight operations. Likewise, the Wigglesworth oversaw construction of silver had greatly supported the mining company that was experiencing its own coal felds west of Durango were prime the new line westward from Durango to- region since July of 1890 via the Sher- corporate challenges. ☞ targets for a much more efcient means wards Dolores via the coal mines around of exploiting the fuel needs of a grow- Porter and through the Fort Lewis area. ing region. Te rugged terrain that lay Many logistical obstacles dogged the between these communities presented a RGS construction throughout the next logistical challenge for most railroad sur- year and a half, yet by September of 1891, veyors, yet to Otto Mears, it was merely the town of Rico had been triumphantly an opportunity to further his successful reached by the north end crews amidst

Galloping Goose #3, which today resides at Knott’s Berry Farm, CA, is pictured at the engine facilities in Ridgway, Colorado in 1947. Goose #5 is visible in the background. Today #5 may be found at the Galloping Goose Historical Society museum in Dolores. Summer hours are 9 to 5, Monday through Saturday (May 19 to Oct. 18). The Goose also makes excursions on area rail lines. Schedule and ticket information are available at www.gallopinggoose5.com. Photo by C. J. DeVilbiss, courtesy of Galloping Goose Histori- cal Society, Dolores, CO A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 18 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX

Rio Grande Southern (continued) Saving Places: Historic Preservation Troughout the early and mid-twen- call the RGS the “Galloping Goose” line. in La Plata County tieth century, the RGS always maintained Innovations aside, trafc had declined so a very distinctive personality of its own. considerably that by 1949, few expected esidents of La Plata County cel- Continuing to serve as a vital bridge for Otto Mears’ old dream railroad to survive Rebrate the county’s rural landscapes, D&RG rail trafc between Durango and much longer. Just before the holidays of mining and ranching history, mountain Ridgway while serving its local com- that year, the RGS lost its mail contract, peaks and verdant valleys, and tight-knit munities, the little railroad’s crews were a and four of the Galloping Geese would be communities at the crossroads. Tese faithful and capable lot that were proud converted to accommodate a small but characteristics are ofen embodied in the to be “Southern” men, and deservedly so. growing number of tourists who were ar- historic structures found throughout the Limited capital, secondhand locomotives riving in the San Juans to experience the County. It is for this reason the Board of and rolling stock punctuated the humble grandeur of Ophir, Lizard Head Pass, and County Commissioners in 2004 created assets of the railroad. Tus the RGS could the Telluride region. Last ditch survival the Historic Preservation Review Com- rightfully be referred to as the proverbial eforts aside, the Rio Grande Southern mission (HPRC) and the La Plata County “wooden axle” outft, one that bred rug- was granted regulatory permission to Register of Historic Landmarks. Te fve The Harris Ranch, in the San Juan National ged railroaders who could move trains abandon in April 1952. Steam powered person commission appointed by the Forest was designated to the La Plata over the road with ingenious creativity movement over the line ended by March BOCC seeks to: County Historic Register by Resolution while battling natural and man-made ele- of the following year when the 1887-era
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2010-14. Photo courtesy of La Plata County ments beyond their control. steam engine # 42 pulled into Durango process for residents to receive Historic Preservation Review Commission Afer surviving signifcant landslides, for the last time from the west. Historic Landmark designation washouts, the Great Depression, and An abundance of fne books have by the La Plata County Board of on the property. It is instead an incentive- more receiverships, the RGS of the post been written on the Rio Grande South- County Commissioners, based program bringing recognition to Second World War period was on its ern, and certain information for this
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properties of signifcance. Registered way into the history books as our local article was gleaned from various sources cultural heritage as embodied in properties receive a certifcate and plaque economy favored truck trafc and more through the years. Among many others, these designated historic landmarks, commemorating placement on the efcient transportation. Te famed Gal- Josie Moore Crum’s “Te Rio Grande
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County Register of Historic Landmarks, loping Goose (gasoline motors converted Southern Railroad” is a must read for to increase public appreciation of reference on the county website and re- for rail use from Buick and Pierce Arrow the budding RGS fan, and Mallory Hope the county’s unique heritage, and lated publications, and enhanced eligibil- parts) feet had been put into service Farrell’s “Silver San Juan” is a treasured
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ity for state and national designation thus in the early 1930s. Tese quirky and volume resplendent with fne images of benefts through heritage-tourism. enabling tax credits. Any property owner iconic vehicles contributed greatly toward the line throughout its history. ❦ One of the frst accomplishments of with a structure greater than 50 years in helping the Southern survive the later the HPRC was to conduct an inventory age and representative of the county’s years by hauling mail, light freight, and By Jef Johnson, a career railroader and of the diverse historic resources in the cultural, historic, and architectural history passengers with a reduced overhead, member of the La Plata County Historical county. With support from a State His- is encouraged to apply by contacting the while creating an image so unique that Society Board of Directors toric Fund grant, the county completed La Plata County Planning Department. many locals of the late 1940s began to a comprehensive survey of 100 historic Now in its 10th year, the Historic sites including log cabins, one-room Preservation Review Commission is schools, barns, trails, mine sites, ranches, celebrating Colorado Historic Preserva- CHARLES E. BRADSHAW JR. and adobe structures. Te complete list of tion Month by organizing a driving tour In memoriam structures with photos is available on the of historic resources in and around the n 2008 the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad county’s website (www.co.laplata.co.us). Town of Bayfeld on May 17th from 10-2. Te tour will allow the public to stop and was the recipient of the Community Heritage Award for Since its inception, the HPRC has des- I ignated 12 sites to the County Register of learn more about historic resources that their contribution to La Plata County’s heritage. Another Historic Landmarks. Sites such as the Old are ofen overlooked. Te objective of the chapter has been written in the story of that historic line. Ft. Lewis Campus, a church and accom- tour and the HPRC is to honor the build- December 21, 2013 marked the passing of former panying cemetery, a one-room school- ings and sites that embody the county’s railroad owner, C. E. Bradshaw whose vision and passion house, an old post ofce, several barns history in order to strengthen our cultural contributed greatly toward preserving our local railroad ❦ Charles Bradshaw in an and Victorian homes begin to capture heritage by saving places. history, while bolstering our economy and reputation as undated portrait. Photo the county’s rich history. Designation on one of the leading tourist destinations in Colorado. courtesy of D&SNGRR the county register is free, voluntary and By Daniel Murray, La Plata County carries with it no regulatory restrictions Senior Planner A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 19 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX

A COMMUNITY’S LIVING ROOM: A STORY OF THE DURANGO PUBLIC LIBRARY s an abjectly poor boy working in the textile mills, a community living space, the DPL is more than AAndrew Carnegie could not afford a ‘living room.’ a repository of books or even a place where the He also could not afford the $2 subscription fee to join public can have access to computers and online the local library and so he wrote a letter to the library materials. administrator requesting access. Carnegie had hoped to In one recent effort, the library did an ex- use the library as his way to self-improvement and to join tensive project to convert old microflm copies with others in a kind of learning exchange where books, of the Durango Herald and other early historic knowledge, and dreams could be shared. But the library newspapers into a searchable, digital library that administrator turned him down fat. now allows people to more easily learn about the So the 17-year-old Andy got his letter published in area’s past by reading it directly from the histori- The Pittsburgh Dispatch. It caused such a ruckus, that cal sources. This project was made possible by the library reversed itself and Carnegie was accepted, the Library’s Advisory Board and by the Friends of along with other working men who also had previously the Library Association–both of which are library The historic library at 1188 E. 2nd Avenue, built with funds been excluded. This incident left such a lasting imprint on support groups who refect the depth of continuing provided by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The community him that, after he earned his fortune, he made endowing involvement in the value that the library brings to was responsible for flling it with books and funding operating libraries a cornerstone of his philanthropy. our community. expenses. Courtesy of Animas Museum Photo Archives Carnegie’s generosity reached Durango in 1907 The DPL continues to serve as a resource when—as was his practice—he provided the funds to that everyone can use. And use it the community room—increasingly becoming a location where people erect a public library building at the corner of 12th Street surely does: In 2013 nearly 450,000 items were checked wanted to meet, talk, and share. By the end of the twenti- and East Second Avenue. His funding provided the struc- out and there were over 400,000 visitors. Attendance at eth century, the old building was bursting at the seams, ture; the town itself had to fnd and stock the books and children’s programs—a legacy of early librarian Sadie and the need to accommodate the community’s desires cover the operating expenses. Sullivan—topped more than 13,000 attendees and over to have the DPL be a place to connect with others meant It was a major transformation in the enduring legacy 5,000 adults have attended programs in the last year. that the building was inadequate. The new library opened of the Durango Public Library. And in the same spirit as Initially the revived library was housed in the Redman in December of 2008, and is a LEED Gold Certifed Build- motivated the young Carnegie, the Durango library quickly Building on 9th Street, between Main Avenue and Second. ing, meaning it meets a number of key environmental became our community’s living room—a place where The Carnegie cornerstone was laid on March 9, 1907 and standards. the sharing of ideas, information, and good stories have the DPL would continue at that location for 101 years. The primary goal of the library has always been to always been key. Over that century, the collection would grow from a few meet the informational and educational needs of the Actually, the library got started in the late 1880s. Pre- books and some donated periodicals to today’s extensive community. With the completion of its new facilities, the fguring Carnegie, a citizen petition requested city support collections of everything from books and periodicals to library expanded its goals to provide the community with for a Durango library as early as 1889. They got it, and videos and music. a central location for culture and communication. Cultural the frst ‘library’ was actually some book shelves in the In 1907 then librarian, Hattie Fay, presided over what aspects of the library include an extensive collection of old city hall. In an inauspicious start, almost as soon as it was still only a kind of reading room. When Hattie died local history books and other resources, rotating art ex- got going, it burned down along with the city hall in the unexpectedly, Sadie Sullivan, a library volunteer and hibits, a Southwest History Room featuring displays from ‘big fre’ of 1889. So the work of rebuilding fell to a Ladies recent graduate of Durango High School was made librar- the Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College, Library Association, formed by towns-women to revive ian, despite having no formal library science training. and an impressive art collection from local and world- and keep the idea alive—although for a time it lost public Sadie would serve as the librarian for over 45 years— known artists. funding. That association ultimately became what is helping it grow from a group of less than 5,000 books Andy Carnegie and Sadie Sullivan might not recognize today’s Library Board. The city restored funding in 1905. to over 30,000 volumes, and also building one of the the look of today’s library, but they would be justly proud The place has been free and open to the public ever region’s best collections of periodicals. At the time Sadie of its community spirit, connectedness, and the sustaining since—and not just to city residents, but for people stepped down as DPL’s librarian, the magazine and peri- value it continues to provide. This is a heritage that our throughout the area. The library has issued nearly 30,000 odicals were larger and more complete than those held community should embrace and recognizing the DPL with library cards in a city with a population of under 15,000 by Fort Lewis College. When she retired in 1957, it had the Community Heritage Award is long overdue. Thank- and a county of just over 45,000. This means that almost taken on the quality of being a research resource—even fully Library Director Andy White has decided to waive the every person in the area able to read has a library card. providing Hollywood screen writers with information used overdue fnes. ❦ Being both public and free remains a continuing hall- to craft scripts about historical periods. mark. Any person can access the library, get a free library Remodeled several times over the years, the Carnegie By Bruce Spining, member of the La Plata County Histori- card, and participate in any number of library events and location saw the DPL grow in stature and value, and it cal Society Board of Directors activities. As a welcoming place that has offered itself as also—as if it were always the community’s shared living

A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 20 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX

Tabor Divorce: Te Scandal Comes to Durango Uranium, 7anadium, and oday divorce is unfortunately common. During the Victorian era, divorce was World War II in La Plata County Tseen as far more scandalous. Needless to say, when Horace and Augusta Tabor were divorced, the state of Colorado was shocked. ranium and Vanadium mining to fifty new jobs for Durango. Horace Tabor came to Colorado following the call of gold, bringing his wife Au- Umostly occurred outside of La Geologists and engineers from the gusta from their Kansas farm. Augusta had grown used to the life on the frontier and Plata County, but the mill in Du- Army’s Corps of Engineers, Manhat- was not as comfortable with their mounting wealth as Horace. Eventually the Tabors’ rango played an important part in the tan Engineer District, made a survey marriage reached a breaking point. processing of the metals, especially of the operating vanadium mills on In April of 1882, Augusta sued Horace for alimony, not mentioning divorce. Tis during World War II. Uranium, va- the Colorado Plateau in December case went on for about a year, during which Tabor was frequently seen in the company nadium, and radium are three metals of 1942 to investigate the feasibil- of the renowned beauty, Elizabeth “Baby” Doe. that are found in the mineral ore ity of recovering uranium from the Horace and Lizzie fell in love, and Horace decided to fle for divorce. For political called carnotite. Southwestern Colo- tailings at the mills. The deposits of reasons, Tabor needed an out-of-the-way place to discretely fle for divorce. He chose rado and southeastern Utah have carnotite on the Colorado Plateau Durango, where he owned property. On January 28, 1882 Tabor fled his complaint. been important sources of carnotite were the largest known source of A summons was sent to Augusta in February, and the fnal degree was granted March since the early 1900s. uranium in the United States, and the 24, 1882. During the age of hard-rock min- Manhattan Engineer District needed Tabor and Doe were secretly married September 30, 1882 in St. Louis. Augusta ing, Durango was a regional smelt- it for raw material for the Manhattan claimed she never got the summons and was not present at the Durango proceedings. ing center. The smelter had its ups Project. Treatment plants were built When asked, Horace’s own attorney doubted the legality of the Durango divorce. and downs over the years, but by the in the spring of 1943 at Durango and Oddly, many of these records seem to have been lost. In January 1883 Augusta reluc- early 1930s the Depression set in and Uravan, in western Montrose County, tantly agreed to the divorce, compensated by thinly veiled bribes. Horace and Baby Doe hard-rock mining began to wane. to reprocess the tailings. According had an extravagant wedding on March 1, 1883 at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. The American Smelting and Refin- to the Durango Herald in September with President Chester Arthur in attendance. ❦ ing Company closed the Durango of 1945, the nature of the work at the By Kellie G. Cheever, Museum Assistant at the Animas Museum smelter in November of 1930. second mill in Durango was a mili- The Depression was difficult for tary secret. Some people presumed Durango as the smelter never re- that the operation was connected to opened and the coming of World War the production of uranium, but it II failed to help the town’s economic was not until well into the postwar situation. Many able-bodied men years that the nature of the work at either left Durango for higher wages the mill would be confirmed. With in defense factories in places like Cal- the dropping of the atomic bombs ifornia or joined the military to fight on Japan in August of 1945, Durango for their country. The turning point played a small role in ushering in the for Durango was the reopening of the atomic age. The mills across the Ani- smelter to process vanadium for the mas River, south of Durango, closed war effort. In order to stimulate the once again in 1945, but due to world production of strategic materials for events and geopolitical conditions, World War II, the federal government the mill was reactivated in 1948-49 formed the Metals Reserve Company to process uranium concentrate for in 1942. One of those strategic mate- Cold War bombs. Uranium and the rials was vanadium, which is a hard- atomic age helped to revive Duran- ening agent for steel. Metals Reserve go’s economic fortunes in the postwar began an ore purchasing program years. ❦ that increased the base price paid for By Nik Kendziorski, Archives Man- vanadium. Vanadium mining grew ger, Center of Southwest Studies, Fort to the north and west of Durango Lewis College near the Utah state line and a mill was built in Durango for processing Additional resources regarding uranium the ore. The mill was operated by the and vanadium can be found at the Center’s Delaney Southwest Research United States Vanadium Corpora- Library and Archives. tion, and the operation created close A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 21 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX

Xtra, Xtra – Read all about it! Yeager Boys to the Rescue World News Comes to La Plata County he Yeager brothers were mountain Bob Yeager (ages 27, 25 and 18, respec- Tmen. Tey were loggers, miners tively) lef that night, and were driven ince Caroline Romney brought her infamy – the United States of America was and builders who hunted and fshed by car as far up Junction Creek road as Sprinting press into the Animas Valley suddenly and deliberately attacked ...” Te in the summer-fall months and skied, possible. Tey set out on skis at 10:30 in 1880, Durango has relied on newspa- Herald stated; “Before us is a big job… skated and snowshoed in the winter. It p.m., dragging a toboggan loaded with pers for news of the world. Romney, David together we will lick it.” was natural, therefore, that they would blankets, sandwiches, cofee and whiskey. Day, the Ballantine family and other pub- Te Durango Herald delivered tragic be called on for dangerous mountain By 2:00 a.m. they had traveled the nine lishers have reported the news and ofered news again in November 1963. “Duran- rescues. or so hazardous miles to Butler’s cabin, opinions. In 1892 the Durango Directory goans were going about their regular daily In mid-January 1940, winter storms in where they found the 60-plus-year-old noted, “Both dailies publish the latest business when the news of the Dallas shot the La Plata Mountains had caused several Kimsey “unconscious and nearly dead.” telegraphic news up to the minute of going came through. One minute everything avalanches to run. Snow slides on the east “Te Yeager boys got some whiskey to press, the city editors have a keen scent was all right. Te next it was all wrong.” face of Snowstorm Peak heavily damaged down his throat and revived him,” the for news, and the editorial columns display Te Herald noted; “Te United States had a cabin at the Bessie G mine, forcing the newspaper reported, and then he was remarkable ability in the discussion of the a new chief executive within two hours of occupants, Sam Kimsey, Frank Grosley taken down to a ranch on Junction live questions of the day and hour.” the unexpected death of President Ken- and Claude Harmon to try to snowshoe Creek, warmed with cofee and driven “Up to the minute” news was a chal- nedy. Despite the unexpectedness of the out of the mountains to safety. In the pro- to town by 10:00 that morning. Te lenge, as stories from around the world emergency, the process took place easily cess, Kimsey and Harmon got caught in entire rescue had taken little more than arrived by telegraph. On Monday, April and naturally. Tere was no question, no another slide that carried them a quarter 12 hours. Despite being very weak from 15, 1912 residents of Durango opened uprising, no grab for power. Republicans mile down the mountain. exposure and lack of food, Ochsner the Evening Herald to read the medium- as well as Democrats simply took it for Barely hurt, Harmon freed himself Hospital attendants believed Kimsey sized headline, “STEAMER TITANIC granted that constitutional processes and was able to dig Kimsey out of his would recover. COLLIDES WITH ICEBERG BUT would be followed.” snowy tomb alive, but severely shaken Five years earlier the two older WIRELESS BRINGS AID AND SAVES Local newspapers also brought light- and bruised. Kimsey’s snowshoes and Yeager boys, Jerry and Dick, had par- ALL ON BOARD.” Te reassuring article hearted news to the community. On Feb- pack had been swept into a deep can- ticipated in another dangerous winter continued with even more recent bulletins ruary 7, 1964 a small article noted; “Latest yon, but Harmon and Kimsey climbed rescue in the La Platas. Joe Bari, a miner from Montreal saying all passengers were Teen-Ager Fad Is Hard to Understand.” As back up the slide path, rejoined Grosley at the Colorado-Juneau workings up safe and the Titanic was under tow by the the Beatles invaded America the Herald and managed to reach “Shroeder’s Junction Creek, fell critically ill. Te two Virginian. Tuesday evening’s edition was observed; “Many parents of teenage girls cabin” by nightfall. Building a fre, they Yeagers snowshoed to Durango to pick more accurate. Te large bold headline are mystifed as to why their daughters holed up until daylight. At dawn they up medicine. read, “GREATEST MARINE DISASTER have gone ga-ga over “Te Beatles, four trudged two more miles in four hours, Afer a failed attempt to open a IN YEARS.” Te next day the toll of the boys with way out haircuts and an even reaching “Butler’s cabin” where Kimsey trail through the snow with a string of dead was reported at 1,310. Te Carpath- farther-out way of making music.” More was lef with heavy coats and blankets horses to take Bari out, the Yeager boys ia’s arrival in New York provided survivor’s space was devoted to news of more inter- while the others made their way to Du- returned to the mine with medicine. stories on the 19th. est to Durangoans – the Innsbruck Winter rango. Arriving at 7:00 p.m., they had Bari did not respond to the medication, On Monday, December 8, 1941 Olympics. Te Herald had a reporter spent two days without food. so a rescue party composed of the two headlines once again brought early news on the site, Nancy Elliott, the Herald’s Te rescue party of Jerry, Dick and Yeagers, Roy Peters and Joe Bean ☞ of a tragedy that would become clearer women’s editor and mother of Olympic as time passed. Pearl Harbor, Hawaii had cross-country skier, Mike Elliott. At last, been attacked by the Japanese and the news direct from the scene with details as United States was at war. Te front page they happened. ❦ contained the full text of Roosevelt’s message to Congress, “Yesterday, De- By Carolyn Bowra, who is descended from cember 7, 1941 – a date which will live in area newspapermen

The Yeagers ca. 1947 at the family sawmill at Mill Creek on Lime Creek Road ( left to right) Lazarus Garnand (an uncle), Robert “Bob” Yeager Jr., Gerald “Jerry” Yeager and Richard “Dick” Yeager. Photo courtesy of Patt Yeager Emmett A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 22 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX

Yeager Boys to the Rescue (continued) ZZZzzzzzzzz…Nodding Of decided to evacuate Bari by toboggan. – Jerry, Dick, Bob Jr., Shirley and Barney Historically; Durango Hotels and Motels Tey constructed a pine box with -served honorably in World War II. low runners large enough to accom- Later on, Jerry had a career in the nce the Denver & Rio Grande or even the location, but his account is of modate a man wrapped in blankets and forest service, and Barney was a miner ORailway reached Durango in 1881, interest nonetheless. began the hazardous trip at daylight on and government trapper while owning a hotels became a necessity. Visitors needed On 2nd Avenue at 9th Street (where January 18th through deep snow and logging business. Dick was elected pres- a room to stay in, and men and families the Elks Lodge is today), the West End across avalanche paths. It was all the ident of the Durango Ski Club in 1949, seeking work or hoping to settle here Hotel, later called the Leland, opened in rescuers could do to drag the cofn-like and Morley Ballantine, who called him needed a hotel or boarding house to live 1881. A grand opening supper and ball in box through deep snowdrifs and keep “a beautiful skater,” thought he should in until they could fnd or build their own April of that year was described eloquently it from sliding over clifs, while risking teach skating professionally. Everyone in residence. Hotels have played a major role by Caroline Romney, editor of Durango’s disaster as they crossed sensitive slide the Yeager family, it seemed, was skilled in Durango’s economy ever since. frst newspaper, Te Durango Record: paths. Darkness fell long before they at winter sports. Among the frst hotels in town were “Te opening dinner… will be reached a waiting truck about 7:30 p.m. Members of the next generation those near the railroad depot. An enter- raided by Durango’s elite. Afer the Te rescuers stated that Bari had perpetuated the Yeager family legacy prising man named George Becker built royal gorge… attendants will spirit “displayed real grit and nerve” on the by winning ski meets, climbing peaks, the National Hotel even before the frst away the china and broken-heart- trip out, but it was obvious who had re- and excelling in other outdoor activi- train arrived. It was located just up the ed champagne bottles and Profes- ally shown the grit and nerve in saving ties. Barney’s youngest son Ronnie, for street from the new depot, in the middle sor Delius and his True Fissure Or- Joe Bari’s life. example, represented his family, his of the block, and ofered 35 rooms on two chestra will take possession of one Te Yeager boys who performed these community and his country by mak- foors. Privies were in the back yard. end of the room. Ten… exquisite rescues exemplifed the characteristics of ing the 1972 and 1976 Winter Olympic Te Blaine, built by a brewer named strains of … musical messages will a tough, skilled and courageous Animas cross-country teams. ❦ Ed Martinez, was the frst hotel in the 400 be telephoned through auricular City family. Patriarch Bob Yeager Sr. and block of Main Avenue (approximately drums, past palpitating hearts, to matriarch Jesse Allen Yeager produced By Robert McDaniel, historian, who where the Gaslight Teater is today). It agile feet, which will not rest till fve boys, including younger brothers headed the weather and snow safety was named for Martinez’ son-in-law, morn…” Barney and Harley, and four girls -Phyllis, program on the Purgatory Ski Patrol for Marvin Blain, a conductor on the D&RG Jean, Shirley and Patricia. Five of them many years Railway. Unfortunately, a gun battle over stolen Te Inter-Ocean Hotel nearby charged cattle between the local Stockton-Eskridge $2.50 per day for a room before the turn gang and a band of cowboys from Farm- of the twentieth century. Like most hotels ington occurred on the day that the gala FRIENDS OF THE ANIMAS MUSEUM of the era, it operated on the American event was scheduled. One of the propri- Bruce Spining Plan: three meals a day were included etors of the new hotel was nearly hit by a Carl and Teri Craig with the price of the room. stray bullet, and the grand opening was Caroline and Clark Kinser In an account written by Frank Lake, postponed for two weeks. Carroll and Maxine Peterson Durango is most noted, of course, Charlie DiFerdinando who came to Durango in 1880, the Wind- Cheryl G. Bryant sor Hotel was the largest hotel in town at for its signature hotel, the Strater, which Diane L. Skinner that time. He recalls boarding there for opened in 1888. Henry Strater, who built Don and Sandy Olbert $10 a week and writes: the hotel with borrowed money, was a Fritz and Sue Reinwald pharmacist who knew nothing about Greg and Susie Stilwell “Te hotel was located on what is running a hotel. (He hired a manager Janet and Chuck Williams now 9th Street below the railroad named H.L. Rice.) Henry and his broth- Jean and Tom Campion Marilyn Barnhart Rae Haynes, Glendale AZ tracks…Tey ofen fed between ers, Frank and Fred, owned a “paint and Jeff Johnson Maureen and Bob Sievers Ray and Carol Schmudde 200 and 300 people at a meal and oil” shop next to the Strater. Tey turned it Jim and Bernice Bowra Merl E. Short Robert McDaniel and Jill on Sunday fed as many as 500. into another hotel, the Columbian, when Jim and Teressa Tatum Family Michael and Barb Bell Seyfarth It was a mad house. Jennie and Joan Pedwell McCaw Nancy and Derrill Macho Roger and Shirley Buslee Henry had a falling out with H.L. Rice. Maggie Cowdy were waitresses Both hotels claimed to be the only frst Kathy McKenzie Neo Delphian Club Ruth E. Lambert and handled the whole crowd.” Les Goldman Patt and Dick Emmett Sharon and Bill Abshagen class hotel in Durango. Lisa Mackey Photography Paul Wilson Sonas IMC INC Other sources put the Windsor Hotel Other hotels in early Durango includ- Lou and Gay Kiene Paula L. Wiseman Strater Hotel in the 1100 block of Main Avenue in the ed the Savoy, located where the General Marilee Jantzer-White Peggy and Art Zemach The Telluride Iron Works Co. 1890s, as a much smaller hotel than Lake Palmer Hotel is today; the Palace, on the describes. Perhaps he confused the name, site of today’s Palace Restaurant, with a A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society History La Plata 23 May 4, 2014 Vol. xX huge lobby facing the depot; and across By the 1960s, the Four Winds Motel from there on Main Avenue, the Southern had opened on Highway 160, and on MARIA’S BOOKSHOP: SO MUCH MORE THAN BOOKS Hotel. Te Southern later became the north Main Avenue the Silver Spur boast- he birth of Amazon in 1995 not only revised our concept of a bookstore but seemingly spelled death for Durango Hotel, which was still operating ed a swimming pool, self-dialing phones, Tthe independent bookstore. Yet the reverse has proven true. While many bookstores closed follow- in the 1960s. and the Silver Saddle Lounge. In 1972, the ing the advent of Amazon, during the last four years the number of independent bookstores nationwide At the other end of town, where the old Caboose ofered kitchenettes and skiers has increased from 1401 to 1632. On the local level, Maria’s Bookshop sheds light on two factors which have driven this turnaround, the dedication of Maria’s owners, Andrea Avantaggio and Peter Schertz, and Durango Post Ofce sits at Main Avenue specials. Te Red Lion Inn arrived in 1986 Durango’s community commitment to what has become an integral part of the fabric of our community. and 11th Street, was the popular Grand and is now the Double Tree Hotel. Andrea and Peter purchased Maria’s from Dusty Teal in 1998. Over 40,000 books in stock re- Central Hotel, which was destroyed in the Over the years, of course, more fect the diversity, personal needs and taste of patrons which, notes Andrea, “infuses our space with a major fre of 1889. Today’s Central Hotel, Durango hotels and motels have gone by unique Durango style.” Their hands-on philosophy manifests itself through sponsorship of almost 100 above the El Rancho at 10th and Main, the wayside than have remained. But we local reading groups, by hosting both author and authorless events as well as highlighting the works of local authors. In support of literacy and education Maria’s provides books for more than 75 children was built in 1892, and on 2nd Avenue, the can surely boast of having an interesting annually in their Families Helping Families Holiday Book Drive. In addition, nonprofts turn to Maria’s Rochester Hotel (originally Peeples Hotel), variety of places where you can snooze as a venue for ticket sales which beneft many community organizations. None of this championing of has been around since 1891. while in Durango. ❦ community ventures was achieved overnight. As the twentieth century progressed, After several visits to Durango, Andrea and Peter took a path familiar to many Durangoans, each automobiles arrived on the scene, and worked at several jobs before deciding to put their education to work: Andrea held a Bachelor of Arts By Peggy Winkworth, author of Walking degree in Literature while Schertz had graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineer- Durango expanded. Motor courts and Durango, History, Sights and Stories ing technology. Nonetheless the purchase and stewardship of Maria’s required a crash course in motels came into existence. Some “bookstore 101” followed by a steep learning curve. Creating a successful bookstore demands from the 1940s with names you not only a passion for the literary arts but a business philosophy which contributes to a fnancially might recognize include Spanish sustainable operation. Andrea has twice served as president of the Mountains and Plains Independent Trails Court, Brookside Court, End Booksellers Association (MPIBA) and as a board member of the American Booksellers Association (ABA) Bookseller’s Advisory Council. Both Peter and Andrea as well as staff members have responded O’ Day Court, and the Royal Motel. to invitations to participate in national and regional booksellers’ conferences including the American Te Royal was owned and oper- Booksellers Association (ABA) Winter Institute and the MPIBA Fall Trade Show. Peer recognition has ated by Mr. and Mrs. Trinder, who followed. In 2005 the MPIBA honored Andrea as Bookseller of the Year while locally, in 2003, the few about the state in their own Durango Chamber of Commerce had named Maria’s the Best Small Business of the Year. Cessna-140 piloted by Mrs. Trinder. Maria’s Bookshop is a founding member of Local First, a not for proft organization comprised of more than 200 locally owned independent businesses. Each is committed to supporting a wide variety of enterprises which not only provide local goods and services but also serve as social anchors for the community. Statistics show that when purchases are made locally about 65% of the money spent is reinvested in the community. From displays which celebrate Women’s History month to an annual $1000.00 prize in books donated to a contributor of radio station KSUT’s fundraising event, from sponsorship of the arts benefting organizations such as Music in the Mountains and the Durango Film Festival, Maria’s community reinvestment is intimidating in its breadth. Peter and Andrea annu- ally sponsor off- site events such as Fort Lewis’ Common Reading Experience and Durango Public Library’s Literary Festival bringing nationally known authors to Durango. While books provide the backbone of Maria’s, none of this would work without employees who share Peter’s and Andrea’s literary passions. Maria’s is a team effort. Peter and Andrea value each employee as a vital part of the team and essential to Maria’s success. Employee benefts include passes to local attractions and events. More than just employees, Maria’s staff values books, reading and recommending to patrons the books they love. Durango is a town of many small, locally owned businesses. But, what would a town without a bookstore look like: without a place to browse merely for pleasure or for intellectual inquiry, a place of respite from the iPhone This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of Maria’s. Maria’s dedication to furthering knowledge of local history through their promotion of local authors and history preserves our heritage. By serving as custodians of the recording of our history, Maria’s has a unique function in our community. Please join the La Plata County Historical Society in honoring Maria’s owners Andrea Avantaggio and Peter Schertz, recipients of the Historical Society’s 2014 Community Heritage Award. Thank you Maria’s for the past thirty years. By Marilee Jantzer-White PhD, La Plata County Historical Society Board of Directors Andrea Avantaggio and Peter Schertz, owners of Maria’s Bookshop in downtown Durango. Photo courtesy of Andrea and Peter

A Publication of the la plata County historIcal society