ANNUAL Winter 2018 ROBERT CHAMBERLAIN MARKING MILESTONES IN THE PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION AHS ARCHIVE On July 14, 2017 we celebrated the Grand Opening of the newly renovated Archive Building. The 9-month project increased efficiency and upgraded the building to industry standards for artifact storage and access without increasing the original footprint. AHS operates one of the largest public archives on the Western Slope, featuring IDCA, 1969 priceless artifacts from every era of the area’s history. Over 58,000 historical items AHS recently received a donation include maps of 1800s mining claims, 40,000 images, ledgers, oral histories, moving from notable photographer Robert images, the entire Aspen Times newspaper archive since 1881, over 7,500 objects, M. Chamberlain. Bob, a professional and more. These artifacts and records provide vital information about the history and photographer and artist, entrusted his heritage of the Aspen/Snowmass area and AHS ensures the information is preserved extensive collection of Aspen images to the AHS Collection, where it will according to archival best practices. be preserved and shared. Bob has The renovation and Grand Opening Event not only marked the first of several documented life in Aspen since the milestones for AHS, but also sparked excitement for the Archive itself. Following 1960s, from hippie culture to modern- the event, research appointments continuously broke records each month through day ski racing, he artfully captured the pulse of the community. December. Significant archival donations also followed. 74 people donated to The Chamberlain photographic the Collection in 2017, including Robert Chamberlain who gifted his Aspen collection is available online at photographic collection to AHS (see sidebar). www.archiveaspen.org, along With Robert’s gift, the AHS Collection reached 40,000 photographic records. This with photographs from other is a noteworthy benchmark for the Society, especially considering the approximately local photographers such as Mary Eshbaugh Hayes, James “Horsethief” 30 minutes it takes to process a single image. Whether photographs, records, or Kelley, and many more. The online 3-dimenisonal objects, accessioning is a delicate and time-consuming process that involves Collection is available for research as a physically and legally transferring ownership of the object, careful documentation of free community service. Prints can be provenance and content, as well as organization to enable continued accessibility. purchased and commercial or editorial photograph use is offered on a fee basis. This work to document our shared past is essentially valuable to our community. A public archive of primary sources supports a collective understanding of our history, fosters a sense of community, and encourages a life-long vested interest in the future of this special place. It is our privilege to do this work and we thank the entire community for your continued support. In advance of the renovation, AHS Archivists secured a large portion of the AHS Collection on our growing keyword-searchable online Collection for the public to access Mall Fountain, Powder Skiing on at www.archiveaspen.org. circa 1980 Difficult Creek, 1982 ASPEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY | 620 W. Bleeker Aspen, CO 81611 | www.AspenHistory.org | 970.925.3721 HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS: STAFF’S FAVORITE ITEMS FROM THE AHS COLLECTION “ Besides the entire photographic “ I am intrigued and constantly “ Seeing my child’s face light up when collection, my favorite artifacts are amazed by the panorama created the Snow Screw was on display at the design sketches by Herbert Bayer. with four William Henry Jackson the Aspen World Cup Finals Village Bayer, a prominent member of the glass plate photographs, from in March was priceless. Young and Bauhaus, was invited to Aspen by 1893, that clearly show the extent old alike were stopped in their the Paepckes in 1946 to help brand of development in Aspen at tracks by this huge antique “snow- and promote the couple’s endeavors. the peak of the silver boom. It machine.” Thanks to the help of is staggering to think about the The designer/architect/painter/ generous donors and Aspen Skiing congestion, the noise, the smell photographer/sculptor/mountaineer and thusly the world-renowned Company, we can’t wait to see the left an indelible mark on modern success Aspen experienced 130 restored Snow Screw in action Aspen’s aesthetic.” years ago.” during demonstrations at Buttermilk — Eliza Burlingame, Marketing Director — Nina Gabianelli, VP of Education Mountain!” & Programs — Kelly May, Development Director “ One of my personal favorites in the “ My favorite artifact in our current collection is Steve Jobs’ “Lisa” Collection is the ASFAR Sweatshirt computer mouse and the transcript from 1989. While the shirt was from his speech at the 1983 IDCA. created for the anti-fur ballot issue He very presciently described the that year, protests began in Aspen future of “email” saying, “One day during the ‘70s. It’s what prompted when we have portable computers me to design the “Aspen Cape” for connected by radio we can be “ I’m picking the issue of the my store Geraniums ‘n Sunshine as walking around Aspen and be Aspen Times from 1899 that a fashionable alternative that could able to retrieve it.” Now THAT is was printed on the 1893 Bird’s even be worn over a warming parka.” genius… and world-changing.” Eye maps. I’ve always loved — Jane Click, Docent — Michael Monroney, History Coach looking over the map itself, but having the newspaper printed “ My two favorite artifacts are the “ The 1896 Willits map is probably on the back and the story ghost towns I spent so much time one of my most favorite collection behind it (the Aspen Times’ working (and enjoying) during my pieces – I use it daily in my work to paper supply was cut off due intern seasons. Whether opening research properties, consult locations to the trains being unable to Independence early with snow reach Aspen during the harsh of mines, buildings, water utilities everywhere, or winding up the and much more. I don’t know what winter of 1899) makes it an summer in Ashcroft with fall colors, I would do if I didn’t have access to even more intriguing piece.” I love sharing the stories of these — Megan Cerise Winn, two “artifacts” with our visitors.” such a historically rich map!” Archive Technician — Anna Lookabill Scott, Archivist — Travis Lane McDiffett, Programs & Events Director “ I am especially fond of the last ZG “ I love our group of WWII-era license plate. A ZG plate meant the “ My favorite artifact would have to Tenth Mountain artifacts— owner was a local, an important be the women’s dress with the sash an iconic white jacket, skis moniker for many residents since that says, “Votes for Women.” In and boots, goggles, and Aspen was growing so quickly. Pitkin 1893, Colorado was the first state a tent. They represent not County Clerk Loretta Banner (my to give women the right to vote. only the supreme skiing mother) noted that during the 1977 I am proud that our state was so and mountaineering skills, arraignment of serial killer Ted Bundy, progressive and I hope our country backbreaking work, and extreme sacrifices of these the national news media mistook the continues to make change and take crowd waiting in line to ensure they soldiers, but also the building leaps of faith like Colorado did back of a resort based on their sheer got ZG license plates for onlookers in its early history.” love of mountain sport.“ gathered for the proceedings.” — Kasey Klabunde, Program & — Kelly Murphy, President & CEO — Lisa Hancock, Curator & VP of Collections Education Assistant WINTER 2018 Programs & Events RETRO FILM SERIES: DECADES OF SKIING ASPEN/SNOWMASS Partnership with Limelight Hotel Aspen Second Friday of each month, January - April | 5:30pm Limelight Hotel, 355 S Monarch St. ASPEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY $10 suggested donation at the door WINTER TOURS (THROUGH APRIL 12) Limited seating – first come first serve Aspen Highlands History Ski Tour Friday, Jan. 12th – The ‘40s Mondays, 11am and 1pm Friday, Feb. 9th – The ‘50s Friday, Mar. 9th – The ‘60s Hotel Jerome Tour Friday, Apr. 13th – The ‘70s Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1:30pm Wheeler Opera House Tour TIME TRAVEL TUESDAYS Wednesdays, 1:30pm Aspen to the Olympics: Our Legacy of Youth Sports Historic Pub Crawl Tuesdays, February 6, 13 & 20; March 6 | 5:30pm – 7pm Thursdays, 3:30pm Wheeler Opera House, 320 E. Hyman Ave. Reservations required, 970.925.3721 $10/free for AHS Lixiviator members and above Tuesday, February 6th – Snowmass History Ski Tour Aspen Figure Skating Clubs Tuesdays, 11am and 1pm Tuesday, February 13th – Aspen Junior Hockey Aspen Mountain History Ski Tour Fridays, 11am and 1pm Tuesday, February 20th – Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club Aspen Historical Society Archive Tour Tuesday, March 6th – Local Aspenaut skiers at Thursday, February 15th & March 15th, 11am Aspen’s Olympians Buttermilk, 1978. History Coach & Victorian West End HISTORY LESSONS WITH LARRY Walking Tours Available by appointment Thursdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 | 3pm - 4pm AHS Archive Building, 620 W. Bleeker St. FREE Thursday, March 1st – Aspen Myths, Legends and Tall Tales Thursday, March 8th – Geology and Surveying Thursday, March 15th – History of Smuggler Mine Thursday, March 22nd – The Apex/Sideline Debate Thursday, March 29th – Miners’ Journeys into Aspen HISTORY ON TAP: ASPEN BREWING COMPANY 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Wheeler/Stallard Museum: Aspen Brewing Company’s brewery facility, 404 AABC Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am -5pm (closed May 1st – June 11th) $15 in advance, limited capacity, advance registration required (ticket includes one beer, additional beers $5) Holden/Marolt Mining & Tuesday, March 13 | 5:30pm Ranching Museum: Open by appointment until June 12th For reservations and more information call Summer hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 970.925.3721 or AspenHistory.org 11am – 5pm SNOWMASS STORIES IN TIME Pre-1879 1958 1973 Ute Indian summer camps Developer Bill Janss The first Snowmass Rodeo is are located throughout the identifies Baldy Mountain held (the longest continually Roaring Fork Valley, including as suitable terrain for a new operating rodeo in Colorado).