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Historically Jeffco Magazine 2019

Historically Jeffco Magazine 2019

Issue 40, 2019 in Jefferson

Historical TourismHistorical

Officers (NACIO) Annual Awards of Excellence of Awards Annual (NACIO) Officers

Information County of Association National

– Show of Best WINNER 2018 The Tepees, a popular , dance hall and in Evergreen, 1949. Fansher Photo Collection, Jefferson County Archives

History Matters! There is something about history: the way it connects As it turns out, history is a perishable resource. It takes our past, present and future generations; the way it shapes nurturing and persistence to understand it, preserve it and our beliefs about our cultures and ourselves; the way it pass it along. You can help. In this magazine, you will learn beckons and obligates us to look more carefully at where about our County’s history and about opportunities to be we come from, who we are, and who we want to be as involved in preserving it. If you own an eligible historic individuals and as a society. property, consider having it listed as a County or State Part of the of the Jefferson County Historical landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. If Commission is to convey our County’s history and help you are involved in land development, consider retaining preserve the special places and stories that allow us and incorporating historic structures and landscapes into to experience and understand ourselves and this place your development. If you are an educator, consider we call home. As our County goes through growth and different ways of incorporating history into your teachings. change due to the influx of people from other places and If you are a resident, consider sharing historic photos and the forward march of generations through time, we can all stories with history-focused organizations and museums help maintain balance between the old and the new by and then supporting them. preserving historic places and stories so that new neighbors We members of the Jefferson County Historical Commission and visitors can connect with our local history, and take are here to help. Together we can preserve and share our part in what makes our communities so very special. history with each other and future generations. Lee Katherine Goldstein—Chair Contents 2 John Brisben Walker: A Father of Foothills by Andrea Keppers Published by the Jefferson County 6 Early Tourism in Jefferson County Historical Commission (JCHC) by Bonnie E. Scudder Chair: Lee Katherine Goldstein 9 100 Years Ago: Birth of the Golden Chautauqua JCHC Publications Committee by Richard Gardner Editor: PJ Jones 13 Golden’s Holland House a Famous for Food Photo Editor: Richard Scudder by Mark Dodge Design & Layout: Steve Sparer 16 Mother Cabrini Shrine Draws Pilgrims from Near and Far Issue 40, 2019 • ISSN 1532-6047 By Lee Katherine Goldstein The information in this magazine is solely provided by the authors. JCHC, the 18 Historical Tourism in Jeffco Through the Years Board of County Commissioners and the Publications Committee are not responsible for the opinions of authors or the content of their articles. 20 The Mystery of the Town of Apex by Richard Gardner 24 The Apex Toll Road by Lee Katherine Goldstein 26 Trout Fishing in Morrison by J. Leo 27 The Irvington and Riverside Homes of Pine Grove by Richard Scudder with W. Harold Mooney 29 The Building at the Jewish Consumptive Relief Society By John Steinle 31 History of Morrison’s Fire Department and Fire Engines By J. Leo 34 Tourism Focus Draws Crowd to 2019 Symposium In Memoriam by Cynthia Shaw 35 ’s Rich History on Display at New Doyle R. Harrison by Bonnie E. Scudder and Deborah Darnell (1957 – 2019) 38 160 Years Ago: Massive Solar Eruption by Richard Gardner This issue of Historically Jeffco magazine is dedicated to the memory of our dear colleague and friend, Doyle 39 125 Years Ago: Jeffco’s First Woman Elected to Public Office by Richard Gardner Harrison. Doyle served as graphic designer of Historically Jeffco from 2011 to 2018, and his skills, passion and keen 41 50 Years Ago: Golden Post Office Construction Site Collapse eye played a big part in making it the award-winning by Richard Gardner publication it has now become. 42 Golden’s Sacrifice at Normandy A 32-year employee of Jefferson County in the Planning by Richard Gardner and Zoning Division, Doyle found satisfaction in 43 Profiles of Three Women of Six Mile Creek continuing his professional development from the days by Marjorie Rodman of literal cut-and-paste to today’s state-of-the-art digital 48 The Dollhouse Library of Morrison design platforms. He enjoyed helping many County by Karen Land Cranford departments and organizations with graphic design and 51 Guest Authors’ Biographies technical support to help them achieve clear, high-quality communication to the public. He also extended a helping 52 Jefferson County Hall of Fame: Saint Frances Xavier “Mother” Cabrini hand to his community, schools and church, always using 53 Jefferson County Hall of Fame: Steve Friesen his talents however needed. 54 Museum & Grave Doyle’s work can be admired in a wide range of Jeffco Norm and Ethel Meyer Award for Historic Preservation in Jefferson County Historical Commission projects, including architectural 55 Historically Jeffco Magazine Wins sketches of Historic Landmarks for the Hall of Fame and of Three National Awards the Jeffco Administration and Courts Facility, on display in the court-side Judges’ Wall exhibit. Doyle’s distinctive eye 56 Jefferson County Historical Commission for design is also evident in JCHC’s many informational brochures, programs and other printed materials. Doyle brought a standard of excellence to everything he did for which we will be forever proud. He believed—and his work showed—that “Good Design is Clear Thinking Made Visible” (Edward Tufte). Historically Jeffco 2019 1 HISTORICAL TOURISM

John Brisben Walker: A Father of Foothills Tourism By Andrea Keppers, Curator & Education Specialist, Hiwan Homestead Museum he relentlessly curious, peripatetic and The 1880s was a good time to be an entrepre- entrepreneurial John Brisben Walker neur in —the city was booming, and Tbrought each of these qualities to bear Walker was always looking for new opportuni- in his drive to ties. Thus, he purchased 40 acres of land along create a world- the east bank of the South between class area 15th and 19th Streets, adjacent to Union Sta- in and around tion, and turned it into River Front Park, the Morrison be- first amusement park in Denver. River Front John Brisben Walker, tween 1905 and Park had a grandstand for 5,000 spectators, ro- Proprietor and Editor 1918. While deo grounds, an oval track for horse and bicycle “The Cosmopolitan Magazine”. Walker may not races, a baseball diamond, and a paddlewheel New York Public Library have achieved steamboat that chugged up and down the four- “household block length of the park. Visitors could also en- name” status, joy winter fun with toboggan runs and skating. he certainly deserves it, be- cause he laid the groundwork for present-day tourism in Jefferson County. It was his foresight, boosterism and investments that led--directly and indirectly--to the development of both the and Jeffer- son County Open Space. Early Years Born in 1847 near Pittsburgh and educated at , 16th Street Viaduct, between 1890-1900. Walker’s Castle and River Front Park visible Georgetown University and West Point Military at center left. Academy, Walker spent two years in Asia with History the U.S. Minister to China as a military adviser. He returned to the U.S. in 1870, married, and In addition to the park’s outdoor amusements, settled in West . Always driven and in- Walker built a crenellated, pseudo-medieval cas- dustrious, he had several careers before he was tle to celebrate Colorado culture and commerce. 30: iron manufacturer, journalist, political can- Inside were a gallery of local art, a bookstore, na- didate, and land speculator. tive wildlife displays, and expositions of Colora- It was this combination of public service and do products from gold to gourds. It was known ambition that led Walker to Colorado. In 1879, as “Walker’s Castle” well after he sold the prop- he was commissioned by the U.S. Secretary of erty and until it was destroyed by fire in 1951. Agriculture to investigate the viability of grow- It is clear, even at this early stage, that Walker ing alfalfa in the arid West. Walker bought 1,600 desired to provide stimulating recreation for the acres in what is now northwest Denver and body and enrichment of the mind. He knew the called it Berkeley Farm, a name the area retains. public’s desire for spectacle but hoped to uplift Not only did growing irrigated alfalfa prove suc- them as well. He was also keenly aware of the cessful for Walker, it is still a top-five cash crop importance of being near transportation and in Colorado. investing in modern technologies, which would later impact his strategies in boosting Jeffco tourism. 2 Historically Jeffco 2019 HISTORICAL TOURISM

Cosmopolitan Years Morrison Development Walker sold most of his Berkeley acreage in Walker, along with his father and his son, John 1888. He took his proceeds and moved the Jr., began buying up thousands of acres in and family to New York City, where he purchased a around Morrison over the next few years. Walker small periodical called The Cosmopolitan and already had a vision of a planned community, set about improving it. Walker also sold River an ideal of Denver, and an internation- Front Park, fortuitously right before the “Panic ally renowned resort destination. Tourists need of 1893” wreaked havoc on Colorado’s econo- accommodation, so part of Walker’s in-town my, and added the funds to his investment in Morrison acquisition was the old Jesuit Col- the magazine. lege of the Sacred Heart, which he renovated Walker’s Cosmopolitan magazine was not the and turned into the Mount Morrison Hotel and “Cosmo” readers are familiar with today. It was a Casino. Fully operational by 1908, the Mount respected literary and current-events journal that Morrison Casino boasted broad verandas of 240 showcased works by the era’s best writers, such feet, spring water piped directly to the hotel as H.G. Wells, Arthur Conan Doyle and Jack from Mount Falcon, a 100-foot heated swim- London. Issues also contained critical reviews of ming pool, and views into the Park of the Red theater and opera, modern poetry, and editorials Rocks. about politics, often written by Walker himself. John Brisben Walker’s greatest contribution to Ever the cutting-edge businessman, Walker low- Jefferson County tourism was undoubtedly his ered the cover price to 10 cents an issue and development of what is now . included a multi-page advertising section with John Jr. convinced color ads. The advertisements were also a way his father to buy for Walker to publicize his other investment: the the park, which steam-powered car, or “Mobile.” Walker bought had previously been the patent from the Stanley brothers in 1898 and called The Garden founded the Mobile Company of America. Mo- of the Angels. It was bile Company factories and showrooms opened Junior who renamed in major cities around the country, indicating it The Garden of the the extent to which Walker believed in the po- Titans, and together tential of automobile transportation in this vast they renamed the country. geologic features af- ter said Titans. Over By the time he sold The Cosmopolitan in 1905, a few short months Walker had increased the magazine’s circulation in spring 1906, the Two women and a man looking out from the Cave from 16,000 to 400,000. William Randolph of Saturn in Creation Rock, Garden of the Titans, 1909. Walkers added trails, Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society Hearst bought the publication for $1 million. ladders, handrails and Even while making a fortune in the East, Walker general infrastructure to make the park more ac- had Colorado on his mind, serving as president cessible and enjoyable. Stone steps were carved of the Colorado Society in New York City, and to the top of Creation Rock where an observa- working on developing what land he still owned tion deck and teahouse awaited. A road was built in Berkeley. He told The Denver Times in 1902 to the natural amphitheater and a stage erected, that he planned to develop a golf course and all in time for the grand opening on May 31, country club near Berkeley Lake. While the club 1906. never panned out, it marked his return to Colo- rado boosterism. Walker moved back to Colo- Like his River Front Park of the previous century, rado in 1905 with a new fortune, a new wife and Walker combined the thrilling and the uplifting their four children. This time, he was focused at the Garden of the Titans. Healthful walks and on the foothills—specifically Morrison and sur- spring waters, heart-pounding views and opera roundings. performances were all accessible in one place.

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the Midwest and East came to Colorado for the Louis McClure, Gateway Creation mountain scenery, and Denver would reap the Park and Mt. economic benefits if it could provide transporta- Morrison, between tion. 1909-28. Creation Rock topped Clearly, Walker was also trying to draw tour- by the Walkers’ ists away from Colorado Springs. Not-so-subtle observation deck at right, and incline swipes at the Garden of the Gods appear in his railway tracks visible promotional literature, and the installation and on Mt. Morrison in opening of the Manitou Cliff Dwellings in 1907 center. seems to have spurred him to tell the Colorado History and Genealogy Department, Transcript on January 16, 1908 that he proposed “to reproduce ruins of the cliff dwellings and the communal pueblos, such as are seen at Taos.” He was also attempting to best the Pike’s Peak Cog Over the next year, Walker bought up most Railway, which had been running since 1891, of the foothills around Red Rocks, including but only in the summer, he was quick to point Mount Morrison and Mount Falcon. Postcards out. were commissioned and promotional pamphlets In a later request for the to build a distributed. The park was drawing visitors, but macadam road to Morrison, printed in the Col- the problem remained of how to get people orado Transcript on October 24, 1912, Walker there. Before 1906, trains from Denver were adds the incentive that “if the city will do as he sporadic, so visitors to Morrison had to bump asks he will carve from one of the red rocks a over 15 of rutted wagon roads to get there. copy of the Egyptian Sphinx exact as to size and Walker chartered special trains from Denver to detail, and reproduce in cement ten of the pre- Morrison at 25 cents round trip and would rent historic animals ranging in length from thirty to burros or steam automobiles to people headed to one hundred and four feet, whose home was for- the Garden of the Titans. merly in this region.” Once in the park, Walker provided tourists Walker was amazingly prescient about the im- with an engineering marvel and thrilling ride portance of automobile in America and aboard the Mount Morrison Incline Railway, seemed to foresee the roadside attractions and which began operating September programmatic architecture that were such a part 5, 1909, after two years of fundrais- of American road trips. As cars and roads im- ing and construction. This funicular proved, motorists moved so fast that their atten- climbed 2,000 feet straight up the tion needed to be arrested, even in the Garden of side of Mount Morrison from Cre- the Titans. Any visitor to Red Rocks Park knows ation Rock at a 60% grade and was those creatures were not built and the rocks were the longest in the world at the time. not carved into sphinxes, thankfully. The tracks were wide enough to car- Postcard of Mt. Morrison Incline Railway from Park of Red Rocks. ry two counter-balanced cars seating Walker’s Last Dreams Sally White Collection 100 passengers each. Walker’s last great scheme to bring attention As part of fundraising efforts for his incline rail- and prosperity to the foothills was his dream of way, Walker tried to convince the city of Den- a presidential summer home on Mount Falcon. ver to build an electrified inter-urban railroad In 1908, Walker completed a road to the top of to Morrison. He astutely noted that not only Mount Falcon from Morrison and celebrated would the street cars make commuting to Den- with a Festival of Lanterns, consisting of 1,500 ver quicker and easier for businessmen, but that Japanese lanterns, bonfires and going tourists visiting Denver needed a way to get to off between Mount Morrison and Mount Fal- the mountains. Walker knew that visitors from con. All this pageantry seemed to indicate that

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Falcon would be his next attraction. Mount Fal- Final Years con was first to be the Walker family’s private John Brisben Walker’s fortunes waned from then summer retreat, and he commissioned a grand on. He did remarry, to a young mansion at the top of the peak, completed in women’s rights activist named 1911. Iris Calderhead. Eventu- That same year, he embarked on the Summer ally they moved to Brooklyn, White House project. He enlisted the help of ac- where Walker died in 1931. complished architect Jean-Jacques Benoit Bene- Walker’s time in Colorado dict, who drew up came to an end with a string plans for a 22-room of personal tragedies and debt, castle perched at but much of his legacy is still the edge of Mount intact. Hundreds of thou- Falcon, overlook- sands of tourists each year rec- Cornerstone of unfinished Summer White House ing Denver and reate at Mount Falcon Park, on Mt. Falcon. Jefferson County Open Space the plains beyond. now owned and operated by Drawings bear a Jefferson County Open Space, and Red Rocks striking resemblance Park and Amphitheater has become an interna- to Neuschwanstein tional destination for audiences and entertain- Castle in Bavaria. ers. Without his dreams and schemes, Jefferson Walker began raising County would be a very different place today. money and drum- Whether they know his name or not, John Bris- ming up support. ben Walker continues to uplift Jeffco visitors and Local governments residents alike. pledged money or Artist’s rendering of proposed Summer White House on came up with fund- Mt. Falcon, based on J-J.B. Works Cited: raising schemes, such Benedict’s designs. “Beautiful Resort at Denver’s Door.” Denver Post, November 14, 1905. as having every Colo- Evergreen Mountain Area “Colorado News Items.” Colorado Transcript, January 16, 1908. Historical Society rado school child give Goldstein, Lee Katherine. “Funiculars Fuel Fun and Tourism in Jeffco’s a dime to the project. Foothills.” Historically Jeffco, Issue 37, 2016. Kessler, Ellen. “Dream Catcher: A Brief History of the John Brisben Walker Walker and his fellow boosters saw great oppor- Legacy.” Historically Jeffco, Vol. 10, Issue 18, 1997. tunities in turning the eye of the U.S. President “Large Purchase Near Morrison, John Brisben Walker Buys Four Thousand Acres.” Denver Times, October 18, 1906. to the West, and Walker typically tried to sell the “Local Paragraphs.” Colorado Transcript, October 24, 1912. notion to President Taft and then to President “Magnificent Park System, Eight Square Miles, and Costing Only $750,000 Wilson as a place to refresh mind and spirit and Planned for Denver.” Denver Post, October 30, 1910. uplift humanity thereby. “Mount Morrison, Colorado: How Modern Cities are Built.” Denver: Merchants Publishing Co., undated (before July 1908). Unfortunately, there was never enough money “Mount Morrison Electric Road.” Colorado Transcript, December 12, 1907. and the Presidents never showed much political Noel, Thomas J. Sacred Stones: Colorado’s Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. or personal will to make it happen. Walker in- Denver: Denver’s Division of Theatres and Arenas, 2004 White, Sally. “John Brisben Walker, the Man and Mt. Morrison.” vited Woodrow Wilson to lay the cornerstone, Historically Jeffco, Vol. 18, Issue 26, 2005. but Wilson did not attend. Walker’s wife, Ethel, died in 1916; their family home on Mount Falcon burned down in 1918; and World War I put an end to the dream of the Summer White House. Only the cornerstone and partial foundations were built and are all that remain.

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Early Tourism in Jefferson County By Bonnie E. Scudder, Jefferson County Historical Commission ourism has played an important role In late 1872, the narrow gauge section of the in the development of the Colorado Colorado Central Railroad was completed, Tmountains since the first days of explo- linking Denver and Golden with Central City ration and settlement, thanks to early reports by through Canyon. It was the first trappers and adventurers. The 1858-1861 Colo- railroad into the Colorado mountains. rado created tremendous publicity By the late 1880s, trains were operating in the for the region. Intrepid travelers venturing into southwestern mountain areas of Jefferson Coun- the territory camped in tents, rented rooms at ty. The Denver, & Pacific Railroad , or stayed at private residences (DSP&P) spurred development of summer re- or ranches. Easterners afflicted with tuberculosis sorts along the North Fork of the South Platte later flocked to the area, seeking the cool, dry River. People arrived by train to in sum- climate as a cure for their disease. mer hotels at Pine Grove or Buffalo Creek, or The tourism potential of Jefferson County’s in rented cabins and cottages in the area. Many western mountains was first hampered by inef- families constructed their own summer homes ficient transportation. Around 1880, however, in scattered along the river. summer visitors began arriving to Evergreen via Day excursionists rode the railroad to enjoy the Abbo & Lewis that ran up Bear sightseeing, fishing, picnicking, photography Creek Canyon from the railhead at Morrison. and picking wildflowers. Pine Grove, Buffalo They stayed in rustic hotels or primitive tourist cabins. Summer residents also included affluent Denverites who bought leisure ranches in Upper Canyon. Railroad Resorts By 1870, the Colorado Central Railroad line was completed, with the first train arriving in Sep- tember to Golden City (Golden) from Denver. It didn’t take long after that for railroads to boost

tourism throughout the Rocky Mountain West. train in depot at Pine Grove, circa 1900. Railroad companies aggressively advertised their Bob Adams, Pine Grove Emporium efficient transportation offerings so that folks from far and wide could experience the region’s Creek, Foxton, Ferndale, Dome Rock and South scenic attractions. Railroad accessibility allowed Platte were all popular railroad resorts well into formerly remote places to market their appeal, the 1900s. with investors developing new resorts through- out the Colorado mountains. Excursion and “Fish” Trains The Colorado and Southern Railway’s “Fish Picnickers arriving at Dome Train,” as it came to be known, and other ex- Rock, Platte Canon on the Colorado & Southern cursion trains brought tourists and residents Railway Excursion Train, from Denver to Jeffco, traveling through Water- circa 1900-1920. ton Canyon and stopping in Strontia Springs, Denver Public Library Dome Rock, Buffalo Creek, South Platte and Western History: #MCC-701 Photographer: Charles L. McClure Pine Grove. This narrow gauge route continued into Park County with stops at Estabrook, Bai- ley, Shawnee and Como.

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Many travelers came to enjoy the opportunity to discovered a flyer crumpled up in an old box on fish in the famed , which was which the hotel boasted of offering “good hunt- stocked with millions of trout by the Colorado ing and fishing,” “cool, pure water, and delight- Highway Department. Other tourists came to ful air,” and “good, clean rooms.” Adams believes hike, picnic or spend weekends, weeks or even the hotel was built around 1900 but burned to the entire summer in the mountains. the ground a few years later. After the school year ended, mothers and their Automobile Tourism children would board a train and head to summer In the early 1900s, the automobile gave travelers even greater mobility and flexibility. Construc- tion of the paved Lariat Trail road up Lookout Mountain in 1913 made the mountains more accessible to motorists. City folks drove up from Denver and tourists from the Midwest came to escape the sweltering summer heat in Jeffco’s cool, forested mountains. Newly established auto tourism associations heavily promoted Colorado’s resources and in- Horse-drawn wagon at train depot in Pine Grove dustries, with the underlying goal of attracting (year unknown) with guests. tourists, investors, prospective residents and Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society health-seekers. homes in places like Buffalo Creek, Pine Grove and Glenelk in southwestern Jefferson County, as well as further west to Bailey and Shawnee. Horseless carriage. My own grandmother, Elizabeth Thomas, spent Colorado Department of her childhood summers with her family at their Transportation Photo Archive summer home in Shawnee in the early years of the 1900s. She spoke often of the wonderful times she had, and of trips on the “Fish Train.” Visitors to Glenelk would be met at the train sta- tion by horse-drawn wagons to them to their destinations. Summer homes in resort communities became a popular way to “beat the heat” of summer on the plains. Cottage camps, auto courts, shops and an array of camping grounds sprang up to serve Hotels such as the Elk Canon [sic] Hotel in Pine motorists. According to the 1918 edition of Col- Grove were built near the train routes to accom- orado Highways Bulletin, 40 tents were placed modate the tourist trade. Unfortunately, little is in Jeffco’s by the City of Denver known about the Elk Canon Hotel. A few years for use by tourists. These parks were free for a ago, Bob Adams, owner of the Pine Emporium, two-week stay, and furnished electricity, water and lighting. “Colorado is essentially a touring state,” pro- claimed William J. Barker, president of the Den- ver Motor Club, in 1916. Popularity of the au- tomobile, road improvements and development of the Denver Mountain Parks contributed to real estate sales and the ensuing boom in moun- tain homes. Hundreds of summer residences Elk Canon Hotel flyer photo, circa 1900. Bob Adams, Pine Grove Emporium Historically Jeffco 2019 7 HISTORICAL TOURISM

were constructed in the 1920s and ‘30s, ranging Jeffco Tourism from the 1950s from elaborate stone lodges to rustic cabins and Tourism peaked in the 1920s, although Ev- quaint cottages. ergreen remained a summer destination until Developing Roadway Signage 1950. While the Great Depression and World During the 1920s, various organizations re- War II curtailed pleasure travel, the attraction quested wayfinding signage for roadways. By of skiing led a new wave of visitors to Colorado 1926, 5,000 signs had been installed throughout starting around 1950. Ski resorts in the , stating mileage and directions to sites mountains beyond Jefferson County attract- of interest. ed tourists who had previously vacationed in mountain cabins. By the end of the decade, the Highway Depart- ment partnered with the Motor Club of Colorado Tourism continues as an important Jeffco indus- and local and county governments and organiza- try. Major attractions include Coors Brewery, tions to develop and place Mother Cabrini Shrine, The Buffalo Bill Mu “Scenic Colorado” signs seum and Grave, and Red Rocks Park and Am- throughout the state. These phitheatre. signs were designed to di- Works Cited: Colorado Department of Transportation. 100 Years of Colorado rect tourists to scenic and State Transportation History. CDOT Public Relations, 2010. Destination signs historic attractions by iden- Colorado Highways Bulletin, July 1918. Denver Public Library, from early 1920s. tifying points of interest by Western History and Genealogy. Colorado Highways, Goodson, Gary R. More Historical Sketches of Shawnee, Colorado, March 1923 name or geographic loca- including Historical Pictures of Bailey and Grant, Colorado. tion. In addition, at the re- Colorado: Creative Colorado Concepts, 1996. quest of the State Historical Scudder, Bonnie E. The Secrets of Elk Creek: Shaffer’s Crossing, Staunton State Park, and Beyond. Pine, CO: Elk Creek Publishing, Society of Colorado, the 2013. department began to place more permanent historical markers made of bronze or wood and mounted in na- tive rock. “Scenic Colorado” Signs in Jefferson County While it is not known how many “Scenic Colo- rado” signs were posted around the state in the 1930s, it is known that at least one was placed in Jefferson County. (Unfortunately, the Colorado Department of Transportation does not main- tain files on locations of any early tourism signs.) One well-known Jeffco sign is the “Outlaw Sign” from southwestern Jeffco, reportedly posted in the 1930s by the Colorado Highway Depart- ment. The sign suggests the notorious Reynolds “Scenic Byways” Gang, stagecoach robbers in 1864, had once sign promoting lurked nearby, and was possibly posted at the the Lariat Loop in Jeffco. urging of local resorts hoping to lure tourists to “Scenic Colorado Outlaw” sign in Staunton State Park’s Evergreen Mountain the area. See pp. 32-33 of 2018 Historically Jeffco Visitors Center, 2019. Area Historical Society for details about this storied road sign. Photo by Richard Scudder

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100 Years Ago: Birth of the Golden Chautauqua By Richard Gardner, Jefferson County Historical Commission Chau·tau·qua /SHa ‘tôkwa/ Noun NORTH institute in New York; Independent or Daugh- AMERICAN: An institution that provided popu- ter Chautauquas—permanently established lar adult education courses and entertainment assemblies in various communities and pat- in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, named terned after the original’s format; and Circuit after Chautauqua, a county in New York State, or Tent Chautauquas—itinerant programs run where such an institution was first set up. by assemblies of talent that presented at vari- hile the in ous locations. The Colorado Chautauqua was Boulder—designated a National an Independent Chautauqua, while Golden Historic Landmark in 2006— is and Morrison hosted Circuit Chautauquas. W The Edgewater Chautauqua was uniquely remembered as a significant part of the Chau- tauqua’s intellectual movement across America, homegrown. Jefferson County has its own place in the move- 1920 advertisement for events Golden Chautauqua at the Golden Chautauqua. ment’s history with the Golden Chautauqua (es- In spring 1919 a large group of Golden busi- /Colorado tablished in 1919) and the Morrison and Edge- Community Media nessmen organized to create the Golden Chau- water Chautauquas. tauqua and commissioned the Redpath-Horner Chautauquas in America Company to manage it, the leading proprietor The Chautauqua movement began in the late of Circuit Chautauquas at the time. As a touring 19th Century as an adult education venture company, it would set up and present its pro- that spread throughout rural America. Usually grams in large tents on fields near towns, pre- occurring over several weeks each summer in senting for several days and then moving on to an outdoor format, Chautauquas consisted of the next town. a widely varied program featuring entertainers and educators on subjects ranging from science to entertainment to religion. Programs included Stratton Hall prominent speak- commons at the Colorado School of ers, visionaries, Mines, as it appeared preachers, show- when the Golden men, musicians, Chautauqua was held there. specialists and cor- Gardner Family Collection porate and civic leaders. The movement be- gan at Lake Chau- The Golden Chautauqua was set up in a large Methodist Bishop John Heyl tauqua, NY, in Vincent, co-founder of the 1874, when Meth- tent on the field in front of Stratton Hall on the Chautauqua Assembly. odist minister John Colorado School of Mines campus. The diverse Public Domain Heyl Vincent and program included: businessman Lewis Miller established the first “Harriet Bird Warren is going to speak of the place such gathering. The program proved very pop- women are going to have in the new social and ular and spread throughout the country, with commercial conditions which have been gradually each successive assembly called a Chautauqua. crystalizing since the end of the war. Mrs. Warren The movement consisted of three kinds of insti- was in the ambulance service in France and has tutions: the Mother Chautauqua—the founding toured the from coast to coast.

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She has interviewed big public men and has first- Of particular note was “an original, unique and hand, reliable knowledge of this, one of the most historically correct program” to be given by the interesting questions that confront the American Lotus company, which The Transcript described people today.” as follows: “Edna Means is a revelation to people who think “With harp and vocal solos, splendid readings, they know the limitations of an impersonator, for richly costumed three historical periods are pre- in mimicry and comedy she has created her own sented. The first part of the program depicts the field. She plays her parts in appropriate costumes Middle French period in arts and literature. The and her impersonation of the farmer and the calf costumes, lyrics and ballads are exceptionally beau- story has stuck in the memory of the people of every tiful. The second portion is a portrayal of the songs town where she has appeared. Letters come into of our own land from the period 1830 to 1860. the Chautauqua headquarters office even yet, ask- Here are the heart songs of our forefathers, breath- ing about the lady with the ‘calf story.’ They have ing all the fervor, love and hope of those days. The forgotten her name, but they remember her work days of hoopskirts and cradle songs are not too far and that is the key to her success. People admire removed to bring sweet and fragrant memories her both for herself and for her talent.” to many. The concluding numbers are those of The first days of the Golden Chautauqua drew our own day given in an unusual and decidedly fair sized crowds, although not as large as or- superior way.” ganizers had initially hoped. Over the next few The 1920 Chautauqua season in Golden was so days, however, the number of attendees increased successful that 50 Goldenites signed the contract and so the event was declared a success. Thus, for a third season. the Golden Chautauqua organized a second sea- For 1921, the Golden Chautauqua changed ven- son for June 1920, anticipated by Goldenites as ue to the Golden Opera House at 1212 Wash- “Chautauqua Week.” The Stratton Hall field was ington Ave. Program highlights, as described by again tabbed as the location, which according to the Transcript, included: the Golden Transcript was “pronounced by the superintendent of the Chautauqua as the finest “The comedy, ‘Nothing But the Truth’… a real location on the entire circuit.” comedy, not the slap stick, knock-‘em-down-drag- ‘em-out, pie throwing variety, but clean, sparkling, The Transcript reported that the 1920 Golden snappy fun, wholesome and side-shaking.” Chautauqua would be packed with diverse pro- gramming, including: Charles H. Plattenburg “C.O. Stuckenbruck will discuss some fool notions. giving “his celebrated town boosting lecture;” He comes from a busy life with fresh, forceful mes- a lecture on Americanism; another company sages out of his own experience. With a beautiful giving “a pro- sense of humor, Mr. Stuckenbruck analyzes the gram of mys- notions that help or hinder society. His thought Advertisement for tery, magic and is so clear and logical a child can follow it and it reader, speaker and music;” a sing- has so much real stuff in it that a philosopher will impersonator Clarissa enjoy it.” Harrold in 1920 at ing company Golden Chautauqua. specializing Golden Transcript/ in American Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection songs; a pro- gram given by Miss Clarissa Harrold, “read- er and speaker;” and a comedy-drama called “It Pays to Adver- tise.” Advertisement for Hawaiian music program in 1921 at Golden Chautauqua. Golden Transcript/Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection 1010 Historically Historically Jeffco Jeffco 2019 2018 HISTORICAL TOURISM

“There will be a company of real, for sure Hawai- tive visited Golden in October and successfully ians …. Everyone likes the Hawaiian music and secured the necessary number of subscribers, en- here you have the real thing. The program will be suring a fourth season the next summer. mostly Hawaiian, but there will be a number of For its program held again in the Golden Opera popular American numbers included in the pro- House, the 1922 Golden Chautauqua featured: gram. Yes, they will play ‘On the Beach at Wa-ki- ki’ and ‘Olohe Oe.’ No Hawaiian program would “The Entertainers … have been playing be complete without them.” banjos ever since they were big enough to hold them. They even make banjos. They know more “A feature of the Friday afternoon program will about banjos than the man who invented them. be a talk by Bagdasar Baghdigian, naturalized The program given by them includes every kind of Armenian, who gave a stirring appeal for national banjo music from the classics to the popular hits.” loyalty. Baghdigian landed in New York with eighty-five cents in his pocket and murder in his “There will be a lecture by Dr. Ng. Poon Chew, heart. His entire family had been wiped out by the the Chinese Mark Twain. He speaks on China Turks. He came to America only to earn enough today, and finds much chance for humor and uses to carry out his plans for revenge. The story of how it most delightfully. He is the editor of the larg- this young Armenian boy absorbed the spirit of free est Chinese newspaper in America. He is vice- America and the spirit which animates him now, president of the China Mall steamship line and affords a lesson in citizenship which all can afford is a director for the Canton street railway. He to use as a pattern. The immigration problem is a owns rice farms in and in most serious one today, but if we could make them Chicago. Dr. Chew can trace his ancestry back to all Americans like Baghdigian, there would be no Confucius, but says he is 100 per cent American.” cause for fear.” Sadly, after the 1922 program, the Golden Upon the closure of the third Chautauqua sea- Chautauqua rode off into the sunset. During its son its sponsors declined to make up the guar- four glorious seasons, the Chautauqua was the antee for its renewal, placing future prospects in biggest event of the year in Golden. doubt. However, a Redpath-Horner representa-

Advertisement for the male quartet Arcardians at Golden Chautauqua in 1921. Advertisement for play reader Virginia Golden Transcript/Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection Slade at the Golden Chautauqua in 1921. Golden Transcript/Colorado Historic Newspapers Advertisement for comedy Collection “Nothing But The Truth” in 1921 at the Golden Chautauqua. Golden Transcript/Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection

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Morrison Chautauqua Works Cited: Truman H. Talley. “Chautauquas – An American Achievement.” In For one eventful July, in 1920, the town of Mor- The World’s Work: A History of Our Time, Volume 42, Walter Hines rison also got in on the Chautauqua movement. Page and Arthur Wilson Page. New York: Doubleday, Page & Program highlights included a lecture entitled Company, 1921. Colorado Transcript, 5/8/1919, 5/29/1919, 5/27/1920, 6/10/1920, “Possibilities of Life,” an afternoon of “music, 6/17/1920, 6/24/1920, 7/8/1920, 7/22/1920, 5/12/1921, mirth and mimicry by Uncle Sam’s Nieces,” a 5/26/1921, 6/2/1921, 6/9/1921, 6/16/1921, 10/27/1921, presentation of “The Taming of the Shrew,” and 4/27/1922, 6/8/1922, 6/15/1922, 1/6/1927, 9/6/1928, 4/24/1930. “What Was Chautauqua?” Traveling Culture, University of . later, music by the Ricketts Band. 2004. Accessed June 3, 2019. http://www.gearhartseitz.com The Transcript cited a unique local connection to their own Chautauqua, revealing through their Morrison reporter, “The Ricketts Jazz Band … became of more than passing interest to Morrison people when it was learned that Hal Smith of the company had been the bunkie [bunkmate] of Jean Borie of this place while they were with the Marines in France.” Edgewater Chautauqua The last Chautauqua held in Jeffco was the Edgewater Chautauqua, which ran its season in August 1928. This could be described as a fourth kind of Chautauqua—a Community Chautau- qua—as it was organized and produced locally and featured local talent. As reported in the Transcript, “The Chautauqua which was given in the Com- munity church in Edgewater … was a success from every angle. Wonderful programs were given all three nights. A baked ham supper was served by the Ladies Aid on Wednesday night and on Friday night a chicken supper was served. On the last night the Trinity choir consisting of sixteen voices sang popular music, the program being supple- mented by our own local singer, Herbert Martin. All candidates for office in Jefferson county were introduced and given one minute to tell what they stood for.” While in operation, Chautauquas everywhere served people in many ways: to educate, enlight- en and open new horizons for the towns they touched, to entertain and bring the world to the citizens, to stimulate thought-provoking discus- sion on important issues, and much more. They left their mark on Jefferson County and contin- ue their influence on Colorado to this day.

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Golden’s Holland House a Hotel Famous for Food By Mark Dodge, Curator, Golden History Museum & Park

otel, dining rooms, coffee shop and In its heyday the Holland House drew patrons lounge—the Holland House had it all. from all over the region and was considered one HIt was the sixth hotel to occupy 1310 of the finest restaurants anywhere near Den- Street in Golden since 1925, when ver—renowned for homemade pies and biscuits the Hotel Berrimoor opened its doors. Then fol- as well as the wonderful artwork adorning its lowed the Cody Hotel, Wright Hotel, Golden walls. Hotel, LaRay Hotel, and finally the Holland Lu and Ethel Holland: Perfect Team House. Today, it’s home to the Table Mountain . Lu and Ethel Holland were a seasoned cook and a welcoming hostess. “They were a team, and ab- solutely devoted to it,” said William Holland of his parents in 1982. German chefs taught Lu to cook while he worked in the Brown Palace Hotel kitchen before World War I. Drafted into service, he ran huge Army kitchens in Calais, France—essentially, large tents turned into dining rooms. He managed to feed up to 5,000 servicemen at a time as they came and went from Europe. Exterior view of the Holland House after the 1957 remodel airbrushed for an advertisement. Lu met Ethel Watson at a dance in the ballroom Golden History Museum & Park, City of Golden Collection at the original and married her in 1918. Ethel grew up in Denver across the street from Washington Park, spending many sum- Marion Luther “Lu” Holland and his wife Ethel mers with her siblings and cousins playing there arrived in Golden from Billings, , in and swimming in the lake. 1944. Lu was already working as the chef and Together, during the Roaring Twenties, the assistant manager at the LaRay Hotel when he Hollands owned and operated the Pine Grove and Ethel bought the place in May 1946. They Restaurant at 18th and Welton Streets in down- renamed it the Holland House and remodeled town Denver. Covering an entire block, the Pine two rooms and a bath into their own residential Grove served breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dur- suite. It was their home for the next 40 years. ing the week, folks paid a nickel to hear the band and got their lunch for free. In the evenings, mu- sicians from the many nearby theaters came by after their shows and jammed with the house band into the wee hours of the morning. Ethel was a people person, and she managed the human resource and general operations side of the hotel’s business. Lu oversaw the restaurant: He cut his own meat on-site and made every- thing from scratch. Guests came—and then came back—for homemade pies, biscuits with pitchers of honey, Lu’s special Swiss steak, chick- en and dumplings, biscuits and gravy, and prime Lu & Ethel Holland celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary inside the Holland House, 1968. rib. Golden History Museum & Park, City of Golden Collection

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The Hollands owned a ranch nearby on Mc- sive construction and remodeling project with Intyre Street, where they raised the Charolais the addition of a coffee shop on the north side of beef cattle that they served exclusively in their the building. An ad in the Boulder Daily Cam- dining room. Charolais cattle grow larger than era announced an increased diner capacity of most other breeds and are leaner, which means 120, and newly commissioned photomurals and more meat with less fat. artworks. Their son William “Bill” The Colorado Room was home to large pho- Holland and his wife Artie tographic murals of Echo Lake and Red Rocks relocated to Golden in by Denver’s Hopwood Studios. In the Empire 1955 to help run the busi- and Pioneer Rooms hung The Founding of ness. Bill later worked as Golden in 1858 and Colorado Today, both by an attorney and ran his Golden cartographer and painter Hal Shelton. office out of the Holland The Hollands paid $5,000 per mural and, for- House. Bill and Artie had tunately, both safely survive today: one belongs three sons: Mike, Jeff and to the Golden Civic Foundation and hangs at Greg. Greg took after his the Golden Community Center, while the other grandfather Lu—he loved hangs at Stevinson Toyota in Lakewood. Bill Holland leading the Holland House wagon and to cook and even managed In 1960, the Hollands bought the vacated First four-oxen team in a parade in Arvada around 1960. the Holland House from Methodist Church and education buildings Golden History Museum & Park, City of Golden Collection about 1974 to 1982. just south of their property. They converted the Civic-minded to his core, education building into employee housing and Lu joined the Golden Chamber of Commerce razed the church for more parking. Because Lu and served as its president from 1948 to 1950. routinely hired African American men from out- He was the driving force behind the Golden side of Golden as dishwashers and cooks, hous- Welcome Arch, today one of the town’s most fa- ing proved crucial. Robert “Bob” Wilkens signed mous landmarks. He was an outspoken advocate on in the 1950s and worked his way up to chef, for the completion of the Clear Creek Highway. remaining an integral part of the Holland House Not to be outdone, Ethel was named Woman for over 20 years. of the Year in 1965 by the Golden Business and Completed by 1965, this remodel added 25 Professional Women’s Club for her own work on rooms and a new dining room for 150 diners behalf of the city she and Lu loved. in addition to the expanded parking. It also her- Three Dining Rooms with Art alded a new name: the Holland House Motor Hotel. The couple remodeled the Holland House four times. In 1957, they completed the first exten- It was around this time that the Hollands in- stalled a life-size bull made of fiberglass next to the new parking lot. The bull quickly became the target of pranks from Colorado School of Mines students who made it a tradition, espe- cially during homecoming week, to paint the white bull’s testicles bright red. Members of the Holland family were always prepared with some white paint to remedy the joke.

Inside the Empire Dining Room at the Holland House, 1959. Golden History Museum & Park, City of Golden Collection

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Golden’s Social Center Renowned Tasty Food “Let us serve your next banquet, special party, Duncan Hines included the Holland House in business social, birthday, anniversary, fraternal, his 1958 travel guidebook, Adventures in Good family get-together, wedding, or luncheon card Eating. This recognition put Golden on the food party.” —Holland House menu, about 1959 map and the Holland House into a select group of highly regarded restaurants nationwide. At the time, the Holland House was the only Gold- en restaurant to earn that honor—the equivalent of a top TripAdvisor or Yelp review today. Holland House was proud to offer “festive din- ners.” A menu from around 1959 plugged Hol- land House Western Special Quality Steak Din- ners for only $4, with your choice of a T-bone, club steak or New York cut sirloin. Roquefort cheese dressing for your salad was an extra 25 cents, as were French-fried onions for your po- tatoes. Still, a great deal. Not a steak fan? Other Inside the Holland House Coffee Shop, about 1970. “festive” dinner options included lamb, pork, Golden History Museum & Park, City of Golden Collection veal, poultry, and both ocean and freshwater The Holland House was the gathering place for fish, along with children’s plates of chicken, meetings of every kind. Beginning in the 1950s, shrimp or a burger. the local paper’s regular “Holland House Hap- The less formal coffee shop served breakfast in penings” section outlined the venue’s major addition to lunch and dinner. A breakfast best- weekly social events. Whether the Golden Lions seller through the mid-1970s was calf’s brains Club, Jaycees, Women’s Business and Profession- and eggs. Sound good? al Club, Chamber of Commerce or Colorado School of Mines, the Hollands hosted them all. The End of an Era Until the high-profile kidnapping and murder Following Lu’s death in 1981, the family sold of III in 1960, the Coors fam- the business in 1982. Bought by a group of local ily were regular customers for Sunday dinners. investors, the Holland House lived on under the After the tragedy, they stopped dining out in the same name until 1986, when the property re- interest of safety and privacy. Meanwhile, other verted to the Colorado National Bank and then famous guests included: closed. The Golden Civic Foundation bought the property for $290,000 in 1989. After an ex- • Child actor Jay North, from the “Dennis tensive remodel under new ownership, the old the Menace” TV sitcom Holland House was reborn as the Table Moun- • John Wayne tain Inn in 1992. • Sheriff Scotty—late 1950s TV personality • The Queen of Iran (wife of the Shah), Works Cited: who traveled with two bodyguards Boulder Daily Camera, November 22, 1957. Colorado Transcript, various articles and advertisements, • World heavyweight boxing champion 1940s-1970s. Max Baer Golden History Museum & Park, City of Golden permanent collection and research files. • Numerous world leaders who came to do Golden Civic Foundation minutes, 1980s. business with Coors and the Colorado Interview with Artie Holland, 2009. School of Mines Interviews with Greg Holland, 2011 and 2019.

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Mother Cabrini Shrine Draws Pilgrims from Near and Far Story and photos by Lee Katherine Goldstein, Jefferson County Historical Commission

hroughout the past century, tourists have visited Jefferson County for a va- Triety of reasons, including for religious purposes. Since the mid-1900s, pilgrims have made their way to Jeffco to seek blessings, sol- ace, spiritual guidance and community at the Mother Cabrini Shrine on Lookout Moun- tain. Frances Xavier Cabrini, founder of the Mission- ary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, came to the U.S. from Italy in 1889. She visited Colorado in 1902 and ministered to Italian communities in the Clear Creek, George- town, and South Park min- ing districts. In 1909–1912 she negotiated the purchase of land along the east side of Mount Vernon Canyon to serve as a summer camp for girls living at the Queen of Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue Heaven Orphanage, which Mother Cabrini also created a heart made of Cabrini had founded in stones at the top of the highest hill on the prop- Denver. Mother Cabrini erty, which she named Mount of the Sacred died in 1917, and she was Heart. The stones now sit under a glass cover canonized in 1946 by Pope at the base of a 22-ft. tall statue of the Sacred Pius XII. Heart of Jesus, which was carved in 1954 by an Mother Cabrini left her spir- Italian sculptor and shipped from Italy in five itual imprint on the prop- pieces. Leading up to the statue is the Stairway erty. When she acquired the of Prayer, a 373-step staircase with benches and land, it had no running wa- stone mosaics placed along the way depicting the Site of the Spring ter, only a small pond. Fresh Stations of the Cross. water had to be hauled up Mother Cabrini also chose the location of, and from a stream running at the bottom of Mount worked with builder Thomas Eckrom to design, Vernon Canyon. When one day the Sisters com- the historic Stone House on the property, which plained to Cabrini about the lack of water on was used as a summer camp dormitory for the the property, she responded, “Lift that rock over girls from the Queen of Heaven Orphanage. there and start to dig. You will find water fresh enough to drink and clean enough to wash.” The Stone House, built with locally quarried They followed her instructions and located the stone in 1912-1914, was listed on the Nation- freshwater spring which still flows today. Some al Register of Historic Places in January 2000. believe the spring water has healing properties. Since the closing of the orphanage in 1967, the house has been used as a retreat and conference facility and a place for small prayer gatherings.

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tures and gardens. Cabrini Gardens is a medita- tive garden depicting the life of Frances Xavier Cabrini. Another area, the Rosary Garden, was built because the Sisters had received numerous phone calls from a woman requesting its cre- ation. After the garden was constructed, when the Sisters tried to contact the woman to tell her it had been completed, they found that no such telephone number existed. The Cabrini Museum, housed in one of the property’s original structures once known as the “pump house,” contains a replica of Mother Cabrini’s bedroom, a timeline of her life, and many artifacts. The Grotto was first built in 1929 then replaced in 1959. Many come to pray at the Grotto, which is a replica of the grotto at Lourdes, the famed pilgrimage site in France. The main Chapel was completed in 1970 and is open to the public, offering daily Mass given by visiting priests from different parishes in town. The Stairway of Prayer Several other gardens and statues also adorn the After 1967, the property was slowly transformed property. by the Sisters and devotees into its present splen- Cabrini Shrine continues to draw people from dor. The Shrine now includes numerous struc- around the country and the world. Local Ital- ian communities remain keen participants in the Shrine’s events, and communities have become increasingly active in visiting and sup- porting the Shrine. Families come every week to attend Mass and picnic on the grounds. A bazaar is held at the Shrine on Mother Cabri- ni’s birthday. And once a year, groups of Hispan- ic and other devotees walk to the Shrine from —a fitting tribute to Mother Cabrini, who is the patron saint of immigrants. In addition to its overall beauty, Mother Cabrini Shrine imbues pilgrims and visitors alike with its strong sense of community, devotion and peace. Works Cited: “History of Mother Cabrini Shrine.” Mother Cabrini Shrine, Golden CO. 2019. https://www.mothercabrinishrine.org Interview with Sister Roselle Santivasi, Spring 2019. Lambert, Aaron. “At Mother Cabrini Shrine, Saint’s Spirit Lives on 100 Years After Death.” Denver Catholic, July 17, 2017. https://denvercatholic.org “Queen of Heaven Orphanage Summer Camp.” National Register of Historic Places, . Reference Number Mother Cabrini and Girls Statue 99001666. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP Historically Jeffco 2019 17 HISTORICAL TOURISM

Clockwise from left: Golfers enjoy the beautiful view at Ever- green Golf Course in 1935, which re- mains one of Denver’s signature recreation locations. In 1920, the magnificent Trout- dale in the Pines was built Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society in Evergreen where guest cabins had once stood since the 1880s. With 140 guest rooms and 35 cabins, the hotel hosted ce- lebrity guests including Clark Gable, Mae Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society West and the Marx Brothers. It declined in popularity after World War II, went out of business in the 1960s, and was demol- ished in 1994. Unidentified woman sit- ting at Red Rocks Park, circa 1895-1900. National ski jumping competitions were held at Genesee through the 1920s, at- tracting as many as 10,000 spectators. The site was later developed for housing and covered over by the I-70 corridor. Day trippers to Evergreen’s Denver Mountain Parks would stop at the Denver Motor Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society Club’s stone clubhouse along Bear Creek in Idledale (then called Starbuck). During Prohibition, the club gained a tarnished reputation for illegal drinking and gam- bling. It was destroyed in the Massive Bear Creek flood of 1938. Denver’s Thomas Jefferson County Archives Transfer Company was the transport of choice to convey visitors to Evergreen’s re- sorts in the early 20th Century.

Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society

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Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, Golden, CO

Clockwise from left: Children enjoy a swim in Bear Creek

Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society circa 1910. Photo taken near the Dailey family summer cabins, one of which is now part of the Highland Haven Creekside Inn. William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, show- man and entrepreneur, doffs his hat to the cameraman. Circa 1910 vintage postcard

of Lookout Mountain’s Wildcat Point, Jefferson County Archives a popular vista that gives “an unsurpassed view of the plains to the east.” Fillius Park near Evergreen hosted overnight camp- ing as part of the Denver Mountain Parks system developed in the early 1900s. Early postcard view of the original road along Bear Creek in Evergreen, with Sheepshead Rock on the left and family summer cabins in the background. The turn was so sharp that a large mirror was later mounted there so motorists could see oncoming vehicles. Sam and Nora Smith Hebrew’s donkey concession at Red Rocks, circa 1908. He- brew’s business started in 1897 and was Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society continued by his daughter Bertha Marie until 1979. In the early 1900s, four funic- ular railways were built near Golden and Morrison to cater to increased tourism. The Lookout Mountain funicular opened in 1912 with great fanfare but went out of business in 1916 after completion of the “Lariat Trail” roadway, which offered easier access to mountain parks.

Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society

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The Mystery of the Town of Apex By Richard Gardner, Jefferson County Historical Commission pex, a Colorado Gold Rush town tucked “We again turned our faces Bear-Creek-ward, and at the base of the foothills just south of nothing of interest occurred until we came in sight AGolden, vanished over a century ago and of the long and spacious streets of Baden … [But] remains shrouded in mystery. Accounts of it are We failed to hear ‘The hum of busy thousands,’ rare, its forgotten, and those who once lived and we … proceeded on our journey.” there are long gone. In other words, Baden was a paper town without Apex was settled at the junction of today’s Col- any buildings or residents. This minor techni- fax Avenue and Heritage Road. Today new light cality didn’t stop Baden from having an accred- is being shown on Apex as part of the proposed ited delegate at the Jefferson state in Heritage Square Land Exchange of Jefferson 1859, nor its candidacy for the seat of newborn County Open Space. Jefferson County, receiving 22 votes in January 1860. (The real towns of Arapahoe City and Golden Gate City did not receive any.) At the close of 1860 citizens of southwest Jeffer- The Apex Inn, last building of the town of Apex, son County (which originally extended to Bear as it appears today. Creek) became disenchanted with the Jefferson Gardner Family Collection Territorial provisional government set up by lo- cal citizens. In protest, the Junc- Beginnings tion, Ber- gen and Mt. The discovery of gold in Springs in 1859 Vernon dis- by frontier George Jackson prompt- tricts seced- ed a flurry of road-building activity in the Jef- ed to form fco foothills. The Mt. Vernon Road was quickly Ni Wot blazed near where the town Apex was to be later County, Gov. Robert Williamson Steele, Governor settled. This road was followed by a free bypass of the provisional and named for called Jackson Hill which ran right up the face of dweller of Mt. Vernon and Apex, whose Left Hand, legislature met at each town and at the hill to the west (recent home of the now de- the famous Golden Cemetery which became capital funct “alpine slide” amusement ride). The gulch in 1860. Steele was recognized by the next to it was named Amos Gulch, for Wilbourn Jefferson County Hall of Fame in 2002. chief. Gov. Amos, the first settler at its mouth. Soon the St. Jefferson County Archives Vrain, Golden City and Colorado Wagon Roads Robert Williamson Steele and other Jefferson (now Heritage Road) joined the Mt. Vernon Territory supporters, however, lived at the town Road, creating the junction of streets known to- of Mt. Vernon. day. In 1861 Gov. Steele and other local businessmen Three Denverites founded the townsite of Baden secured a charter and constructed the Apex & (later renamed Apex) at this junction, and in Gregory Road up Amos Gulch. Also in 1861, 1860 the Western Mountaineer gave a novel de- Congress created the Territory of Colorado, ef- scription of the newborn metropolis: fectively making moot the civil war of Mt. Ver- non. However, the town expatriates continued to build what now looked like a healthy business 20 Historically Jeffco 2019 HISTORICAL TOURISM proposition. Baden was renamed Apex, as it lay The Apex Road at the junction, or apex, of the thoroughfares The Nye Forwarding Company of Denver ob- there. tained a 10-year lease on the Apex Road, the The Town of Apex ensuring a good traveling surface and much freighting courtesy of this prominent company. In 1863 Apex made its first appearance on a John A. Nye gained the rights to collect toll on map. Apex was a village of three parts: perma- the road in July 1863. nent buildings at the junction, tents stretching up the hillside, and the tollhouse at the mouth One description of Apex Road came from As- of the gulch. The tollhouse—the former pioneer sociate Justice S. Newton Pettis of the Colorado home of Wilbourn Amos—was now Steele’s Supreme Court, traveling from Denver to Ber- home, where, just as at Mt. Vernon, Steele trans- gen Ranch. He said, “We found ourselves wind- acted business of the Jefferson Territorial gov- ing our way up the summit, over a very smooth ernment while it still existed, until he moved to turnpike known as the Apex Road. Never was Empire in 1862. a mortal more surprised than I at the view that met my vision.” Instead of normal rough terrain, he encountered “gentle slopes, table lands, green fields, luxuriant vegetation and a smooth road. Strawberries were all over the fields, and the earth was not parched as in the valley or plain at the foot of the mountains.” By 1866 the Apex and Mt. Vernon Roads were com- bined in management by the Apex and Mt. Vernon con- solidated company, which kept the tollgates at Mt. Ver- Portion of the Pierce Map of non and Apex. However, dis- in 1863, showing Apex as well as other Jefferson content and jealousy along County gold rush towns of Golden Gate City, with a flood in July 1866 Golden City, Mt. Vernon and Bradford. which destroyed the road Gardner Family Collection on North Clear Creek com- pelled the company to dis- The Buckeye Hotel at Apex was the first Colo- Promotional advertisement for the Apex Road, rado hotel owned by Seth Lake. However, the continue both tollgates until as it appeared through editions of the Rocky structure burned down, and soon after a new ho- repairs were made. Mountain News In 1861. tel called the Apex Inn—a substantial place built By this time Joachim Binder, a native of Witten- of local cut stone—rose in the Buckeye’s place. berg, Germany, had taken over the Apex Inn and (Meanwhile, Lake moved on its property as his ranch, and the north-south to the Two Mile House at gulch here came to be known as Binder Gulch. Golden Gate Canyon, and After great effort the tollgates were reopened in finally to Golden, where he spring 1867, but then came the great snow of built the Astor House.) May followed by flooding that destroyed the work. At great expense the company once again Seth Lake, prominent hotelier whose first Jefferson County repaired the roads. hotel, the Buckeye Hotel, was at Apex where the Apex Inn With the advent of the Colorado Central Rail- stands today. In Jefferson County road, Apex Gulch timber was used for its rail- Lake also owned the Green Mountain road ties beginning in 1868. Local industry House, Two Mile House, Lake House and gained further dimension the following year Astor House hotels. Golden Landmarks Association when building stone began to be quarried com- mercially here. Historically Jeffco 2019 21 HISTORICAL TOURISM

On March 1869 Apex was the site of a wedding On December 20, 1878 the tollhouse, long when Clements Dickson of Mt. Vernon married abandoned, burned down in a fire inadver- Ella Metcalf, daughter of the Apex toll station tently set by Denver parties looking for Christ- proprietor. By the next month, Dickson built his mas trees, leaving the Apex Inn the town’s last blacksmith shop on his own claim at the south- building standing. After Binder died in 1891 ern end of the junction. In 1871 the happy cou- passed to his relations who took over ple had their first child, the first and only known Binder’s flour mill in Golden. native born citizen of Apex. The Binder ranch then became home to Dutch In 1870 the Nye Forwarding Company pur- immigrants Elias and Oeda Boom. The ranch chased the Mt. Vernon Road and made it a main was known as the Apex Dairy, when it was owned thoroughfare into the mountains once again, by their son Nicholas in 1911. His daughter, and the company moved their base of operations Agatha, married David Helps, the son of James to the Burgess Block (future Burgess House ho- Helps of Golden Gate Canyon whose cabin now tel) in nearby Golden City. The Apex Road was resides in Clear Creek History Park. (See page 42 hardly finished, for the company continued to for related story) run both the Mt. Vernon and Apex Roads to- In 1938 the ranch was purchased by Albert “Tex” gether. The Colorado Stage Company had its Bachman, who remodeled it. It remained in the own station at Apex, which was so busy it adver- hands of the Bachman family for 80 years, after tised in the a need for 30 which they sold the property to Martin Marietta tons of hay there in 1871. Materials in 2019 preparatory to the proposed Final Years Heritage Square Land Exchange. With the advent of the Colorado Central Rail- Apex Memories road making its way into the Colorado moun- In 1917, Otis A. Rooney, who lived on the other tains, area stagecoach operations became ob- side of the , recorded these memories of solete and Apex faded into history. The locale what Apex was like in past: continued as the Binder ranch, with Joachim Binder proudly posing as the “ of Apex” “It was quite a lively place in the early [18]60s. (and the town’s sole inhabitant). While Apex A hotel under management of Mr. Metcalf, and might have been declining in population it a blacksmith shop operated by Clem Dixon [sic], was flourishing in industry through the 1870s, still, linger in memory. There was also a general possessing stone quarries, limestone beds and merchandise store, a livery stable and a saloon. kilns. In 1877 Binder had the honor of carving The road was blocked with covered wagons and Apex stone to build the new landmark Jefferson the mountainside dotted with tents.…” County Courthouse in Golden. “Indians used to come down from the mountains Binder did not let the fact that Apex was a ghost and camp there, because they could go to Denver, town discourage him; in fact, Apex had still even trade their buckskins and trinkets for flour, sugar, more fantastic propositions awaiting, like this coffee, guns and ammunition and return to camp one tauntingly told by the Golden Globe: in a day.” “The Apex, Chimney Gulch and China Elevated “Apex was once a place of importance. Courts con- Railway and Tunnel Company, the circulars call vened there and it is reported by the earliest settlers it. It ain’t built yet, but is going to be. From Apex that a territorial meeting was once held there.” to the top of the mountain it will be an elevated “A short distance up the mountainside stood a road, and from there they will tunnel to China, sawmill. With the building of the old Colorado and so tap the enormous Asiatic trade. A restau- Central railroad, came a great demand for ties. rant will be erected at the exact centre of the globe, The tie choppers the neighboring foothills where eggs can be cooked by the heat of the earth, of trees of commercial size.” and hot wash water from the same place will be “A quarter mile to the south was a dairy ranch, supplied at a very moderate price.” and the old milk cellar is there yet. The masonry of 22 Historically Jeffco 2019 HISTORICAL TOURISM the arched stone roof was so well constructed that Charles to Mt. Vernon and delivered the horse to its even the front and doorway were torn away for rightful owner, stating he had purchased it from a man the good material they contained, thus to a great named John Bishop for $45 about 40 miles from Mt. extent lessening the support to the roof, the work Vernon. was so well done that it still stands.” Works Cited: Love and Newell set out in pursuit of Bishop and two Brown, Georgina. The Shining Mountains. Gunnison, CO: days later intercepted him. Bishop confessed to the B&B Printers, 1976. crime saying he was going to return to Mt. Vernon to Colorado Republican and Rocky Mountain Herald, 7/20/1861. purchase a very valuable horse owned by J.M. Charles Colorado Transcript, 5/13/1868, 3/31/1869, 4/14/1869, 6/18/1869, 9/25/1872, 6/6/1877, 6/21/1871, 10/4/1871, 12/25/1878, if he could buy it cheap enough. He also confessed to 6/18/1879, 5/7/1884, 4/15/1896, 9/23/1896, 5/18/1911, stealing 10 head of cattle from a rancher in Denver, and 11/16/1911, 5/27/1915, 11/16/1917, 11/8/1923, 7/29/1926, 2/28/1929, 7/7/1938 10/10/1938. repaid Love nearly the full $45 saying it was all he had. Denver Times, 1/14/1873. Bishop tried to escape but was held at gunpoint by Historical files of Richard J. Gardner. Golden Globe, 2/7/1880, 12/13/1913, 3/24/1917. Newell, then bound with rope, and brought to Mt. Ver- Jefferson County property records. non by Love, Charles and some other men who had a Rocky Mountain News, 2/13/1861, 2/27/1861, 5/6/1861, 7/25/1861, warrant for his arrest. It was revealed that Bishop was an 11/22/1861, 11/23/1861, 10/10/1866, 8/31/1867, 7/5/1871. alias, as was his name of Rolls, and that his true name Western Mountaineer, 1/4/1860, 10/11/1860. was Beason Jones of Licking County, OH. The Rocky Mountain News described him as: “about 25 years of A Hanging at Apex age, five feet eight or nine inches high, middling well On the night of July 19, 1861, a purported dressed, and said he gambled some.” horse thief was hung by vigilantes near the A town meeting determined that a People’s Court be ranch of Apex resident Hugh Steele: organized to try the case. After testimony was given, the “… a man knocked at our cabin door in the 12-man jury deadlocked, and so the citizens determined night … The man who called father to the to place the prisoner in safe custody. They immediately door was with a group of other men. They decided to send him to Denver to be handed over to the asked him if he had a loose rope about the U.S. Marshal. house, as they had a horse they couldn’t drive Two of the men from the People’s Court set out for and they wanted to lead him behind. Father Denver at 1 a.m. with the prisoner securely tied in their rummaged around and finally found a stray wagon. The News reported: lariat which he gave them. The men rode off and the next morning we saw a body dangling “In the vicinity of Apex the committee was met by a band from a tree on the mountain side, about half of men unknown to them, and taken from their sight. It a mile from the house. Father brought some being dark, they were unable to follow the band, and con- neighbors and they cut the body down and sequently could do no more than go to Denver and report. buried it under the tree where it had been Early on Saturday morning the citizens of Apex discovered hanged ...The boy was only about 17 years a dead body suspended by a rope around the neck to a tree old. He had stolen the pony, and the vigilance on the side of the mountain, known as the ‘Hog Back,’ committeemen who hanged him were our about midway between Mt. Vernon and Apex.” midnight visitors.” Seth Lake of Apex was elected coroner and gave the ver- Events leading up to this shocking discovery dict: “The deceased, Beason Jones, alias John Bishop, began on July 14 when a horse was taken alias Rolls, came to his death by being hung by the neck, from Joseph A. Newell of Mt. Vernon. After by parties unknown.” The News also reported: town citizens searched, a man named Love “In one of the pockets of the deceased was found a cheap was arrested near Apex by George W. Charles gold finger ring and a trunk or satchel key, which can be of Mt. Vernon, having the stolen horse in had by the friends of the deceased, by calling upon Mr. his possession. Love willfully returned with Lake at the Buckeye hotel in Apex.”

Historically Jeffco 2019 23 HISTORICAL TOURISM

The Apex Toll Road Story and photos by Lee Katherine Goldstein, Jefferson County Historical Commission f the foothills west of Denver could tell us “[T]he aggregate amount of toll for the whole line their history, we’d hear tales of miners in of said road to be collected, shall at no time exceed Ithe 1850s trudging into the mountains in the following rates . . ., viz.: search of gold—some with horse or oxen drawn upon each wagon or vehicle drawn by one span wagons, laden with food, supplies, of horses, mules, or cattle, the sum of $1.50 upon equipment, and dreams of “striking it rich.” each; Gold Rush Era additional span of horses, mules or cattle, to each In the mid-1800s, pioneers were lured west in vehicle or wagon the sum of $.25; hopes of finding gold and escaping the eco- upon each riding horse or mule, the sum of $.10; nomic hardship that was plaguing the country upon horses, mules, cattle and asses driven loose, at the time. Some of these adventurers passing the sum of $.05 per head; through Colorado on their way to join the Cali- fornia Gold Rush (1848-1855) decided to stop upon all sheep driven upon said road, the sum of and stay in Jefferson County, as placer gold was $.01 per head.” being found in great quantities in local creeks. The Route Rise of the Toll Roads The road began where the St. Vrain and Golden A few shrewd businessmen realized they didn’t Roads intersected the “Jackson Trail,” a road need to work the mines to strike it rich—they from Cold Springs Ranch (present day Camp could make money off the miners themselves. George West), and ran southwest to enter the Some of these entrepreneurial pioneers cre- foothills at Amos Gulch. This route into the ated small supply towns, including Mt. Vernon mountains became so popular that a small sup- Town, Apex, Arapahoe City, Golden City and ply town cropped up at the base of the foothills. Golden Gate City. Apex, as the town became known, was described in the Rocky Mountain News as comprising Others built roads connecting the miners and numerous temporary buildings and tents until their “diggins” (slang for diggings, referring to 1864 when a stagecoach stop was built. the excavated metals they sought) to suppliers and buyers of their gold. One such road—a rut- From Apex, the road scaled Lookout Mountain wagon road—was the Apex Toll Road (also (northwest of Heritage Square) and continued called the Gregory-Apex Toll Road). This thor- through Floyd’s Ranch and over Big Hill (Floyd oughfare led prospectors to the gold mines in Hill), then followed North Clear Creek to Greg- Black Hawk (Greggories Diggins), Idaho Springs ory Gulch (Central City and Black Hawk) with (Chicago Creek Diggins) and Central City. a branch to Russell’s Gulch (Idaho Springs). Creation of the Apex Toll Road Travelling on the Apex Toll Road In October 1861, the legislature of the Colorado The road was in use from about 1861 through Territory passed an Act to incorporate the Apex 1880, although it was heavily damaged by floods and Gregory Wagon Road Company. The Act several times. In 1861, a civil engineer who sur- gave the company the rights to build a road up veyed the Apex Road gave it a rave review: Apex Gulch (also known as Amos Gulch) into “At the mouth of Amos Gulch, the altitude is the mountains and then to collect tolls from about 600 feet greater than Golden city, up Amos travelers using the road. The company could Gulch the road is well-built, Creek crossings all erect two toll gates and charge tolls in these culverted. The summit of the mountains is gained amounts: with an easy grade of a little over 2 miles. The big hill has been graded so that one yoke of cattle can

24 Historically Jeffco 2019 HISTORICAL TOURISM draw up it 2000 pounds. The grading on this hill Apex Road Today has been done at a great expense, and it is the best Today, the land surrounding Apex Gulch is piece of road work in the country. From the foot heavily developed with housing and a gravel of the big hill the road follows up Clear Creek to quarry. The land in and north of Apex Gulch Gregory. There is plenty of good grass along the was purchased by Jefferson County over several route, the smoothness of the road and absence of years beginning in 1974 and designated as an stench from dead stock laying across the road trav- open space park. eled last season, together with lessening of distance Jeffco has done an exceptional job of developing render it preferable to all other routes.” and maintaining 9.7 miles of hiking and biking In an advertisement for the toll road, local busi- trails heading up the gulch and along Indian nessman John A. Nye urged locals to “save time!” Mountain, just north of the gulch. “save toll!” by taking Apex Toll Road which he Apex Trail attracts both hikers and mountain proclaimed was the “only Natural way to get bikers who all enjoy the “gentle grade” so ap- into or across the mountains,” and the “shortest preciated by the pioneers heading west. The trail and best way to Gregory and vicinity.” can be hiked in any season. In spring and early The cryptic message “Beware the Apex Road” ap- summer, it offers a variety of wildflowers along peared in numerous issues of the Rocky Moun- with spectacular views of the foothills and Den- tain News in 1865, possibly because of flood ver. Jeffco commemorates the old toll road with damage to the road. Floods caused extensive a sign near the start of the trail describing its his- damage to the road many times. Nye repaired tory and the amounts for tolls charged. the road and announced its readiness in this ad- Works Cited: vertisement in the News in summer 1865: Brown, Georgina. The Shining Mountains. Gunnison, CO: B&B Printers, 1976. “After more than a year of heavy and expensive Foster, Wm. S. “Apex Road!” Daily Colorado Republican and Rocky work is now itself again. This route, well known Mountain Herald, July 18, 1861. by all who know anything of the topography of https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org Klemaier, Josie. “At Year’s End, Heritage Square in Golden Will be this country to be the route to Central and Empire Only Memories.” , July 2, 2015. cities, to which NO OTHER CAN COMPETE. Norman, Cathleen. Historic Contexts Report, 1999-2002 Cultural In distance, grass, timber, natural smoothness of Resource Survey of Unincorporated Jefferson County. Lakewood, CO: Preservation Publishing, 2002. road and magnificent scenery, is now ready and Nye, Jno. A. “The Apex, Mt. Vernon and Gregory Road.” Rocky open for travel. The tolls are only what the original Mountain News, July 29, 1865. charter—passed in cheap times—allows. TAKE https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org Nye, John A. “Take It.” Weekly Commonwealth, July 23, 1863. THE NIGH (NYE) ROAD, that saves much https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org wear and tear of spirit, and the whole world’s “Official—by Authority. Laws of Colorado Territory” Daily Colorado people shall be glad.” Republican and Rocky Mountain Herald, October 17, 1861. https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org Use of the Apex Toll Road stopped after part of Robbins, Sara E. Jefferson County Colorado, the Colorful Past of a the road was damaged by flooding in 1878 and Great Community. Lakewood, CO: Jefferson County Bank, 1962. 1879. Today, there are no visible remnants of the settlement of Apex or its toll road, other than the dirt trail that winds its way up Lena Gulch (formerly named Amos Gulch).

Stephen H. Hart Research Center at . Accession # G4313.C4H2 1861-1876 Scan #30001402

Historically Jeffco 2019 25 HISTORICAL TOURISM

Trout Fishing in Morrison By J. Leo, Administrative Sergeant (retired), Morrison Police Department once popular tourist activity in Morrison years were spent learning to raise fish, building was the Morrison Trout Ranch. Fishing their home on the property, and constructing a Awas promoted as an ideal way to escape hanging cable bridge the heat of the city and spend a day or a week to allow easy access in the air of Jefferson County’s to the ponds from foothills. the north side of Bear The Morrison Trout Ranch was first Creek. conceived as a fish hatchery by the Today, the Hunt- Works Projects Administration (WPA) ers’ daughter, Sherry when the Civilian Conservation Corps Drobnitch and her (CCC) was active in Morrison. Cul- husband Nick still tivating fish was determined to be an live on the grounds of effective way to feed a hungry nation the Morrison Trout during the Great Depression, and so Ranch. They have re- The Trout Bridge. it grew into an important food source tained many historical Hunter Family Archive and included transporting trout to wa- documents, including ter systems throughout the region. the blueprints for the bridge and a list of - Original design for the Trout Ponds. Built in 1933 along Bear Creek by ware needed for its construction. Hunter Family Archive young workers of the CCC, the site— In its heyday, the ranch was a busy tourist attrac- located just east of the WPA barracks—was de- tion, entertaining all sort of visitors, including signed to accommodate five ponds, each bor- celebrities like Groucho Marx and . dered by hand-built stone walls and able to hold Visitors enjoyed the ranch’s idyllic setting, com- up to 1,500 fish. The ponds were filled with- nu plete with shady cottonwood trees and grassy trient-rich, clear cold water diverted via pipeline banks. A local secret was that you could take from Bear Creek. your catch to the Fort Restaurant, where propri- The Denver Water Board, etor/food historian Sam Arnold would cheerful- which operated the facil- ly fry it up for your ity, had planned to farm dinner. trout for stocking local Family lore has it mountain streams and that many a “fish lakes. However, the science tale” was released of raising fish eventually when avid anglers Early picture of the ponds. proved much more com- returning from the Hunter Family Archive plicated than understood by its operators, and streams empty- The Jordan family fishing the ranch yielded limited success. handed would “sneak for their dinner. Hunter Family Archive In 1955, under a in” to the ranch to lease with an op- obtain the real thing tion-to-buy agree- before returning home. ment, area resi- The last cast at the Morrison Trout Ranch was dents Curtis and made in 1993 when the ponds went dry and Betty Hunter ac- were left to fill with leaves, closing another chap- quired the 4.5-acre ter in Morrison’s unique history. Trout Ranch prop- Works Cited: Canyon Courier, 7/18/1979. erty. Their early Curtis Hunter with his collies Interview with Sherry Hunter Drobnitch and Nick Drobnitch at the ponds. 4/15/19. 26 Historically Jeffco 2019 Hunter Family Archive PRESERVATION

The Irvington and Riverside Homes of Pine Grove Story and photos by Richard Scudder, Jefferson County Historical Commission, with W. Harold Mooney ominated for historic recognition this bedroom in front with a kitchen in back. The two couples year are two homes within the Pine lived in the house for several years playing their favorite game NGrove historic district. The Irvington of cards (euchre) in the winter while they built houses in the (aka Columbine) and Riverside homes were summer.” nominated by the owner, Walter H. Mooney Truesdell built the Riverside on the corner across from the (son of W. Harold Mooney), Prairie Village, KS, old church (ca. 1894), then built the Irvington next door. and granted historic landmark status by the Jef- He was involved in building other homes and buildings in ferson County Historical Commission in Febru- the area as well. ary 2019. The buildings are among the first you see as you approach Pine Grove from the west. Truesdell had a significant impact as a builder in Pine Grove, and family history confirms that he built several structures in the area. He would order lumber sent to Pine, which

Back of molding from Community Center.

would be used along with its shipping pallets to build hous- es and the church next door. The materials would be sent marked with his name, which was sometimes misspelled. The Irvington home toward the back with the Riverside Last year, the old church--now the Pine Community Cen- in the forefront. ter—was given some repair. Local resident Bob McIlvaine was sprucing up the building’s paint, which involved re- The two houses are outstanding examples of the moving the trim moldings from the front door so that paint summer homes built in the Pine Grove area, with could be applied correctly. On the back of the door mold- a history which dates to the late 1800s. Writing ing, McIlvaine discovered in fluid handwriting the name in the 1970s, W. Harold Mooney recollected the “Truesdale,” as originally misspelled, still quite legible after creation and early years of the homes: so many years. “My great grandfather, Alonzo Truesdell, along The Riverside was a summer home for Mooney’s family. with his wife, moved from Warren, , and Mooney recalls his early years in Pine with warmth and hu- settled in Pine in the mid-1880s. He had made mor, related in those recollections written in the 1970s: his fortune in the furniture business and no longer needed to work. He built a number of houses in Pine including the last two on the west side of town on the highway leading up to Pine Gulch. The one furthest west was known as the Irvington while the one to the east was called the Riverside (a name which still hangs on the front of the house). It was the Riverside which he built to accommodate him and his wife as well as his doctor and his wife whom he also transported to Pine from Ohio. He had the house built so that there are four rooms with a wall and a door down the middle. Each side contains a sitting room and

The Riverside House. Historically Jeffco 2019 27 PRESERVATION

“When I was a small lad my mother sometimes Flood of 1921 had guests to whom she wanted to serve beer. She “In 1921 there was a downpour that probably would give me a pail, and I would run down to exceeded all other rains that had taken place in the the Elk Horn Saloon Pine area. It washed out all of the railroad tracks (now the library). and carved a lot of the steep walls that are seen There was a window in Pine Gulch. George Rutherford (another early on the northwest corner settler) rushed out of town on his horse and was of the building at that able to drive some of his cattle to safety from the time through which I would pass the pail. It would soon be returned to me filled with beer. I would rush home so that it would still be cold, but at the same The Irvington and Riverside. time try to spill as little as possible.”

‘Judge’ Spencer Porch of the Irvington House. “One of the real characters in early Pine was ‘Judge’ Ben Spencer. (I’m sure his title was purely torrents that rushed down Pine Gulch. For many honorary). He lived in the house just west of the of the houses, however, the devastation was great original church building (now the community because of the tremendous amount of gravel that building). Usually he wore a derby hat, turned washed down off the mountains. A new house was somewhat green by age and sun, along with a being built between Judge Spencer’s house and the morning coat that was draped over a pair of over- Riverside, and the foundation had been excavated. alls. He would then stuff the overalls inside some The rockslide completely filled this area. In -ad high-top shoes. dition, the Columbine house had a basement in “’Judge’ Spencer often contended that he had which a number of canned goods had been stored. trouble hearing. In order to alleviate the problem, The gravel completely filled and sealed off the base- he carried a can of 3-in-1 oil which he would ment there as well. squirt in his ear canal because of his belief that “Gravel washed in behind the church and it was this would help his hearing. My mother, however, simply dug away from the building a few feet contended that if he wanted to hear something, he and the rest of the gravel remains in place today. I could actually eavesdrop on conversations taking myself carried hundreds of wheelbarrow-loads of place in the house next door. My mother also con- gravel from the back of our houses and dumped tended that many times when she and her mother them over the front terrace. The gravel washed in would return to Pine for the summer there would to a height almost level with the roof of the house. be a number of linens, rugs and furniture missing My mother and grandmother had gone to Denver from their houses. Invariably when they would before the flood hit. They had to stay overnight visit the ‘Judge’, who lived next door, they walked in Denver, and then could only return by way of across their own carpets and recognized some other Woodland Park and Deckers.” familiar articles. The Irvington and Riverside houses are impor- “As a boy, I even got to help ‘Judge’ Spencer in tant additions to the Landmarks of Jefferson some of his activities. At night when there was County. They stand as testament to the great no full moon, he would have me join him with care given by the Mooney family over the de- a couple of buckets down by the coal chute which cades. The community of Pine Grove is pleased was used for the train. We would pick up lumps of that these two iconic homes have been recog- coal and take them back to his house to be used for nized with Historic Landmark status. his winter supply.” 28 Historically Jeffco 2019 PRESERVATION

The New York Building at the Jewish Consumptive Relief Society By John Steinle, Jefferson County Historical Commission n September 1904, a group of Eastern Eu- gogue, bakery, central kosher kitchen, library, ropean Jewish physicians banded together pharmacy, post office, dentist’s office, barber Ito open a new sanitorium for tuberculosis shop, printing office and bookbinding facility. A patients, called the Jewish Consumptives’ Relief working farm provided fresh milk, cream, veg- etables and fruit. JCRS even had its own news- paper, The Sanitorium. Origin of the New York Building In 1920, disaster struck when the large New York Ladies’ Auxiliary Pavilion, built in 1911, was consumed by fire. This was an especially cat- astrophic event because the man who many con- sidered the heart and soul of JCRS, Dr. Charles Spivak, was traveling in Poland at the time, as part of a delegation studying the needs of Polish Jews in the aftermath of World War I and the Polish-Soviet War of 1919-1920. Ironically, JCRS A gathering of JCRS supporters listens to speakers at was already plan- the original opening dedication of the New York Ladies’ ning to construct Auxiliary Building on July 9, 1922. The Sanitorium, Volume XVI, July-August, September 1922, a new, more spa- No. 3. History Colorado (Scan No. 30004423) cious main building to accommodate Society (JCRS). JCRS was located on 20 acres more patients and in the then-countryside along West Colfax Av- shorten the waiting enue in Lakewood, CO. Dr. Charles Spivak time for admission. (born Chaim Spivakofski in ), Dr. Phillip After the destructive Hillkowitz, Dr. Adolf Zederbaum and the other fire, fundraising and founders of JCRS felt that the many Eastern Eu- planning for a new ropeans flocking to the Denver area for tubercu- building kicked into The New York Ladies’ Auxiliary Building as it appeared in losis treatment needed a welcoming home, even the late 1940s, with new wings added and landscaping in high gear. The New the foreground. for those with advanced cases of the disease. York Ladies’ Auxil- History Colorado (Scan No. 10024322) Over the course of 50 years, JCRS treated more iary eventually con- than 10,000 patients, and treatment was free. A tributed $250,000, while the St. Louis Ladies’ network of Jewish contributors across the entire Auxiliary raised $25,000, enough to pay for the country assured the financial stability of JCRS building’s north wing. throughout those five decades. Architect Harry J. Manning designed the new By 1920 JCRS was a thriving and well-estab- “Renaissance-style” building—called the New lished sanitorium, noted nationwide for its ad- York Ladies’ Auxiliary Building—with the lat- vanced study and treatment of tuberculosis. The est developments in medical care in mind, even campus expanded from seven tents and a small submitting the plans to the National Tuberculo- frame multi-purpose building into a sprawling sis Association for recommendations. The struc- complex including several infirmaries, a syna- ture featured an ingenious air-flow system which

Historically Jeffco 2019 29 PRESERVATION

allowed nurses to centrally control windows and transoms on the wards, offering a continuous flow of fresh air for patients believed to be critical to treatment of the disease. The building became the campus’s main medical building, with room for 216 patients. The New York Building was dedicated twice: on July 9, 1922, to officially open the building; and on June 10, 1923, during the 19th annual JCRS national convention. Deemed of national importance, the William Fox Stu- dios was hired to film the convention, where Denver Mayor Ben Stapleton, among others, addressed the gathering. Visitors to the New York Building will notice two dates over the main en- trance: 5682, following the Jewish chronology which begins with Creation; and 1922, the conventional anno Domini calendar date. Two new wings were added to the building in the 1940s, greatly expanding its capacity to serve patients but disturbing the structure’s design symmetry. The 1950s and Beyond By the early 1950s the “White Plague” of tuberculosis was no longer a ma- The Jewish Consumptives’ Relief Society campus in jor health issue. Development of antibiotics and more advanced treatment the 1940s, showing the extensive growth of the facility virtually eliminated tuberculosis cases in the United States. In response, in since its original founding with seven tents and a small 1954 the Jewish Consumptives’ Relief Society transformed into the Ameri- frame multipurpose building in 1904. can Medical Center at Denver, concentrating on cancer research and treat- History Colorado (Scan No. 10024324) ment. Later the name was changed to AMC Cancer Research Center and

Hospital. Following the tradition of JCRS, the new hospital accepted cancer patients in all stages of the disease and did not charge for treatment. Support was still provided by more than 100 Ladies’ Auxiliary chapters, with more Excerpted timeline of the New York than 10,000 members. Building 1979-2001: In 2002, the Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design purchased the • 1979: Leased by Jefferson County former JCRS campus from AMC Cancer Research Center. Later, starting Social Services for use as a around 2012, Jefferson County tried to find a location for a new building detoxification facility to house its Community Corrections activities, but local city and neighbor- hood opposition have prevented that from happening. • 1980: Placed on the National Register of Historic Places This situation was resolved in mid-2019 when ICCS approached the Coun- ty with an offer to purchase the building. On June 25, 2019, the Jefferson • Early : Purchased by County Board of County Commissioners voted to accept the offer and sell Jefferson County from AMC for the New York Building to ICCS for $350,000. This meant that approxi- use by both the Sheriff’s mately $4,265,000 in scheduled County maintenance funds could be used Department and the Department by the County for other purposes, and that ICCS would have full ownership of Community Corrections and control of the New York Building. • 2001: Operation/management “The mission of the New York Building,” said Brian Hulse, ICCS Executive begun by Intervention Director, “has remained consistent over the years: serving people who are Community Corrections Services, suffering and in need of help.” Inc. (ICCS), a private, Works Cited: non-profit agency that provides Abrams, Jeanne A. Dr. Charles David Spivak: A Jewish Immigrant and the American Tuberculosis Movement. services to the criminal justice Boulder, CO: University Press of Colorado, 2009. system for specific use as a Abrams, Jeanne A. Chasing the Cure: A History of the Jewish Consumptive Relief Society of Denver. Ph.D. thesis, Stephen H. Hart Library and Research Center, History Colorado, Denver. residential and counseling facility The Sanitorium magazine, Stephen H. Hart Library and Research Center, History Colorado, Denver. for felons awaiting parole Interview with Brian Hulse, April 15, 2019.

30 Historically Jeffco 2019 PRESERVATION

History of Morrison’s Fire Department and Fire Engines By J. Leo, Administrative Sergeant (retired), Morrison Police Department tructures in early towns throughout the Finally, by 1948 enough money was raised to West were primarily built of wood, and purchase a 1929 Ford Model A fire engine from Svulnerable to quick destruction when a the Golden Fire Department. Costing $600, the fire broke out. The little burg of Morrison was truck is still owned by Morrison today. no exception, but firefighting resources were -lo cated too far away to provide much help in time. Thus, by the early 1900s, Morrison residents re- alized they needed to equip their town against Morrison Fire the inevitable danger of fire. Department Engines in 1949. Early Fire Equipment Town of Morrison Morrison’s first piece of fire protection equip- ment was purchased in 1916: a two-wheeled hand-pulled hose cart with 500 ft. of 2 1/2- inch fire hose, bought from Englewood, CO, for $50. The cart was stored in one of several Ongoing fundraising over the next few years en- outbuildings on the property of Dr. Frank Luce abled the fledging fire department to buy then (105 Canon St, now the Horton House Bed & state-of-the-art life-saving equipment, uniforms, Breakfast). Its exact whereabouts was known to and the like. only a few people, which likely proved problem- atic when a fire broke out. First Fire House Decades later, funding to create a volunteer fire Construction of the town’s first fire house behind department for the tiny mountainside town be- the original town hall off Mt. Vernon Avenue be- gan in earnest when a tip jar was placed in a local gan in 1950. The two-bay fire house was used as tavern in the late 1940s. This modest effort led such for the next 20 years, and then, when a new to various other forms of fundraising including fire house was built on State Highway 8, went organizing large spaghetti dinners, which were on to serve as the Morrison Town Offices, -Po well attended. The hosts were aided by a recipe lice Department, Heritage Museum, Map Room for “Spaghetti for Special Dinners,” which list- (housing diagrams of the town’s engineering in- ed ingredients for 100, 300 and 500 servings frastructure), and for storage of Town items and (which required 75 lbs. of ground beef!). police uniforms. Void of any ornamentation and lacking even a visible address, the little building played an im- portant role in Morrison history for nearly 67 years. However, in the name of progress, the structure was razed in October 2018. The building’s demolition provided an opportu- nity to explore the building’s construction and contents, which was of especial interest to me, having grown up a second-generation union bricklayer, and on many a job site in my youth. Simplistic in design and utilitarian in nature, the structure was built of 6”-wide, three-core concrete block, probably a more cost-effective choice over the standard 8” block. The blocks

Making a Spaghetti Dinner in 1971. Historically Jeffco 2019 31 Jefferson County Archives PRESERVATION were of very granular composition and most likely pro- First Fire Engine duced by the Robinson Brick Company in Denver. The Morrison has a proud history of having owned at least six floor was a thick concrete pour of at least 7”, probably to known fire engines. support the weight of the water-laden trucks that would be parked there. In , the Morrison Fire Protection District Vol- unteer Fire Department moved to its new modern four- The building was straight and true with evenly held mor- bay home at 321 Highway 8 (now the Town Offices and tar joints--interesting to note since it was built by volun- Police Department). At that time the department stopped teer workers, not professional masons. Incorporated along using the original 1929 Model A fire truck, and bought a its south wall were three steel-frame, single-pane casement Chevrolet pickup truck with a fire service body, two mod- windows, typical of the 1950s when R-value insulation ern pumper trucks, and one Dodge four-wheel drive grass was not a priority. It had two overhead doors at the east fire unit to cover the district’s 22 square miles and respond end, a walk-through door on the west side, and a small to the 25 to 50 calls it received each year. bathroom. The hollow cores of the concrete blocks held crumpled, contemporaneous newspapers—dated 1951—and other treasures such as Ideal brand Portland cement bags and numerous beer cans. It’s practice to stuff the cores of cement blocks set at windowsill level; this pre- vents excess mortar from falling through the block cores and enables the worker to create a smoother finish to the interior sill’s overall appearance. The state of preservation of the cement bags was surpris- ing, as they held small amounts of still-usable dry powder. The flat-top beer cans were from three brands: Coors, Wal- The original 1929 Fire Truck, still in great shape. ters (of Pueblo) and Budweiser. Photo by J. Leo Salvaged from the rubble were many interesting items, Then in mid-1973, the Morrison Fire Department merged including the original electrical relay unit made by the with the Bancroft Fire District for economic reasons. A Federal Signal Corporation (of Chicago), complete with few years after that, fire services were again transferred a bright red push button--a vital part of the original siren when Bancroft became the West Metro District, which system. Also recovered were several crude foundry-made had grown to cover 62 square miles. 4” round cast iron retaining escutcheons and square nuts. With Morrison services dissolved, the original 1929 Ford These pieces were threaded on to steel rods that laced Model A fire truck remained with Morrison under the ear- through the building, providing lateral support that kept lier agreement with Bancroft. However, in 1980, conflict the structural wood beams in tension. arose when the Morrison Volunteer Fireman’s Associa- The building’s hose drying tower was added later at an tion unknowingly contracted to sell the unit back to the unknown date. It was built of 8” concrete block, much Golden Volunteer Fire Department, which had originally smoother in finish, indicating the blocks were manufac- sold the engine to Morrison in 1948. Significant outcry tured by a plant other than Robinson. Oral history says from townspeople on both sides resulted in the filing of a that the hose tower roof was built at grade level, then restraining order to quell flaring tempers. hoisted via crane and set as a one-piece cap. On the inside Eventually, the matter was settled and so the little red fire top of the tower was an 8” I-beam to which short pieces truck remained with Morrison. Since it was pulled from of 3” pipe were cross-welded. This sturdy structure would service in 1970, the truck had been relegated to annual have been used for drying wet fire hoses which had to be parade duty for Morrison Pioneer Days, and was kept on hand-carried up a red-and-black painted ladder attached prominent display in a glass enclosure attached to the back to the inside wall of the tower. of the original two-bay fire house. However, when that The remnants of the little building’s demolished contents building was demolished in 2018, the historic and exceed- were last seen heading north on State Highway 93, prob- ingly rare fire truck has been in storage until a permanent ably to a local landfill to be laid to rest. home can be arranged. 32 Historically Jeffco 2019 PRESERVATION

For now, the truck can be admired only via photographs distinctive diamond-shaped hood ornament affixed at the posted on www.5280fire.com. (These instructions are front, clearly denoting its presence and brand. long, but it’s worth the effort! Once on the website, click Most people don’t realize that many vintage fire engines on Photos, then Colorado Fire Apparatus and Stations, have a long and varied history, as illustrated by this 1948 then Jefferson County, then type Morrison in the search Diamond T: box, then click on Morrison Station 1, then scroll down to Unit No. 1. There are several photos for your viewing • 1962: Purchased by Morrison from the town of pleasure.) Sterling • 1978: Purchased from the Bancroft Fire Department Happy Coincidence (the former Morrison Fire Department) by a religious Through a series of fortunate connections among area po- organization for its compound west of lice/fire agencies, the whereabouts of a second surviving Morrison fire engine, a 1948 Diamond T model boasting • 1982: Found to be unsuitable for that area’s rough a long and extensive history in Colorado, was recently dis- terrain, purchased by former Denver fireman Jerry covered in early 2019. Galbreath of Galbreath Motors in Lakewood, CO T • 1983: Purchased by Owen Fix who used it as a sported a futur- mobile billboard at two Wheat Ridge shopping istic streamlined centers at 38th and 44th Avenues along Wadsworth style, now quite Boulevard. Fix would attach a sheet of plywood to common in fire the truck to advertise various businesses and service in both political candidates. Along with a Mack Quint fire light and heavy truck, Fix would swap the two vehicles when a rescue rigs. The shopping center manager would notify him that one truck was cus- or the other of the trucks had been parked there for too long. The Diamond T Fire Truck. tom designed by Photo by J. Zinker the city engineer • 1988: Acquired at an estate auction by an of Sterling, CO, with input from area farmers and volun- entrepreneur who tried to convince Bullwhackers teer firefighters as to certain features and specifications to Casino in Blackhawk to use it as a show piece. ensure optimal service to the town’s rural fire department. However, a Cadillac bearing long cattle horns won out. While Diamond T was the manufacturer of the five-ton heavy duty truck, Howe Corporation (now KME Fire • 1989: Ignominiously dumped at a trucking Apparatus) was the vehicle up-fitter. Delivered in primer company’s parking lot by the old Montfort sheep gray, the Howe Factory made the service body, installed slaughter facility near 50th and Washington Streets, the main water pump, and added lights, siren, ladders, left to an unknown fate. hose, tools and all accessory equipment. Finally, in 1992, the truck’s current fireman owner became The Diamond T’s engine was a Hercules straight 6-cylin- aware of the vintage vehicle’s availability and so purchased der, able to develop a maximum 135 HP. Other features it for his own collection. Recognizing its historical signifi- of this substantial truck included: a two-door cab with a cance, the owner has registered the engine with the Society bench seat that could accommodate three firefighters; a for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor 500-gallon water tank equipped with a powerful pump; Fire Apparatus in America. The owner has even compiled and a smooth compartment exterior, as the hoses, ladders a detailed scrapbook of the fire engine’s life. and other equipment were hidden inside the truck body. Today the Diamond T remains in its original unrestored In addition, the back bumper provided room for firefight- operating condition, complete with a few “battle scars,” ers to stand as they hung on to handrails for their precari- each one telling its own story. ous sprint to the fire. Works Cited: The truck was built with big rolling fenders that transi- Morrison Firemen’s Association Scrapbook, Morrison History Collection. Jefferson County Archives, Golden, CO. tioned into running boards. Now painted all in white, The Tri-County Fireman, January 1955. it featured a large chrome grill with the manufacturer’s

Historically Jeffco 2019 33 NEWS

Tourism Focus Draws Crowd to 2019 Symposium By Cynthia Shaw, Jefferson County Historical Commission

eaturing the theme of Historical Tourism, by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., this foresight- JCHC’s 16th Annual Historic Preserva- ed project eventually encompassed more than Ftion Symposium sold out well in advance 40,000 acres, including Genesee Park and Red to history buffs from across the . Rocks Park, both listed on the National Register, Held on May 4, 2019, the forum was presented and what is now known as the Lariat Loop Sce- at the American Mountaineering Center (710 nic & Historic Byway. 10th St. in Golden), a 1924 Beaux Arts land- mark designed by architect Eugene G. Groves that served as a high school and a junior high school until 1988. The handsome building was acquired in 1993 by the and American Alpine Club to serve as their shared headquarters, and was listed on the Na- tional Register of Historic Places in 1997. The morning’s activities began with a welcome and introductions by JCHC Chair Lee Kath- erine Goldstein, followed by uplifting remarks from Lesley Dahlkemper, Jeffco’s newest County W. Bart Berger. Commissioner. Photo by Richard Scudder The first presentation, “John Brisben Walker: A Father of Foothills Tourism,” was given by Andrea Wrapping up the talks, Charles Albi, Board of Keppers, Jeffco Open Space Education Specialist Trustees Emeritus at the Colorado Railroad and Curator at Evergreen’s Hiwan Heritage Park Museum in Golden, discussed “The Impact of and Museum. Remembered as a creative vision- Railroads on Colorado Tourism.” At the turn of ary, the multi-talented Walker (1847-1931) was the last century, auspicious advances in transpor- a wealthy New York newspaper edi- tation–particularly train travel–enabled tourism tor, magazine publisher and automo- to become a burgeoning business and passion- bile entrepreneur who ultimately left ate pastime across America. Albi aptly described an indelible mark in Colorado when the details of this interdependent relationship, he opened Denver’s first amusement illuminated by his extensive collection of vintage park, River Front Park (1887), Red books and posters. He also explained how the Rocks Park (1906) and Mount Mor- State pioneered laying the tracks for rison Incline Railroad (1909). the narrow gauge mountain railroad system that allowed passengers to take in stunning scenery W. Bart Berger, Chairman of Denver while relaxing in style. Mountain Parks Foundation, spoke next on “The Role of Denver’s Mountain Attendees then were taken on a “virtual tour” Parks in Early Jeffco Tourism.”The or- of Goosetown, Golden’s original German settle- ganization was established in 1910-14 ment near Clear Creek, where Adolph Coors es- Andrea Keppers. tablished his iconic beer brewery in 1873. Later, Photo by Lee Katherine “for the purpose of assuring perpetually to the resi- Goldstein dents of Denver the sublime scenery of the Rockies, JCHC member Deb Coogan led a the preservation of native forests and having for all of this nearly extinct yet once rowdy neighbor- time a pleasure ground in the mountains for the hood, which had been home to immigrant rail- thousands of annual visitors to the city easily ac- road workers from Germany, Sweden and other cessible.” Promoted jointly by both Walker and European countries. It was a fitting end to a first- Denver Mayor Robert W. Speer and designed rate forum. 34 Historically Jeffco 2019 NEWS Staunton State Park’s Rich History on Display at New Visitor Center By Bonnie E. Scudder, Jefferson County Historical Commission, and Deborah Darnell, Staunton State Park Volunteer Photos by Richard and Bonnie Scudder taunton State Park, which opened in 2013 Much of the design and hands-on work was achieved by as Colorado’s newest state park, proudly Staunton State Park volunteers who dedicated countless hours Sunveiled its Visitor Center to the public in in researching and developing the displays. May 2019. Bridging 3,800 acres in southwestern The historical displays were created by the park’s Volunteer His- Jefferson County and eastern Park County, this tory Team led by Bonnie Scudder and Deborah Darnell, who beautiful park boasts deep Jeffco history as well determined the content of the posters, identified and located as a variety of terrains. Elevations range from photographs, and wrote captions and narratives. Dick Scudder 8,100 ft. to a literally breathtaking 10,000 ft. was instrumental in the graphic design of the historical posters and took many of the pho- tographs featured in the displays. Jack Darnell also contributed his time and knowledge, while Steve Sparer lent his graphic design expertise by adding finishing touches to each poster and other historical exhibits. Historical Posters Twenty large posters in the swinging panel The Staunton State Park Visitor Center has display in the vestibule tell the much to offer. Visitors can learn about the park’s story of the Elk Creek Valley history through displays of the stories of the and the Staunton family. Sev- Staunton family and their ranch and the other eral posters feature the family’s surrounding properties that make up the park. homesteading years, the cab- The center also features interactive wildlife dis- ins on the ranch, and the wide plays that access user-friendly internet sites such variety of activities held there, as iNaturalist.org and the Explor- including treatment for tuber- Visitors in Vestibule examining historic er (COTREX) app. culosis, logging, and summer displays, 2019. camps for boys and girls. Two Friends of Staunton State Park posters focus on the medical practice of Dr. Archibald Staunton and Dr. Rachael Staunton, as well as their daughter, Frances, a talented opera sing- er who studied at the Juilliard School and performed in leading roles in Den- ver operas during the 1940s. Two large ranches were adjacent to the Staunton Ranch in 1986 when Fran- Ribbon-cutting for Grand Opening of Visitor Center ces Staunton donated the property (6/18/2019). Quentin Taylor (8) is shown with father, Zach to the State. Large portions of these Taylor, Manager of Staunton State Park, and officials from properties—Elk Falls Ranch and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado, including Tim Mauk, Chris Castilian, Jeff Ver Steeg, and Davis Ranch—were purchased by the Poster describing Tuberculosis Mark Leslie. State in 1999 prior to the development Treatment at Staunton Ranch, 2018. Historically Jeffco 2019 35 NEWS

of Staunton State Park. The ranches added the The Staunton Wall majestic Elk Creek Falls (now Elk Falls) and On prominent display is the Staunton Wall, Lion’s Head, the park’s highest named peak, to which features casual portraits of Dr. Archibald, Staunton State Park; both have been destination Dr. Rachael, and their daughter, Frances. The points for tourists for well over 100 years. quote was drawn from salient points from Fran- Journalist, playwright and children’s novelist ces’ will that explained her strong desire for Mary Coyle Chase (whose play “Harvey” was awarded the 1945 Pulitzer Prize) and her hus- band owned 80 acres between the Staunton and Davis Ranches. The purchase of this property in 2006 led the way to the opening of the state park. Other neighboring communities reveal in- teresting histories including a nudist colony es- tablished in the 1920s by the Denver Sunshine League. The nearly 200 images and photographs appear- ing on the 20 historical posters came from a va- riety of sources: the Stephen H. Hart Library at the in the Staunton Collection; local families and descendants of ear- Staunton family wall, 2019. ly residents; the private collection of Dick and preserving the pristine features of the Staunton Bonnie Scudder; and park files, local archives, Ranch. Jefferson County Historical Commis- the Denver Public Library, and park volunteers. sion member Deb Coogan applied her graphic Evolution of Staunton State Park design skills and innovative ideas in conceptual- Volunteers Deborah and Jack Darnell conceived izing the posters, including adding map insets to and developed a 20-page binder which explains indicate the locations of the various topics. Her to visitors why it took 27 years after Frances ideas were forwarded to Steve Sparer who devel- Staunton’s original donation to open the park to oped the final designs. the public. The display includes the step-by-step The tree stump, created by volunteer Merle Lem- process of land acquisitions that were necessary kuhl, supports a binder entitled “The Legacy of to ensuring the park could become a reality. Fea- the Staunton Family.” Highlighted are details tured activities include numerous community about Frances meetings, development of a master plan, and Staunton, the the work of the tremendous volunteer program family’s home- and Friends stead, and of Staunton three pages of State Park. Frances’ will which relate to her donation of the ranch to Legacy of the Staunton Family, 2019. the State of Colorado.

Evolution of Staunton State Park display, 2019. 36 Historically Jeffco 2019 NEWS

Signs from the Past Several historic signs found on the Staunton Ranch and sur- rounds are incorporated into the historical displays at the Visi- tor Center. A particularly charming object that hangs in the vestibule is a piece of rawhide etched with a poem written by Dr. Archibald Staunton. The artifact once hung in the Staunton cabin living room, according to seasonal employee Mark Fisher. A poster featuring the Reynolds Gang accompanies the Scenic Colorado “Outlaw” sign in the lobby. See pp. 32-33 of 2018 Historically Jeffco for details about the Reynolds Gang and this sto- ried road sign. Timelines Display Pertinent historic timelines relating to the park are marked on a tree slice, created by volunteer Keith Festag. An accompanying notebook details the human history of the Elk Creek Valley, from Early Peoples and the Ute Indians, through various other groups that passed through or once inhabited the region. Future Plans Next on the to-do list for the fledgling state park is to restore the Staunton Cabin, which the park plans to develop into a muse- um. On exhibit would be artifacts once owned by the Staunton family to portray the family’s life there from the 1920s through the 1950s, and to illustrate daily life during those early days of homesteading, logging and ranching. It took a great many Staunton State Park volunteers to create the displays for the new Visitor Center. These hardworking com- “Outlaw” sign and poster in Lobby above munity members are pleased to share their enthusiasm for and coffee station, 2019. appreciation of the rich history of the park and the Elk Creek Valley. They are enormously proud to call the area “home.”

Timeline Display, 2019.

Staunton Cabin, 2011. Historically Jeffco 2019 37 HISTORICAL ANNIVERSARIES

160 Years Ago: Massive Solar Eruption By Richard Gardner, Jefferson County Historical Commission t midnight on September 2, 1859, William New- 125 Years Ago: Ball Lightning over Golden ton Byers, editor of the newborn Rocky Mountain Another exceptionally rare atmospheric event occurred News, was asleep while camping with miners in in Jefferson County in 1894. The Golden Globe reported Atoday’s south Jefferson County. that on November 22: It had been a hard day’s journey through the mountains, “A beautiful yet strange phenomenon was seen in this and the group slept soundly, until, according to Byers, city on last Monday night. The wind was high and the “At 1:00, two of the party turned out and began the prepa- air seemed to be full of electricity. In front of, above and ration of breakfast, declaring it day-light.” around the new Hall of Engineering of the School of Certainly, Byers reported, it looked much brighter out- Mines, balls of fire played tag for half an hour, to the side, liable to wake anyone in a time and place without wonder and amazement of all who saw the display. In this alarm clocks, building is situated the dynamos and electrical apparatus “but a little while showed they were mistaken. A reddish light overspread the sky completely, in some places much deeper than others, and constantly changing in brightness. We can best describe it as presenting the appearance of the heavens overcast with cirrus clouds, gently wafted by the wind, and illuminated by a vast conflagration. The light was about equal to that of the full moon.” What the group witnessed was one of the most spec- tacular cosmic events ever to be seen here or anywhere. Just 18 hours earlier, astronomers observed an immense Ball lightning shown in an engraving in 1901. amount of materi- al blasted from the of perhaps the finest electrical plant of its size in the state. surface of the sun There was probably a visiting delegation from the clouds, to and sent hurtling the captives of the dynamos on last Monday night, and they toward Earth. certainly had a fine visit and a roistering game of romp.” When it hit, this What the Orediggers and other Goldenites had witnessed great geomagnetic was ball lightning. Described from around the globe over storm knocked the past four centuries, the sight and aftermath of this out telegraph atmospheric electrical phenomenon can be dramatic and Sunspots that generated the super flare, systems all over highly erratic. Instances have been described as: produc- as sketched by Richard Carrington North America and ing singular to multiple balls; sized from a few centime- on September 1, 1859. Europe, shocking ters to as large as a basketball; moving in a straight or telegraph operators and causing fires. Remarkably, some irregular pattern; hitting and penetrating objects with or systems continued to operate even after being discon- without damage; quickly vanishing or making a dramatic nected from power. explosion; capable of killing, incapacitating and destroy- Known as the Carrington Super Flare, it is to date the ing property; or seeming harmless. greatest solar eruption in 400 years of recorded history. Golden’s instance was exceptional even for this already As for Byers and his party, Byers wrote, unique phenomenon, for it was unusually prolonged, “As day dawned we turned out and ate for breakfast the with instances ranging from a few seconds to over a min- last of our provisions. It was not very savory, the bread and ute. Scientists around the world have postulated many coffee cold, and the meat burnt into a crisp–thanks to the theories about ball lightning, none of them definitive. 1:00 daylight.” Works Cited: Historical files of Richard J. Gardner. Golden Globe, 11/24/1894. 38 Historically Jeffco 2019 Rocky Mountain News, 9/22/1859. HISTORICAL ANNIVERSARIES

125 Years Ago: Jeffco’s First Woman Elected to Public Office By Richard Gardner, Jefferson County Historical Commission

n April 3, 1894 Golden made histo- Deaver ran for re-election in 1895 (terms lasted ry as citizens elected the first woman only one year) against William P. Benedict, and ever to hold public office in Jefferson West openly predicted she had the election in County.O This was just five months after Colora- the bag, writing, dans had voted to grant women the right to vote “Will Benedict is a good fellow, and will make a in state and local elections. good treasurer if he can get that, but Ella Deaver Ella I. Deaver won the office of City Treasurer of has got the ‘dead wood’ on the office for another Golden, winning her office 377 votes to 344 for year, as all the young men will vote for her, of Hattie M. Mencimer. course, and as she is the only woman running on Transcript founder George West crowed: either ticket the ladies will see to it that she gets there with both of her little feet.” “We are particularly gratified at the election of Miss Deaver, (our Ella,) for treasurer, not that her Deaver won the election 369-296. Hattie Men- opponent, Miss Mencimer, is not a most excel- cimer, her earlier opponent, did not run for elec- lent young lady and fully competent, but because tive office again, but went on to her own success – because – because it was Ella Deaver, whom as an architect with her sister Julia. A mansion everybody honors and esteems, and because it gives the sisters designed in 1901 still stands on Court the democrats the honor of electing the first woman House Hill at 1415 Washington Avenue. to office in Jefferson county under the new law….” Ella I. Deaver Wise, as she was ultimately Although no longer an elective office today, City known, was born in Central City in 1866. Her Treasurer was one of Golden’s most important family moved to Golden by 1870, where Deaver positions, as the office holder was responsible became an honor student at the South School for the finances of a city of very limited funds. and Golden High School. In 1884 she turned to The offices of Treasurer and Mayor were the only acting, and for years performed with Kimball’s citywide elective offices. Komedy Kompany, led by Goldenite George M. Kimball. By the 1880s, Deaver worked as a typesetter for the Colorado Transcript, sitting upon a high stool in her printer’s apron, side by side with her friend Margeurite West, the edi- tor’s daughter and fellow actress who later mar- ried Kimball. By the time she ran for office, Deaver had be- come the local editor of the Golden Globe, the Transcript’s Republican competitor, making for a unique election season. George West at the Democratic Transcript was not at all fazed, writ- Ella Deaver Wise in her later years. ing, Golden History Museum & Park, City of Golden Collection “Miss Ella Deaver is making a fine record for herself as local editor of The Globe. She is wide awake, ‘up to snuff,’ and if an item escapes her it will have to get up and get faster than items usu- ally do.”

Historically Jeffco 2019 39 HISTORICAL ANNIVERSARIES

Before women were granted the right to vote nationwide in 1920, other women followed in Deaver’s footsteps across Jefferson County to run for elective office. In 1902 Ida L. Crawford of Golden was elected to the countywide of- fice of Superintendent of Schools, which would continue to be held by women for many years. In 1907 the first woman was elected to a mu- nicipal council, and in 1917 the county’s first female majority governing board took office in the town of Lakeside. Jeffco’s pioneer elective office-holding women Ella Deaver onstage at the Golden Opera House with the cast who served before nationwide suffrage include: of “Charley’s Aunt”, 5th from left alongside Lee Wise, • Ella Deaver (Wise) 1894-1896–Treasurer, April 19-20, 1895. Golden History Museum & Park, City of Golden Collection City of Golden • Ida L. Crawford (Kelly) 1902-1905– In 1898 Ella Deaver married Lee Wise, a fellow actor Superintendent of Schools with whom she’d shared the stage at the Golden Opera • Myrtle Songer (Combs) 1905-1909, House for many years. Wise worked for Coors and 1919-1923–Superintendent of Schools served in office as City Councilor for Ward 4. • Kate Adams 1907-1909–Trustee, Town of The Wises moved to Denver in 1906 to spend the Lakeside; also served as Clerk, Recorder rest of their years, and Ella Deaver Wise died there in 1952. She rests today at Fairmount Cemetery. • Elizabeth Hemberger 1909-1913– Superintendent of Schools Works Cited: • Anna L. Patterson 1909-1911– Historical files of Richard J. Gardner. Treasurer, City of Golden Colorado Transcript, 1/31/1894, 4/4/1894, 3/20/1895, 4/3/1895, 10/7/1896, 5/25/1898, 10/2/1901, 11/6/1901, 4/23/1902, 11/5/1903, 11/10/1904, • Louise Allen 1909-1910–Trustee, 11/1/1906, 11/8/1906, 3/15/1906, 12/12/1907, 11/12/1908, 12/3/1908, Town of Lakeside 4/1/1909, 4/8/1909, 8/1/1909, 8/8/1909, 11/10/1910, 11/7/1912, 11/12/1914, 11/9/1916, 3/29/1917, 11/7/1918, 11/4/1920, 3/27/1924, • Mary Yeager 1909-1910–Trustee, 3/29/1928, 11/14/1935, 2/6/1947, 2/21/1952. Town of Lakeside • Berness Bunger 1913-1919¬– Superintendent of Schools • Nora Loveland 1917–Trustee, Town of Lakeside • Anna Robman 1917–Trustee, Town of Lakeside • Nora B. Bush 1917–Trustee, Town of Lakeside; in office 1924, 1928 • Anna Howard 1917–Trustee, Town of Lakeside; in office 1924

40 Historically Jeffco 2019 HISTORICAL ANNIVERSARIES

50 Years Ago: Golden Post Office Construction Site Collapse By Richard Gardner, Jefferson County Historical Commission

stablished on April 6, 1860, the Golden Tragically, that goal was never met. On Septem- post office was one of the first civic insti- ber 4, 1969, when the building was about half- tutions in Jefferson County. Yet it wasn’t way complete, nearby workers at 19th and Jack- Euntil 1940 that the post office finally gained a son Streets reported hearing a tremendous crash. building of its own, built at 12th and Jackson One witness saw a concrete slab fall against a Streets by the Public Works Administration. pillar, which gave way and crashed into another, then another, the pillars falling like dominoes as However, Golden’s postwar population boom the east side of the building imploded. quickly demanded a larger space than the little building could manage. Thus, in the late 1960s No one inside had a site for a new Golden post office was secured a chance to escape. at 1750 Jackson Street, to occupy two-thirds of Killed in the disas- a city block. ter was 18-year-old hod carrier Michael Designed in the Modernist style, the $600,000 Pat Dossie of Arvada, structure would stand two stories tall and be son of the construc- constructed of concrete pillars and slab floors. tion foreman. Four It would feature light-brick siding on the garden workers were injured level and aggregate slab panel walls on the up- and survived: Harold per main level. Functionally it was an innova- Boone, 58, Denver, tive design—in essence, a split-level post office. and Merlyn Flynn, The building was to be used as a sectional mail 47, Jefferson City, CO Front page headline of the Golden Transcript on the day handling center for 64 other post offices from as who were both treated the Golden Post Office collapsed, September 4, 1969. far away as and Steamboat Springs, and released; bricklayer Golden Transcript/Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection as well as to serve the Golden area’s 22 city and Lawrence E. Robbins, 55, Denver, who suffered rural routes covering three counties. multiple injuries and was listed in serious condi- Construction by Johns Engineering Compa- tion; and ironworker William Rush, 60, Wheat ny began in early 1969 and the postal service Ridge, who was injured but listed in satisfactory proudly displayed its work on the front pages of condition. the Golden Transcript. Despite a strike and Rush reported there was no warning of the col- weather, the building had a scheduled comple- lapse. He and other ironworkers were reinforc- tion date of January 1, 1970. ing a wall when, Rush said, “All of a sudden the building just started falling in.” The building’s failure was due to faulty engineering. The steel sup- port brackets designed to hold the concrete slab floors were too small for the job and had been at- tached improperly, and so could not carry their heavy load. On that fateful day one of the slabs Architect’s illustration of Golden Post Office, as published in the Colorado gave way, causing the deadly Transcript, July 7, 1968. Golden Transcript/Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection chain reaction. Historically Jeffco 2019 41 HISTORICAL ANNIVERSARIES

The collapse was determined not to be the fault of any of the workers caught in the calamity. In Golden’s Sacrifice Profiles of Three Pioneer Women of Six Mile Creek the following months, after much litigation, the First Place, Adult Division, by Marjorie Rodman true blame pointed to those responsible for in- at Normandy specting the plans and ensuring secure engineer- By Richard Gardner, Jefferson County Historical Commission ing. Each had assumed the other had done the job. n honor of the 75th anniversary of D-Day in 2019, we remember World War II veteran The site remained in limbo for some time, with David Henry Helps, Jr. consideration given to rebuilding, but ultimately I the project was abandoned, and the wreckage Helps was a “Golden” boy through and through. cleared. Golden built a new post office nearly 30 He was grandson to James Helps of Golden Gate years later. This facility, at 1100 Johnson Road, Canyon, whose cabin now stands at Clear Creek serves the commu- History Park; and his mother—Agatha Maria nity today along Wilhelmina Boom Helps—was raised in the last with the original building in the nearby town of Apex. See pg. 22 historic downtown for related story. post office. Born August 22, 1924, Helps was raised in Gold- Considered among en, and graduated the worst construc- from Golden High tion disasters in Jef- School. He worked fco history, the event for the Coors Porce- was deeply trau- lain Company (now matic to the Golden CoorsTek), then en- Collapsed post office construction site. community, echo- listed in the Army Golden Transcript/Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection ing through the city’s on April 20, 1943. collective memory for the past half century. Helps received However, 49 years to the day later, on Septem- training at several ber 4, 2018, ground was broken for a new build- Army airfields in- cluding Kearns ing on the tragic site. Dubbed Jackson Hall, David Henry Helps, Jr. the structure will house privately owned apart- Field, UT; Lowry ments for sophomores of the Colorado School of Field, Denver; Page Field, FL; and Avon Park, Mines—students the same age as Michael Dos- FL, attaining the rank of sergeant. In March sie, the single fatality in the post office collapse. 1944 Sgt. Helps was sent overseas where he served as tail gunner aboard the B-17 Flying For- With 107 dwelling units, Jackson Hall will tress Silver Slipper. feature a fitness center, bike maintenance area, study lounges, and the like. Slated for comple- On June 8, 1944, just two days after the D-Day tion in 2020, the building will also include a me- invasion, Helps was shot down and killed over morial to the 1969 Post Office disaster to honor Normandy while flying air support in the inva- its victims. sion of Europe. Works Cited: Surviving him were his parents and brothers Colorado School of Mines, news release, “Mines, Confluence William and Army Air Corps serviceman Orville Companies break ground on new residence hall”, 9/4/2018. Denver Post, 8/26/1969, 8/30/1969, 9/3/1969. Lee Helps. Among the few Jefferson County ser- Interviews with Conrad E. Gardner, legal representative vicemen lost in World War II who made it home, successfully defending nonresponsible subcontractor Mack Sgt. Helps rests today at Golden Cemetery. Precast, 2016-2017. Works Cited: Historical files of Richard J. Gardner. Colorado Freedom Memorial, original research provided by Golden Transcript, multiple editions of 1968 and 1969, 9/4/1969, Richard Gardner 9/27/2018. Greeley Tribune, 9/5/1969.

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Profiles of Three Pioneer Women of Six Mile Creek First Place, Adult Division, by Marjorie Rodman n the summer of 1974, my husband Jim, our Three of her adult children—Henry, Dan, and two children and I moved from to Mary Lucretia—had moved their families to the Jim’s family ranch on Lower Six Mile Creek. Last Resort area (a valley that runs along Last TheI ranch had been in his mother’s family since Resort Creek) by 1880. They begged their moth- 1887, the year George Phelps and his son home- er to join them, hoping the fresh mountain air steaded the land. Ever since I met Jim, he’d talked might help her chronic cough. In 1882, Betsey about living there—so then when we were offered and George made a visit. While their younger teaching positions in Colorado Springs, we loaded children attended school near Elk Creek Falls a U-Haul and set out for Jefferson County. in present-day Staunton State Park, George met Moving in, we discovered a cache of old pho- Ed Culver, who had a timber claim along Lower tographs and letters in a cupboard. Those little Six Mile Creek above Wigwam. With Ed’s en- pieces of history started us searching for informa- couragement, George and his son Jim decided tion about the pioneers who’d made the ranch to stake out their own claims as soon as they their home. With considerable help from Virginia could. They returned to in 1883; four Phelps—Jim’s cousin and an accomplished gene- years later, George and Jim came back and took alogist—we learned more about Betsey and George two 160-acre parcels adjoining Ed’s. George an- Phelps and their 10 children. nounced the news to his wife and daughter back in Kansas: Two of Betsey’s granddaughters, Ethel Myers and Betty Hays, told us stories that made history come “16 September 1887 alive. We spent many Saturdays with Ethel, who “Deare ones at home, was Jim’s distant cousin and our nearest neighbor “I have taken a timber claim and we won’t be four miles up the road. In 1980, we interviewed bothered with neighbor’s chickens. It is a pleas- Betty several times at her son’s home in Arvada. ant place but miles from anybody but Jim and These are the stories of three pioneer women who Ed and his brother are all down in here; us four, made their homes on Six Mile Creek. no more is all there is. We have plenty of potatoes, Betsey Mitchell 1827-1902 milk and butter. Jim has got a fine lot of potatoes and turnips and cabbage, beans green, corn and Betsey Mitchell was born in 1827 in Glasgow, cucumbers and all kind of garden truck. The boys Scotland, the second of Andrew and Elizabeth are going to help me finish up my house so we will Mitchell’s 13 children. When Betsey was eight, have a place to live in. Jim will have plenty pota- her parents migrated toes turnips and cabbage for us both.” to America. They set- tled first in Canada, “Well mother, you had ought to see me a-churning then in upstate New and working the butter. I tell you I am a boss York, where Betsey hand at it. The folks are all well up here. Oh how married George Phelps I would like to see you both this morning. I get in 1842. He was 23; awful lonesome once in a while. Now write me all she had just turned 15. the news and write often and get ready and come Over the years, Betsey as soon as you can. I think there will be timber raised 10 children and enough on the place. Now write soon.” followed her husband “Good by, love to all, from your Husband and from one homestead father G A Phelps” to another in New York, , Kansas, and finally Colorado. Betsey Mitchell and George Phelps. Photo taken in Pueblo about 1988. Collection of James Phelps Rodman Historically Jeffco 2019 43 PRESERVATIONWRITERS’ AWARDS

In 1888, 60-year-old Betsey and her youngest a hive inside. Betsey eventually moved in with child, Addie, loaded up a wagon, bid Kansas Addie and Ed, while Jim took care of two home- good-bye, and headed for Colorado accompa- steads. He proved his in 1891; his mother’s in nied by two older children and their families. By 1894. the time Betsey arrived at the new homestead, Addie Leola Phelps 1870-1942 the log cabin had been built as promised. Betsey and Addie would have wasted no time setting the Addie Leola, the tenth child of Betsey and house in order: George Phelps, was born in 1870 in St. Charles, cooking, cleaning, IL. She was 18 when she arrived at Lower Six washing, iron- Mile Ranch and almost 19 when she married ing, sewing and 38-year-old Ed Culver. A year after her wedding, mending. Betsey’s Addie lost a child and the doctor said she would granddaughter be unable have another. Addie’s sister Nellie Betty described Phelps Voorhees was pregnant at the time and her grandmother: in very poor health. With three children under “Oh, she was a 5, Nellie was afraid she couldn’t manage them grand old lady, all, and so she gave her 11-month-old daughter she really was. I Betty to Addie. Nellie died three years later. In wish you could 1894, Addie delivered a daughter, Ethel Maude. have known her. Ethel and Betty were cousins raised as sisters. She was the best Ed’s father Sylvanus joined the family, which The log cabin built by George and his son Jim on Lower Six Mile Ranch. Photo about 1890. cook. She’d stir up included the two girls and, eventually, Addie’s Collection of James Phelps Rodman things out of noth- mother Betsey. Needing more room, Ed took ing, like she’d take a pre-emption on land four miles north in the a little brown sugar and a little sour cream and shadow of Green Mountain near where Six Mile make the best cake you ever ate, just easy.” Creek originates. He also homesteaded an ad- joining property “Happy Jack” Schofield had taken as a mining claim but abandoned when it didn’t pay. In 1897, Ed moved his family to their new home. They called it Upper Six Mile Ranch. The homestead certificate of Betsey Phelps, given to her in 1894. Collection of James Phelps Rodman

Betsey spoke with a Scottish burr; if her grand- children acted up, she paddled them with her slipper and scolded, “Ye wee Dee’il [devil]!” Her grandson Emerson Phelps visited once with his new bride Gertrude, and he said Betsey admired Photograph of Lower Six Mile Ranch about 1900 Gertie’s apron with pockets, exclaiming, “Oh, taken from the top of the hill across the road. Various family members are standing outside the cabin. Gairtie, ye’ve got poochies in yer daily!” Collection of James Phelps Rodman In January 1889, Addie married Ed Culver. That November, 70-year-old George died from mul- tiple bee stings when he cut down a tree with

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Betty said her grandmother was a great Bible board, Uncle Jim was on the school board, and reader, “but she didn’t do anything, not even dry John Green’s mother was on the school board. That dishes. And I thought she could, but she prob- solved it—we could do no wrong!” ably wasn’t able—a kid never knows. She was an Addie moved back to the ranch each summer invalid, but how that old lady managed. She was and her brothers and sisters often visited—Net- a marvel! She was dying of T.B. and coughed her tie from Cripple Creek, Henry from Meeker, heart out.” Betsey died on Upper Six Mile Ranch and Andrew from Colorado Springs. Betty said in 1902. the older kids had the run of the ranch: Addie and Ed had bought a house near Green’s “We had lots of horses and we weren’t afraid to Mercantile in Buffalo Creek as soon as Betty was walk when we wanted to go someplace. It was ready for school. Addie’s brother Jim also moved nothing to go to the White Caps; nothing to go up to Buffalo Creek, and his son Jim Jr. was in Bet- on the top of Green Mountain—all afoot... And ty’s class along with the Green’s son Johnny. The we’d hike to the Top Of The World, and you know where that is! You wouldn’t believe it, but we did.” Ed Culver ran cattle with his brother- in-law Jim Phelps on the open range from Pike’s Peak to Mt. Evans. When they rounded up the cows each spring and herded them to the Denver stockyards, Ed Culver’s cabin built of hand-hewn logs at Upper Six Addie Leola Phelps and her daughter Ethel Maude. the cattle packed the Mile Ranch. Ed proved out his claim in 3 years instead of Collection of Virginia Phelps roads. Ethel’s dad the usual 5 by building the house and outbuildings and plowing the necessary acreage. Photo by Edwin Rodman three were the same age and best friends, but told her whenever in 1960. they tended to be rambunctious. Betty recalled a Mrs. Buzbee, who Collection of James Phelps Rodman time they nearly got expelled: hauled mail from South Platte to West Creek, encountered the “One time when we kids were in school, we got cattle, she’d whip up her team and “run them the idea to start throwing shingle nails at each like hell” through the middle of the herd, scat- other. They were re-roofing our school-house and tering them to the four winds while shouting, dropping them all over and we’d pick them up “You can’t stop the U.S. Mail!” and throw them. We got a little too much for the teacher to handle, so she called a meeting of the When Ed was away, Addie enjoyed being on her board over those shingle nails. I just thought I’d get own. She’d hitch her horse to a cart and go visit- killed—a kid getting a board meeting called!” ing—sometimes as far as Sedalia. After one visit, Laura Yates Higginson, the wife of Jonathon Dad and Uncle Jim were going to ride that morn- Higginson who homesteaded The Swan Ranch, ing and here they come in with their spurs and wrote: their chaps, walking up the aisle, you know. As they went by Dad winked at me, so I knew I was “Buffalo Creek May 20, 1902” in the clear all right! The teacher began to bring “My dear Mrs. Culver, Please accept this little out this box of nails for proof of what we’d done, cushion, it is not done as nice as I would like, but you know, and Dad said he didn’t need any proof. my hands are so rough and clumsy they are only fit And Uncle Jim said, “If they don’t mind you, for rough work. I did not have it done when you pick up a wagon spoke and knock ‘em down with were here yesterday, or would have given it to you it!” And off they went. My dad was on the school then. I just now finished it. I hope you will not

Historically Historically Jeffco Jeffco 2018 2019 45 45 WRITERS’ AWARDS

forget to come see me this summer, for I have al- something!” Betty told us, “It was unheard of!” ways counted you one of my good friends. In haste, Al and Betty returned to Colorado for a while your sincere friend Laura M. Higginson” and had another son, Ed, before returning to “I will leave cushion at store unless I have some . When Al finally retired from the oil other way of getting it to you” business, they settled in Sedalia. Betty’s parents were with her there when they died: Ed in 1939; In 1911, Addie kept a daybook. In the first Addie in 1942. week of January, she noted that Ethel returned to school (in Greeley) and Betty went back to Ethel Maude Culver 1894-1978 teaching in Buffalo: After Ethel graduated from Greeley Normal Jan. 1—We started the new year right. Had com- School, she taught in Cripple Creek, then took pany and a good time all day. a house with her mother in Colorado Springs. They spent winters in “The Springs,” but -re Jan. 2—Ethel went back to school and our good turned to the mountains for the summer. Danc- times are over for a while es were held at the open-air pavilion in Deck- Jan. 3—[Betty] commenced to teach again this ers, and Ethel sometimes rode down with her morning. husband-to-be, Horace Myers. Jan. 4—I wrote letters all day. Ed brought two Ethel and Horace were married in 1918; their rabbits home for supper. son Bill was born the next year. In 1926, they Jan. 5—Today has been lovely. Had a phone call had another son, Culver. When Horace took a from Arthur. job in Venezuela in 1928, Ethel and the boys went with him. Horace suffered an appendicitis Jan 6—Mr. Hurd came home with Ed last night. attack that led to peritonitis in 1933, and he died He went home today at age 41. Ethel returned to Colorado and buried Jan. 7—[Betty] and I had a busy day. him at the Little Chapel in the Hills in Buffalo Creek. She eventually moved back to the ranch and lived there just as her parents had, without electricity or plumbing. Water was carried to the kitchen in buckets filled at the springhouse and heating was provided by the fireplace and wood stoves. She renamed it Green Mountain Ranch in honor of the nearby landmark and lived there the next 40 years. The ranch was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The application included a Statement of Signifi- cance: “The unusual feature of this house is its lack of “improvements.” Stepping in the front door is step- The schoolhouse in Buffalo Creek about 1900. ping 80 years into the past. The manner of living Collection of Virginia Phelps is chosen by the present owner by choice, not for effect. A well-meaning resident of Buffalo Creek Betty taught school several years before marry- tried to install a Delco generator to bring electric- ing Albert Hays in 1911. Al hauled lumber to ity into the house about ten years ago. A mis-wired the railroad in Buffalo for ’s sawmill connection caused a fire that burned the old bunk on Wigwam. After their wedding, Al and Betty house down, and threatened the ranch house. Mrs. moved to Oklahoma, where Al took a job as an Myers fervently hopes that will be the last attempt oilman. Their son George was born in 1913 on to “civilize” her ranch.” April 4th. It was Tim Gill’s birthday, and Tim sent Al a hundred dollars. “At that time, that was

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Ethel died on her ranch at age 84 in 1978. She lies near her husband in the Little Chapel in the Hills Cemetery. Betty died at age 96 in 1986. She lies in Bear Cañon Cemetery in Sedalia, be- side her husband and close to her parents Ad- die and Ed Culver. Green Mountain Ranch and Lower Six Mile are still owned by descendants of Betsey and George Phelps. The pioneer spirit lives on. Works Cited: Collection of James Phelps Rodman. Cache of photos and letters found at Lower Six Mile Ranch in 1974.

Ethel Culver Myers with our son Jesse and our daughter Caitlin in 1976. Collection of James Phelps Rodman

Ethel was strong-willed, eccentric, and as enter- taining as she was opinionated. As Margaret Bent- ley described in 1977, “Ethel exuded hospitality and kindness as we settled comfortably in the liv- ing room chairs.... When she stresses a point in her husky voice, profanity is a natural flow of the conversation. Yet there is never any doubt that this remarkable lady would be equally at home in a king’s court or a cow camp.” Ethel said she was “the last pioneer.” In 1969, she sent Dorothy Ro- erig some stories about people she’d known in the area, closing with: “There were so many more people all over these hills Photograph of Green Mountain Ranch that accompanied the nomination during the early days. Nearly every water gulch had submitted by Connie Fahnstock for the National Register of Historic Places, 1974. a prospector, a tie hack, a pitch post rustler, or just The photograph is in the public domain squatting. When it snowed, no one starved, all sur- vived, occasionally on our own cattle, but that didn’t break anyone either and we did not have planes or helicopters to drop food to them. Too bad we don’t stand on our own feet as in days of old.”

Historically Jeffco 2019 47 WRITERS’ AWARDS

The Dollhouse Library of Morrison Second Place, Adult Division, by Karen Land Cranford he small town of Morrison has its own through the grocery store. The library would City Hall, police station, liquor store, have to find a new home. post office, antique stores and numerous Temporary quarters were then set up in the front Trestaurants. But it does not have its own library. of the Morrison Post Office. By 1940, however, Once upon a time, though, it did! This is the the postal service needed that space too. The li- story of the little library that wouldn’t give up. brary then moved to a small building next to the When you drive into Morrison from the east off hardware store. In 1942, the WPA ended, but C-470 and stay on the main street—don’t veer government officials agreed to leave their origi- right at the “Y” headed toward Red Rocks Am- nal 250 books with Morrison if the PTA could phitheater—you pass a couple of buildings be- find a new library location and a librarian. Doc- fore you see a little store on the right painted uments from the Morrison Historical Commit- bright yellow. With only one entrance and no tee show Gertrude Holmes and her friend, Mary back door, this building once housed Morrison’s Wilson, volunteered in October of that year to Dollhouse Library. pack up the books again. The next summer, they Today the Happy Shack, as it is called, at 111 moved the 4,000 volumes to an empty store. It Bear Creek Avenue has shelves on the wall that was not to be permanent, however. In 1945, the hold jewelry, concert supplies, smoking acces- building was rented to people who wanted to sories and . But long ago, those same put in a liquor store. shelves held books that took readers to faraway The next stop for the library was the Primary lands, helped conjure up science projects and Room at the Morrison School. Before long, theories, and stimulated imaginations with all though, crowd- kinds of magical tales. ing in the school The Morrison PTA began in pushed the li- 1937. Their president, Mrs. Ralph brary to the stage Jamison, persuaded the members of the school’s to sponsor a much-needed library. assembly room. This they were able to do through And finally, sum- the Works Progress Administra- mer repairs and tion, one of the relief cleaning of the programs that came about during school required the Great Depression. The WPA the books to be provided a collection of books for boxed up once their new project. more. By then, the commit- The library’s first home was in tee was ready Pike’s Peak Grocery, which eventu- for a permanent ally became Schneider Drug Store home. and is today the Morrison Inn res- Librarian Elizabeth McCutchen hangs In 1947, Morri- the American flag and turns on the taurant. Its volunteer librarian was neon sign to signal that the library is Mrs. Gertrude Holmes. That first son realtor Carl open, 1977. location didn’t last long, however, Peinze and his The Denver Post Newly constructed library in 1948, with wife, Mercy, of- builder William Holmes and property owner due to a devastating flood in 1938. Carl Peinze. A 1962 Canyon Courier article re- fered up a piece of land for the library next to Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society and ports that many books were dam- their home located at Market and Bear Creek Hiwan Museum aged when the high waters rushed Avenues (now the Beso de Arte Restaurant). Historical Committee documents about the

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library report, “The lumber came from a man up The Denver Post magazine Empire Magazine in the hills who owed Mr. Peinze money.” But reports Peinze received rent of $5.00 a month. there was one important stipulation. The Can- The permanent library finally opened in Novem- yon Courier says Peinze agreed to donate the land ber 1947. only if Mr. H. W. Holmes would construct the In 1958, the “Dollhouse” became part of the Jef- building. ferson County library system. The county now Thus, Gertrude Holmes’ husband, William would provide the books along with a profes- Holmes, a retired contractor, spent the sum- sional librarian. However, there was no provision mer of 1947 building the Dollhouse Li- for furniture. In 1962, according to a Canyon brary—at the age of 76. A 1977 article in Courier article, the new librarian, Octavia Pey- ton, acquired a “well-used, antique desk of beautiful, satin-like wood, the gift of one of Morrison’s pioneer families.” The article also states that Peyton checked out 4,470 books in 1961. At that time, the Morrison Library had the second largest increase in circulation in the county and was expected to continue upward from there. By 1977, the librarian was Elizabeth McCutchen of Conifer. There was still no provision for furniture. The building was only 10-x-18 feet, about the size of a single-car garage. But McCutchen said in the Empire Magazine article that she “bummed rejects from other libraries.” Eventually the build- Library patrons from Morrison and Kittredge look over books, ing held 3,000 books, a desk, a small table, 1977. two chairs, and a gas stove. Notice there is The Denver Post no mention of a restroom! Back in those days, the library was open Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons. That didn’t always mean it would happen, though, especially in the winter. Since the locals wouldn’t know how much snow af- fected Conifer, where McCutcheon lived, they would have to wait for the flag to be put out and the red neon sign to be turned on telling them the library was open. Patrons using the library came from all parts of Morrison as well as Tiny Town, up and down Bear Creek, Idledale, Indian Hills and ranches in between. Kids came on foot and bicycles. Those that came on horses would Librarian Elizabeth McCutchen at her post in Morrison’s take books home in their saddle packs. “Dollhouse Library,” a 10-by-18 foot building built in 1947. The Denver Post

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Children pose outside the Morrison Public Library in 1962. The Canyon Courier

During my research, I found photos with only And so that building is now Happy Shack. But handwritten captions saying “Dollhouse Li- when you think of all the books that would brary.” There were no official documents or even come and go over the years from the Dollhouse photographs of a sign designating this small Library, while remembering it was often a rough building—the Morrison Library—as the “Doll- road to keep the doors open before the library house Library.” Morrison was originally named found a permanent home, most of those vol- Mt. Morrison for a short time in the late 1800s, umes would take readers to wonderful places. In and I did find one reference to the “Mt. Mor- my book, I guess you could say it’s pretty much rison Library.” All other references I found were been a ‘happy shack’ all along. for the “Morrison Library.”

Lila Horton, owner of the Horton House B&B Works Cited: in Morrison that has since closed due to a fire, “The Flag Flies on Tuesday.” Canyon Courier, 1962, 6. worked tirelessly in the early 1970s to make Horton, Lorene. Inventory Data Form/Morrison Historical Committee-The Morrison Library. Colorado Inventory of Historic Morrison a Historic District. In the Morrison Structures and Sites. Morrison, Colorado. August 28, 1975. Historical Committee’s Inventory Data Form Curtis, Olga. “Morrison’s ‘dollhouse’ library.” Empire Magazine, submitted by Horton, the summary of the li- 1977, 34-35. brary’s journey ends with this: “Thus the little Jefferson County Public Library. “Records of Early Library Branches, 1938-1968.” Jefferson County Archives, Golden, CO. tiny dollhouse of a library became a vital part of Morrison’s life and cultural growth.” So, appar- ently “Dollhouse Library” was a beloved nick- name due to the library’s unique size. Sadly, the Dollhouse Library closed in 1979.

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Guest Authors’ Biographies

Karen Land Cranford Andrea Keppers is a native Coloradan is Curator and Educa- (and former Miss Colo- tion Specialist at the rado) and a resident of Hiwan Homestead Morrison. She worked Museum in Evergreen. for 12 years in broadcast A Jeffco native, Andrea news and is currently sings in the Golden a book narrator for Concert Choir, is a Colorado Talking Book docent at the American Library for the Blind. Museum of Western Art and is a former Jeopardy contestant.

Deborah Darnell J. Leo, Retired Admin- of Evergreen served as istrative Sergeant of the Co-chair of History and Morrison Police Depart- Plant Teams at Staunton ment, regularly teaches State Park. She helped Colorado Mining extensively to prepare History at Red Rocks history displays and Elementary School. local wildflower refer- In addition, he has ences for the park’s new created a series of mixed Visitor Center. media industrial lighted sculptures.

Mark Dodge, Marjorie Rodman Curator, Golden is a retired elemen- History Museum & tary teacher and gifted Park, enjoys conducting education specialist. grassroots historical After leaving Colorado, research in mining as she and her husband well as preserving spent 21 years in Ger- Golden’s history many with the U.S. through stories and Department of Defense artifacts shared by peo- Schools. They live in ple in the community. Cary, NC, where Marjorie enjoys researching family history, oil painting and gardening.

Historically Jeffco 2019 51 RECOGNITION

Jefferson County Hall of Fame

Saint Frances Xavier “Mother” Cabrini Teacher, Missionary, Founder of Cabrini Shrine, Patron Saint of Immigrants

Mother Cabrini was named to the Jefferson County Histori- Then in 1902, Mother Cabrini was invited to Denver by cal Commission Hall of Fame in 2019. She was nominated Bishop Nicholas Matz, where she established a school in by Edna Fiore, a past volunteer at Cabrini Shrine, because of north Denver. Two years later, she opened the first Queen the contribution Cabrini Shrine has made in bringing tour- of Heaven Orphanage at West 48th Avenue and Federal ists from around the world to Jefferson County. Boulevard. Between 1909 and 1912, Cabrini purchased three tracts aria Francesca Cabrini was born in 1850 in a of land at Mount Vernon Canyon for use as a summer village south of Milan, Italy. The daughter of camp for the girls of the orphanage. This special place later Ma relatively prosper- became the Mother Cabrini ous farmer, she was educated Shrine (see page 16 for related at home and later in a private story). school established by her sister. Cabrini traveled extensively As a child Cabrini was captivated throughout the U.S., Latin by stories of missionaries, which America and Europe—a total motivated her to join a religious of 24 trips across the ocean— order. establishing a total of 67 chari- Cabrini obtained a teaching table schools, hospitals and or- certificate from a progressive phanages. teacher training college operated Mother Cabrini died unex- by the Daughters of the Sacred pectedly in 1917 in Chicago. Heart, and taught school from In 1946 she became the first 1868 to 1873. U.S. naturalized citizen (she From 1874 to 1880 Cabrini had been naturalized in 1909) worked first as a secretary and to be canonized a saint by the then as the superior of an or- Roman Catholic Church. Pope phanage in northern Italy called Pius XII formally proclaimed The House of Providence. In her to be the “Patroness of Im- 1880 she helped establish the re- migrants” in 1950. ligious community that evolved Cabrini Shrine stands today into the Missionary Sisters of the as an enduring reminder of Sacred Heart of Jesus. Frances Xavier Cabrini wearing the original habit of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 1880. Mother Cabrini’s special fondness In 1889, Pope Leo VIII advised The Cabrinian Museum, Center for Spirituality, Codogno, Italy for Denver and the Rocky Moun- Mother Cabrini to go to New tain region. It is a place of retreat, York City to minister to the thousands of newly arrived pilgrimage, and contemplation for people of many faiths poor Italian immigrants there. In that chaotic and im- and nationalities. Three of the buildings at the shrine were poverished place, Cabrini organized catechism and edu- listed on the National Historic Registry in 2000. cation classes and provided for the needs of the many orphaned children.

52 Historically Jeffco 2019 RECOGNITION

Jefferson County Hall of Fame

Steve Friesen Historian, Teacher, Author, Museum Visionary

Steve Friesen was named to the Jefferson County Historical Friesen became very involved in the Jefferson County com- Commission Hall of Fame in 2019. He was nominated by munity during those years, most notably helping organize Tim Sandsmark, Education Supervisor for Jeffco Open Space, the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway in 2001 and serv- because of his accomplishments as an award-winning author ing on its board for 16 years. He was also active with the and his lifelong dedication to helping people learn about Golden Cultural Alliance for 15 years as both a member American history and making that history come alive. and as president. Friesen is a foremost authority on Buffalo Bill and is the teve Friesen’s 40-year career of museum work cov- author of two books on the subject: “Buffalo Bill: Scout, ers a rich and varied history. He began his museum Showman, Visionary” (2011) and “Lakota Performers in Scareer at the 1719 Hans Herr House in Lancaster, Europe: Their Culture and the Artifacts They Left Behind” PA, then moved West to work at the Littleton History (2017). The latter publication examined the role that Wild Museum, the City of Gree- West shows played in both ley Museums, and the Molly preserving and promoting Brown House. From 1995 Lakota culture in Europe to 2017, he served as direc- and the U.S. The book re- tor of the Buffalo Bill Mu- ceived multiple awards in seum and Grave on Lookout 2018, including Best Il- Mountain. lustrated Western History A native Kansan, Friesen Book from the Western His- studied at Bethel College in tory Association; and awards North Newton, KS, then from the National Cowboy earned a master’s degree in and Western Heritage Muse- American folk culture from um and from Western Writ- the State University of New ers of America. York. Steve Friesen is married to While leading the Buffalo Monta Lee Dakin, whom he Bill Museum and Grave, Fri- met through museum work. esen was responsible for helping the site cast off its previ- Both are retired in Jefferson County after each spending ous “tourist trap” identity by expanding its exhibits and 40 years working in museums. They now enjoy part-time providing accurate information and compelling stories. museum consulting and writing. Friesen also made the museum a destination for researchers by computerizing its records and building up its reference library. It’s no surprise, then, that visitor numbers increased dramatically during Friesen’s tenure.

Historically Jeffco 2019 53 RECOGNITION

Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave 2019 Norm and Ethel Meyer Award for Historic Preservation in Jefferson County

n keeping with this year’s theme of Historical Tourism, the views, and visit the and café, and 80,000 of the JCHC Preservation Committee said the Buffalo Bill them tour the museum to learn about one of the West’s Museum and Grave is a natural choice for this award. most fascinating characters. TheI entire site has been a popular tourist attraction since it The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave—owned and operated opened nearly a century ago. Also, like so many others drawn by the City and County of Denver and part of the Denver to the West, Will Cody himself left Kansas for Colorado to Mountain Parks system—exists to preserve the memory of try his luck at gold prospecting in 1859, writing, “I longed William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody (1846-1917). To this end for the cool air of the mountains; and to the mountains I it maintains the Cody gravesite and related structures on determined to go.” Lookout Mountain Park; collects, cares for and interprets Buffalo Bill Cody is often described as our nation’s first artifacts associated with Cody’s life and times; and records “super star.” He was undoubtedly a consummate enter- Cody’s ongoing influence on American culture. tainer, master showman and astute businessman. Between The Museum first opened in 1921 as the Buffalo Bill 1883 and 1913, his famous Wild West Show performed in Memorial Museum, housed in the historic log structure more than a thousand cities in 12 different countries. Over known as the Pahaska Teepee near the grave. In the late the years, the wildly popular entertainment featured 1,200 1970s a separate building was constructed for the museum, performers, including cowboys, Native American Indians, and the Pahaska Teepee became a gift shop and restaurant. trick riders, and sharpshooters like the world renowned aka “Little Sure Shot.” The area surrounding the museum and grave features short walking and hiking trails and a mountain-rustic picnic Thus, it’s no wonder so many people from around the globe shelter, all offering sweeping vistas at every turn. visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave. Beloved by tour- ists and locals alike, the site high atop Lookout Mountain The prominent exhibit on-site and the center of the Mu- is one of metro Denver’s top 10 tourist attractions. Each seum’s special events is Buffalo Bill Cody’s grave. By his re- year, some 450,000 people stop by to see the grave, admire quest, Cody was buried on Lookout Mountain in 1917—a tranquil spot set among ponderosa pines and overlooking the Great Plains and the Rockies. Visiting the grave is free to the public. With more than 3,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, the Buffalo Bill Museum has many permanent exhibits about Cody’s life and times plus a featured temporary exhibit each year. The museum boasts a collection of 10,000 historic items, including rare artifacts such as a peace pipe and eagle feath- er headdress that belonged to ; the head of the last buffalo shot by Buffalo Bill; Cody’s priceless saddle with silver inlays depicting the animals of the ; and a silver dollar with a bullet hole through the center, put there by Buffalo Bill himself.

Johnny Baker (Lewis H. Baker) surrounded by group of Indians at entrance to Pahaska Tepee (Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum) in 1923. Those identified include: Daniel Black Horn, third from left; Stephen Standing Bear, fourth from left; Spotted Weasel, second from right, who was an old veteran from the Wild West and Indian Wars. Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, Golden, CO

54 Historically Jeffco 2019 RECOGNITION

Historically Jeffco Magazine Wins Three National Awards

he 2018 issue of Historically Jeffco magazine The other accolades the magazine won were Superior, won three National Association of County External Publications; and Best of Class, Publications. Information Officers (NACIO) awards, in- The awards were presented in July at the NACIO Tcluding Best of Show (out of 235 submissions). The annual conference in Clark County, NV. NACIO Awards of Excellence recognize the great work This 64-page, full-color publication was a combined being done by county communications professionals effort of the Jefferson County Historical Commission across the country. and Jeffco employees Ronda Frazier (Editor) and Doyle Harrison (Design & Layout).

2018 HJ editor Ronda Frazier holding a copy of the winning magazine and the NACIO Best of Show Award at the NACIO annual conference in July.

WANTED: Your old photos and snapshots! Jefferson County Archives is continuously expanding its photo collections and is interested in your old snapshots of people, places and events around Jeffco. We’d love to talk to you about the possibility of donating your photos to our collections! The Archives carefully preserves photographs so they To find out more, please contact Ronda Frazier, can be shared with current and future generations. Jefferson County Archivist, at 303-271-8448 or While original photos are preferred, we can also scan [email protected]. selected images for the Archives and return the originals to you; or we can keep the originals and send you digital copies of your favorites.

Historically Jeffco 2019 55 The Jefferson County Historical Commission (JCHC) HistoricJeffco website offers a substantial compilation of is made up of citizen volunteers appointed by the direct links to historical societies, museums, resource pages, Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners. city and county information, and other sources for historical Members equally represent all areas of the county. Since information. Updated through 2018. 1976, JCHC has served to: https://historicjeffco.wordpress.com/ • Preserve Jeffco’s rich and diverse heritage Contact Us • Protect Jeffco’s historical sites JCHC is supported by the Jefferson County Planning & Zoning Division and the Archives Office. • Celebrate the people and places that make Jeffco rich, diverse and significant • [email protected]; JCHC, Planning & Zoning, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy Ste 3550, Golden, CO 80419 Programs and Events Historically Jeffco magazine Annual publication • Ronda Frazier, Archivist, 303-271-8448; that preserves and informs about Jeffco’s rich history. [email protected]; https://www.jeffco.us/county-archives Downloadable copies of the magazine (1988-present) • www.Jeffco.us/Historical-Commission are available at https://www.jeffco.us/3449/Historical- • Facebook: Jefferson County CO Historical Commission Publications. Historic Preservation Symposium Annual educational About the Cover Photo forum for learning and sharing information about Jeffco’s diverse history and heritage. JCHC Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony Annual celebra- tion to honor selected people and organizations for their unique roles in preserving Jeffco history. Recognizes Hall of Fame inductees (one person living, one person de- ceased) and other program winners. Landmarks Program encourages Jeffco residents to nominate significant historic sites, structures or dis¬tricts for Jefferson County Landmark status. Writers’ Awards Program invites writers of all ages to submit articles about Jeffco history. Winners’ articles may be published in Historically Jeffco magazine. Norm and Ethel Meyer Award for Historic Preserva- tion honors those who have preserved Jeffco’s valuable historical resources. Emeritus Program recognizes selected retired JCHC members for their JCHC activities, offices held, and general support of JCHC historical and educational Evergreen’s Bear Creek (still known for excellent trout programs. fishing), circa 1907. Photo from the Dorothy Buell Friends of the Jefferson County Historical Commission scrapbook, now at Hiwan Homestead Museum, labeled “Three Noted Fishermen.” The notables are (l. to r.): Friends of the Jefferson County Historical Commission is Mr. Pearson; an unidentified gentleman; and Martin V. a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to funding Luther, owner of Luther’s Store on Main Street, Evergreen. Dorothy Buell was a cousin of the Douglas family, preservation of Jeffco’s heritage. Donations to the Friends original owners of Camp Neosho, now the Hiwan of the JCHC are tax deductible. Homestead Museum. Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society 56 Historically Jeffco 2019 2019 Jeffco Historical Commission Members

Debra Coogan, 2018—Former History of Design Steve Engle, 2017—Board member Historic Richard Gardner, 2005—Past President of Lee Katherine Goldstein, 2016—Chair. Attorney Instructor at Colorado State University. Design Rockland Church & Cemetery. M.A. Public History, Golden Landmarks Association. M.A. in History at Fairfield and Woods, PC, in Denver. Researches Manager of Hyatt Classic and owner of Design Artifact Interpretation, , from the University of Colorado at Denver. and writes about Jefferson County history. Decisions. M.S. Housing and Interior Design, CSU. Denver. Lives in Genesee. Lives in Golden. Lives in Lakewood. Lives in Golden.

PJ Jones, 2018—Editor, Historically Jeffco. Carla Opp, 2018—Former Environmental Health Rita Peterson, 1981—Chair, Hall of Fame and Bonnie Scudder, 2015—Chair: Judges’ Wall Former marketing/communications director. Specialist with Jefferson County Public Health. Writer’s Awards program. Member, Board of Committee. 5th generation Coloradan, former teacher, Nationally published author of magazine articles. Has a love of history. Lives in Arvada. Directors, Seniors Resource Center. Jeffco native. administrator; Ph.D. University of Colorado. Author, Jeffco Open Space volunteer. Small business Lives in Lakewood. historian and resident of Shaffers Crossing in Pine. owner. Lives in Genesee. Emeritus Members Robert Briggs, 2009-2011* Erlene Hulsey-Lutz, 1986-2010* Nina Kite, 2004-2015 Rose Lewis, 2009-2013 Mary Lindey-Hepp, 2010-2016 Norman Meyer, 1986-2010* Stan Moore, 2004-2008 Dave Nelson, 2008-2012 Kathryn Ordway, 2006-2011 Richard Scudder, 2017—Chair, Landmark and Cynthia Shaw, 2010—Vice Chair. Manager, John Steinle, 2017—Former History Education Jack Raven, 1997-2011* Preservation Committee. Former Professor and Boettcher Mansion. Founder of the Colorado Arts Supervisor and Region Supervisor, Jeffco Open Milly Roeder, 1995-2013 Associate Dean in the Daniels College of Business & Crafts Society. M.A., Architectural History & Space. M.A. Museum & Archival Management, Burdette “Bud” Weare, 2003-2012 at DU. Ph.D. in Educational Technology. Preservation (University of Virginia). Wright State University (Ohio). Lives in Arvada. Lives at Shaffers Crossing in Pine. Lives in Arvada. * Deceased Commission Staff County Commissioners

Planning and Zoning Division: Brittany Gada Dillon Lackey Justin Montgomery

Ronda Frazier, Archivist Libby Szabo Lesley Dahlkemper Casey Tighe District 1 District 3 District 2 Historically Jeffco 2019 57 Jefferson County Historical Commission Prsrt Stdd Planning and Zoning, Suite 3550 U.S. Postage PAID 100 Jefferson County Parkway Permit #148 Golden, CO 80419 Golden, CO

The Walter Case family touring Red Rocks, 1939. Jefferson County Archives

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