Colorado Ghost Town Books/Maps
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If you want a response you have to provide an email address. THANKS - Rocky
Archives of comments dating from 2005 through December of 2009 can be found here. Ghost Towns guest book log.
- 54.241.248.84
- Sunday, June 16, 2013
Love the site great info and photos
June 12, 2013. Visited Alta site today. It is beautiful and remains unimproved.
I own the little green house which is on the top row of the photos on the right. Had it for about five years. Anyone know the history of this house? Art donafor@yahoo.com
Thanks to all the wonderful trips you take us to. Seven years ago we did the whole rocky mountain plus the complete west vacation. what a wonderful trip and while we didn't go to some of the places you have pictures of we enjoyed it so much. We went to some ghost towns in the yukon what a sight almost could hear the activity going on. Thank you we do enjoy. Shirley sbartlett59@yahoo.com
Rocky, enjoyed your pictures. But when I made my comment it got posted on the wrong place. It should be on the Gilman Ghost Town. Please would you fix it? Judy Gomez Hackney
Rocky says - I posted on the Gilman page for you.
Friday, May 24, 2013
1957-66 I enjoyed your site with the pictures and all, Brings back a lot of memories to me. I remember walking from down town Gilman to up town to go to school. I was one of the ones in the joke that literally had to walk backward to school. At least I had shoes.:) The wind howled and blew very hard,to the point I couldn't see very far in front of me on the way to school. I don't remember how far of a walk it was. To me it seemed like at least 1/4 mile or more. I would cry because I couldn't breathe. It is funny now, that I am an old lady then when I was in grade school, Headed up to school, first with Mrs Clark she was first and second grade teacher. Then Mrs Cryon (sp) taught grade 3,4. Do you of my age group remember Mrs Crayon giving us a spanking for cheating on a test. Most of us were not cheating we just got all the problems wrong. LOL I have very fond memories of sled ridding down the hill on the road right above us, or ridding from the mine to the bottom. I was to afraid to take my sled to the mine it would make me go way to fast. But now if my brother gave me ride on his I would go to the top. I wonder if the wild Snapdragons still bloom in the spring all along that hill across from the post office. (box 95). We would stop at Mr Murphy's store for candy to eat on the way home. My dads nic was essa guy since no one went by their own names down in the mine. I do remember the whistle going off at noon. I remember there was death that happen down in the mine. And the wife of the man came to our house before she knew it was her brother, not her husband but she was crying and when my dad come in the kitchen door, she started to cry and ask my dad who was, he shook his head yes and she fainted right into his arms. So sad I remember that like yesterday. When we moved out of Gilman it was because my own brother had an accident playing in the snow in the back of the Durfee's house.Him (Carl and another boy) were digging in the snow, they got caught in a mini Avalanche That was in 1966. My mom hated Gilman because of all the snow and always worried about my dad in the mine. So once that happen she said she was leaving and going to take me with her. So dad gave in and we all moved to Denver. dandjh@bresnan.net Judy Gomez-married name is now Hackney
My grandparents & many of my aunt's lived in Last Chance, CO. I lived there from 1981-1985 second house south of where the hwy crosses. My grandmother, Verna Price ran the cafe for years.In these pics it was the white building with green trim. Across the street was the church. The Goode family lived there. Just west of the cafe was the only mechanic in town, the Devarent family ran it. The Everhart's had the gas station/convenience store. Don't remember who had the hotel, but their son was named Tad. Used to love getting dipped ice cream cones at Dairy King and trying to suck out all the ice cream without breaking the chocolate shell. A couple of my aunt's worked there when I was in elementary school.
Hi I just found your sit and I've been to Rollins Pass meay times I have pictures from 1978 when you could still drive thru the needle eye tunal and cross the trestle. John lilorphan8@aol.com
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
I love reading about your adventures in the wild west. It sounds like every one had fun & RESPECTED evryone & everything unlike todays world. My brother LOUIE & I (PAUL) love travling to colorado. Some places we have been are Durango & Silverton, Denver, Colorado Springs, THE COORS BEER. paulzima61254@gmail.com
Monday, April 01, 2013
BTW...Ward is NOT a Ghost Town. We have an active town council, Mayor, and many flourishing residents!!
Hi Soraya! Sure miss you birthday buddy!
Saturday, March 30, 2013
when I was young I lived in the midway area not to far from there. Mr Hamilaton lived across the road from me and had a spray plane.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Doug Colorado Springs Would like to go there with someone to take photos and just look
Monday, March 25, 2013
Great site! Thanks for the time put into it to share with everyone! You caused me to make a few changes to an upcoming trip I have planned! :-) ~Dezdan http://www.Dezdan.com
Friday, March 15, 2013
WOW! Great site. Been a 'ghost town guy' for 60 years, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, South Dakota, and slightly in Washington/Oregon. The photos are great, sometimes directions to specific sites would help. I've been to mostly Colorado sites. Hiked a lot of 'ghost railroads' over the years. Led tours of ghost towns when I was younger. Tons of photos, which we are now working on cataloging by location and date. Do mostly 'railfanning' now. Keep up the GOOD WORK!!!!! Dan Kube Berthoud, CO oledanl@aol.com
I own the property with the ramp in the Sunrise City pictures on your site. It was the old wharf site for the town which was located at the other end of a tramway (like a railroad track) that curved along the toe of the slope just below the Point Comfort Cemetery (the graveyard in your pictures). The wharf buildings, etc were washed away in the earthquake (the Hope/Sunrise Museum has a photo of them heading downstream). I believe my property is the most beautiful place in Alaska and I am sure many visitors would agree. I also have the second highest tides in the world (about 42 foot differential from low to high in a single day). It is also interesting to note that each time the sun comes from behind a mountain it gets warmer as the direct sun hits you. Thank you for sharing the pictures. Ward alaskan@mail.com p.s. That grassy tidal field is filled with wildflowers every summer.
Saturday, March 09, 2013
The date was 1869, not 59. Also 50 Pawnee scouts were the first to enter the village and they killed any Cheyenne they saw, which was the way of the Plain's Indian. These Dog Soldiers were some of the worst murderers on the plains. When I walked the site I could only wonder how many white people died at the hands of these murderers?
Rocky Says - THANKS for the correction - I will fix. I appreciate the input.
Friday, March 08, 2013
My e-mail was wrong on the last post and want to correct it, bt, it should be redberry620@gmail.com
Friday, March 08, 2013
I was six months old when I arrived in Orchard CO. The year was 1936 and I had just been adopted in Denver wher I was born. My future mother picked me up with on diper and a new baby blanket; the adoption paper cost $9.00. Thes were hard times and I was very fortunate to have a family which consited of an older sister and dad. My new mother and I boarded a train and the next stop was Orchard. This was to be my first home living along side the rail road track in abox car that was converted into living quarters. My dad worked for the rail road and that was part of his benfits, free housing. He worked on a rail car that two mem would pump to travel down the line looking for spikes and damaged ties. I was told by my mother that we were the lucky ones as lots of people would come by wver week asking if we could spare some food which my family shared as my dad always had a little garded and my mother canned veg. We lived ther untill I was about two years old and then moved to oklahoma. I had never return to orchard and only heard about the place through conversations with my parents. When I was 72, 2005 I had raised a family of my own and lost my wife of 45 years. Through the internet I started searching for any part of my other family if they still existed. The journey took me to Fort Morgan. While at Fort Morgan I drove out to Orchard to see what it was like. I spent about 45 min. driving up and down the few streets, It was a Sunday and I could tell ther were people still living there but I never saw any thing alive except apoor dog wondering along one of the streets. The experience was quite and experience. bt redberry620@gmail.com
I live in Leadville and happen to know the guy that was head of security for the Ginn Corp. He let me go to Gillman whenever I wanted. I could go onto the property on the other side of the highway. I asked if I could go into the old town with him to look around and take pictures and he would not let me because of large amounts of cyanide, asbestos and other dangers. Ginn stopped the development due to the economy, and mostly water rights.I took as many people there as I could to show them the beauty it has to offer. I have seen a model scale of what the plan is and it will be very neat when compleated, but also sad to see it change. I am still in contact with the gentelman in charge of the project and am looking forward to going back as soon as the snow melts! Please be aware of the risks of tresspassing.
Sunday, March 03, 2013
My dad's family is from Russell Gulch. They were the Stevens my family would go up to the "cabin" in the summers when I was growing up. It was the house my grandma grew up in. My great uncle gave the cabin to a family who moved in one winter because he felt sorry for them. I was told my great grandfather owned the saloon and great uncles worked in the mines.They were originally from Cornwall England. When my grandmother died a relative had written about some of the family history it was interesting to read.
Monday, February 25, 2013
My wife, daughter and I explored Nevadaville on foot in the summer of 1976. While walking past some old tailings piles we surprisingly came upon two open, unprotected shafts or old ore passes. Scared the heck out of me, as anyone not being careful could have fallen in. We didn't leave by going back through Central City, but rather took a steep, switch backed way out and down that came out back of Idaho Springs. That was a hair-raising but beautiful decent into I.S.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Stumbled across the Roggen pictures and brought back alot of fond memories.My mother and I moved there in 1948. She was the cook for Cuykendall Hereford ranch south of Roggen until early sixties I stayed on until the ranch sold in 1981. It or part of it is now a chicken type farm. tmarschall47@gmail.com
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
I am looking for people who stayed at the Tiger anywhere from 1970 (late) to March of 1973. My mom went by Isa and worked at the Goldpan. She said she lived in one of the cabins way down at the end. I guess they all called it the Tiger on the Swan commune! Looking at the pictures was great, and if anybody else has any info please e-mail! jessicacrim@hawaiiantel.net Thanks!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
I just found this site, what a surprize to see that both my cousin & her daughter had submitted comments. Yes, I too am an ex-Jimtowner, my Grandparents were Dave & Ruth Goodard. My Mom, Abby is their oldest daughter. We lived off and on in and around Jimtown for years. However, we also lived in another 'Ghost Town' that you have listed, in Sunshine. To see Grandma & Grandpa,we would leave Sunshine drive up through Gold Hill, then go down Left Hand Canyon turn left at the bridge then on to Jimtown. When we weren't actually living there,we made this trip every Sunday for dinner at Grandma & Grandpa's. I remember, the gas pumps at the store, and getting candy there 2 for a penny & my Aunt Star buying me a soda for a nickel, and making sure we picked up the mail. The post office was also in the store. I remember my Dad and Uncles playing music for dances at the Town Hall and that area directly across from the Church was called the baseball field, at that time it was just called that because everyone that I knew, used it as a place to turn around in. I also remember that land that they later used as a tailings pond, was where Mrs. Cobb lived, Grandma use to get her eggs from her. (I think the tailings pond is now the where the baseball diamond is located.) It was exciting to see comments from Rosie and her brother Charlie Brown. I remember the Hamlin's, the Jeske's,Gunn's,Perrin's, Dayhoff's,Jenson's, Sapp's, Pennington's, Seltman's, Daniels, Helen Duff and many many more. Thank you for offering this oppurtunity to remember Jimtown and all the good thoughts that go along with that. Sincerely,Barb Tyrer-Beauchamp,
Rocky: I enjoyed your section about Gilman, Co. I worked there in the summer of 1967. I was raised in the coal fields of Pa. and was studying engineering at the University of Kentucky. I wanted to see what hard rock mining was all about. At least I sure found out what not to do. I was interested in the post from Thursday Feb. 17 2011. I had to have lived down the hall from him. I can remember Ronnie, Francis and Howard. Skip was a contract diamond driller and Barney was a company man whose wife left him and went to Vail. Mark Boyce Central City, Pa. mark_boyce@yahoo.com
Saturday, February 09, 2013
I visited the site back in 2000. While driving there I played the soundtrack form Dances With Wolves, which made the day that much more eerie. It was easy to imagine the action that took place there, 131 years previous. It was as chilling as visiting Auscwitz.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
I lived and worked in Breckenridge in 1987 and loved Alma and hiking the divide. Thinking of coming out to visit the area and people again. Worked at the top of Peak 8 at the Vista Haus restaurant back then.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Enjoyed reading about this, Thank you.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Great pictures. I don't understand how anyone can just abandon these great buildings, and beautiful country land, not even sold to someone else!??!!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Hi my name is Julia Duran Atkinson my grandfather Pedro Duran was born in Fierro in 1881 my father John Jaramillo (his mother was Rita Jaramillo)Duran was born in Fierro in 1917.Rita Jaramillo born in May 1891 or 1892 married Pedro in 1910 in Fierro.Grandpa Pedro brought his family to Los Angeles California shows up in the 1920 Census.1920 was the last information about grandma Rita Jaramillo we have not been able to find anything else about her it is as if she just vanished!By the time we were young kids grandpa was married to Clarita Torres which turns out to be Rita's aunt.Rita's mother Telesfora Torres and Clarita were sisters.As an adult and with much research I was able to put all this information together.As many of us say years ago no one talked about anything too bad for us that are trying to put our Ancestry together to leave to our kids.If any one has any insight as to my family it would be appreciated.jdatkinson2004@yahoo.com
Saturday, January 19, 2013
My Great Grandfather Jeremiah Thomas went to Nevadaville in about 1867. In 1868 he married Ellen Jenkins in Central City and one year later their first child, Charles was born. They left there after 3 new born daughters died during the first year of their lifes.
You could add HILL CITY to the Colorado ghost town list. This was another city that began big, but faded out in only about one year. Hill City erupted in 1881 near the headwaters of Williams Fork Creek, southwest of Berthoud Pass, on the old Hayden Wagon Road. Several hundred men scurried to the spot when some placer gold was found here. But many of the fortune seekers turned around and left within mere days or a few weeks. The site was named after Professor Nathaniel Hill.
Rocky Says - Never heard that the town was named after the Professor. I thought he was living in Denver and a US Senator from 1879 to 1885.
Monday, January 07, 2013
I am the eldest child of Doris (Dougherty) Truby. I have many fond memories visiting Jamestown and my great grandfather David Goodard. The house with the broken windows is Dave Goodard's home, and about 15 years ago my great uncle Al, David Goodard's son told me that the old house was not worth fixing and he was just waiting for a good gust of wind to blow it over. I really miss those days.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Howdy ya'all radnarusa@gmal.com, glad to meet ya'all hopin its them livin ya'all 'ere more interested in. Hangin with them livin I am! Always lookin for a quick buck in this life and the the next one too. Honest though, only on the ups ya'all knows thet ya'ere! Rad! B seein u's! Stay up!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
i think the ' oh my god road ' was the back way to idaho springs ( ? ). we used to take that road to shop at the safeway ( ? ) as there wasn't much in bk/central city. i lived ( camped ) there briefly in the early 70's before moving ( again briefly ) to a cabin in blackhawk. the rent was $20/mo. split 4 ways. i played guitar at the silver from 11 am to 5 pm for a while - $5/hr. crazy times back then !!! email:xbburtonx@gmail.com (silver slipper)
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
My parents were members of the Colorado Ghost Town Club and we made many trips over Rollins pass during the 60's in our old Willys wagon. We caught many fish at pumphouse lake on the top where Rollinsville used to stand and I have fond memories of needles eye tunnel and the trestles. I can't remember when the tunnel was closed by the forest service, but i visited for the last time in 1985. I now live down in central Florida, but I still have a bookcase full of books documenting the Colorado railroads which serviced many of the ghost towns and mining camps throughout the state. It's nice to revisit periodically. Larry B
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
I have many fond memories of Russell Gulch, I lived with Martha Kennish on and off for several years and was devoted to Ma & Pa Schaffer, they all in their own way taught me a lot of life lessons, I was in Florida with my good friend Michelle when Martha's house burned, my mother was from Orchard and when she was a little girl Martha gave her a sewing basket! Penelope Walker, Eureka Springs, Ar. walkerpenelope13@yahoo.com
Friday, November 30, 2012
I would like to ask anyone who sees this if they remember a solitary saloon from the 1800s somewhere in the Victor / Cripple Creek area. I saw it back in the 1970's about 50 yards off the 2 lane road I was on. Weathered, but standing. You could still definitely read, "Midway Saloon." I would like to know where it is and if it's still there. If you have any ideas as to the location and pictures I am at PTaylor.1008@gmail.com Thank you so much.
Friday, November 30, 2012
It sure takes me back. I was raised in Colorado and I've been gone forty years. Nice to see a lot of things I remembered.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Hi this is Scott and Christy in Colorado Springs. I lived in Dunton for awhile in 83-84. I have lots of stories about those days! What a wild time.
Rocky Says - How about sharing some of those stories???
Saturday, November 24, 2012
I took my wife through Keota today on our way to Pawnee Buttes. I noticed at least one missile silo on the road, I would guess that explains the military that you saw.
Friday, November 16, 2012
I grew up in Meeker, Colorado and have seen quite a few of the old ghost towns but one of my favorites is Marble. It's a beautiful place. I now live in Utah which has interesting history as well. emayh@ubtanet.com.
in response to A viewer on- June 5, 2012 at Summit Springs - Much fenced off with "no trespassing" signs. Too bad this history isn't available and more easily accessible. Private property owner's shouldn't be able to keep people out of places like this.
If people visiting would not shoot holes in windmill and water tank and not tear down fences or cut wires maybe the property owner's would be more receptive to visitors. Also had they thought about asking permission to enter private property?
Rocky Responds - I tend to agree with the comments. I made numerous phone calls etc to find the owners and they graciously allowed me access to the site. I can understand the owners concerns after viewing the vandalism in person.
Friday, November 02, 2012
As a young teenager, I lived in Tiger, Colorado twice when my father accepted employment from Henry Jarvis, the owner of the saw mill located in Tiger. All total, I spent about three years exploring the surrounding landscape, catching fish with my hands in the summer when water levels receded among tailing of the mining dredge that had turned over the river bottom. I have many fond memories of a simpler life that was full of mystery and adventure. I attended school in Breckenridge, Colorado. We lived in the hand-huded log cabins that had been slightly renovated. I remember hauling water by hand from a pond that was located at one end of the community. The woods crew that cut and skid logs doubled as the mill crew during the winter and when an order for rough lumber was needed to be cut. The only running water that we had came from the river and a 2 1/2 horse Briggs and Straten gas driven pump and garden hose that we buried deep underground between the river and our cabin. Our cabin was two stories and we had five wood stoves. A cook stove in the kitchen, an on the back covered porch for heating wash and bath water. We also had three pot belly stoves, one in the food pantry room that we kept lit throughout the winter to keep our canned good from freezing and a second pot-belly in the living room and a third in my parents bedroom. I slept in the kitchen during the winter and upstairs in my own bedroom in the spring summer and fall. I hunted for and collected antique bottles by the dozens and used some for target practice until I learned they were worth money. I sold my collection of 180 bottles to an antique dealer in Leadville, CO. I ran a trap line behind the saw mill as wildlife was fairly abundant. I discovered several sub-communities in the surrounding area within a day's walk of the logging camp. I would be interested in talking with anyone who lived in Tiger from 1958 to 1962. I can be reached at danap18@comcast.net. I was saddened to learn that the local government torch Tiger which was such a wonderful and rich historical treasure that should have been preserved. I have only a few black and white photos. Posted: Nov 2, 2012 by B. STEC
Friday, November 02, 2012
Mike, My wife and I love to visit Colorado. We never tire of the mountains and their beauty. We especially love to visit ghost towns and off the commercially traveled areas. We have probably seen more of Colorado than a large majority of the Colorado population. We have visited Caribou about three times, but never really looked around extensively until this last time this August. Many of the stone foundations are visible on the side of the hill opposite the stone buildings. I counted about 15-20 separate foundations outlined by rock and surrounding flat areas. I am sure there were other buildings on the surrounding hills, but my wife was afraid to venture around those areas. I wanted to see the cemetery, but we were short on time as it was starting to rain on us. The covered mine at the end of the stone buildings was of some interest as I had not noticed this before. Was this the only mine near the town and if not where were the others? It is fascinating to hear of yours and others experiences. I hope you add more to this site. Thanks for your research in this fascinating area of Colorado. As others have said, Missouri has nothing to compare. Although I love it here in Kansas City, I look forward to visiting Colorado time and time again. My email is crfrancisco56@yahoo.com and I would love to hear from you. Bob and Kelly Francisco
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
if you have pics of Les/TonyCordoza from Russell Gulch (69-72) PLEASE post them here with Mike Thanks Les
Monday, October 29, 2012
I was born in Denver, but adopted by Donald and Byrnece Webb, who lived in Gilman, in 1949. I lived there until 1967 when I went away to college. I loved reading the information and memories about my home, and I found names of people that I remember! I am going to write some of my memories and send them to you! Meanwhile, keep up this great site and the research you are doing! Donna Webb Shultz dpalomina@aol.com
Friday, October 26, 2012
Mike, thank you, so much, for posting these pictures of the medicine wheel. Very powerful. Your cousin, Susan.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Hello, I am looking for any information or pictures of my Grandfather James Benjamin Gilchrist's mercantile store in Fierro,NM. I t was called the Gilchrist & Dawson Mercantile store. My father was born in Fierro,NM. in 3-1910. Here is a link to some info on my grandfather Gilchrist. Scroll down to see pictures of the Fierro home my Dad was born in and pictures of his mother Minnie Gilchrist and him taken at the home where he was born in Fierro,NM. http://dancinglady.tripod.com/Scotlandhistorypictures.html This is my Grandfather Gilchrist. http://www.newmexicohistory.org/centennial/Delegates/Bio-Gilchrist-James-B.html
Thank you for any help you can give me. Kathleen Gilchrist Garrels email decoforever@yahoo.com
Friday, October 19, 2012
Just came across this wonderful page about Fierro. Our family is sitting here in California looking at your pictures. My dad is Cruz Gonzales married to Pearl. He was born and raised in Fierro to Luis and Francisca (Pancha) Gonzales. He says he can remember a lot of stories of the Llorona. He and his friends use to play a kind of handball at the Rebote by the arroyo. He also remembers playing baseball by the cometary. He remembers giving money to the manager as did the other players. The manager went to Juarez to buy those uniforms and came back with some ugly green uniforms. They named themselves the Parrots because of those uniforms. Soon after that they got new uniforms and changed their names. My parents moved to California and raised their children in Orange County. I, Brenda Gonzales Padilla (their daughter) now live in New Mexico and raised my children in Silver City. I just recently retired after teaching 26 years at Jose Barrios Elementary. We will come back to this page at another time with stories, names and pictures.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Came across this site while searching for information about a place I came across while camping and hiking in the mountains above George Town CO. as a young man in 1978. After all these years I was thinking about it again and thought it must have been something and is probably on the internet by now. By searching google maps I was able to figure out where we were and turns out it is the Santiago mine, saw the pictures and it brought back the memorys of exploring around there. Thanks for the site.
Just visited the Alta ghost town a few weeks ago. It is still ruggedly beautiful, even though a lot of it is in ruins. At least some of the structures are being preserved. Now if I could have only gotten up to the mine .... wanted to see if any of the aerial tramway was still intact !!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Mogollon Ghost Town - Was just there on 11 OCT 2012. Be aware the cafe, museum, etc. are only open on weekends and holidays, mid-MAY through mid-OCT (there is a sign to that effect at the turnoff from the main road). Looks like they just had a flood that they were still cleaning up after. Was suprised to see a UPS truck coming in as we were going out. Jim, Colorado Springs.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Alta Ghost Town - I first visited the summer of 1982. Back then, you could wander through the buildings. Was just there on 09 OCT 2012. As other folks have mentioned, the town has been bought and fenced off. Still, it was worth a trip. And you have a great view of Lizard Head from the townsite (where the creek crosses the road). Was surprised that so much of the land downhill from Alta was fenced off and marked no trespassing, but that's progress. By the way, drive a few more miles south and take the road to Dunton. That is an awesome drive for that any car can make. Thank you. Jim, Colorado Springs.
Friday, October 05, 2012
i came across your site and loved seeing pictures of Gilman. My Grandparents lived there from the 1950's to 1984. My Grandfather was Joe Gash and my Grandma was Betty Gash. My Grandma worked at Murphy's and after it closed at the Post Office. My Grandfather was welder in the mine and even helped bring the water lines into Gilman. My Dad is Don Green and he was in the 1st graduating class of Battle Mountain High School, but mostly went to Red Cliff. My Dad will tell em stories about ices scating on top of the garages, sledding near the dump and pin srtting at bowling alley and alot of other stuff that should have killed him. My uncle is Ed Gash and mu my Aunt is Wanda Gash Thompson. They both were born and raised in Gilman. As a military brat, Gilman is the place we alsways refered to as home. I still miss this great place.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Greetings to all who find interest and appreciate those places that once thrived in the history of America but have since been abandoned, or mostly abandoned by our evolving society. Does anybody have a source for reading about the history of Pearl, CO ? Other than this site, I have found some recent (less than 10 years old) photos of the town site and what remains of the copper smelter site. If anybody wants some photos of a particular location in Colorado and can't find them elsewhere, I am an intrepid adventurer and would look forward to the adventure. R/ Bob r_hobart45@hotmail.com
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
On September 9, 2010 I wrote in about my grandmother who was born in Nevadaville. Her biologic father was John William Atkinson and her adoptive father (also her real uncle) was John J. Clark. I keep looking for more information on them. they are all buried at Bald Mountain. If you have any information, I would appreciate it. My new e-mail address is puzzleluber@hotmail.com I was just up at Bald Mountain Cemetery and visited Nevadaville last weekend. It is so interesting to try to picture the people as they lived their lives there.
Friday, September 21, 2012
I live in Keota, Oklahoma. Been here all my Choctaw life. There is no tribal headquarters here, the population is less than 600. we don't even have a grocery store. one writer suggested that the Sac and Fox were headquartered here. Incorret !
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Find it interesting that parts of wild horse are missing............who took the pictures anyway?
Monday, September 17, 2012
My husband discovered remains of a town in 1963 while elk hunting. A brass bell was on the ground with "1864" engraved on it. A little northeast of Williams Creek Lake in Pagosa Springs. I wrote a book about it. Never have found anything that shows much of a record. Have lived in Denver and Pine Junction. Love this site. Thanks. All the best - smstarkey.novels@yahoo.com
Thursday, September 13, 2012
I have discovered 500 shares of stock that my grandfather owned of the Swarthmore consolidated mining company. Can anyone give me any history of this mine? Thanks lynnskyrms@yahoo.com
I wrote in Aug 9, 2010 and also Oct 9, 2010, looking for information on my family that lived in Nevadaville. At the time my email was Shebbyluber@hotmail.com. Due to a fluke at hotmail I had to change my email to puzzleluber@hotmail.com. I would still like to learn more. My grandparents, aunts and uncles are buried there at Bald Mounatain. Names are Wollenweber, Atkinson, Clark, Seymour with ties involved.
Sunday, September 09, 2012
Marilyn - My parents had a cabin in Eldora in the 50s. It was located on Klondike Avenue, a humble one-room log cabin with a creepy and stinky outhouse. My Dad built on a kitchen and a little storage room along about 1958 or so. Some of my happiest memories are from this time and place. I walked to town to "The Hitchin' Post" and bought penny candy from Mrs. Worthington, who was also the postmistress. I would then stop by and visit the the Kemps in their little gift shop. I was about 7 or 8 at the time. Can you imagine allowing a 7-year old kid to wander around alone? How times have changed. At least once a summer we hiked up to the old Lake Eldora Lodge, sometimes straight up from Eldora and sometimes from the Marysville side. We always took the dog along for protection. Saw a bear or two over the years.
Sunday, September 09, 2012
I have been a Colorado history buff since I was very young;now 60+. I loved reading all about your treasured memories of such long ago places I now have pictured in my head while reading your stories. Those days were hard with heartaches, sorrow, smiles and laughter which life was all about. I read all the comments about your lives, past and present, for this beautiful area of Colorado will remain "alive" forever for those who care about our past. Enjoyed very much! "Happy Trails. . ." Barbara Sept 9, 2012. bljsilverhorse1@hotmail.com
Saturday, September 08, 2012
I worked in yampa CO around 1982, 1983. Lived at the finger rock hatchery. Is that still around? Did creel census work at the Bear and Stillwater reservoirs for Colo Div of Wildlife. Grew up in CO but hadn't been there prior. Beautiful area - fun job. Spent my whole summer fishing and exploring surrounding places. One memory is working with a former Mr America named Vic Tanny Jr - the hatchery boss. Whatever happened to him? I'm Ken Ortiz. For anyone who shared these experiences with me, I'm at kjja12@gmail.com
I am looking for information about Jarbridge,Nevada. There was a gold mine there in the 1920s and 1930s that my great uncle and his brother in law worked in. Alison St. Paul, MN
My grandparents met in Wild Horse and my mother was born there. My grandfather, T.J. McNevin founded and published the newspaper The Wild Horse Times. He also sold real estate and worked hard to promote the area. Alison St Paul, MN
My Aunt owned a cabin in Fulford. Our families spent a lot of summers up there hiking and fishing and goofing off. Awesome place to visit.
name is freddy barreras. born and raised there. dad worked in mine. best memories of my life are from roaming the hills. left in 1965 after graduating from cobre high. still love going back there.
Russell Gulch --wow. Found this site looking for Idaho Springs stuff, lived there 76-77. Summer of 76 I worked in C. City--drove the "Oh my god" both ways & got to where I knew it well enough to go 30 mph. Started snowing so bad one day that June that the Chandelier Shoppe (?) closed for maybe 1st time ever. Anyway, I'm an Okie, what did I know, so headed back over the mountain. The snow go so deep at the Gulch my VW went off in the bar ditch. I saw a house with lights so walked up there. The guy there took me on over to a house with a phone so I could call my family in IS, and someone (him?) had a truck with a winch. They got my bug out & I spent a very cold night with him in his unheated house. Turns out he was another okie. Thanks for stirring up that memory. I may still have some pics for you of how beautiful the quakies were up at the gulch that fall. Another time on my way to work in CC, the tie-rod on my VW broke, and I gathered speed almost all the way down from the Gulch till my car came to a stop in Tyler Mchuen's (sp) yard--just missed the house! It was the little pink house on the right as you came down into CC. He was bartender at the Gold Coin in CC. Thanks again for the memories! Lisa in OK
I have lived in CO. for less than 2 years. I moved out here from Maine and I haven't left yet. I love ghost towns, and have found a few thanks to this site. I love to find some of the old ghost mines also. If anyone has any places they would like to share . I would appreciate it . thanks so much Dena denadar1@gmail.com
Looking for information regarding the Saunier Farm across the railroad tracks in Weldona Colo. Also information of the Presbyterian Church of Weldona, Co. shown in Photos on this web site. Some of my family donated the Stained Glass window shown in the pictures above. Would be interested in knowing what happened to that window and or the church in the city of Weldona. Please contact me at jeffrey_saunier@att.net. Thank you
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
I was born in Longmont and lived in Colorado up until I was 16 and I do not ever remember visiting the ghost town of Keota until my brother, whom lives not to far from Pawnee Buttes, took me to the Buttes to take pictures. We drove through the remains of this town on the way. Very interesting history. Carla, Solon Iowa
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Well I wrote back in 2009 saying my dad Anthony James Reymann was born in Wildhorse in 1907, and someday I would like to visit . Well today that wish came true took pictures and spoke to Curtis and Kevin! Learned a lot from the two great gentlemen!
Rocky Says - Great, I am glad you got the opportunity. If you have things you want to share send them to me..
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
I hope u see this my Dad was Eldrid Dronen and we were friends with Les Ashbury...I had such a crush on Greg Ashbury....please contact me karadronen@yahoo.com
Kara Dronen karadronen@yahoo.com I now live in Rawlins WY
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
I was born in Leadville but grew up in Gilman...I have so many memories of Gilman...my Dad was a Miner but he also drove the ambulance...I also remember the wild flowers there...columbines. I also remember how i would not ride a bike there cuz the canyon was toooo scary and how some of the trailers hung over the side of the cliff.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Greetings from Ontario, California I am looking for any information on Samuel Thomas Ashley, my 2x great grandfather, who lived in Bonanza til his death 1939. My 2x great grandmother was Rebecca, she passed in 1932, in Bonanza. My grandfather, John Wesley Ashley was born in Trinidad in 1905. If there is any information about, I would appreciate anything about my relations. I can be reached at norman_91789@yahoo.com Regards, Norman
To: Les Cardoza Several photos of you and your brother Tony have recently been re-discovered and are now in Russell Gulch. Seems to be a wedding in the Pewabic House. Tony had lighter colored hair, is that correct? And your goat (remember that?) is long gone. To : Others of Italian heritage. We have house cats named Reiva and Simoni.Certain names that are mentioned are prominent in our property chain-of-titles and the homes are still owner occupied. The oldtimers built and maintained nice homes and have our thanks for providing us with same. We hope to pass them along to others in good condition. Russell Gulch was and remains a very eclectic community. In the old days there were people of every ethnicity living in harmony. So it continues, the wealthy ruling class dildoes who would have it otherwise notwithstanding.
Thursday, July 05, 2012
I went to Crystal in 1969 with my boyfriend of the time. We made it in my 1965 Mustang, although it took 3 tries and one crisis of getting stuck in the middle of a creek. It was one of the most beautiful places on earth, as far as I was concerned. All the cabins were empty except for one, which housed a caretaker, of sorts, who told us we were welcome to camp there, which we did. I will never forget it, and it still figures in my imagination as a place I would love to live. Very inaccesible then, except by 4 wheel drive. I have never been back, although I hope to, someday.
Sunday, July 01, 2012
I was riding West cross country from California to Kentucky and back when I came upon this cool little town. I was not going to stop until I saw the name "Wild Horse". It seemed meant to be that I should turn around and make this stop...since I was on my iron horse and wild as hell. I took some shots of my bike in front of a little building and kicked a few rocks. I wanted to stay but the breeze was calling me...gotta get to gettin' she said. So I left. Made it home a few days later just in time for that little red headed grandson to run into my arms. Life is good and hey...thanks for the memories "Wild Horse".
Friday, June 29, 2012
We visited the town of Crystal in the summer of 1976. Two sisters lived in the two-story house across from the Crystal post office. They were the only residents at that time and "ran" the post office and sold pop from the cooler, which was a mountain stream, running between the house and the post office. We had read of the town in MotorHome Life, a magazine that featured places to visit. Ladies had not seen the article. I gave them my copy of magazine. They were very interesting women, and we could have visited much longer had we the time. They were not young in 1976. Does anyone know of them?
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
I was so happy and surprised to come across this site. My grandfather, Juan Manuel Araujo owned the store in the town of Fierro. It is the white bldg with the green awnings. He also owned the gold colored house in the pictures that were right next to the store. My fondest childhood memories were in Fierro as our family lived in California and my brothers, my cousins and I would all spend the entire summer in Fierro with my grandparents. We ran the hills all day, built a tree house, explored the school that has since been taken down, raced down the main street, scraped our knees, got splinters in our fingers and sap in our hair. I agree that the chapel is the most beautiful little chapel around and the murals are absolutely beautiful. I made wonderful childhood friends there also. I wish Fierro were still the same so my children could have enjoyed the childhood innocence of that place. I go back there every couple of years and the house and store still stands...I walk through both and they seem so much smaller than what I remember. My grandma Minga would wake early and make homemade tortillas every morning for us. We would love when the railroad stopped across the street from our house and the conductors would come into the store to buy food and drinks. Us kids all took turns ringing them up on the cash register with the lever....I can't say enough about this town and it will forever been embedded in my memory. Theresa Araujo Okamura; teokamura@verizon.net.
Monday, June 25, 2012
I have a friend/neighbor who is from California and now lives here in Denver,CO. He has always been curious about Ghost towns and would like to see some. Will tell him about this website. I'll be back again. Thank you for this website. Very informative and good information here. Have a great day!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
I was so astonished to find this page. From 1967 through the early 70s, my husband worked for New Jersey Zinc Company in Hanover, New Mexico and we lived in one of the company houses up on the hill. We were there during the time that the New Jersey Zinc mine closed. During the last few days, as the men were closing everything down, we took a great many picture of the process of closing the mine down for good. Many years ago, I spoke to someone at the museum in Silver City and they told me that, to their knowledge, there were NO pictures of the NJZ mine as it was closing down. I sent off copies of my photos to them several years ago. I still have copies of those photos. IF there is any possibility that you would be able to use any of those photos for this site, please DO get in touch with me and I would be happy to send a set of copies to you! I no longer remember the names of many of the people who were in the photos - but it is quite possible that the visitors to your site might recognize some of those folks. Best to you all, Phyllis in Westminster, Colorado debj4@dim.com
Monday, June 04, 2012
George Raymond again from Huntingtin Beach CA. I wish to thank this web site and all who responded to my request for information on the Raymond's from the Bonanza area. Dona and I traveled to Colorado July 2011 and after riding the old trains, we traveled to Bonanza and Exchequer. We were successful in finding The Raymond burial plot and "Potato John's" grave. We found the aproximate location of the Raymond Ranch. As a results, we have made contact with some of the Raymond decendants, one in Grand Junction, and one in Northern California. We left information we had on the Raymond's at the Saguache County Museum. We located the Cotton Creek Cemetery where other family members are buried. The Grave stones are nocked over and broken. We have Iva (Ivy) Davidson's Weding book for her marrage to James G. RaymondSept. 25, 1916 in Salida. Her patents were cook and caretaket at the Co. Hospatal. We have an old postcard showing the Jackson Hotel (Landmark of the Rockies) at Poncha Springs and a postcard from James in Bonanza to Ivy in Salida Aug. 1910. One cent stamp. We also got a copy of the song that was written to honor James after his death resulting from a mining accident at the Cocomonoga quarts mine near Bonanza. Thanks again, GRAYMOND@socal.rr.com
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Sure wish the woman that had worked at Gilman had signed her name. Now I am so curious to who it is, and if you are in contact with the other 2 women that you lived with. I also lived and worked at Gilman, and knew the other women. Would be great to touch base with you. If you should see this message, I can be reached by email at kmaebarnes@gmail.com Kathy
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Thanks for the memorial day story you shared with us. So true I have to admit, there have been times that we took advantage of the long weekend and did some camping. When home though we always attended the memorial day program in Wanda, MN or Pipestone, MN. This year we traveled to Pipestone to attend my fathers legion post ceremony. We had not attended Pipestone's program since dad's death. So it was bitter sweet. I'll never forget how proud our boys were to watch their Grandpa shoot the guns in the 21 gun salute that they do. Then they each got to bring home a empty shell from the gun their Grandpa had shot. They thought that was so cool. I'm pretty sure that they have that shell tucked away somewhere in one of their boxes. Then after the ceremony it's time to do the traditional walk and visit the graves of all the relatives buried in Pipestone. Again a bitter sweet time. It brought back so many memories of years gone by. Yes, it is important that we remember our dead. Pray for their souls, so that one day we will all have one huge reunion together in heaven forever. Thanks veterans for keeping our country Free!. Dawn, Wanda,MN
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Thank you for this site. And to all. Who are working to keep the lost history of this country alive for our youth, to learn. I appreciate the time, you put in. Kimberly
In tracing back my family tree I found out that I am a direct descendent of William Greenberry Russell who this are was named after. I loved seeing these pictures and just wanted to thank everyone for all of their hard work in getting this information on the web! Robin Russell O'Grady 3201mu@gmail.com
Monday, May 28, 2012
p.s. I forgot to mention Martha is buried beside a stranger to most of us in her family. She is also buried beside one of her daughters and a grandchild, Paula and Cecilia Stinson. The Stinsons lived in the house in Russell Gulch. Aunt Paula died in Texas, her husband was in the military, but her daughter died when they were living in the house in Russell Gulch in March of 1955. Please excuse my typing errors.
Monday, May 28, 2012
I apologize for my lack of tech. skills, if this is a rehash Re: Martha Kennish. Interesting that she elicited the comment of being a character out of the book Centennial. I like that. You probably know Orchard, Co., was used as the town of Centennial to film the series. Other parts were filmed around Jackson Lake and north of Weldona. Anyway Martha and her husband William Kennish owned a grocery store in Orchard. Martha married William Kennish on 6 Oct. 1909. They had four children, twenty grandchildren and at my count 41 great-grandchildren. I can't for the life of me figure why she would give the impression, let alone say that she was of Welsh heritage. Kennish is not Welsh it is Manx. My great-grandfather Robert Kennish was from the Isle of Man. Martha was born to Frank N. Harshman and Laura E. Bullard on May 16, 1889. She died on May 15,1984. I truly loved my grandmother, who had a tremendous influence on me. She started me on my hobby of genealogy with stories of her family, etc. The stories told by her are pretty well documented and I now that everybody in the family, including her, is aware that the Kennish heritage is Manx. Martha was a very complex person. She was estranged from most in her family,including her siblings, children and descendents much of her life. When the depression hit she and my grandfather lost everything they owned except for one farm, which we called the home place, at Wiggins, Co. MK went to Denver and worked as a maid and caretaker for a widower with seven children, to help pay the mortgage on the farm. This happened before I was born. Their marriage was contentious to say the least. When she demanded settlemnt of the farm, I asked my grandad why they didn't just divorce and settle it, he replied, "Your grandmother doesn't believe in divorce, she's Catholic." When I pointed out that he wasn't, he filed. She became furious with me for suggesting that they get divorced. She tore up the divorce papers when they were served on her by the Gilpin County Sherriff. She never spoke to me again, until the day my mother died. They never divorced, but never lived together after I was born (1934). MK's life style was self chosen, i.e. lack of modern conveniences. I think I understand her better than most of the family. She was extremely kind to strangers, but was cold towards most of her family. She demanded more of her family members than others. It was never a financial demand but she held them to her moral standards, which I believe were quite high. She was extremely judgemental and seldom acknowleged let alone praised anyone's accomplishments in her family. She is the only person I have known who could walk into an empty room and start a fight. Tom
Monday, May 28, 2012
I took my children ages 4 and 10, to Alta lakes townsite in 1983. We drove up there in an old Land Cruiser. We camped several days, never saw another soul. The buildings were open and full of artifacts. So sad to hear it is to be developed. We have great memories. I wish it could have been saved as a historic site.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Does anyone know of or remember John Ross? Last I heard of him he was living in Silverton. Tom Mall
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
May 13 2012 Best Mother's Day EVER!!! Magnolia Mill, Snow, Pussy Willows, Dinner in Como.... Thank you Colorado!
Monday, May 21, 2012
What a stroll down memory lane, reading your comments about Eldora! I played guitar with a local there in the late '70's and early '80's. I have many fond memories of that beautiful little town, especially strumming outside amongst the wildflowers in the summer! Thanks for a great site, Kristy in AZ (missing CO)
Thursday, May 17, 2012
May 17, 2012 Someone posted a comment about 4 women working at the Gilman mine after 1972. I was one of the four women who worked there in 1974-1975. I lived in one of the houses owned by New Jersey Zinc Mine with 2 friends. The house had hard-wood floors and large windows in the front room and looked out on an incredibly beautiful view that was almost surreal. Everyday we would walk up the stairs that led from the lower row of the houses to the mine bldg., change clothes in a tiny, tiny changing room with 1 shower, load onto the 'cage' and be lowered into the depths of the mine & then walk to our designated work areas. At times it was very trying to be a woman underground because a lot of the old miners felt that women underground meant bad luck so we weren't always welcomed. However, the experience of living in Gilman & working in the mine are memories that are with me forever & would never change anything about that spectacular time of my life.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
I came across this site as i was telling a friend about my trips to Bonanza. my friend Fabian owns a cabin in Bonanza and has invited me to go for a weekend retreat. What a beautiful, peaceful place. We invited my son for one of the weekend trips and he liked it and could not believe the black sky with silver stars sparkling at us. The walks on the dirt roads and the resting on the deck is well worth the four hour trip from Albuquerque. Don't get any bigger Bonanza!! Rosalie from Albuquerque, NM
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Thank you for this site! I made my first trip to Grover as a college class project, and really enjoyed driving around, looking at the homes and buildings before going on to Keota. I can't wait to get back and spend more time!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Ive been looking into the history of roggen & was wondering whats the story behing the prairie lodge motel. I went & took pics of it a few weeks ago & it just sits with all the doors wide open, does anyone know why it was abondoned. That goes for all the businesses? If anyone has any info please email me at mistywalls82@gmail.com
Monday, May 07, 2012
Does anyone in Silverton remember Jody and Teressa Booker? if so and you have an address or phone # or you talk to them, would you give them my email address and phone #/ Jody is a cousin of mine and I lost touch with them when they left Silverton. Muchly appreciate your help. My name is Gina Booker Hampton my email is ginabookerhampton@hotmail.com. Thank you for your help. Ph #( 970-247-8051! thank you!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Just got back from Co. Fell in love with the area including Gilman-and its history. Will be doing much research on it, and the surrounding areas
Saturday, April 28, 2012
4/27/12 visited site, tried to envision how mine operated, mainly interested in railroading, poked around loadout at Belden, Former D&RG starting to look forlorn with trees between rails and rocks on ROW, wonder what UP will do with this line, probably will never see manifest freights again. Minturn is becomming "yuppified" liked it better before. My doctor Ricardo Pena is from there, his g'father worked for NJ Zinc.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
We are a General contractor in Denver Colorado. Weld County plans on bulding a sand and grader building just outside your town. I drove there the other day for a view of the site. Curious if there are any tradesman in the town or surrounding area, whom could bid on work for this project. Like anything else, the more locals involved the better for your economy. My email is steve@rmagroup.com, maybe theres some connections out there locally for this project to help benefit the town.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Hi, We saw a post of yours about the Gillman mines. Family researching my grandparents, and found they lived in a place called Bells-Camp (1936-1940) Can't locate on any maps (census or goggle maps). Was curious if you knew of this place, or any history about a location of the Camp?. Thanks craco274@msn.com
Sunday, April 08, 2012
I'm looking for a job out west more so south west to fix up any ghost town . I would be willing to relocate year round to work and to live ..... This is my life long wish please help me full fill my wish . Woodwizerd@aol.com
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
I enjoy your site. I grew up in Weldona. The building behind the Catholic Church was the old Union Pacific RR depot. Alas, there were no nude beaches when I was growing up. tmall1934@gmail.com
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
I enjoyed finding and reading about my Grandmother, Martha Kennish. It makes me smile over and over. One thing jumped out at me. She was not of Welsh descent. I athink the reminisence refers to one of her stories about the Welsh miners in the Blackhawk area. Martha's maiden name was Harshman (German) her mother was a Bullard (English), but if you want to say she was Welsh it's fine with me. She is the best read person I have known, including my college professors. I disgree about her being pleased about bring discussed on the internet. I can gaurantee she would never have owned a computer and nevver would have "wasted" her time on the internet. She would be reading a book. My favorite memory was of "Mamam" as we called her and I sat up all night reading War and Peace aloud to each other. Tom
Monday, March 26, 2012
I have tried to send an email but the address was not recognized. We used to live in RG and we have information about this. Please help us contact you. Thanks, Patricia and Sterling Bricker address is sterlingbricker@gmail.com
Saturday, March 24, 2012
My husband's grandfather was the night watchman of Nevadaville in the 70's His name was Virgirl (Pat) Green his old abanded trailor is in the gulley . I would love To live up there. Someone should buy the big old red house that I think belonged Many years ago to gene crosswhite not sure if that is how you spell his name And make a bed and breakfast. Save the town before the rich snobs turn it in to Lots. The person who could make a bed & breakfast and tour the town Fix it back up. My husband Charlies spent a lot of summers up there. Perry Mason even had one of the mines in it. The episode was the glass coffin. I do hope sombody will preserve the beautifulf part of colorado@ my e-mail is sweetrevenge57@sbcglobal.net......................... please save history@
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
What a joy to find this site, and even more so, to see the photos from a place I also called "home." Winter of 1972. I lived in one of the cabins down the road and on the left, with my then boyfriend Harvey. It was ... honestly ... one of the dearest, most treasured times of my life. Loved chopping wood, gathering water, and living in a place of such breathtaking, glorious beauty. Do you remember the full moon reflecting off the snow peaks? Beautiful. Also learned how to waitress at the Gold Pan Inn on days when we'd drive into town. I suppose the men were looking for work, I can't recall, but I'll never forget being told if I wanted to eat, if I could please just help by asking the rest of the folks in the dining room what they'd like (and then delivering it) ... I could keep the tips and get my breakfast without charge. Those were such innocent days. Dirty hippies? Hardly. We were big-hearted. Spirited. In love with life. I was also under the impression that the cabins belonged to the father of one of the long-time residents ... but I suppose that was just heresay. In any case ... in short time Harvey and I parted, and I left the mountains never to return. Still trying to find my way back. My name was Beth.
I have a post card in my collection mailed from Sunset in 1916. It is from "Viola" and mailed to a Mrs. WJ Bennett on Stuart St. in Denver. If you are interested, send me an e-mail. rampartrange05@msn.com
Thursday, March 15, 2012
My wife and I have lived in Colorado several times and have vowed to return when we retire. We do motorcycle rides here as often as we can the scenery is most beautiful. Boulder was the first place I came to back in 1968 when I left home for the first time, I was amazed by the mountains and surroundings and the people such a beautiful place. I use your pictures on this site as my computer back ground and everyone here at works loves them each time they pass by. Thank you so much for you time.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
My husband and I rented a cabin in Crystal City in 1972 for our honeymoon. It was a wonderful time and the memories are even more precious now that he is gone. One of our wedding presents was a painting of the mill done by a cousin. It has always hung over our fireplace no matter where we lived. It was nice to find this site and reminisce.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Crystal Colorado the town, the mill, the mtns are one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. This place is very remote and can only be found by 4x4. Thanks to my parents and growing up in the Colorado mountains. I had the pleasure of standing very close to the mill with the raging water and having a picture taken with my father. My parents had this picture blown up, framed and hung above our stairs. Unfortunately the picture has been lost and all I have is the memory. I am 49 years old and will never forget this place. Simply God's magnificent work! The pictures are beautiful. Thank you!!
Monday, February 27, 2012
I was just in Colorado last week to visit my brother in Frisco and he brought me for a tour of the area and made sure that we drove past this town he saw but didn't know anything about. Myself being a computer addict had to look it up as soon as I had the opportunity. I am glad I did.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Rocky, Thank you for posting my comment on here for my father Les Asbury,April 15, 1931-Jan.15, 2012 he would have loved this site. Anyway I need to inform you I got hacked a couple of weeks ago and it compromised all 77 contacts in my email, they all got a letter saying I was in Spain and needed money for surjury so I could come home, totally Bogus, I would never ask people for money by email! However I want to give you my new email so we can continue to keep in touch. here is is Sandra Asbury-Kelly sakelly95@gmail.com. The only positive thing is I no longer have 1000 junk mails to go through, thank you worthless hacker! this is a very worthy site for people about Colorado Ghosttowns, I have given it to several peole, and I encourage all of us to TIP so we can continue to use this site! please tell me how I can post a photo on here!
Monday, February 20, 2012
My mother, Shirley Jeanne Greenfield, was born in Russel Gulch in 1941. Her parents were William and Marie Greenfield. She had four sisters, Wilma (Billie), Sherry, Beverly and Barbara (twins), and one brother, Merris (Maris?). My mom told many stories of my grandpa and how much he loved the mountain roads! The family eventually moved to Boulder, not sure which year. My mom passed away almost 10 years ago. In about 1979 or 1980, she was able to go to Russel Gulch and took a picture in front of the house she lived in. I've had a good time reading all the memories people have shared about this town. If anyone remembers my mom or anyone in her family, I would love to hear from you. Maybe when I am in CO next, my husband and I will come to Russel Gulch! Thanx for the stories, Karen in Las Vegas, NV - katkakes@aol.com
I visited Russell Gulch back in the 1990's. We stumbled upon it by accident. We were hanging out in Idaho Springs and kept hearing about some road called "Oh MY God" Rd. Everyone told us to stay away from it. They would say "You don't want to travel that road, it's dangerous...no guard rails, narrow, straight drop." By about the third time we heard it, my other half, Randy said, "We're going on it." Well, it was definitely a white knuckler on the way up. At the top, we stumbled upon Russell Gulch. Not a soul in sight. Buildings, houses, it was like people just up and left. The weirdest thing was this store with a big sign saying "POTTERY". So we went in. All the pottery was on shelves neatly displayed as though we had entered into a country store. Not a soul in sight! There was a sign that read..."choose your pottery and either leave your money on the counter, and there's credit card vouchers underneath the cabinet." We stood there scratching our heads wondering the whole time if we were being watched. I even went outside the store to see if anyone was watching us. Not a soul in sight!...This was one of the weirdest experiences we ever had. Carmen and Randy
If someone could please look into how many accidents there have been between the town of Minturn, CO and Redcliff, CO and post specifics that would be a very interesting.
Monday, February 06, 2012
Im from wales and my great great uncle left wales for colorado to mine gold. He met his wife over there. His name was Samuel GLadstone Hughes.
Friday, February 03, 2012
Also,would like to express great surprise for finding pics of my hometown, Fierro!! I was born in Silver City, NM as most residents were, but grew up, went to grade school, and left when my father, Manuel G. Parra, took our family to live in Deming, NM and work the mine outside of town (Floritas mountains). My grandfather, Merced B. Campos, and grandmother, Juanita, and their 3 kids, Cruz (Cuy), Tivida Loya, and my mom Simona, all lived there for many years. Grandpa had his home right across the big open space from the cemetary, where he now rests along with grandma, and alot others including our neighbors, the Donez family. I only remember Virginia Arciero and Lupe (?) from my first grade class. We lived right on the main road where the railroad crossing was to get to the bar and the home of the Tovars. Tony and Pingua were my buddies and we played kid games all the time including throwing rocks and running on the railroad track. Ha! Chava Donez and Maria (Donez) Hernandez are still very close to us. My dad passed in 2006 and mom followed in 2011. Their eyes would always get real big if we mentioned Fierro or teased about taking a trip there. Our good friends, Felipe and Josie Garcia, from Bayard also talked endlessly of all the relatives and friends we all had there for the many years of their lives. Of course, everyone worked at Asarco or other mines in the area...Cuy eventually moved to Tucson and became a controller there. Our family ended up in Bagdad, Az after many years in Deming. The Rodriquez family and others also moved to Bagdad for work, and many moved back to the Santa Rita area after retirement. Speaking of the St. Anthony Church, I was named after it and also because I was born on June 20, close to San Antonio day. I vividly remember (circa 1952) going to mass there, the school next to it, the main store, the post office, el posito or the watering hole for our drinking water, the road past the post office where we would go into the mountains to cut old dead trees for firewood in my Uncle Cuy's Model A...Ha!! Cuy, grandpa and I would go. Cuy's wife, my Aunt, Lucriasa (Lukie), Xavier, and Jennie, my cousins would stay home. We left Fierro somewhere around 1957 for Deming, and left Deming in 1960 for Bagdad. I haven't been back since...after grandpa died, I just couldn't emotionally handle the sadness of all my childhood memories gone in the wind. I still remember the big white clouds and have never seen them anywhere again. When I die, I will stop by and visit Fierro for a minute before I make my way to Heaven and see all my loved ones again. Thanks for the pics...they touched my heart. Sincerly, Antonio (Tony) Campos Parra, oldest son of Manual and Simona Parra, brother to Samuel (Sammy) and sisters, Manuela (Mellie) and Esperanza (Hope) Parra. I can be contacted at mascotman1@yahoo.com. I currently live in Chicago, but like I said, my heart is still in Fierro, and always will be.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Thanks for all the great posts, esp. R. Gulch and area- wonderful site!!!
Friday, January 27, 2012
I have enjoyed your website over the years. Although I was raised in Kansas, my parents were born in Colorado. We spent our summer vacations visiting relatives across Colorado, where my grandfather was a forest ranger on my mom's side of the family, and my dad's mother raised chickens near Berthoud. I inherited a love for Colorado. I even wrote a novel, MOONLIGHT ON THE MOUNTAIN, in which "Maggie escapes to an old mining town in the Colorado Rockies to rehearse her dreams of becoming a free-spirited writer." I hope to visit Colorado this summer. Research for another novel! helen.hertha@live.com
Friday, January 27, 2012
January 27, 2012: I believe the town of Exchequer(ville), above Bonanza, even had a post office from July 22, 1881 to June 6, 1883. I have been hunting for that postmark for my collection for years. Bonanza had a post office from 1880 to 1938. This wonderful website helps me make it through the winter until I can make my annual return to the "real" mountains each summer or fall and visit some of the absolutely most beautiful places in the world. Thanks Mike. An Appalachian Native, Robert Hamill hamillr@att.net
christina i grew up in hanover nm in the 1990's. we raised horses, chickens, sheep, and goats. my grandparents also grew a few crops out there. i used to love walking the trail by my house. the old barn my grandpa built in his earlier years still stands. still go over there in the summers for a good hike.
Monday, January 23, 2012
I worked in Gilman as a summer missionary in 1980. Then is was a small community atop the mountain. There were two of us who worked this area, as well as the towns of Minturn and Red Cliff. The little community of Gilman had a small playground on the top of the mountain, with the homes supported on poles, hanging halfway over the mountain. I don't remember how many balls we lost over the fence into the river 1200 feet below, but we did have a great time there. It is sad to see it now a Ghost Town.
Hello, My name is Sandra Asbury Kelly, I posted a comment a while back and I found & read it in the blog section anyway I wanted to find it again and can't. Long story short it was about the town plumber my dad in Gilman, and the school, and slide. He died Jan 15 2012 and I wanted to post a picture of him. I did not get to tell him sadly that i saw it posted he would have been proud to see his name in my article.We lived there 1963 - 1967. 5 yrs We moved in 1969 to Ariz., and he worked for Kennecott Copper after a strike three years later he moved back to Lafayette, Co & after 28 years moved back to his childhood roots in Fort Collins, I posted an obit in the Fence Post magazine. He was a pipefitter Union Member for Over 40 yars Local # 208 out of Denver, Co. Anyway I would like to print my comment from your site as a memento if you dont mind. I did not save a copy. I took care of him the last two years, he had become a legend to everyone one he knew for his being the tractor guy in later years with the overalls and trademark colorful welding caps, his favorite one had jelly beans on it, and his corny off the wall jokes, Leslie (Les ) E. Asbury April 15, 1931- January 15, 2012 In Gilman he started in the mine and not for long he moved to night watchman then mechanic in the garges, then finally the plumber in five years time.He studied welding and pipefitting at Kennecott, completed their program .He worked many jobs around the front range area during the 70 's and 80's, did mechanic work out of his home till he died, but he got his start in Gilman and I had shown him pictures of the site photos on flicker of the old furnace and he said he had to go check the furnace you had to keep coal in it, and the guy before him who took over was supposed to keep the coal bin full for the next shift but he would fall asleep and dad would come in to take over and he'd have to hurry up and get the coal so one night my dad put some rocks in there when he left and it made the guy have to go in real early and fix it. Snow six months to eight months of the year but man the pretties summer you ever saw, it was so beautiful way up that high on the mountain. we always were told as children not to go and play down by the big blower hole on the side of the mountain it was dangerous, so we were afraid of it. Again the school bell they picked a different kid every day to ring it. I'm on your email list so hope to hear soon. but just in case kelcrow182@msn.com
Monday, January 16, 2012
As I read through your Russell Gulch, Black Hawk, and other town pages and memories. I envy the people have photos of family. My grand father Mike Angelo Rosetta owned the Angelina Mine. There isn't any info on that mine I can find. Antonio Andreatta owned the Lulu mine for a while. I would like to ask if anyone know anything about the Rosetta, Hines and Andreatta family please email me : tessadri@venturecomm.net. Jacque McDonnell
Monday, January 16, 2012
There were women who worked at New Jersey Zinc Mine after 1972. There were at least 4 women. Women also worked in Climax Mine in Leadville area. Nothing much mentioned about them. Some worked there because it was better wages and they were women who had children to raise. Others wanted to do something different. What ever the reason mining was a mans world and they knew it.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
My wife and I went to Animas Forks 2 years ago. GREAT!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
WE visited this site at christmas this year when we went to Colorado to visit our daughter and grandkids.I loke you think this is the most beautiful ruins that I have ever seen. I took about 60 pictures and was amazed at every aspect of these ruins. The crazy thing in my pictures is that every picture I took of room #9 was blury as if I was told our spirits are here. Amazing is all I can say. maryc1013@gmail.com
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Hello fellow Gilman fans! I was born in Gilman in 1950 and only lived there for six months. My dad, Tom O'Neill was geologist for New Jersey Zinc there around that time until he was transferred to Spokane, WA. Does anyone remember him? I have photos of my parents at the Rod and Gun club but have never been there. scott1519@comcast.net
Saturday, January 14, 2012
My dad, Tom O'Neill was a geologist for New Jersey Zinc in Gilman from about 1948 to mis-1950.I was born in Gilman in 1950 but have no memories of it. We still have his mining helmet with the light on the front. It's wonderful hearing everyone's stories about life in Gilman. My mom kept her High Altitude Cookbook for years. I have a very nice black and white Photo of Gilman looking across a valley towards the town and mine. It was taken by Si Ostermeier probably around 1950. I've sent it to the webmaster to post. scott1519@comcast.net
Friday, January 13, 2012
Rich, Kansas City Mo, Responds to Sept. 14 2011 Russell Gulch post. The gentleman was Albert Lavata. He was my wife's step-grandfather. He was born in Russell Gulch about 1890. I am told he had four sisters and 1 brother. His father was a miner and was killed in the Glory Hole about 1900. I think the mother he spoke about was his father's second wife and his step-mother. Albert worked early in his life hauling freight from Golden to Central City by horse and wagon. He went on to a career a with the Denver School District as a boiler operator. Albert married my wife's grandmother when he was about sixty she was about forty. It was there second marriage for both of them. They lived in the area of Denver University. I still have several of Albert's tools from his boiler days. I have been to Russel Gulch a number of times and from what the family has told me about his stories of childhood Albert grew up in a house on the north side of Upper Russell Gulch Road about a half mile east of the school.
Sunday, January 08, 2012
January 8, 2012, I worked in Alma and Fairplay in 1978. The town marshall for Alma (lived in the yellow Victorian shown in the pictures of Alma), used to talk about the the front room of the house on the second floor and how cold it was. He also talked about a story of a young girl that was visiting one day and she was playing and started screaming about something she saw in the house. No one saw anything so they tried to calm her by letting her look at photo albums of the family. She came across a picture and started screaming again saying, old man in stair, old man in stair. The picture was of the grandfather who had died in the house. I can't remember the town marshal's name. Living in Alma was quite an experience with so many stories of strange events that occurred there. Loved the experience, would love to reconnect with some of the people from that time. Richneal.constpm@yahoo.com
Hi my name is Tim Davis I grew up in Boyero from the time I was born (1968) until I graduated HS (Hugo) my folks still live there I always go down most of your pictures were around my folks place but I'm always trying to find pictures of the earlier years of the buildings and more of the history have any ideas where I can find these thanks tdaviswelding87@gmail.com
I was born in Gilman Colorado in 1952, but raised in Red Cliff. Worked in the Mine from 1969-1975 during the summer and winter breaks from college. I am now a retired teacher. I have great memories of fun, hard winters,and hard work. I still go by there often. I still have family in RedCliff and Leadville. My dad was a miner for 25 years. My brothers also worked there. It was great growing up there. I attended Battle Mountain High School in Minturn, graduated in 1970. The mine provided me with the financial means to go to school. They were really good to me, allowing me to work during my vacations. Although it wasn't what I really wanted to do during my time off from school, but my goal was more important, so underground I went. I learned a lot and worked with many hard working individuals. Some whom I never learned their real name because the majority had nick names. I was trained to do many jobs. I was a miner, cager, topper, motorman, on The Main Line to the mill and in all levels. I had my scary moments, but the experience was something I will never forget. I had the worst jobs to the best jobs, worked in the heat and in the cold. The people in RedCliff and Gilman was one big family. Many are gone and have moved on. But the memories are still there. It is strange to go by Gilman, my birthplace, and now see it as a Ghost town, silent, on the side of the mountain, but for anyone that worked underground still has the memories of the trains loaded with the ore mined by the sweat of the many men who made that place come alive, the yelling of; !!! fire in the hole!!!, the old phones ringing, the hoist running, the jack hammers and jack legs working away, making a living for the miner and his family, the blasting and the smell of dynamite, yet there were times of silence and pitch darkness, taking a break, laying down on a lagen (board), asking myself, What am I doing here? But then, quickly, I remind myself, My Education!! I can still close my eyes and relive my time underground and always thanked God each day for keeping me safe. I could go on and on, but I will stop here. R Sandoval rsandoval52@yahoo.com
Friday, January 06, 2012
I was born in Gilman Colorado in 1952, but raised in Red Cliff. Worked in the Mine from 1969-1975 during the summer and winter breaks from college. I am now a retired teacher. I have great memories of fun, hard winters,and hard work. I still go by there often. I still have family in RedCliff and Leadville. My dad was a miner for 25 years. My brothers also worked there. It was great growing up there.
Friday, January 06, 2012
Well after reading this sites postings I'm coming out there. Sounds like a place I would like to see. Hope it doesn't get too popular. Bruce Hamilton, Dearborn, MI bhamilton143@gmail.com
Thursday, January 05, 2012
I lived in Sunset in 1985-1986. I lived in a cabin owned by Mike van Loon. I remember waking up one morning to find a herd of a cattle in the yard. there was also a donkey that was used for a silver mine lower down. Wonderful place, cold winters, terrible roads, almost died twice there. I live in Seattle but would love to move back, but brrrrrr too cold.
Sunday, January 01, 2012
I liked your site. The photos are neat. irbycomp@hotmail.com Danny
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