THE 2023 VICTOR HERITAGE CALENDARS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR A $10 DONATION AT THE VICTOR ARTISTS' CO-OP (Corner of Victor Ave & 2nd St) , TWIN FLAME GALLERY (102 S 4th St), & MOUNTAIN HIGH ANTIQUES (123 N 4th St). Mail order copies may be obtained by sending a donation check for $15 (includes postage & handling) along with your return address to the Victor Heritage Society, PO Box 424, Victor, CO 80860. [Remaining copies of the 2022 Calendar are available in Victor for a $5 donation at same locations.]
Join or Renew Your Membership in the Victor Heritage Society
Click to Download & Print a Membership Form which can also be used for Gift Memberships
Click to Download & Print a Membership Form which can also be used for Gift Memberships
VHS MISSION |
The Victor Heritage Society was formed in 1999 with the endorsement of the City Council of Victor, Colorado as a private, volunteer, nonprofit, tax exempt organization devoted to protecting and preserving the heritage of this unique community.
The mission of the Victor Heritage Society is to preserve the architectural authenticity of our historic buildings, the history of our hardrock gold mining heritage, and the experience of living in World's Greatest Gold Camp during the 1890's and early 20th Century. |
PRESERVATION SUCCESSES & CHALLENGES |
The Victor Heritage Society is proud to recognize recently Restored Properties, Restorations in Progress, and Other Preservation Successes achieved through the efforts of numerous individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and the City of Victor. Also shown are currently Endangered Properties and Lost Victor Landmarks which are gone forever but not forgotten. (MORE)
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Annual activities sponsored by the Victor Heritage Society include participating in the Gold Rush Days Parade, publishing a Victor Heritage Calendar, conducting Historic House and Building Tours, recognizing appropriately preserved historic properties with Landmark Awards, collecting Oral Histories, and providing a cash prize for the painting most representative of Victor's heritage at the Labor Day Weekend En Plein Air Art Festival. (MORE) Other sponsored programs and activities include developing Signage for the Victor Historic Walking Tour, acting as a Nonprofit Pass-Through Administrator for stabilization and restoration grants, organizing a Historic Photo Fair and Archive, a Historic Quilt Show, an Antique Treasure Hunt, a Fund Raiser for the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum, an Oral History Workshop and Archive, hosting Chautauqua Actors Portraying Historic Characters such as James Burns (co-founder of the Portland Mine) and railroad man General William Jackson Palmer, and Power Point Presentations of Historic Photos. (MORE)
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LANDMARK AWARDS |
The Victor Landmark Award is presented to encourage and recognize outstanding achievements in exterior preservation, restoration, rehabilitation or compatible new construction that contributes to the enhancement of historic areas of Victor, Colorado. (MORE)
Criteria for selecting award recipients are found in a brief booklet published by the Heritage Society -- Victor Colorado: The City of Mines with Architecture Worth Preserving, An Informational Guide to Preserving Our Architectural Heritage.
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The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. There are four Victor listings on the National Register. (MORE)
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CLICK on the "ORAL HISTORY BUTTON" at the top of the webpage for a detailed index and links to materials in our on-line archives. HOVER over the "ORAL HISTORY BUTTON" for a less detailed drop-down menu with links to these materials.
Most of the 50+ "Oral Histories" are in the form of text and photos shared by the author. These stories focus on lived experiences, memories and family connections to Victor and the World's Greatest Gold Camp. The earliest date to the 1890's when gold was first discovered. Others recount experiences of living in this unique community in periods throughout the 20th and early 21st Century. Also available are links to "Videos of Oral History Interviews" with knowledgeable and interesting Victor residents. The raw interview videos are lightly edited for clarity and brevity, and complemented with inserted still photos. (MORE) The index of on-line archive materials also provides links to a History of Victor published in 1933, a collection of photos from the 1903-04 Labor Strike, several newspaper stories about significant historical events, and photo histories of several famous underground gold mines near Victor. Does your family have connections to Victor, Colorado and the World's Greatest Gold Camp? Share your memories and family connections by contacting the Victor Heritage Society, PO Box 424, Victor, CO 80860 or e-mail VictorHeritageSociety@gmail.com. |
VICTOR HERITAGE SOCIETY EVENTS:
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Victor Historic Home & Building--Saturday, July 16, 2022, 11 AM t0 3 PM. Tickets $10 per person. This is your chance to take docent guided interior tours of two buildings in the Victor National Register Historic District plus two residential properties. Thanks to all who helped make the tour a success by sharing their properties, serving as docents, and attending our Annual Historic Home & Building Tour. For photo highlights our tours, CLICK HERE.
* * * * * VHS Gold Rush Days Parade Entry--Sunday, July 17, 2022, 11:45 AM. Join members and friends of the Victor Heritage Society strolling down Victor Avenue in period costume during the annual Gold Rush Days Parade. Everyone welcome! Meet before the noontime parade in the side-yard of the Sandlin House (514 Victor Avenue) and follow the VHS banner along the parade route. Thanks to all who participated in the VHS entry in the annual Gold Rush Days Parade. Click HERE for photos. * * * * * Victor Historic Building Tour--Saturday, July 17, 2021, 11 AM to 3 PM. Tickets $10 per person. This is your chance to tour the interior of the magnificently restored Victor City Hall, the Victor Elks Lodge (which served as the Armory for the State Militia during the 1903-04 Labor Wars) and three historic churches -- St Victor's Catholic Church (now operated by the Friends of St Victor's nonprofit), the Swedish Lutheran Church (now restored for adaptive use as a Community Center), and the Baptist Church (which still holds weekly services). Thanks to all who helped make the tour a success by sharing their properties, serving as docents, and attending our Annual Historic Home & Building Tour. * * * * * VHS Gold Rush Days Parade Entry--Sunday, July 18, 2021, 11:45 AM. Join members and friends of the Victor Heritage Society strolling down Victor Avenue in period costume during the annual Gold Rush Days Parade. Everyone welcome! Meet before the noontime parade in the side-yard of the Sandlin House (514 Victor Avenue) and follow the VHS banner along the parade route. Thanks to all who participated in the VHS entry in the annual Gold Rush Days Parade. * * * * * Planned 2020 Annual Meetings, Activities and Events Traditionally Sponsored by the Victor Heritage Society were suspended due to concerns about COVID-19. In the meantime, our team of volunteers continued promoting Victor and expanding safe public access to our historical archives through the VHS web site. We Invite VHS Members and All Other Interested Parties to Share Historic Photos, Home & Building Histories, Oral Histories & Other Relevant Materials by Emailing VictorHeritageSociety@gmail.com or Snail-Mailing Victor Heritage Society, PO Box 424, Victor, CO 80860. We look forward to hearing from you! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT. * * * * * Over 100 Historic Photos Projected on the Big Screen by La Jean Greeson at the Victor Community Center--First Viewing Friday, July 5, 2019 at 6:30 PM, Second Viewing Saturday, July 6, 2019 at 2 PM, free. Approximately one hour followed by refreshments and an opportunity to visit with La Jean. Thanks to La Jean Greeson for sharing her spectacular collection of photos and fascinating commentary. Thanks as well to all who attended these special events celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the City of Mines. * * * * * Oral History Videos Projected on the Big Screen at the Victor Community Center--Sunday, July 7, 2019 at 2 PM, free. Premier showing of five brief oral history videos from an interview with Tarie Huber. Approximately one hour followed by refreshments and an opportunity to visit. Thanks to Tarie Huber, La Jean Greeson (interviewer), Marion Zachary (videographer) and all who attended this special event celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the City of Mines. * * * * * Victor Historic House & Building Tour--Saturday, July 20, 2019, 11 AM to 4 PM, Tickets $10 per person (children 10 & under free when accompanied by an adult). This is your chance to tour the interiors of the Midland Terminal Depot, the Shopkeeper's Quarters of the Historic Gardner Mercantile, and three historic Victor homes that are generally not open to the public. Thanks to all who helped make the tour a huge success by sharing their properties, serving as docents, and attending our 20th Annual Historic Home & Building Tour. * * * * * VHS Gold Rush Days Parade Entry--Sunday, July 21, 2019, 11:45 AM. Join members and friends of the Victor Heritage Society strolling down Victor Avenue in period costume during the annual Gold Rush Days Parade. Meet before the noontime parade on the front porch at the Sandlin House (514 Victor Avenue) and follow the VHS banner along the parade route. Thanks to all who participated in the VHS Gold Rush Days Parade entry. * * * * * Meet General William Jackson Palmer (portrayed by Dave Harmon)--August 10, 2019, 2 PM, at Saint Victor's Catholic Church, Free to the pubic. Palmer founded the narrow gauge Denver & Rio Grand Railroad. The D&RG connected with the Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad, which provided the first freight and passenger service to the Mining District. Palmer founded the City of Colorado Springs and was acquainted with many of the District's mining moguls. Thanks to Dave Harmon for an outstanding presentation and all who helped make this event a success by attending. * * * * * Cowboy Poetry & Music by Susie Knight in the Third Street Plaza--September 7, 2019, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM, Third Street Plaza (after the noontime start of the Pack Burro Race), Free to the public. Victor Heritage Society has made a significant donation to the Victor Ag & Mining Museum to help support this event celebrating our Western Heritage. Susie Knight's cowboy poetry and music was a fitting tribute to the ranching heritage around Victor. Thanks to Susie, the Victor Ag & Mining Museum and other generous donors who partnered to make this special event possible. * * * * * Special Victor Heritage Society Membership Event at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs--Saturday, June 2, 2018, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Luncheon program sponsored by Beth & Bill Reid -- "Some History of the Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District from 1972 to 1993". Thanks to Beth & Bill Reid for sponsoring this very special event and thanks to all who attended. * * * * * Victor Historic House & Building Tour--Saturday, July 21, 2108, 11 AM to 4 PM, Tickets $10 per person. This is your chance to tour the interiors of four historic Victor homes that are generally not open to the public. Come early and stay the entire weekend to enjoy all the other Gold Rush Days Events. Thanks to all who shared their homes, served as docents, and attended the tour to make it a great success. * * * * * VHS Gold Rush Days Parade Entry--Sunday, July 22, 2018, 11:45 AM. Join members and friends of the Victor Heritage Society strolling down Victor Avenue in period costume during the annual Gold Rush Days Parade. Meet before the noontime parade on the front porch at the Sandlin House (514 Victor Avenue) and follow the VHS banner along the parade route. Thanks to all who participated in the VHS Gold Rush Days Parade entry. * * * * * Railroads in the World's Greatest Gold Camp: An Evening With Mel McFarland -- Saturday, August 11, 2018, 6 to 7 PM at Victor's Ag & Mining Museum (corner of Victor Ave & 2nd Street). Don't miss this opportunity to opportunity to hear Mel's presentation with a collection of slides featuring the trains that once served the Mining District. The public is welcome to this free special event sponsored by the Victor Heritage Society. Bring your family and friends. Snacks and finger goods provided. Thanks to Mel McFarland and all who helped make this event a great success by attending. * * * * * Victor Heritage Society Sponsored Public Presentation of Rare Historic Photos--Saturday, Sept 15, 2018, 2-3 PM at the Heritage Center on Hwy 67 Overlooking Cripple Creek (across from the Molly Kathleen Mine). This is your chance to see an Amazing Power-Point Presentation from La Jean Greeson's Fantastic Collection of Historic Victor & Mining District Photos. Free to the public--bring your family and friends, lower level theater seats 70. Refreshments and an opportunity to visit with La Jean following her presentation. Thanks to La Jean Greeson and all who who helped make this event a huge success by attending. * * * * * VHS Board & Membership Meetings--Members and those interested in preserving and promoting Victor Heritage welcome, details announced via e-mail. If we do not have your address, contact VictorHeritageSociety@gmail.com. |
MEMBERSHIP &
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Victor Heritage Society invites your membership and support. We welcome the opportunity to work cooperatively with other groups, individuals, or businesses interested in achieving similar objectives.
Volunteer Opportunities--Please contact us if you would like to volunteer to:
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Annual Membership Dues:
Victor Heritage Society PO Box 424 Victor, Colorado 80860 E-mail: VictorHeritageSociety@gmail.com Phone: 719-689-2736 |
BULLETIN BOARD
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VIEW THE MOST RECENT STORY SUBMITTED TO THE VHS ORAL HISTORY ARCHIVES
"The Only Swedish Grocery Store in Victor": The J.A. "Joseph" Beckman Family in the Cripple Creek Mining District of Colorado, 1896-1915, (October 2022). By Richard "Dick" Markley, great nephew. |
J.A. "Joseph" Beckman's Star Grocery, 217 N 4th St.
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Interior of Star Grocery, "The Only Swedish Grocery Store in Victor", Circa 1900.
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GALLERY OF HISTORICAL VICTOR ARTWORK BY FRED SHANE, circa 1942. Accomplished "regionalist" painter, Fred Shane, discovered compelling subject matter for his artwork in Victor, Colorado. CLICK HERE to view a sampling shared by his granddaughter, Claudia Lohnes.
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Ovren's Book & Stationary Store
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Old Mine in Victor
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VIEW A RECENT STORY SUBMITTED TO THE VHS ORAL HISTORY ARCHIVES
Goold Family Historic Ties to Victor, Colorado & Three Famous Former Residents of the City of Mines--Lowell Thomas, Jack Dempsey, & Morgan Williams, (June 2022). By Nellie Goold Young, (granddaughter of Everett Edgar Goold, Sr (1862-1911), daughter of Everett Edgar Goold, Jr. (1892-1962). |
Everett Edgar Goold, Jr (left).
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VIEW TWO RECENT STORIES SUBMITTED TO THE VHS ORAL HISTORY ARCHIVES
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Harriet & Harry Turner with their three
youngest children, 1912.
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VICTOR HERITAGE SOCIETY HONORED by TELLER HISTORIC & ENVIRONMENTAL (T.H.E.) Coalition with "BREIT AWARD" (October 17, 2021)
During it's annual banquet T.H.E. Coalition honored one individual and two non-profit organizations for their ongoing work to preserve the history of Teller County and the Pikes Peak Region. The 2021 award winners were: Mrs. Jane Lass, The Victor Heritage Society, and The Gold Belt Byway Tour Association for their many contributions to preserving Teller County's history. This is an effort that the late Dee Breitenfeld was involved in throughout her life. |
On behalf of the Victor Heritage Society, Marilyn Fay accepts "2021 Breit Award" from Teller Historic & Environmental Coalition.
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VIEW A RECENT STORY SUBMITTED TO THE VHS ORAL HISTORY ARCHIVES
Tragedies When I Was Growing Up in Victor, Colorado During the 1940's & 1950's by Charles Spray, (October 2021) |
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VIEW A RECENT STORY SUBMITTED TO THE VHS ORAL HISTORY ARCHIVES
Memories of James Garth Payne & How He Came to Letter Names on the Original WWII Roll of Honor in Victor and Cripple Creek, Colorado. (September 2021) |
Charlotte & James Payne
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DEDICATION OF PLAQUE RECOGNIZING HISTORY OF MIDLAND TERMINAL RAILROAD DEPOT Saturday, June 26, 1:07 pm, corner of 4th & Granite Ave. Plaque provided by the Al Packer Chapter of the
Ancient & Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, public welcome to attend. |
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VIEW A RECENT STORY SUBMITTED TO THE VHS ORAL HISTORY ARCHIVES BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW.
Winters in Victor, Colorado during the 1940's & early 50's by Charles Spray, also known as Jeep Hack. (April 2021) |
Skating & Sledding in Victor
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VIEW A RECENT STORY SUBMITTED TO THE VHS ORAL HISTORY ARCHIVES BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW.
Biking & Hockey in Victor, Colorado – The Passions of Brian Hayes. Online Text and Video by Bill Plock, President, 303 Endurance Network. Links shared with the Victor Heritage Society Oral History Archives (March 2021). |
Rosemary & Brian Hayes
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VIEW A RECENT STORY SUBMITTED TO THE VHS ORAL HISTORY ARCHIVES BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW.
Sports in Victor, Colorado & Memories of the 1949 Pikes Peak Junior High Basketball Tournament by Charles Norman Spray, also known as AKA Jeep Hack (January 2021). |
6th Grade Basketball Team, 1947
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ISIS THEATER IN VICTOR NOMINATED & ACCEPTED TO 2020 LIST OF COLORADO'S MOST ENDANGERED PLACES.
Each year Colorado Preservation, Inc. prepares a list of the "Most Endangered Historic Places in the State." One of the four sites recognized on CPI's 2020 list is Victor's Historic Isis Theater. Click the highlighted link for a video prepared by the CBS TV Channel 4 in Denver describing the history and endangered condition of the 2020 nominated places. The Isis Theater is featured about 7 minutes into the 22 minute video. CPI publishes the annual list to call attention to historic places that are most in danger of being lost, and to help the nominees qualify for grants and other resources required to preserve and restore them. |
Victor's historic Isis Theater, nominated to the 2020 List of Colorado's Most Endangered Places, is the only surviving original theater in the Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District..
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BRIAN'S PARK HOCKEY RINK--The Ice is Great in the Winter.
CLICK HERE for a two minute video featuring the facilities at Brian's Park Ice Rink and the Victor Penguins Hockey Club. Named in honor of Brian Hayes, who has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining the park as well as forming the Victor Penguins Hockey Club, the Ice Rink is accessed from the corner of Spicer Avenue & South Fourth Street. |
In the summer Brian's Park Hockey Rink can serve as a soccer field. Thanks to Brian Hayes, all the volunteers, and the City of Victor for developing this facility.
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Penguin Hockey 2018. The ice rink is equipped with lights for night skating. Click photos to enlarge.
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Volunteers operate a Zamboni machine to maintain the ice. A changing room adjoins the rink. Brian Hayes (center) holding trophy.
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Victor Penguins Hockey Club Logo -- Kids and adults of all ages participate. Use of skates is available with no rental fee.
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PLAQUE HONORS RESIDENTS OF GOLDFIELD AND INDEPENDENCE WHO SERVED IN WORLD WAR ONE.
An engraved granite plaque honoring the 63 citizens of Goldfield and Independence who served in World War One was dedicated on November 11, 2018 at a ceremony held at the historic Goldfield City Hall. The plaque also commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the end of the war.
The original City of Goldfield Flag, housed at the Cripple Creek Museum, inspired the quest to erect a plaque honoring those who served. The flag has 63 blue stars on a white field surrounded by a red border. Goldfield and Independence were combined at the time and the 63 stars represent the citizens of those towns who served during the war.
Researchers at the Cripple Creek District Museum, the Denver Public Library Western History and Genealogy Department, and the Colorado Freedom Memorial helped Goldfield residents Barbara Morgan, Lois and John Wilcox, and Ned Sterne compile the names of people who served during the war and who listed Goldfield or Independence as their home towns. The Victor Heritage Society served as the nonprofit pass-through for the donation to cover the cost of the plaque.
An engraved granite plaque honoring the 63 citizens of Goldfield and Independence who served in World War One was dedicated on November 11, 2018 at a ceremony held at the historic Goldfield City Hall. The plaque also commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the end of the war.
The original City of Goldfield Flag, housed at the Cripple Creek Museum, inspired the quest to erect a plaque honoring those who served. The flag has 63 blue stars on a white field surrounded by a red border. Goldfield and Independence were combined at the time and the 63 stars represent the citizens of those towns who served during the war.
Researchers at the Cripple Creek District Museum, the Denver Public Library Western History and Genealogy Department, and the Colorado Freedom Memorial helped Goldfield residents Barbara Morgan, Lois and John Wilcox, and Ned Sterne compile the names of people who served during the war and who listed Goldfield or Independence as their home towns. The Victor Heritage Society served as the nonprofit pass-through for the donation to cover the cost of the plaque.
Crosses honor the unknown buried in unmarked graves.
CROSSES FOR GRAVES IN POTTER'S FIELD.
A project to fabricate and place durable metal crosses on 60 unmarked graves of the unknown buried in the Potter's Field at Sunnyside Cemetery was completed in October 2018.
The project was spearheaded by the Marchese Family and the Victor Heritage Society partnered to share the expenses. Valdean & Kirk Myers coordinated installation. Click on the "Activities" page and scroll down for more photos and details.
A project to fabricate and place durable metal crosses on 60 unmarked graves of the unknown buried in the Potter's Field at Sunnyside Cemetery was completed in October 2018.
The project was spearheaded by the Marchese Family and the Victor Heritage Society partnered to share the expenses. Valdean & Kirk Myers coordinated installation. Click on the "Activities" page and scroll down for more photos and details.
No more utility poles or lines.
UTILITIES ALONG VICTOR AVENUE MOVED UNDERGROUND.
A project by the City of Victor to place the electricity and phone lines along Victor Avenue underground was completed in September 2018. Also gone are the unsightly poles that once supported these utilities.
It is noteworthy that Victor and many other places in the Mining District were among the earliest locations in the United States to receive electric and phone service. Relocating these utilities underground has significantly enhanced the appearance of the streetscape along Victor Avenue--especially in front of City Hall.
A project by the City of Victor to place the electricity and phone lines along Victor Avenue underground was completed in September 2018. Also gone are the unsightly poles that once supported these utilities.
It is noteworthy that Victor and many other places in the Mining District were among the earliest locations in the United States to receive electric and phone service. Relocating these utilities underground has significantly enhanced the appearance of the streetscape along Victor Avenue--especially in front of City Hall.
GOLDFIELD CITY HALL RESTORATION PROJECT.
The Goldfield City Hall Restoration Committee and the Southern Teller County Focus Group are seeking donations for repairs to the building. A new deck has been installed, siding has been repaired, and the building will be painted early in the summer of 2019. The doors will also be repaired.
Total cost of the project is about $10,000. The Goldfield Restoration Committee is providing $4000. Victor Heritage Society has pledged $1,000. The STCFG has spent about $500 so far and will also donate additional funds. The historic building is owned by Teller County government but it does not have any funds budgeted or intentions to repair the building. Donations can be dropped off at the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum (open weekends) or mailed to STCFG, PO Box 328, Victor, CO 80860.
The Goldfield City Hall Restoration Committee and the Southern Teller County Focus Group are seeking donations for repairs to the building. A new deck has been installed, siding has been repaired, and the building will be painted early in the summer of 2019. The doors will also be repaired.
Total cost of the project is about $10,000. The Goldfield Restoration Committee is providing $4000. Victor Heritage Society has pledged $1,000. The STCFG has spent about $500 so far and will also donate additional funds. The historic building is owned by Teller County government but it does not have any funds budgeted or intentions to repair the building. Donations can be dropped off at the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum (open weekends) or mailed to STCFG, PO Box 328, Victor, CO 80860.
Stained Glass Window from Iconic Victor Christian Science Church Found.
This stain glass window from the Iconic Victor Christian Christian Science Church Building, "Gone Forever--But Not Forgotten", was recently discovered in Buena Vista, Colorado.
For more details about where the window was found, click this link to the "Preservation Successes and Challenges" Page and scroll to the bottom.
Please contact us if you can share more information about how the window found its way from Victor to Buena Vista, and who should be thanked for saving it.
This stain glass window from the Iconic Victor Christian Christian Science Church Building, "Gone Forever--But Not Forgotten", was recently discovered in Buena Vista, Colorado.
For more details about where the window was found, click this link to the "Preservation Successes and Challenges" Page and scroll to the bottom.
Please contact us if you can share more information about how the window found its way from Victor to Buena Vista, and who should be thanked for saving it.
OTHER VICTOR EVENTS |