Join or Renew Your Membership in the Victor Heritage Society
Click HERE to Print the September 2020 t0 August 2021 Membership Year Form
which can also be used to provide gift memberships.
Click HERE to Print the September 2020 t0 August 2021 Membership Year Form
which can also be used to provide gift memberships.
Click Links to What's New:
Part 2: Digging at the Dump by Steve Abbott.
Part 3: Mom & Her Victor Friends by Dave Abbott.
- Jump to Announcements in the "BULLETIN BOARD" at the bottom of this page.
- Sports in Victor, Colorado & Memories of the 1949 Pikes Peak Junior High Basketball Tournament by Charles Norman Spray (AKA Jeep Hack).
- Firewood For Victor, Colorado by Charles Norman Spray (AKA Jeep Hack).
- Kay & Virgil Abbott's Family Memories Made in Victor, Colorado.
Part 2: Digging at the Dump by Steve Abbott.
Part 3: Mom & Her Victor Friends by Dave Abbott.
- A History of VICTOR, COLORADO--THE CITY OF MINES compiled & published in 1933 by S.E. Poet, Superintendent of Public Schools at Victor.
- A Day in the Cresson Mine by Charles Norman Spray (AKA Jeep Hack).
- Memorabilia from Cripple Creek & Victor High School Bands Directed by Ernest T. Sly from 1939 to 1950 -- contributed by Georganna McCleerey Peiffer & Charles Spray (AKA Jeep Hack).
- Home at 601 Victor Avenue Saved From the Ravages of Time. Photo Gallery: This Old Victor House--Then & Now.
- Carl Roy's Oral History Videos -- Life in Victor, Colorado: A four-part series of videos produced from an Oral History Interview with former Victor resident Carl Roy.
- The Miner’s Photograph: A Pathway to the Past by Steven Wade Veatch. The story of Robert Plews (my great-grandfather) who immigrated from England seeking better opportunities and found employment at the Elkton Mine in 1897.
- Memories of Margaret & Henry C. "June" Hack, Jr. by Charles Norman Spray (AKA Jeep Hack).
- The Lighter Side of a Visit to Hack's Victor Barbershop by Charles Norman Spray (AKA Jeep Hack).
- Memories of the Ina & Henry Cleveland Hack Family by Charles Norman Spray (AKA Jeep Hack).
- Adventures at the Beaver Valley Ranch while Growing Up in Victor, Colorado by Charles Norman Spray (AKA Jeep Hack).
- Memories of Washington Elementary--My First School in Victor, Colorado by Charles Norman Spray (AKA Jeep Hack).
- Recollections of My Life in Victor, Colorado During the Depression, WWII and After by Charles Norman Spray (AKA Jeep Hack). Updated with "WANTED" Poster.
- History of the Alta Vista Visitors Center--A Victor Preservation Success.
- Memories of John Reed Gardner (1864-1951)--Gardner Mercantile Owner, Citizens Bank of Victor President, Merchants Insurance Company Executive.
- Oral History Videos from an Interview with Victor Resident, Tarie Huber -- Search "Victor Heritage Society" on YouTube, or click these highlighted links for Parts 1 through 5 (approximately 10 minutes each):
- Photos From the 1903-04 Labor Strike in the Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District.
- Homes Once Located at 410, 414 & 416 Spicer Avenue; added to Photo Gallery Featuring the Collection Titled "This Old Victor House--Then & Now".
- 1896 Shooting Affray at the "Union Theatre of Varieties" in Victor, CO.
- Memories of Mrs. Katy Bemore--Resident of Independence, CO When the Train Depot Was Blown Up in 1904.
- View the Trailer for a new Lowell Thomas Documentary--"Voice of America: Lowell Thomas and the Rise of Broadcast News".
- Partnership to Place Crosses on Unmarked Graves of the Unknown Buried in the Potter's Field at Sunnyside Cemetery. Click highlighted link to "Activities" Page and Scroll Down.
- Step Back in Time With Glimpses of Historical Photos Featuring Victor & the Surrounding Mining District. Video of a power point presentation by La Jean Greeson, Sept 15, 2018.
- Working Underground in the Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District (1972 to 1979): How I Got the Shaft, the Gas, and the Broken Steel by Randall Stewart.
- Click HERE for a video showing the condition of the Masonic Lodge. Scroll down the "Preservation Successes & Challenges Page" to the "Endangered Buildings" section for a brief history and description of the architectural features of this endangered building.
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, 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, and hosting a Historical Chautauqua Actor Portraying James Burns (co-founder of the Portland Mine). (MORE)
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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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PRESERVATION GUIDELINES, GALLERY OF RESIDENCES & BUSINESSES |
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VICTOR HERITAGE SOCIETY EVENTS:
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Summer 2020 Annual Meetings, Activities and Events Traditionally Sponsored by the Victor Heritage Society have been suspended until further notice due to concerns about COVID-19. In the meantime, help our team of volunteers obtain relevant content to be shared on-line via 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 and 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. See details at top of HOME page. 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 (photos & details at top of page). 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
Lowell Thomas proudly displays a ceremonial Key to the City of Victor, his boyhood home.
VICTOR HERITAGE CALENDARS--A few remaining 2021 calendars are available at the Fragile Edge Gift Shop (4th & Victor Ave) for a $10 donation. The Cover Photo shows the original 1943 WWII Roll of Honor on Monarch Block Wall Listing Citizens of Teller County Serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. Featured Monthly Photos Include: Lowell Thomas with Key to City, Victor Opera House (seated 1200 in 1902), Swedish Lutheran Church (incorporated 1903), Independence Mine & Mill, First Passenger Train Arriving in Victor on Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad Line (1894), Deputy Sheriffs sent to the Mining District during the 1894 Labor War, July 4th 1895 Celebration at Original Victor Hotel, Vice President Teddy Roosevelt Visiting the Victor's Gold Mines in 1901, Gold Coin Club Burning in Great Fire of August 1899, Victor City Hall & Early Fire Truck, Miners at the Independence Mine, Bank Block~New Victor Hotel. Historic photos were shared by: Victor~Lowell Thomas Museum, Linda Irene Tingvik, Steve Plutt, Lori Newland Lorenz, and La Jean Greeson. Financial support provided by Newmont's Cripple Creek & Victor Mining Company.
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PLANS FORMULATED TO RECREATE VETERANS MEMORIAL WALL OF HONOR.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PLAN, HELP VERIFY THE LIST OF NAMES TO BE INCLUDED ON THE WALL, & FIND OPTIONS TO REGISTER YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT. |
Mock-Up of New Veterans Wall of Honor.
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Mock-Up of New Veterans Wall of Honor,
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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." CPI publishes the annual list to not only call attention to historic places that are most in danger of being lost, but also to help the nominees qualify for grants and other resources required to preserve and restore them. 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. |
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 FOR GRAVES IN POTTER'S FIELD: A project to place crosses on the 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 cost. Click on the "Activities" page and scroll down for 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 $1000. 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 $1000. 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.
Gold Rush Days 2017. We had a great time. Hope you did too.
GOLD RUSH DAYS 2017
Members and friends of the
Victor Heritage Society strolled along
Victor Avenue dressed in period costume during the annual Gold Rush Days parade.
Thanks to all who participated by
helping celebrate Victor's proud heritage! Our entry received a 1st Prize Award!
Members and friends of the
Victor Heritage Society strolled along
Victor Avenue dressed in period costume during the annual Gold Rush Days parade.
Thanks to all who participated by
helping celebrate Victor's proud heritage! Our entry received a 1st Prize Award!
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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 |