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Victor Historic House & Building Tour
Saturday, July 20, 11AM to 4 PM Interior Guided Tours of the Midland Terminal Railroad Depot, Historic Gardner Mercantile Shopkeeper's Quarters, and Three Historic Homes. Tickets $10 per person (children 10 & under free when accompanied by an adult). Last tickets sold at 3 PM. Tickets with Map available at the Fragile Edge Gifts (318 Victor Ave), MidCentury Elegance inside Gallery 80860 (102 S 4th St), & Prospector's Pick Antiques (106 N 4th St). Allow over an hour to visit all the sites on the tour. |
The Midland Terminal Railroad reached Victor on December 16, 1894 and served the Mining District until 1949 when the Carlton Mill was constructed between Victor & Cripple Creek and the railroad was no longer needed to transport ore to Colorado Springs for processing. Passenger service was discontinued in 1943. The brick Midland Terminal Depot, now the private residence of Robin & Kendal Stitzel, is the only remaining original train depot in Victor. The depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
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The Gardner Mercantile was rebuilt after the great fire of August 21, 1899 by owner John R. Gardner who went on to found a company to serve small merchants that had been unable to afford fire insurance. The building is currently occupied by a unique business called the "Junk Posse". The tour includes the fabulous shopkeeper's quarters occupied by Judy & Terry Akins (not shown in photo) which is open to the public for the first time and reached from the back of the building through a "Rustic Remnants Garden". As shown on the tour ticket, ENTER FROM THE ALLEY NEAR 209 PORTLAND AVE & FOLLOW THE SIGNS.
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The historic home of Joanne & Rick Killday, is located along the abandoned railroad bed of the Midland Terminal Railroad on Squaw Mountain with views overlooking Victor. The main line of the Midland Terminal Railroad passed behind the house and branch line that connected to the depot in Victor passed by the front porch. Consequently, the residents of this house never lived on the "wrong side of the tracks".
The historic home of Sheila & Lyndon Crowson provides stunning views of the distant snow-capped Sangre de Christo Mountains and nearby Wilson Creek.
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How Does the Tour Work? (1) Obtain your ticket at one of the businesses listed above. (2) The ticket includes the addresses of the five historic sites on the tour as well as a map showing the locations of the sites. (3) Walk or drive to each of the five sites in any order your choose. (4) At each site the building/home owner and docents will tell you about the history, architecture, and interesting facts about the site. (5) Because the tour sites are located farther apart this year, allow well over an hour if driving (longer if walking) to visit all five sites. Last tickets sold at 3 PM, tour ends at 4 PM. Start the tour early and enjoy a more leisurely pace.
Join or Renew Your Membership in the Victor Heritage Society.
Click HERE to Print an August 2018 t0 August 2019 Membership Year Form.
Click HERE to Print an August 2018 t0 August 2019 Membership Year Form.
Links to What's New:
- Announcements in the "BULLETIN BOARD" at the bottom of this page.
- New Page -- Upcoming Events of Historical Interest in Victor, Colorado. CLICK HERE or see Drop-Down Menu on the Home Page Button.
- 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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Over 100 Historic Photos Projected on the Big Screen by La Jean Greeson at the Victor Community Center--First Viewing Friday, July 5, 6:30 PM, Second Viewing Saturday, July 6, 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, 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, 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. * * * * * VHS Gold Rush Days Parade Entry--Sunday, July 21, 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. * * * * * Meet General William Jackson Palmer (portrayed by Dave Harmon)--August 10, 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. * * * * * 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
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2019 VICTOR HERITAGE CALENDAR
Keepsake Souvenir Commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the City of Mines in 1894. Copies available for a $10 donation at these local shops: Fragile Edge (corner of 4th & Victor Ave), Prospector's Pick (106 N 4th), Mid-Century Elegance inside Gallery 80860 (102 S 4th), Artist's Co-op in Ag & Mining Museum (corner 2nd & Victor Ave). Mail order copies available by sending your check for $15 to Victor Heritage Society, PO Box 424, Victor, CO 80860. |
The 2019 Victor Heritage Calendar features this cover photo and 12 other historic photos commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the City of Mines in 1894. Photos contributed by Linda Irene Tingvik, Jody Cottier Wells, & La Jean Greeson.
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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.
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 significantly enhances the appearance of the streetscape along Victor Avenue.
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.
For details, scroll to the bottom of the "Preservation Successes and Challenges" Page. Please contact us if you can share more information about its journey.
This stain glass window from the Iconic Victor Christian Christian Science Church Building, "Gone Forever--But Not Forgotten", was recently discovered.
For details, scroll to the bottom of the "Preservation Successes and Challenges" Page. Please contact us if you can share more information about its journey.
OTHER VICTOR EVENTS |