Victor Heritage Society--Working Together to Preserve Historic Victor Colorado.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT FIRST ANNUAL VICTOR HERITAGE DAYS EVENTS
FRIDAY, SEPT 6 -- SUNDAY, SEPT 8
Sponsored by the Victor Heritage Society
Click Links Below for Event Details

La Jean Greeson Presentations--Friday, Sept 6, 5 pm & 7 pm
Part of Victor Heritage Days Weekend
CLICK THIS LINK FOR REQUIRED RESERVATIONS & DETAILS

Round Table Discussion With Victor Residents & Historians
in Pinnacle Plaza--Saturday, Sept 7, 10 am
Part of Victor Heritage Days Weekend
CLICK THIS LINK FOR DETAILS

Victor Historic Home & Building Tour--Saturday, Sept 7, 1 pm to 4 pm
Part of Victor Heritage Days Weekend
CLICK THIS LINK FOR DETAILS ABOUT TICKETS & TOUR SITES

Remembering Gold Star Servicemen of World War II on Memorial in Wallace Park--Sunday, Sept 8, Noon, Service organized by Steve Plutt.
Part of Victor Heritage Days Weekend
CLICK THIS LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION

Victor Heritage Society Picnic at Bison Reservoir
Sunday, Sept 8, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Part of Victor Heritage Days Weekend
CLICK THIS LINK FOR DETAILS & TO RSVP BY SEPT 4, 2024

2025 Victor Heritage Calendars Available Now!

VICTOR HERITAGE CALENDARS for 2025 are now available for a $10 donation at these local shops: Victor Artists' Co-op (corner of Victor Ave & 2nd St), Twin Flame Gallery (102 S 4th St), and Mountain High Antiques & Massage (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.
Published by the Victor Heritage Society, our 2025 Victor Heritage Calendar spans 13 months from January 2025 through January 2026.  It features 14 high-resolution historical photos of Victor and the surrounding Mining District.
Click the highlighted LINK and scroll down for brief descriptions of the photos included, as well as acknowledgements recognizing the contributors who generously volunteered to share photos from their collections. Our annual calendars are collectible and also make great gifts.

Join or Renew Your Membership in the Victor Heritage Society
For September 2024 to August 2025
Click to Download & Print a Membership Form which can also be used for Gift Memberships

Jump to Updates & Announcements in the "BULLETIN BOARD" at the bottom of this page.

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)

Fortune Club Diner

City Hall

Baptist Church

Nana's Attic ~ Apartments

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.

Duggan-Berry House

Victor High School

Davis-Abbott House

McKenna-Sultzer House

NATIONAL REGISTER LISTINGS

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)

Victor Hotel

Midland Terminal Depot

Downtown Historic District

Independence Mine

PRESERVATION GUIDELINES & GALLERIES WITH PHOTOS OF RESIDENCES, BUSINESSES, UNDERGROUND MINES, LABOR WARS, ...

View a brief booklet highlighting Guidelines for Preserving Victor's Historic Residential Neighborhoods; (MORE)
View a gallery of photos illustrating Victor's Residential Gems and Most Prevalent Historic Residential Styles--log cabins, gabled, hipped box, Queen Anne and Edwardian Vernacular houses; (MORE)
View a photo gallery of Businesses Housed in Historic Buildings. (MORE)
View a photo gallery titled Historic Victor Homes & Buildings--Then & Now. (MORE)
View a photo gallery of Historic Victor Artwork by Fred Shane, circa 1942.
View photo galleries of Historic Underground Gold Mines Near Victor: "Stratton's Independence Mine", "Gold Coin Mine--Part of Woods Empire", "Restoration of Independence Mine Headframe (2017-18)", "The Vindicator Mine".
View a gallery of Madonna & Ellis Family "Photos from the 1903-04 Labor Strike".
View a video of "Step Back in Time With Glimpses of Historical Photos Featuring Victor & the Surrounding Mining District" -- a power point presentation by La Jean Greeson.

ORAL HISTORY ARCHIVES
ON-LINE

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 [email protected].

VISIT

LINKS

Things To Do when visiting historic Victor, Colorado--Walking tours, hiking trails, museums,
shopping, restaurants, lodging, scenic byways, active gold mine tours, ... (MORE)

Connect with Interesting Links to other resources related to the Heritage of Victor,
Colorado. (MORE )

VICTOR HERITAGE SOCIETY EVENTS:
Scheduled 2024 Events--check back for details and other events to be announced.

Hope You Were Able to Attend These
2023 VHS Events

Hope You Were Able to Attend These
2022 VHS Events

Hope You Were able to Attend These
2021 VHS Events

Hope You Were Able to Participate in These Online 2020 Activities.

Hope You Were Able to Attend These
2019 VHS Events

Hope You Were Able to Attend These 2018 VHS Events

FIRST ANNUAL VICTOR HERITAGE DAYS September 6-8, 2024 -- See announcements & links at top of Home Page for details about events:
Friday, Sept 6

Narrated Power-Point Presentation (5 pm & 7 pm) by La Jean Greeson featuring Historical Photos Illustrating Victor's Amazing History at the Gold Coin Club (located on Diamond Ave between 4th St & 5th St), free. Due to limited space, reservations must be made for either 5 pm or 7 pm, check back for details.

Saturday, Sept 7

Round Table Discussion at Plaza on N 3rd St featuring Victor Historians, long-time residents & former residents moderated by La Jean Greeson (10 am);
Historic Home & Building Tour (1 pm to 4 pm). Tickets with maps $10 per person available at Twin Flame Gallery (102 S 4th St) & Victor Artists' Co-op (corner of Victor Ave & 2nd St). Children 10 and under free when accompanied by an adult, check back for details.

Sunday, Sept 8

Ceremony Remembering Our Gold Star WWII Servicemen at the Memorial in Wallace Park led by Steve Plutt (12 noon, corner of Victor Ave & 2nd St).
Victor Heritage Society Picnic at Bison Reservoir (1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, check back for details to be announced).

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VICTOR GOLD RUSH DAYS July 19-21, 2024 -- VHS Sponsored Events: Sunday, July 21, Gold Rush Days Parade Entry -- VHS members & friends gather in the side yard of the Sandlin home (514 Victor Ave) at 11:45 am to participate in the noontime Gold Rush Days Parade by marching along the parade route in period costume. At 1 pm, come to the Gold Coin Club for a free presentation & tour led by Richard Courson (historian). Thanks to Richard Courson, Jim & Sarah Watson (building owners), and all who attended or volunteered to help make this event a huge success.
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VHS Sponsored Informational Session--Saturday, April 6, 2024, 6 PM at the Victor Community Center, corner of S 2nd St & Portland Ave. This was your opportunity to learn how to research the history of Victor homes and buildings. Presentation by Ms. Frankie Ashton, former deputy clerk in the Teller County Clerk & Recorder. Thanks to Frankie and all who attended. For those who could not attend or would like to view the information presented, Click This LINK to a Video made by Judy Sandlin of the session on the VHS Youtube Channel.
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VHS Potluck Party--Friday, October 20, 2023, 6 PM at the home of Judy & Mike Sandlin, 514 Victor Ave. Good Food, Good Company. Bring your favorite side dish to share (main course provided). Thanks to all who attended and shared ideas about plans for 2024.
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VHS Historic Home & Building Tour--Saturday, July 15, 2023, 11 AM to 4 PM. Tickets $10 per person (children 10 and under free when accompanied by an adult), last tickets sold at 3 PM. This is you chance to take docent guided interior tours of featured historic homes and buildings. For details and photo highlights, CLICK HERE. Thanks to all who made the tour a success by sharing their properties, serving as docents, and attending. Hope to see you participating again next year!
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VHS Gold Rush Days Parade Entry--Sunday, July 16, 2023, 11:45 AM. Participate with Friends & Members of the Victor Heritage Society dressed in period costume while strolling along the parade route behind the VHS Banner. Everyone is welcome to participate! Gather before the noontime parade at the Sandlin house (514 Victor Ave). For photos from previous VHS parade entries, CLICK HERE. Thanks to all who participated in the parade. It's never too early to start planning for next year!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Invited VHS Members and All Other Interested Parties to Share Historic Photos, Home & Building Histories, Oral Histories & Other Relevant Materials by Emailing [email protected] or Snail-Mailing Victor Heritage Society, PO Box 424, Victor, CO 80860. We look forward to hearing from you! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
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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, 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 [email protected].

MEMBERSHIP &
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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:

Share photos on the VHS Website or on the next Victor Heritage Calendar,
Participate in period costume in the annual Gold Rush Days Parade,
Help as a site docent for the annual Historic House & Building Tour,
Share your house or building on the annual Historic House & Building Tour,
Host a Heritage Society meeting at your home or business,
Suggest a program for a Heritage Society meeting,
Share your memories or family connections to Victor and the Worlds' Greatest Gold Camp on the VHS Website, or record an oral history with a long-time Victor resident,
Help with content or technical support for the Heritage Society web site,
Serve on a committee to select the Heritage Society Award paintings at the Labor Day Weekend Art Festival,
Help with event publicity or grant writing,
Participate as a committee chair or officer of the organization.

Annual Membership Dues:

Individuals-----------------$10
Family / Business---------$20
Nonprofit Partners--------$25
Donations Gratefully Accepted
Click Here to Print & Mail in your Victor Heritage Society Membership Form with dues for the Sept 2023-Aug 2024 year now.
Victor Heritage Society is a 503 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. Your support is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Mailing Address--New:
Victor Heritage Society
PO Box 424
Victor, Colorado 80860

E-mail:
[email protected]

BULLETIN BOARD

FIRST ANNUAL VICTOR HERITAGE DAYS CELEBRATION, September 6-8, 2024 -- VHS plans for sponsored events: Friday, Sept 6, evening Presentation by La Jean Greeson at the Gold Coin Club, everyone invited, free; Saturday, Sept 7, Panel discussion in plaza featuring long-time residents or former residents moderated by La Jean Greeson, and our Annual Historic Home & Building Tour; Sunday, Sept 8, Recognition of Gold Star Veterans at Memorial in Wallace Park, and Picnic at Bison Reservoir. Click links for details pertaining to each of the events.

HISTORICAL PROPERTY RESEARCH INFORMATIONAL SESSION Sponsored by the Victor Heritage Society -- Saturday, April 6, 2024, 6 PM at the Victor Community Center. This was your opportunity to learn how to research the history of properties in Teller County (especially historic Victor homes and buildings). Ms. Frankie Ashton, former deputy clerk of the Teller County Clerk & Recorder's office, was the guest speaker. For those unable to attend , CLICK THIS LINK TO THE VHS YOUTUBE CHANNEL and view a video of the session recorded by Judy Sandlin. It begins with introductions and announcements by Sue Kochevar, followed by Frankie Ashton's presentation.

Click to enlarge the announcement flier posted in Victor and distributed via email to VHS members.

HISTORIC VICTOR BOWLING ALLEY INCLUDED ON COLORADO PRESERVATION INC'S 2024 LIST OF MOST ENDANGERED PLACES (announced Feb 2, 2024). Congratulations to the owners, Bee & Steve Morgan. Click the HIGHLIGHTED LINK for a video about preserving the building & vintage manual pinsetters. Additional information can be found by scrolling down the ACTIVITIES PAGE.

NOMINATIONS FOR VHS's VICTOR LANDMARK AWARD ARE BEING ACCEPTED UNTIL MARCH 1, 2024.
For examples of some previous award recipients as well as details about the nomination and selection process, click the highlighted link to our VICTOR LANDMARK AWARDS PAGE. Also scroll down our SPONSORED ACTIVITIES PAGE to the section on Annual Landmark Awards.
To nominate a property, please email [email protected]

2024 Victor Landmark Award Nomination Announcement. Click to enlarge.

Brief booklet downloadable from VHS website. Printed copies also available. Click to enlarge.

VIEW A RECENT STORY ADDED TO THE VHS ORAL HISTORY ARCHIVES, (January 2024).
Click the highlighted link for historic photos and newspaper accounts about Theodore Roosevelt's First Chaotic Campaign Visit to Victor in 1900, and his Second Triumphant Victor Visit in 1901 as Vice-President (soon after to become President) of the United States.

Theodore Roosevelt, to date, the highest ranking national politician to visit Victor, Colorado.

1901, TR in shaft house of Portland (No. 2) Mine near Victor. He also toured the Gold Coin Mine & Club.

PLAQUE RECOGNIZES HISTORY & PRESERVATION OF THE VICTOR MIDLAND TERMINAL DEPOT.
Click This Highlighted Link to the Photo Gallery of Historic Victor Homes & Buildings -- Then & Now to view the text on the plaque enhanced with photos illustrating how the depot has changed from its construction in 1897 to the present.

Victor Midland Terminal Depot, 2019.

VIEW A 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.

Interior of Star Grocery, "The Only Swedish Grocery Store in Victor", Circa 1900.

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.

Ovren's Book & Stationary Store

Old Mine in Victor

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, (Submitted 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).

VIEW TWO RECENT STORIES SUBMITTED TO THE VHS ORAL HISTORY ARCHIVES

Harriet & Harry Turner with their three youngest children, 1912.

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.

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)

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

AN INSPIRATIONAL DEDICATION CEREMONY FOR THE NEW TELLER COUNTY WWII VETERANS MEMORIAL ROLL OF HONOR was held during Victor's Annual Gold Rush Days Celebration, July 18, 2021, 9 to 10 am, in Wallace Park (corner of Victor Ave & 2nd St.) CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

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

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

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

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 YouTube video describing the history and endangered condition of the Isis Theater in 2020.
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..

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.

Penguin Hockey 2018. The ice rink is equipped with lights for night skating. Click photos to enlarge.

Volunteers operate a Zamboni machine to maintain the ice. A changing room adjoins the rink. Brian Hayes (center) holding trophy.

Victor Penguins Hockey Club Logo -- Kids and adults of all ages participate. Use of skates is available with no rental fee.

CLICK HERE to View an Oral History Video Featuring Brian Hayes
Talking about the Hockey Rink and the Victor Penguins Hockey Club.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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", is now located 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

Click Here for a Link to a Calendar of Other Victor Events