SPONSORED PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
Annual Activities
Gold Rush Days Parade Entry
Members and friends of Victor Heritage Society march in period costume in the annual Gold Rush Day Parade on the 3rd weekend in July. Gather in the yard of the Sandlin House at 514 Victor Ave before the parade and join the group following the Victor Heritage Society Banner along the parade route. Everyone is welcome!
If you are looking for a period costume, a selection of vintage clothing may be found at several Victor businesses including Mountain High Antiques, Muleshoe Antiques, Victor Trading Company, or from Marilyn Fay. Click photos to enlarge.
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Annual Victor Heritage Calendars
Mint Bar Artwork by George Foott--2016 Calendar Cover
The Victor Heritage Society publishes an annual calendar with historic photos and artwork for each month illustrating Victor's rich heritage. Calendars for 2010 and successive years have become collector items. Thanks to Judy Sandlin for conceptualizing and directing the production of our calendars, and La Jean Greeson for serving as our photo archivist.
The spectacular 2025 Victor Heritage Calendar features 14 amazing historic photos shared from the collections of the J.A. Beckman Family, Richard Courson, A. J. Harlan, Anna Conley Horton, Sue Kochevar, Otto Perry, Schrick Photo Service, Linda Irene Tingvik, and Dorothy Young. Included are views of Victor Ave in the 1920's, Ajax Gold Mining Company & Portland Mine in 1911, Pre-fire Victor Banking Company, Star Grocery on N 4th St circa 1900, Portland Gold Mining Company in 1909, Zitnik Family at Whiskey Gulch near Goldfield, Arrest of Victor Daily Record Staff during 1904 Labor War, Victor Ave in 1940's, Victor's Great Fire on Aug 21, 1899, Midland Terminal RR Motor Car in 1941, Mines at Center of Cripple Creek Mining District, Lowell Thomas' 5th Grade Class at Garfield School, Victor Ave after the big 1914 Snow Storm, and the Victor Turf Exchange Saloon & Miners Restaurant.
The 2024 Victor Heritage Calendar featured 14 historic photos shared from the collections of the Davis family, Billy Dias, La Jean Greeson, Anna Conley Horton, Sue Kochevar, Linda Irene Tingvik, and Dorothy Young. Included are views of the Militia at Elkton in 1903-04, Ghost Town of Elkton in 1971 (now gone), Great Fire on Aug 21, 1899, Post-Fire Reconstruction of N 3rd St circa 1900, the Economy Market & Delivery Truck circa 1901 & 1905, Anaconda & Mary McKinney Mine before 1904, Horse Race on Victor Ave after 1908, Strong Mine & Gold Bowl circa 1910, Ajax Mine circa 1910, Ajax & Portland Mines circa 1911, Goldfield Railroad Depot, Victor City Overview circa 1940, and the Gold Belt Lunch Room.
The 2023 Victor Heritage Calendar featured 14 historic photos shared from the collections of La Jean Greeson, Sue Kochevar, and H.L. Turner. Included are views of the reconstruction of N 3rd Street after the 1899 Fire, the Victor Opera House, the Garfield and Washington Schools, the Economic Ore Processing Mill, and the Independence, Gold Coin/Granite, Vindicator, and Victor Mines.
An expanded format for the 2022 Victor Heritage Calendar covered January 2022 through January 2023. It featured 14 rare historic photos shared from the collections of the H.L. Turner family, Tekavee family, & La Jean Greeson.
The 2021 Victor Heritage Calendar cover photo documented a 1943 WWII Roll of Honor on the Monarch Block wall listing Citizens of Teller County who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Monthly photos featured Lowell Thomas with a Key to the City, the 1902 Victor Opera House, Swedish Lutheran Church, Independence Mine & Mill, First Passenger Train Arriving in Victor in 1894, Deputy Sheriffs sent to the Mining District during the 1894 Labor Strike, July 4th 1895 Celebration at the Original Victor Hotel, Vice President Teddy Roosevelt visiting Victor's Gold Mines in 1901, Gold Coin Club burning in the Great Fire of August 1899, Victor City Hall & Early Fire Truck, Miners at the Independence Mine, Bank Block~New Victor Hotel. Photos were shared by Linda Irene Tingvik, Steve Plutt, Lori Newland Lorenz, La Jean Greeson and the Victor~Lowell Thomas Museum.
The 2020 Calendar cover featured an amazing photo shared by Linda Irene Tingvik showing the Shaft House of the Gold Coin Mine, Gold Coin Club, Gold Coin Block, Midland Terminal Depot, buildings on the west side of North Fourth Street and the Mary Cashen Mine circa 1902. Featured monthly photos were contributed by Cody Swab, Rose Noal, James Davidson, Audrey Dazey, and La Jean Greeson.
The 2019 Calendar contained 13 historic photos contributed by Linda Irene Tingvik, Jody Cottier Wells, and La Jean Greeson commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the City of Mines in 1894.
The 2018 Calendar featured a color vintage Victor souvenir postcard on the cover and 12 rare historical photos contributed by LaJean Greeson.
The 2017 Calendar featured 13 rare and historical Victor photos contributed by Nancy Galbraith, LaJean Greeson, and Dorothy Delina Porter.
The 2016 Calendar featured photos of artwork by Cherry Hunter and George Foott from a collection donated by Jim & Joyce Vandever.
Submissions of historic photos and artwork that might be considered for inclusion on future calendars are most welcome. Your originals will be scanned and returned. Alternatively, send scanned copies of your original photos or artwork (saved as JPG files) attached to an e-mail addressed to [email protected].
The spectacular 2025 Victor Heritage Calendar features 14 amazing historic photos shared from the collections of the J.A. Beckman Family, Richard Courson, A. J. Harlan, Anna Conley Horton, Sue Kochevar, Otto Perry, Schrick Photo Service, Linda Irene Tingvik, and Dorothy Young. Included are views of Victor Ave in the 1920's, Ajax Gold Mining Company & Portland Mine in 1911, Pre-fire Victor Banking Company, Star Grocery on N 4th St circa 1900, Portland Gold Mining Company in 1909, Zitnik Family at Whiskey Gulch near Goldfield, Arrest of Victor Daily Record Staff during 1904 Labor War, Victor Ave in 1940's, Victor's Great Fire on Aug 21, 1899, Midland Terminal RR Motor Car in 1941, Mines at Center of Cripple Creek Mining District, Lowell Thomas' 5th Grade Class at Garfield School, Victor Ave after the big 1914 Snow Storm, and the Victor Turf Exchange Saloon & Miners Restaurant.
The 2024 Victor Heritage Calendar featured 14 historic photos shared from the collections of the Davis family, Billy Dias, La Jean Greeson, Anna Conley Horton, Sue Kochevar, Linda Irene Tingvik, and Dorothy Young. Included are views of the Militia at Elkton in 1903-04, Ghost Town of Elkton in 1971 (now gone), Great Fire on Aug 21, 1899, Post-Fire Reconstruction of N 3rd St circa 1900, the Economy Market & Delivery Truck circa 1901 & 1905, Anaconda & Mary McKinney Mine before 1904, Horse Race on Victor Ave after 1908, Strong Mine & Gold Bowl circa 1910, Ajax Mine circa 1910, Ajax & Portland Mines circa 1911, Goldfield Railroad Depot, Victor City Overview circa 1940, and the Gold Belt Lunch Room.
The 2023 Victor Heritage Calendar featured 14 historic photos shared from the collections of La Jean Greeson, Sue Kochevar, and H.L. Turner. Included are views of the reconstruction of N 3rd Street after the 1899 Fire, the Victor Opera House, the Garfield and Washington Schools, the Economic Ore Processing Mill, and the Independence, Gold Coin/Granite, Vindicator, and Victor Mines.
An expanded format for the 2022 Victor Heritage Calendar covered January 2022 through January 2023. It featured 14 rare historic photos shared from the collections of the H.L. Turner family, Tekavee family, & La Jean Greeson.
The 2021 Victor Heritage Calendar cover photo documented a 1943 WWII Roll of Honor on the Monarch Block wall listing Citizens of Teller County who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Monthly photos featured Lowell Thomas with a Key to the City, the 1902 Victor Opera House, Swedish Lutheran Church, Independence Mine & Mill, First Passenger Train Arriving in Victor in 1894, Deputy Sheriffs sent to the Mining District during the 1894 Labor Strike, July 4th 1895 Celebration at the Original Victor Hotel, Vice President Teddy Roosevelt visiting Victor's Gold Mines in 1901, Gold Coin Club burning in the Great Fire of August 1899, Victor City Hall & Early Fire Truck, Miners at the Independence Mine, Bank Block~New Victor Hotel. Photos were shared by Linda Irene Tingvik, Steve Plutt, Lori Newland Lorenz, La Jean Greeson and the Victor~Lowell Thomas Museum.
The 2020 Calendar cover featured an amazing photo shared by Linda Irene Tingvik showing the Shaft House of the Gold Coin Mine, Gold Coin Club, Gold Coin Block, Midland Terminal Depot, buildings on the west side of North Fourth Street and the Mary Cashen Mine circa 1902. Featured monthly photos were contributed by Cody Swab, Rose Noal, James Davidson, Audrey Dazey, and La Jean Greeson.
The 2019 Calendar contained 13 historic photos contributed by Linda Irene Tingvik, Jody Cottier Wells, and La Jean Greeson commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the City of Mines in 1894.
The 2018 Calendar featured a color vintage Victor souvenir postcard on the cover and 12 rare historical photos contributed by LaJean Greeson.
The 2017 Calendar featured 13 rare and historical Victor photos contributed by Nancy Galbraith, LaJean Greeson, and Dorothy Delina Porter.
The 2016 Calendar featured photos of artwork by Cherry Hunter and George Foott from a collection donated by Jim & Joyce Vandever.
Submissions of historic photos and artwork that might be considered for inclusion on future calendars are most welcome. Your originals will be scanned and returned. Alternatively, send scanned copies of your original photos or artwork (saved as JPG files) attached to an e-mail addressed to [email protected].
Victor Historic House and Building Tours
Attend the annual Historic House and Building Tour during Gold Rush Days--the third weekend in July.
See how the interiors and exteriors of Victor's Gold Rush Era structures have been preserved and adapted to current uses.
Home and building owners are available to provide information about the history and architectural features of each structure.
Pictured are a few of the homes and buildings featured on recent tours.
See how the interiors and exteriors of Victor's Gold Rush Era structures have been preserved and adapted to current uses.
Home and building owners are available to provide information about the history and architectural features of each structure.
Pictured are a few of the homes and buildings featured on recent tours.
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*** Click HERE for photos of the properties featured on our 2013 -- 2024 tours. ***
Annual Landmark Awards
The Victor Landmark Award is presented to recognize and encourage outstanding achievements in exterior preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, or compatible new construction that contributes to the enhancement of historic areas of the City of Victor, Colorado.
The award is presented to the owner of record in recognition of work accomplished on a particular building. Recipients are recognized at a General Membership meeting where they present the history as well as an architectural description of the structure and receive an award plaque that can be attached to the exterior of the structure.
The award is presented to the owner of record in recognition of work accomplished on a particular building. Recipients are recognized at a General Membership meeting where they present the history as well as an architectural description of the structure and receive an award plaque that can be attached to the exterior of the structure.
Award nominations are accepted annually by the Victor Heritage Society's Landmark Awards Committee. Nominations may be submitted by any resident, business owner, professional representative, Victor Heritage Society member, or interested party. The Landmark Awards Committee reviews all nominations and recommends those that will be invited to apply for the Landmark Award. Criteria for selecting award nominees may be found in a booklet available from the Heritage Society -- "Victor, Colorado: The City of Mines with Architecture Worth Preserving, An Informational Guide to Preserving Our Architectural Heritage".
Nominees recommended by the Landmarks Committee receive a letter of notification along with an application. To complete the nomination process and receive the award, nominees must (1) complete and return the landmark application form to the Landmark Awards Committee by the designated deadline, (2) provide a history and architectural description of the property, and (3) attend or send a representative to the annual Victor Heritage Society Landmark Awards Presentation Meeting.
Click here to see recipients of Victor Landmark Awards. Also shown are the Victor properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Nominees recommended by the Landmarks Committee receive a letter of notification along with an application. To complete the nomination process and receive the award, nominees must (1) complete and return the landmark application form to the Landmark Awards Committee by the designated deadline, (2) provide a history and architectural description of the property, and (3) attend or send a representative to the annual Victor Heritage Society Landmark Awards Presentation Meeting.
Click here to see recipients of Victor Landmark Awards. Also shown are the Victor properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Victor Celebrates the Arts Heritage Awards
Quick Draw VCTA Event in Wallace Park
Established in 2000, the annual Victor Celebrates the Arts Festival attracts En Plein Air artists from throughout the nation to Victor to paint on site during the week before Labor Day. The paintings are displayed in a Juried Art Show and Sale held in the historic Victor Elks Lodge ballroom on Labor Day Weekend. The Victor Heritage Society sponsors $250 worth of cash prizes to recognize two paintings in the annual show that best depict Victor's Heritage.
Thanks to all who participate as artists, patrons, and volunteers helping with the many duties necessary to make this annual event such a great success. VHS members are well represented in all these important facets of the annual show and sale which brings thousands of visitors to Victor and continues to develop a body of art work that helps document, preserve and promote the rich heritage of Victor and the Gold Camp for future generations.
Thanks to all who participate as artists, patrons, and volunteers helping with the many duties necessary to make this annual event such a great success. VHS members are well represented in all these important facets of the annual show and sale which brings thousands of visitors to Victor and continues to develop a body of art work that helps document, preserve and promote the rich heritage of Victor and the Gold Camp for future generations.
Former Silver Dollar Contests at Historic Victor Bowling Alley & Plans for Future Use
Lanes 3 & 4. House Rules on the wall. Click all photos to enlarge.
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For many years, Carolyn & John VanSciver, opened the Historic Victor Bowling Alley during Gold Rush Days.
For a small donation to support Heritage Society projects, contestants could win a silver dollar by bowling a perfect frame. Three strikes and you were a winner. |
Click to enlarge & look closely. A ball just released by the girl in purple shorts is heading down lane 4.
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Click the link in the paragraph below to watch the manual pin setting machines in action.
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Vintage pin setting machine at the Historic Victor Bowling Alley.
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Looks like the young lady in purple could be going home with a silver dollar.
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New Owners: In 2020 the Victor Bowling Alley located at 106 S 3rd Street was purchased by Steve & Bee Morgan. Click this highlighted link to view a fascinating video about the Morgan's plans to Restore & Reopen the Historic Victor Bowl for family-friendly, full-time use.
To partner in that effort, Colorado Preservation Inc added the building to their 2024 List of Most Endangered Places. The building was most likely constructed in 1900 and first occupied by Ketelsen Grocery.
Research by La Jean Greeson found Grocery businesses listed as operating at 106 S 3rd St in the available collection of Victor City Directories include: John Ketelsen (1900), H.G. Moore Mercantile Co (1902), John Ketelson (1905), H.G. Moore Mercantile Co (1907), Cresent Grocery with Joseph Carlberg manager (1912-13), and H.T. Coppage & John Dewar (1917-18).
The incongruous log exterior appearance of the building today reflects late 1930's modifications for adaptive reuse of the building as a community bowling alley. Steve & Bee Morgan are seeking historic photos and information about the building.
To partner in that effort, Colorado Preservation Inc added the building to their 2024 List of Most Endangered Places. The building was most likely constructed in 1900 and first occupied by Ketelsen Grocery.
Research by La Jean Greeson found Grocery businesses listed as operating at 106 S 3rd St in the available collection of Victor City Directories include: John Ketelsen (1900), H.G. Moore Mercantile Co (1902), John Ketelson (1905), H.G. Moore Mercantile Co (1907), Cresent Grocery with Joseph Carlberg manager (1912-13), and H.T. Coppage & John Dewar (1917-18).
The incongruous log exterior appearance of the building today reflects late 1930's modifications for adaptive reuse of the building as a community bowling alley. Steve & Bee Morgan are seeking historic photos and information about the building.
Other Sponsored Activities & Programs
Historic Victor Walking Tour Signage
The Victor Heritage Society provided research and local matching funds to obtain a grant from the Gold Belt Tour / Scenic Byways Program to develop signage for the Historic Victor Walking Tour.
A walking tour brochure and a series of 15 signs tell the unique history of Victor and the hardrock mining Gold Camp. Look for the signs on slant-boards mounted on posts along street curbs. The Walking Tour Brochure is available from the Visitors' Center in the Alta Vista Railroad Depot, the Victor~Lowell Thomas Museum, and from mailboxes attached to some of sign posts.
A walking tour brochure and a series of 15 signs tell the unique history of Victor and the hardrock mining Gold Camp. Look for the signs on slant-boards mounted on posts along street curbs. The Walking Tour Brochure is available from the Visitors' Center in the Alta Vista Railroad Depot, the Victor~Lowell Thomas Museum, and from mailboxes attached to some of sign posts.
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The Victor Historic Walking Tour Signs are included in a nationwide Historical Marker Database. The text and photos from most of the walking tour signs, and photographs of many of the featured historic buildings can be viewed by clicking HERE.
Dave Harmon portraying General William Jackson Palmer (1836-1909) at Saint Victor's Catholic Church, August 10, 2019. Click photo to enlarge.
Chautauqua Presentation Featuring William Jackson Palmer, Portrayed by Dave Harmon, in Honor of the 125th Anniversary of the City of Victor
To commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the incorporation of the City in 1984, the Victor Heritage sponsored a Chautauqua Presentation with Dave Harmon portraying General William Jackson Palmer. The free public event was held August 10, 2019 at Saint Victor's Catholic Church.
General Palmer was a railroad tycoon, generous philanthropist, and founder of the City of Colorado Springs. He is known for developing the railroads that connected Colorado with the rest of the Nation.
Palmer's Denver & Rio Grande Railroad helped accelerate development of the Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District by providing connections to the rest of the State and Nation from the three lines that transported passengers and supplies to and from the District, and also shipped gold ore to the processing mills located in Florence, Pueblo, and Old Colorado City (where coal and water required for their operations were more plentiful and cheaper).
To commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the incorporation of the City in 1984, the Victor Heritage sponsored a Chautauqua Presentation with Dave Harmon portraying General William Jackson Palmer. The free public event was held August 10, 2019 at Saint Victor's Catholic Church.
General Palmer was a railroad tycoon, generous philanthropist, and founder of the City of Colorado Springs. He is known for developing the railroads that connected Colorado with the rest of the Nation.
Palmer's Denver & Rio Grande Railroad helped accelerate development of the Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District by providing connections to the rest of the State and Nation from the three lines that transported passengers and supplies to and from the District, and also shipped gold ore to the processing mills located in Florence, Pueblo, and Old Colorado City (where coal and water required for their operations were more plentiful and cheaper).
Over 100 historic photos projected on the BIG SCREEN at the Victor Community Center by La Jean Greeson -- July 5 & 6, 2019. Click photo of enlarge.
Historic Photos Presented in Honor of the 125th Anniversary of the City of Mines
To commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the incorporation of the City in 1894, the Victor Heritage Society sponsored two narrated viewings of over 100 fantastic photos documenting the history of Victor and the nearby Mining District. The July 5th & 6th, 2019 presentations were prepared, narrated, and projected with amazing clarity onto the big screen at the Community Center by La Jean Greeson.
Thank You La Jean for sharing more of your photos and knowledge about Victor's Heritage -- to the delight of all who attended. Thank You to the City of Victor for making the facilities at the Community Center (former Swedish Lutheran Church) available for these events.
To commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the incorporation of the City in 1894, the Victor Heritage Society sponsored two narrated viewings of over 100 fantastic photos documenting the history of Victor and the nearby Mining District. The July 5th & 6th, 2019 presentations were prepared, narrated, and projected with amazing clarity onto the big screen at the Community Center by La Jean Greeson.
Thank You La Jean for sharing more of your photos and knowledge about Victor's Heritage -- to the delight of all who attended. Thank You to the City of Victor for making the facilities at the Community Center (former Swedish Lutheran Church) available for these events.
Tarie Huber & La Jean Greeson (interviewer). Tarie's Oral History Videos premiered on the BIG SCREEN at the Community Center on July 7, 2019. They can also be viewed on YouTube -- click links below.
Oral History Videos Presented in Honor of the 125th Anniversary of the City of Mines
The public was invited to the premier viewing at the Community Center (July 7, 2019) of five oral history videos from an interview with long-time Victor resident Tarie Huber. The five videos feature Tarie remembering how her great grandparents came to Victor in the 1890's, the good times and challenging times, and many heart-warming, funny stories about Tarie's life in Victor.
Thank You to Tarie Huber who was 83 years young when interviewed in September 2018 at her home in Goldfield. A special thanks to the Huber family for assisting in sharing Tarie's stories, La Jean Greeson (interviewer) and Marion Zachary (videographer).
The five part video series sponsored by the Victor Heritage Society can be accessed searching for the "Victor Heritage Society" Channel on YouTube, or by clicking the following highlighted links:
Part 1 of 5, Part 2 of 5, Part 3 of 5, Part 4 of 5, Part 5 of 5.
Each video is approximately 10 minutes.
The public was invited to the premier viewing at the Community Center (July 7, 2019) of five oral history videos from an interview with long-time Victor resident Tarie Huber. The five videos feature Tarie remembering how her great grandparents came to Victor in the 1890's, the good times and challenging times, and many heart-warming, funny stories about Tarie's life in Victor.
Thank You to Tarie Huber who was 83 years young when interviewed in September 2018 at her home in Goldfield. A special thanks to the Huber family for assisting in sharing Tarie's stories, La Jean Greeson (interviewer) and Marion Zachary (videographer).
The five part video series sponsored by the Victor Heritage Society can be accessed searching for the "Victor Heritage Society" Channel on YouTube, or by clicking the following highlighted links:
Part 1 of 5, Part 2 of 5, Part 3 of 5, Part 4 of 5, Part 5 of 5.
Each video is approximately 10 minutes.
Sixty Crosses for Unmarked Graves Donated by VHS & Marchese Family
Partnership to Place Crosses on Graves of Unknown Buried in the Potter's Field at Sunnyside Cemetery
Bob & Maxine Marchese, VHS members, took charge of designing and arranging for the fabrication of 60 crosses placed on graves for the unknown in the Potter's Field at Sunnyside Cemetery. The project was completed in October 2018.
The Victor Heritage Society partnered with the Marchese Family in covering the cost of producing the durable white metal crosses that replaced temporary wooden crosses which were vulnerable to being damaged by mowing and animals grazing in the cemetery.
A special thanks to Kirk Myers, who installed the crosses, and Valdean Myers, who coordinates projects to maintain the cemetery and preserve its history by giving informational tours with the help of her daughter Alicia and granddaughter Morgan.
Bob & Maxine Marchese, VHS members, took charge of designing and arranging for the fabrication of 60 crosses placed on graves for the unknown in the Potter's Field at Sunnyside Cemetery. The project was completed in October 2018.
The Victor Heritage Society partnered with the Marchese Family in covering the cost of producing the durable white metal crosses that replaced temporary wooden crosses which were vulnerable to being damaged by mowing and animals grazing in the cemetery.
A special thanks to Kirk Myers, who installed the crosses, and Valdean Myers, who coordinates projects to maintain the cemetery and preserve its history by giving informational tours with the help of her daughter Alicia and granddaughter Morgan.
Horse race on Victor Ave which is lined with buildings and a crowd enjoying the event. Photo (taken after 1905) shared from the collection of Linda Irene Tingvik.
STEP BACK IN TIME WITH GLIMPSES OF HISTORICAL PHOTOS FEATURING VICTOR & THE SURROUNDING MINING DISTRICT: A Power Point Presentation by La Jean Greeson sponsored by the Victor Heritage Society (September 15, 2018).
An enthralled overflow crowd attended this Victor Heritage Society sponsored presentation by La Jean Greeson in the theater at the Cripple Creek Heritage Center. La Jean's power point presentation featured favorites from her amazing collection of rare historical photos of Victor and the nearby Gold Mining District. CLICK HERE to view YouTube Videography of the event made by Marion Zachary of Blue Sky Designs.
An enthralled overflow crowd attended this Victor Heritage Society sponsored presentation by La Jean Greeson in the theater at the Cripple Creek Heritage Center. La Jean's power point presentation featured favorites from her amazing collection of rare historical photos of Victor and the nearby Gold Mining District. CLICK HERE to view YouTube Videography of the event made by Marion Zachary of Blue Sky Designs.
RAILROADS IN THE WORLD'S GREATEST GOLD CAMP, An Evening With Mel McFarland Sponsored by the Victor Heritage Society (August 11, 2018).
An overflow crowd attended this Victor Heritage Society sponsored presentation by Mel McFarland at Victor's Ag & Mining Museum. Mel's presentation, enhanced with a collection of historic photos projected on slides, featured the trains that once served the Mining District.
At its peak, the Cripple Creek and Victor Mining District was served by three railroads:
An overflow crowd attended this Victor Heritage Society sponsored presentation by Mel McFarland at Victor's Ag & Mining Museum. Mel's presentation, enhanced with a collection of historic photos projected on slides, featured the trains that once served the Mining District.
At its peak, the Cripple Creek and Victor Mining District was served by three railroads:
- The Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad came up from Florence through Phantom Canyon,
- The Midland Railroad came from Colorado Springs over Ute Pass to Divide where the Midland Terminal Railroad branched off to reach the Gold Camp via a route similar to Highway 67, and
- The Colorado Springs & Cripple Creek District Railroad, also known as "The Short Line", offered the most direct path between Colorado Springs and the Mining District via a route now called Gold Camp Road.
Mel McFarland (standing) presented a fascinating slide show and talk to members and guests of the Victor Heritage Society gathered at Victor's Agriculture & Mining Museum. This building once housed the Victor Ford Dealership.
Mel McFarland (standing in photo to left) described the boom times when the Florence & Cripple Creek RR, the Midland Terminal RR, and the Short Line RR came to the Mining District, how they vigorously competed with each other, and what eventually led to the demise of each.
Mel is retired teacher well known for his newspaper columns and books about regional trains.
For sixteen years he also enjoyed working as a conductor and engineer on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
A historic Midland Railroad caboose in the back yard of his home is yet another example of his passion for preserving the history of the train lines that served the Pikes Peak region and other parts of Colorado.
Mel is retired teacher well known for his newspaper columns and books about regional trains.
For sixteen years he also enjoyed working as a conductor and engineer on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
A historic Midland Railroad caboose in the back yard of his home is yet another example of his passion for preserving the history of the train lines that served the Pikes Peak region and other parts of Colorado.
Chautauqua actor Ron West portrays James Burns, co-founder of the Portland Mine. The free Chautauqua presentation held at Saint Victor's Catholic Church was sponsored by the Victor Heritage Society as a community service to help preserve our hard-rock mining heritage.
CHAUTAUQUA PRESENTATION BY RON WEST FEATURING JIMMY BURNS, Co-founder of the Fantastic Portland Mine (July 1, 2017).
A large group attended a Victor Heritage Society sponsored presentation by Ron West, a Chautauqua actor who portrays James Burns, the co-founder of the Portland Mine. “Mr. Burns” recounted the story of how the one-time partners and friends, James Burns and James Doyle, filed a tiny claim on Battle Mountain in 1892 for their Portland Mine. With the advice and financial backing of Winfield Scott Stratton, the Portland eventually developed into the largest underground gold mine in the District.
The Portland Mining Company was incorporated in 1894 with James Burns as President and a Board of Directors that included James Doyle, Winfield Scott Stratton and several other mining moguls with widely divergent philosophies about treatment of employees, managing ore reserves, paying dividends, and conducting business. "Mr. Burns" related the fascinating story of the ensuing personality and policy conflicts, what happened to the “two Jimmy's” and their oft-times embattled associates, and the fate of the Portland Mine--once deemed "Colorado's Richest Gold Mine".
The story included those who subsequently gained and lost control of the mine, who became mayor of Victor, who served time in jail, who became president of the First National Bank in Colorado Springs and built an opera house there, ... and much more.
A large group attended a Victor Heritage Society sponsored presentation by Ron West, a Chautauqua actor who portrays James Burns, the co-founder of the Portland Mine. “Mr. Burns” recounted the story of how the one-time partners and friends, James Burns and James Doyle, filed a tiny claim on Battle Mountain in 1892 for their Portland Mine. With the advice and financial backing of Winfield Scott Stratton, the Portland eventually developed into the largest underground gold mine in the District.
The Portland Mining Company was incorporated in 1894 with James Burns as President and a Board of Directors that included James Doyle, Winfield Scott Stratton and several other mining moguls with widely divergent philosophies about treatment of employees, managing ore reserves, paying dividends, and conducting business. "Mr. Burns" related the fascinating story of the ensuing personality and policy conflicts, what happened to the “two Jimmy's” and their oft-times embattled associates, and the fate of the Portland Mine--once deemed "Colorado's Richest Gold Mine".
The story included those who subsequently gained and lost control of the mine, who became mayor of Victor, who served time in jail, who became president of the First National Bank in Colorado Springs and built an opera house there, ... and much more.
In 1892 James Burns and James Doyle staked out a tiny triangular piece of unclaimed land on Battle Mountain that was barely larger than a tenth of an acre. With help of more knowledgeable and powerful friends, like Winfield Scott Stratton, their Portland Mine grew to 183 acres with three separate shafts producing millions of dollars of gold. While the partners became rich in the process, they were no longer friends and eventually others gained control of the mine they discovered and developed.
At the conclusion of his presentation, Ron West answered questions and explained that he took on portraying “Jimmy Live” because Burns has been forgotten by most people today. Most would say they never heard of Burns, but if they had been around during his time they certainly would have because Burns did not fit the mold of the typical mine owner. “He ran his mine the way he wanted to, not the way many other mine owners and board members thought he should.” Ron considers it his mission to bring Jimmy Burns back and remind people that there were others, besides Stratton and Penrose, who made a significant difference in the Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District as well as the entire Pikes Peak Region.
Gravity Racing in Victor -- TommyKnockers Downhill Racing Car Does the City Proud
Victor TommyKnockers Downhill Racing Car.
The Victor TommyKnockers Gravity Race Car represented a unique aspect of Victor's Heritage. It was custom built and sponsored by Bob and Maxine Marchese, Heritage Society members and charter members of the Victor TommyKnockers (a group of part-time residents organized to support and promote Victor).
This Gravity Racing Event in Victor was held September 6, 2014 in conjunction with a Pack Burro Race. After the Pack Burro Racers left Victor to complete a lengthy and arduous course, the crowd awaiting their return watched various classes of downhill racing contraptions compete in timed heats of races powered solely by gravity. Observers cheered and had fun speculating whether their favorite Gravity Powered Contraption could outrun a Pack Burro on the downhill-race course.
This Gravity Racing Event in Victor was held September 6, 2014 in conjunction with a Pack Burro Race. After the Pack Burro Racers left Victor to complete a lengthy and arduous course, the crowd awaiting their return watched various classes of downhill racing contraptions compete in timed heats of races powered solely by gravity. Observers cheered and had fun speculating whether their favorite Gravity Powered Contraption could outrun a Pack Burro on the downhill-race course.
Maxine Marchese piloted the Victor TommyKockers Racer down Victor Avenue during the July 20, 2014 Gold Rush Days Parade. Note Maxine's attached sign advertising the Gravity Racing Event which was held in conjunction with the September 6, 2014 Pack Burro Race. Click photos to enlarge.
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Bob and Maxine Marchese with their TommyKocker Gravity Racer registered as Entry #3 in the 2014 Gold Rush Day Parade to advertise the Sept 2014 Gravity Racing Event they helped organize. Bob Marchese custom built the car. Note their creative Helmets with Lanterns for Underground Tommyknocker Miner's.
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Shown below is a small sample of over three dozen "Gravity Racing Contraptions" that competed for cash prizes in various heats for the fastest time to reach the "Finish Line" located at the bottom of Victor Avenue from the "Starting Line" located on North 4th Street. The contestants included young as well as more senior racers. Click photos to enlarge.
Hundreds of people came to Victor to watch or participate in this Gravity Racing Event held in conjunction with a Pack Burro Race. Perhaps some of the participants, viewers, or organizers would like to share a story about the event?
Several of the stories in our "Oral History Archives" recount adventurous tales of kids riding their downhill powered snow sleds from of the top of N 4th St, across Victor Ave, and then on down S 3rd St.
Several of the stories in our "Oral History Archives" recount adventurous tales of kids riding their downhill powered snow sleds from of the top of N 4th St, across Victor Ave, and then on down S 3rd St.
City Directories and Sanborn Maps are available at the Victor Library on South 3rd Street.
Research Materials Donated to the Victor Public Library--Sanborn Insurance Maps
To help those researching the location of historic homes and buildings in Victor and the surrounding Gold Camp, the Victor Heritage Society donated a set of large (17" x 23") Sanborn Insurance Maps for use in the Victor Public Library (located at 124 S 3rd Street, phone 719-689-2011).
The donated Sanborn Map Set includes plats for 1894, 1896, 1900, 1908, and 1919. The large plat maps show (for lots, block by block), the location and footprint of homes, businesses, churches, public buildings, streets, railroad lines, nearby mining claims, and much more. In addition to the City of Victor, for some years the set of maps also provide information about nearby towns such as Goldfield, Independence, Altman, and Midway.
For online access to a Collection of Historic City Directories for Victor as well as other populated locations in the Mining District from 1894 to 1917, click the highlighted link. Printed copies of these directories are also available in the library.
Please contact us if you have research materials or photos you would like to make available through the Victor Heritage Society or the Victor Public Library. We can scan photos or materials that you would like to share, so you can retain the originals as keepsakes if that is your preference.
To help those researching the location of historic homes and buildings in Victor and the surrounding Gold Camp, the Victor Heritage Society donated a set of large (17" x 23") Sanborn Insurance Maps for use in the Victor Public Library (located at 124 S 3rd Street, phone 719-689-2011).
The donated Sanborn Map Set includes plats for 1894, 1896, 1900, 1908, and 1919. The large plat maps show (for lots, block by block), the location and footprint of homes, businesses, churches, public buildings, streets, railroad lines, nearby mining claims, and much more. In addition to the City of Victor, for some years the set of maps also provide information about nearby towns such as Goldfield, Independence, Altman, and Midway.
For online access to a Collection of Historic City Directories for Victor as well as other populated locations in the Mining District from 1894 to 1917, click the highlighted link. Printed copies of these directories are also available in the library.
Please contact us if you have research materials or photos you would like to make available through the Victor Heritage Society or the Victor Public Library. We can scan photos or materials that you would like to share, so you can retain the originals as keepsakes if that is your preference.
Oral History Training Workshop & Archived Materials
Victor Heritage Society sponsored an Oral History Training Workshop conducted by Rick and Katherine Scott Sturdevant at the Elks Lodge on May 23, 2009. Kathy and Rick shared their research techniques and expertise, some of which can also be found in two books which Kathy has authored--Bringing Your Family History to Life Through Social History, and Organizing and Preserving Your Heirloom Documents.
Click HERE to View Selected Materials Archived in the VHS Collection of Gold Camp Memories: Family Connections & History.
Victor Heritage Society sponsored an Oral History Training Workshop conducted by Rick and Katherine Scott Sturdevant at the Elks Lodge on May 23, 2009. Kathy and Rick shared their research techniques and expertise, some of which can also be found in two books which Kathy has authored--Bringing Your Family History to Life Through Social History, and Organizing and Preserving Your Heirloom Documents.
Click HERE to View Selected Materials Archived in the VHS Collection of Gold Camp Memories: Family Connections & History.
- Please contact us to share histories, memories, or family connections to Victor and the World's Greatest Gold Camp. Be known for the memories you preserve and share. It's your legacy.
- Stories should be written in your own words and accompanied by relevant photographs (when possible).
- For additional information, contact our Oral History Coordinator--Shirley Beach. Archiving these materials is important to preserving your heritage for future generations.
Kathy Sturdevant -- Directing Oral History Workshop at Victor Elks Lodge.
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Rick Sturdevant -- Oral History Workshop Sponsored by VHS.
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Contributions to Nonprofit Partners
Victor Heritage Society has made contributions to these nonprofit partners: Victor~Lowell Thomas Museum, Victor's Agriculture & Mining Museum, Ute Pass Historical Society, Teller Historic and Environmental Coalition, Coalition of Pikes Peak Historic Museums, Victor Celebrates the Arts Festival, Teller County WWII Veterans Memorial Committee, Victor Trolley Group, Victor Elks Lodge Elevator Fund, Save the Victor Miners' Union Hall Fund, Friends of St Victor's Catholic Church, and Goldfield City Hall Restoration Committee. We invite you to support these worthy causes and organizations.
Victor Heritage Society has made contributions to these nonprofit partners: Victor~Lowell Thomas Museum, Victor's Agriculture & Mining Museum, Ute Pass Historical Society, Teller Historic and Environmental Coalition, Coalition of Pikes Peak Historic Museums, Victor Celebrates the Arts Festival, Teller County WWII Veterans Memorial Committee, Victor Trolley Group, Victor Elks Lodge Elevator Fund, Save the Victor Miners' Union Hall Fund, Friends of St Victor's Catholic Church, and Goldfield City Hall Restoration Committee. We invite you to support these worthy causes and organizations.
Nonprofit Pass-Through Grant Sponsor / Administrator
Victor Heritage Society has served as a nonprofit pass-through sponsor / administrator to enable several qualifying building owners to obtain lower matching fund grants:
Victor Heritage Society has served as a nonprofit pass-through sponsor / administrator to enable several qualifying building owners to obtain lower matching fund grants:
- Antlers Hotel--administrator for stabilization assessment grant after the building was ravaged by a fire.
- Page Building--administrator for restoration grant.
- Pikes Peak Power Building--facilitator helping convey ownership of the derelict, abandoned building from the present-day power company to an architect / contractor who maintained the historic character of the exterior of the building while adaptively re-purposing the interior of the building to become unique loft apartment units.
Colorado History Bus Tour Host
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Victor Heritage Society members in period costume organized an orientation for overnight visitors on a bus tour sponsored by the Colorado Historic Society on October 29, 2013. Ray Drake and Marilyn Fay provided historic and present day perspectives on life in the City of Victor.
Main Street Coordinator, Becky Parham, summarized recent program achievements and distributed bags of promotional materials. Sandy Honeycut, City Clerk, provided a guided tour showcasing the historic City Hall building. |
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Historic Photo Fair & Archives
The public was invited to bring historic Victor / Gold Camp photos along with stories about the photos for a weekend display and reminiscing at the Historic Victor Elks Lodge. The Heritage Society provided equipment to reproduce the photos for display at the "fair" and to create captions indicating the photographer, the owner, and information of interest about the photos. Our technical expert, Terri Stierhoff, scanned and digitally recorded over 135 photos during the event.
Participants were able to share their photos and stories with all who attended the fair while retaining custody of their originals. Those who chose to donate copies of their photos to the Heritage Society collection could also have them displayed at the recently restored City Hall and have them archived for future viewing. A $100 prize was awarded for the photo receiving the most first place ballots during the public display at City Hall.
Our historic Victor / Gold Camp Photo Archives also includes donated photos from the Joe Vanderwalker Photo Collection of hardrock mining structures, as well as several other donated family photo collections. Selected photos from our archives are featured on our annual Victor Heritage Calendar.
If you have photos to be preserved in our archives, please contact us: [email protected]. We can scan your photos and return them if you prefer to keep the originals.
The public was invited to bring historic Victor / Gold Camp photos along with stories about the photos for a weekend display and reminiscing at the Historic Victor Elks Lodge. The Heritage Society provided equipment to reproduce the photos for display at the "fair" and to create captions indicating the photographer, the owner, and information of interest about the photos. Our technical expert, Terri Stierhoff, scanned and digitally recorded over 135 photos during the event.
Participants were able to share their photos and stories with all who attended the fair while retaining custody of their originals. Those who chose to donate copies of their photos to the Heritage Society collection could also have them displayed at the recently restored City Hall and have them archived for future viewing. A $100 prize was awarded for the photo receiving the most first place ballots during the public display at City Hall.
Our historic Victor / Gold Camp Photo Archives also includes donated photos from the Joe Vanderwalker Photo Collection of hardrock mining structures, as well as several other donated family photo collections. Selected photos from our archives are featured on our annual Victor Heritage Calendar.
If you have photos to be preserved in our archives, please contact us: [email protected]. We can scan your photos and return them if you prefer to keep the originals.
Historic Quilt Show
The Victor Heritage Society sponsored a historic quilt show at the Elks Lodge. Participants displayed 24 unique quilts and shared stories about the quilt makers and owners. The People's Choice prize winner was a magnificent crazy quilt made by from a former resident of Elkton and now owned by Shawn Frizzell.
The Victor Heritage Society sponsored a historic quilt show at the Elks Lodge. Participants displayed 24 unique quilts and shared stories about the quilt makers and owners. The People's Choice prize winner was a magnificent crazy quilt made by from a former resident of Elkton and now owned by Shawn Frizzell.
Antique Treasure Hunt
Victor Heritage Society sponsored its own version of the Antique Road Show. Participants brought items for identification, appraisal and display at a weekend exhibit at the historic Elks Lodge.
Victor Heritage Society sponsored its own version of the Antique Road Show. Participants brought items for identification, appraisal and display at a weekend exhibit at the historic Elks Lodge.
Fund Raiser & Support for the Victor~Lowell Thomas Museum
The Victor Heritage Society sponsored a fund raiser for the Victor-Lowell Thomas Museum. Katherine Scott Sturdevant, noted regional historian at Pikes Peak Community College and expert on the Colorado Labor Wars, spoke to a group of over 100 guests at the Elks Lodge about events surrounding the 1903-04 Labor Wars in Victor and the Gold Camp.
The Heritage Society also donated funds to the campaign to restore the windows in the museum building.
The Victor Heritage Society sponsored a fund raiser for the Victor-Lowell Thomas Museum. Katherine Scott Sturdevant, noted regional historian at Pikes Peak Community College and expert on the Colorado Labor Wars, spoke to a group of over 100 guests at the Elks Lodge about events surrounding the 1903-04 Labor Wars in Victor and the Gold Camp.
The Heritage Society also donated funds to the campaign to restore the windows in the museum building.
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Copyright © 2023 Victor Heritage Society. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2023 Victor Heritage Society. All Rights Reserved.