From the publisher

No matter what your inter- The farms and ranches hardships during the dust towards the next tantalizing
ests are, or the time of year, built by generations of fami- bowl years in this magazine. bit of information.
there is always something to lies who survived the hard- The area boasts a remark-
Birders will find least tern,
do in Southeast Colorado. ships of the Great Depres- able number of gifted artists,
piping plover, lesser prairie
sion and the Dust Bowl but is also the home to care-
Visitors and residents years would come to provide chicken, snow geese, blue
fully preserved and protect-
alike will find much to satisfy the sustenance to help the heron, burrowing owl, and
ed ancient cave art. There
their spirit of adventure. Na- nation grow and prosper like lark buntings to name but a
are also dinosaur tracks in
ture lovers will enjoy the no other. Many of those orig- few varieties that frequent
the area which are de-
abundant wildlife that popu- inal homesteaders have rela- the region. A morning drive
scribed, along with photos in
lates the region. Herds of an- tives who still live and work on a country road will reveal the pages of Discover this
telope and deer can be seen on the land here. Be sure to an abundance of majestic year.
year round and birding here read about their struggle to birds of prey including
With its big sky and ex-
hawks and numerous nest-
is exceptional. survive despite incredible pansive views of the land-
ing eagles.
scape it is no wonder that so
History lovers will find many artists, artisans, musi-
Index that the descendants of the cians, and writers make their
Page 2 ..................................... Colorado Welcome Center hardy souls who settled homes here.
southeast Colorado have Whether you are here for
Page 3 ................................. Lamar Celebrates 125 Years done a fine job of preserving a few days or are consider-
and protecting the artifacts ing relocating to Colorado,
that tell the story of building we hope you will find this
Page 7 .......................................... Area History Preserved
a life in the American West. guide helpful in learning
The area is home to numer- about the area. Enjoy!
Page 9 ...................... Homesteading During the Dust Bowl ous buildings that were con- Mary Breslin, Publisher
structed through programs Lamar Ledger
Page 17 ...... Arts on the Plains, Amache Internment Camp such as the WPA and local Cover Photo: Barbara
historians are always more Preskorn
Page 18 ....................................... Wondrous Canyonlands than willing to provide in- Cover Design: Mary
formation and point visitors Breslin
Page 25 ......................................... Falconry on the Plains

Page 26 ....................................... Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Page 27 ............................................ Boating and Fishing

Page 29 ..........................................John Martin Reservoir

Page 30 .................................................. Dinosaur Tracks

Page 33 .......................................... Camping and Hunting

Page 34 ..................... Memorial Highway Honors Veterans

Page 36 ..................................... Sand Creek Historic Site

Page 37 .............................................. Calendar of Events

Page 40 .................................................... Music Festival

Page 41 .................................. SE Colorado Lodging Guide

Page 42 ............................................. Public Golf Courses

Page 43 ...................................... Chambers of Commerce

Page 44 ................................................. Church Directory

. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 1

 COLORADO WELCOME CENTER
First stop on the way to discovery
The Colorado Welcome to stop at any Colorado Wel-
Center in Lamar is one of the Travelers are encouraged to stop come Centers to plan your
10 state welcome centers in at any Colorado Welcome Centers next vacation.
Colorado. Lamar was selected to plan your next vacation. The nine Colorado Wel-
to represent the state as a
come Centers, sponsored by
Welcome Center site because the state of Colorado, are lo-
it is intesected by three U.S.
and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Guides cover each region of cated at main highway en-
highways 50, 287, and 385. Memorial Day to Labor Day, the state. These will give a trances. Operating funds are
The center is located in a his-
and closed only on New Years general overview of areas of allocated annually by the leg-
toric 1907 Railroad Depot Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, interest and information about islature.
which has twice-daily Amtrak and Christmas. Volunteers each region.
service between Chicago and are available to assist travelers In addition to the welcome
Individual brochures of spe- centers, the state provides
Los Angeles. with their plans and answer
cific attractions are also avail- funding for information serv-
any questions about Colo-
The center is open seven able to enhance the informa- ices and marketing, which is
rado.
days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 tion shown in the guides. administered through the Col-
p.m. during winter months The Colorado Vacation There are also brochures cov- orado Travel and Tourism Au-
ering heritage sites and muse- thority under the direction of
ums; scenic highways and by- the Colorado tourism Board
ways; galleries and and the Governor’s Office of
performing art locations; Economic Development and
sports arenas, and golf International Trade.
courses just to name a few.
Other Welcome Centers
The Welcome Center also are located at Burlington and
has information covering all Fruita on I-70; Julesburg on I-
the state parks. To enhance 76; Trinidad on I-25; Cortez on
this information, visitors will
U.S. Highway 160; Dinosaur
find the Colorado National
on U.S. Highway 40; ; Red
Parks guide and regular
Rocks on 17100 Trading Post
camping guides.
Road — I 70; Alamosa High-
The Division of Wildlife way 160 and the Rio Grande
supplies hunting, boating and and at Fort Collins on I-25.
fishing information, including
Travelers are invited to call
a video about watchable wild-
the Welcome Center manag-
life and Web sites to visiting
er, Judy Douglass at 336 3483
on the Colorado Birding Trail.
for further information or as-
Travelers are encouraged sistance.

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Page 2 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado .
 125TH ANNIVERSARY
Highlights of an eventful 125 years
By Barbara Preskorn
As the largest rural com-
munity on the eastern Plains
of Colorado, Lamar began as
a transportation crossroad
along the river that for centu-
ries served Native Ameri-
cans, explorers, traders, the
Santa Fe Trail and the Atchi-
son, Topeka and Santa Fe
Railroad. It has grown into
southeast Colorado’s largest
center for business, educa-
tion, health services, bank-
ing and industry.
However, the location for
the community was de-
termined in a most unusual
way! In the early 1880s, the
passage of the Homestead
Act encouraged trainloads of
people from the southern
and the eastern United
States to resettle in the cen-
tral plains. The need for a
new town arose from the
rush to settle the land in the
high plains of Kansas and
Colorado along the railroad
lines. Most of the land along
the Arkansas River in east-
ern Colorado was taken up
with cattle ranches. In order
for public lands south of the
river to be cultivated, a town
was needed where a Land
Office could be located.
A. R. Black owned the
ranch land around Blackwell
Railroad Station west of Carl-
ton, and he refused to allow
the station to be moved to a
deeded location where trans-
actions for homesteads and
town lots could take place.
In a clever move, I. R.
Holmes who had developed
. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 3
needed to cure respiratory
In the early 1880s, the passage of illnesses and they build
the Homestead Act encouraged trainloads many grand homes in the
of people from the southern and the eastern new and growing city.
United States to resettle in the central plains. Lawmen such as Bat Mas-
terson were hired to help es-
tablish law and order early
the Government Land Office the new land office bill, and on in this new town that had
in Garden City, worked with by August 1886 President several saloons. During the
gentlemen from the Santa Fe Cleveland signed the bill election for county seat, it is
Railroad and from adjoining making Lamar the seat for said that he walked up and
homesteads to move the sta- the Bent Land District. down Lamar’s Main Street
tion to a homestead where “rattling his artillery.” In a
The one thing the plan-
town business sites and sub- few short years cowboys
ners were unable to predict
divisions were plotted. who had previously herded
was the location’s propensity
An urgent telegram called cattle on open range began
for flooding when torrential
settling into Lamar and sur-
Mr. Black to Pueblo. In his rains came. The most recent
rounding rural homesteads.
absence, railroad workers and most catastrophic came
Homesteaders also devel-
quickly loaded the station in 1965 when the Arkansas
oped an extensive network
house onto flat cars and un- River not only flooded from
of irrigation canals with river
loaded it several miles to the the west and the south, it
head gates in and around La-
east, to the present location also backed up as a result of
mar, providing water for
of the Lamar Train Depot. rains to the east. People
crops that supported pros-
On May 24, 1886, the train were forced to use row boats
perous agricultural indus-
arriving from Garden City to navigate Lamar’s streets.
tries in Lamar. A flour mill
unloaded many boomers and All bridges crossing the river
was built in 1895, followed
investors who enthusiastical- from Pueblo to Kansas were
by sugar beet factories, alfal-
ly began bidding on town taken out by the power of
fa mills and a Helvetia milk
lots. By the end of the day, the flood except for the iron
condensary that had lucra-
Lamar had new businesses Prowers Bridge in Bent
tive markets. Mr. Charles
and soon building began for County.
Maxwell was associated with
500 new residents. The first
At the time the land office the flour mill and he went on
hotel was established in a
was established, businesses to build the Maxwell House
tent. M. D. Parmenter
grew up overnight in Lamar. and was instrumental in
worked with Mr. Holmes in
A town government was es- building Sacred Heart Hospi-
preplanning the new town.
tablished and C. M. Morris- tal, now the Prowers County
Lamar was named after on was elected the first may-
Annex.
President Cleveland’s Interi- or. In a swift move in 1888,
or Secretary L. Q. C. Lamar, these new settlers influenced The corner of Main Street
who served the state of Mis- legislative action that lead to and Olive has served as the
sissippi as a prominent U. S. dividing Bent County into crossroads of two major con-
Senator and previously several counties and Prow- tinental highways, 50 and
served as a confederate cav- ers County was born. Lamar 287, and supported major
alry officer. businesses. One of the coun-
later won the county election
try’s most notorious 1920s
Off to a grand start, Mr. after promising to build a
bank robberies took place at
Holmes and Mr. Parmenter court house. People from the
persuaded Congress to pass East began arriving who CONTINUED ON 4
 Courtesy Photo
Postcard from the era

CONTINUED FROM PG. 3 ues “The Madonna of the

The Maxwell House was located on
Trail” at the Lamar Train De-
the First National Bank, lo- the southeast corner of Main and Olive. pot.
cated on the northwest cor- This very elegant air-conditioned hotel
ner, on Wednesday May 23, The Maxwell House was
was the nicest between Amarillo, located on the southeast cor-
1928.
Denver and Chicago. ner of Main and Olive. This
The bank president and
very elegant air-conditioned
former Colorado State Sena-
hotel was the nicest between
tor, A. N. Parrish grabbed a alongside his son, John Par- and Jake Fleagle was shot to Amarillo, Denver and Chica-
.45-caliber gun and shot at rish, who was shot through death after drawing a gun go. It used water misters on
the bandits who came into the heart. The bandits took when cornered in Branson, the roof as a cooling system.
the bank with the words “Put two bank employees hostage Missouri. The gang had It had a very large lobby with
up your hands! This is a along with over $200,000 and failed to wipe a fingerprint doors on both Main and
stickup!” Brothers Ralph and off they went toward Kansas. off a window that was rolled Olive Streets. Valley National
Jake Fleagle from Finney A posse ensued and air- down in the get-away car, en- Bank had an outside en-
County Kansas, along with planes were employed to abling the FBI to use a fin- trance in the building.
Herbert Royston and George spot the get-away car, a blue gerprint for the first time in
Abshier had planned this Beverly Augustine was
Buick. convicting a criminal.
robbery and had “cased” the hired as the hotel’s Food
These robbers were even- On a better note, in Sep-
bank several times. Manager in 1944 after gradu-
tually caught after being pur- tember 1928 the Daughters
ating from Northwestern
Royston took a shot to the sued all across the country; of the American Revolution
University. “I saw a posting
jaw and President Parrish three were hung in Canon honored pioneer women by
was fatally shot in the head City after a trial in Lamar erecting one of twelve stat- CONTINUED ON 5
Page 4 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado .
CONTINUED FROM PG. 4
at the university for the posi-
tion in Lamar and applied. I
was responsible for planning
banquets and service club
lunch meetings as well as
overseeing the dining room.
The Maxwell was bustling
with travelers, salesmen and
cattlemen. Couples came
dressed formally to the
monthly Dance Club and
women came to play bridge
in hats and gloves. The cof-
fee shop had an outside en-
trance and it catered to
downtown business and gov-
ernment workers during the
lunch hour.”
Ms. Augustine met her
husband Clifton when she
worked at the Maxwell. She
opened The Lassie, a wom-
en’s apparel shoppe, across
the street in 1948 where she
has been every day since,
900 South 14th Street • Lamar, CO 81052
PH: 719.336.8931 • Fax: 719.336.0320 • Cell: 719.688.0137 • joesborn2paint@yahoo.com
. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 5
In 1937, Lamar businesses and organizations
partnered to open the Junior College
of Southeastern Colorado with 31 students,
increasing to nearly 100 by 1940.
easily being the longest con- couldn’t afford to pay ex-
tinuous business in down- penses at away colleges.
town Lamar. She also contin- In 1946, citizens of Prow-
ues to manage the Augustine ers and Baca Counties voted
Cattle Ranch south of Lamar. to make Baca-Prowers Jun-
In 1937, Lamar businesses ior College a tax supported
and organizations partnered college, until Baca withdrew
to open the Junior College of in 1947 drawing another
Southeastern Colorado with name change to Lamar Jun-
31 students, increasing to ior College. In 1967, the City
of Lamar gifted the college
nearly 100 by 1940. The
with 53 acres south of the
Works Progress Administra-
city along Highway 287.
tion (WPA) building was lo-
cated on South 8th Street, Several buildings were
and was designed first as a erected to serve over 500 full
treatment center for tubercu- time students and in 1968
losis but was not needed. the College joined the Colo-
The college served people rado Community College
hard hit by the depression system. The college today
and the Dust Bowl who serves regional students as
Gonzales’s
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well as those who come for
specialized training and
transferable courses to 4
year colleges and universi-
ties.
Earlier, this land had been
donated to the city by Ernest
Eddleman along with the
land for the ball fields and
county fair grounds and race
track. Ernest owned most of
the acreage from Memorial
Drive south several miles. As
a dry land farmer, he took
care to support community
and business interests in La-
mar, like many other civic
minded and generous indi-
viduals who were instrumen-
tal in building Lamar into a
vibrant and strong communi-
ty. He also donated the land
where the Elks Lodge cur-
rently resides and was a
member of the local corpora-
tion that built the Lamar
Cow Palace.
Page 6 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado .
 AREA HISTORY PRESERVED
Museums work to save region’s treasures
Prowers County’s Big
Timbers Museum is located
at the western edge of the
county on U.S. Highway 50
just North of the city of La-
mar.
The red brick building
was built j 1929 as an Ameri-
can Telephone and Tele-
graph (AT&T) transfer sta-
tion and contains many of
the solidly constructed fea-
tures of a building meant for
industrial use.
The exhibits reflect well
the ranching and agricultural
lives of those who settled in
the region. Saddles, barbed
wire, arrowheads and stone
artifacts are included in the
impressive collection. An
early telephone switchboard,
medical and dental tools and
other glimpses of 19th into
sures.
A rare confederate battle flag believed The museum underwent a
to have flown at Vicksburg in 1863 and top-to-bottom renovation in
an American battle flag recently flown 2007 and exhibits are now ar-
ranged in categories to facili-
on a helicopter mission in Iraq are tate easy viewing.
among the War room treasures. The museum’s extensive
collection includes artifacts
from the infamous Prowers
20th century life are all part the museum, also know as County bank robbery by the
of this museum’s many arti- “War Room” because of the Fleagle Gang, Holiday on Ice
facts. many items brought home to skater Jinx Clark who was
born in Lamar and later re-
Prowers County from battles
Even more rare is an ex- tired here and a newspaper
hibit of framed World War I as old as the Civil War and
archive dating back to the
posters in mint conditions the Spanish American War early 1900s.
which display the artistry of and as recent as Desert A nominal fee is charged
famous early 20th century il- Storm. A rare confederate to tour the museum. Further
lustrators. The collection of battle flag believed to have information about the muse-
35 posters is believed to be flown at Vicksburg in 1863 um, including current
the largest of its kind outside and an American battle flag events, and hours of opera-
of the Smithsonian Museum. recently flown on a helicop- tion is available at the muse-
The collection is shown in ter mission in Iraq are um’s We site bigtimbersmu-
the Weldon Green Room of among the War room trea- seum.org.

Freedom Parade—Monday, July 4 at 10 a.m. on Main Street

Downtown Farmers’ Market in Stevens Park—Every
Thursday beginning July 7 through October 1, 5 to 7 p.m. on Main St.
Life’s a Beach Sidewalk Sale—Saturday, August 6 from 7 a.m.
to 3 p.m. on Main Street
FallFest 2011 featuring Art in the Park—Saturday, Sep-
tember 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Main Street
Banner Art Auction—Saturday, November 5 beginning at 7 p.m.
at the Clarion Ballroom
Hanging of the Lights—Saturday, November 12 at 9 a.m. in
Stevens Park on Main Street
Park Lighting and Caroling Ceremony—Saturday, Novem- www.downtowngc.com
ber 26 at 6 p.m. in Stevens Park on Main Street
TubaChristmas Concert on Grant Avenue—Saturday, 413 N. Main
December 10 at 3 p.m. just off of Main Street
620.276.0891
Evening Christmas Parade—Saturday, December 10 at 6.pm.
on Main Street vision@gcdowntown.com

. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 7

 AREA HISTORY PRESERVED
Love of history reflected in museums
Kit Carson Museum
The Kit Carson Museum
is located in the southeast
corner of Las Animas. Turn
south on Highway 101 and
you will see the long white
barrack style building that is
the entrance to the building.
As you enter the museum,
your eyes focus on dinosaur
tracks, mounted buffalo
head, black and white por-
traits of William Bent and
Owl Woman. This room tells
you what will follow in indi-
vidual rooms displaying the
history of the area.
The museum is one of the
German prisoner of war bar-
racks and each room is
unique with artifacts from
the mid 1800s to late 1900s.
One room shows many dif-
ferent styles of phones as
well as a switchboard.
You may enjoy the farm
implement room. Thee is the
Spanish room with a very un-
usual rug that is thought to
have the wool pounded to-
gether rather than weaved.
The last room in the muse-
um is dedicated to Llewellyn
Thompson, Ambassador to
Russia during the Cuban cri-
sis. Presidents he served and
places he had been are dis-
played throughout the room
as well as his scrapbooks.
1548148
Not Found
Page 8 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado
Pike advised the President
in 1805. Thompson advised
Presidents of the mid 1900s.
The history of both can be
seen at the Kit Carson Muse-
um in Las Animas.
Kiowa County
Historical Museum
Kiowa County Historical
Museum can be found at
1313 Maine in Eads. They
are open afternoons from
May through September.
The museum houses arti-
facts from the Eastern
plains.
The Towner bus tragedy
happened near here. You
can see one side of a similar
bus the children rode in to
attend school. On March 26,
1931, 20 children and their
bus driver started home
from school but became
stranded for 33 hours during
a snowstorm. Six did not sur-
vive. Their tale is told here.
A banking section has var-
ious banking machines on
display. Ledgers from the
bank were saved and remain
at the museum.
Visiting Bent’s Old
Fort Historic Site Two Buttes Library
As you approach the gate, and Museum
you smell a cottonwood
campfire. Entering the plaza been the librarian and cura- post office
you hear the clang of black- tor of the Two Buttes Library
smith’s hammer on anvil. and Museum for only a few
You are greeted by guide in years, but she has trans-
19th century garb muddied formed it into a cheery com-
with adobe. Welcome to munity center where resi-
1846! Welcome to Bent’s Old dents come to check out
Fort! Here is preserved the books and can enjoy nicely
site and story of a famous organized memorabilia from
trading post. The fort was Two Buttes early history.
one of the significant centers The museum is open Fridays
of the fur trade on the Santa 10:00 to 2:00 pm or by spe-
Fe Trail. Builty by Bent, St. cial appointment by calling
Vrain & Company in 1833, Two Buttes Heritage Devel-
the post was the center of a opment at 719.326.0104.
prosperous trading empire
Patients of the local doctor
for 16 years. Strategically lo-
who moved to Two Buttes
cated, the fort paved the way
from Chicago in the 1910s to
for U.S. expansion as an in-
strument of manifest destiny. cure a lung ailment would
Today, Bent’s Old Fort is re- bring him all sorts of inter-
born; faithfully reconstruct- esting items, including a hu-
ed by the National Park man skull. His records and
Service in 1975-76 on the site equipment are on display,
of the original post. Inter- along with items from settle-
preters in period clothing tell ment days. His original office
the important story of this is across the street awaiting
crossroads of culture, where renovation.
Americans, Native Ameri- Two Buttes community
cans, Hispanics, and other
has recently rediscovered
cultures came together tothe complete records of the
trade. Come back to that development and operation
time and experience the of the Two Buttes Reservoir,
sights, sounds, and smells of
a picturesque recreation area
the past at the “Castle on the
now operated by the Colo-
Plains.
rado Division of Wildlife.
These records are under-
going archival filing. The
museum is in the 1912 bank
Theresa Hendricks has building across from the new
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.
 DUST BOWL
Semiarid regionalism grows out of Dust Bowl
Dreams of landownership, trials and resolution
By Barbara Preskorn
Special to The Lamar Ledger
Today the High Plains of
Colorado and Kansas, Okla-
homa, New Mexico and Tex-
as are home to successful
ranching and farming opera-
tions as well as small busi-
nesses and industry in rural
communities. The region is
sparsely populated and dot-
ted with scenic and historic
locations, grasslands and
canyons, rivers, creeks and
lakes. It is ideal for travelers
and new businesses seeking
quiet spots, adventure and
recreational opportunities.
People who live here enjoy
the wide open spaces and
cultural traditions estab-
lished over a century ago.
But there have been some
very hard times experienced
by settlers to the region.
Timothy Egan’s recent book
“The Worst Hard Time” out-
lines personal accounts of
how people survived, or
didn’t — the country’s worst
manmade environmental dis-
aster that went on for a dec-
ade.
Many times then, people
thought they were experi-
encing the absolute end of
the earth. What is remarka-
ble about this story is that so
many people endured incred-
ible hardships and loss of
life, but stayed on their
homesteaded lands until
“the good times returned.”
The hardest hit region was
named the “Dust Bowl” in
the mid-1930s by AP report-
er Robert Geiger, who got
caught in some of the terri-
ble dirt blizzards. This re-
gion consists of a rough oval
shape that encompasses
. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 9
southwestern Nebraska,
western Kansas, the panhan-
dles of Texas and Oklahoma,
northeast New Mexico and
southeast Colorado.
When extended drought
hit the Plains and Prairie
states (Montana, the Dako-
tas, Ohio, all of Nebraska,
Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas,
eastern Colorado and New
Mexico) combined with in-
creased farming practices
that did not consider the im-
pact of plowing up millions
of acres of grasslands in a
semiarid region, it resulted
in hundreds of huge blowing
dust and fine sand storms
that went on for years.
Culture during this era was
molded by the unprecedent-
ed extensive drought charac-
terized by extremely high
temperatures in summer
months. During winter
months, children’s schooling
was disrupted and their
sports were suspended when
gymnasiums were turned
into temporary Red Cross
hospitals for those suffering
from dust pneumonia. Simple
rural people wanted a bit of
land they could live off of,
they wanted to be part of
small communities, they en-
joyed music and square danc-
ing. Economic depression
didn’t start with the Dust
Bowl, but it was the last thing
the people needed who came
here to “prove up” a small
amount of land to call their
own.
Widespread agricultural
practices on Central and
High Plains homesteads be-
gun in the 1800s were ba-
sically unchanged from those
practiced east of the Missis-
sippi River, where it was wet
and humid. There was a com-
mon belief that “rain would
follow the plow” when occa-
sional dry spells beset the
new farmers. Leaving land
open to erosion between
crops combined with the mi-
gratory nature of many farm-
ers contributed to the severi-
ty of the storms that would
eventually make life unbear-
able.
As soils became badly de-
teriorated, no moisture re-
mained in them so they
would no longer stick togeth-
er, turning them into to a
flour-like powder. These roll-
ers drifted into fields, smoth-
ered crops and buried fences
and sometimes trees and
buildings, leaving a desert
wasteland unfit for living,
much less for making a liv-
ing.
In the end, many people
died of dust pneumonia and
their animals suffocated;
many were malnourished and
suffered depression, some
coming close to starvation.
They were plagued with in-
sect and rabbit infestations
and they lived in abodes that
leaked dirt. So much would
build up inside that shovels
were required to lift it out fol-
lowing each storm. Some
ceilings collapsed from the
weight of this sandy dirt.
During storms, dust could
be so thick, seeing inside the
homes with lanterns was diffi-
cult; and looking to the win-
dows revealed only pitch
black. People ate with the ta-
blecloth over their heads. Ba-
bies had their cribs covered
with wet blankets to protect
them from dust illnesses.
Some had no means of reli-
able transportation to allow
them to leave, and there were
no assurances of jobs else-
where.
People prayed for rain. But
often times when it did rain
the hardpan didn’t allow it to
soak in, resulting in flash
floods and some deaths when
people were washed away
with their farm buildings.
Even with full reservoirs and
well developed irrigation sys-
tems, as existed in the area
around Two Buttes Reser-
voir, they could not get the
See Dust Bowl, pg. S10
Dust Bowl from page 9
ground soaked to a depth
that would allow crops to
grow enough before the rows
were filled with fine dust.
Many religious people be-
lieved that the end of the
earth was upon them; that
the Divine was punishing hu-
mankind for transgressions.
People joined churches as
Dust Bowl conditions persist-
ed. Photographers were sent
to the region by the federal
government to record the
lives of these people caught
in the worst of times.
Songwriters and poets,
such as Oklahoman Woody
Guthrie, put human response
to these conditions to verses
that could be shared, bond-
ing people throughout the re-
gion. Music and square
dances were common ways
that communities could get
together and relieve the
stresses of their lives.
Community leaders
stressed the toughness and
determination of the people,
who would not be driven out
of their homes and off their
lands. Soup kitchens were
created for people with no re-
sources. Lines grew longer
with each passing year. Some
even ventured to find the
beauty in the storms. They
formed the “Last Man Club”
in the Oklahoma panhandle.
The Great Depression,
which began in 1929, result-
ed in part, from the nation’s
struggle to balance supply
and demand economics fol-
lowing World War 1. During
the war, additional cultivation
on the Plains states had been
encouraged by the federal
government. Huge amounts
of wheat were needed to feed
Europeans that weren’t able
to obtain it from Russia.
There was no oversight fol-
lowing the war to curtail
wheat production, to balance
what was needed with what
was being grown.
Just previous to the war,
European and eastern Ameri-
cans were drawn to home-
steading open range land in
the early part of the century.
Ranchers and cattlemen, who
warned of overturning any
more of the prairie grass-
lands, were overruled by
those interested in “Western
expansion” and eventually
had to adapt to farms being
fenced with barbed wire to
keep their free ranging cattle
out.
Without knowing it or be-
cause there were no over-
sight “commissions,” home-
steaders applied farming
techniques inappropriate to
grasslands where rain aver-
aged less than 20 inches per
year. With the invention of
the tractor, this became easi-
er and faster than ever, com-
pounding the eventual prob-
lems.
Once past the 98 Meridian,
consistent annual rainfall be-
gins to drop significantly, as
well as the general humidity.
Semiarid conditions increase
as elevation rises at the 100th
Meridian and beyond, up to
and including some regions
of the Rocky Mountains.
Numerous variables came
together in the region that
would become the Dust
Bowl, including most of east-
ern Colorado. Because the
bottom had fallen out of the
wheat market after the war
ended, rather than growing
less wheat, farmers began
plowing up even more grass-
land in the central and high
plains in an effort to grow
even more crops. With very
little income from their exist-
ing farms, they were forced
to plant more to produce
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Page 10 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado .
 DUST BOWL
Western expansion

Why they came and why they stayed

ByBarbara Preskorn
Special to The Lamar Ledger

In 1862, the public lands

Homestead Act passed and
approval was granted for
public land-grant agricultural
and mechanical colleges in
the central plains region.
Homesteading hastened the
creation of free Western
states and reduced the need
for slavery. By the end of the
Civil War, over 15,000 home-
steads dotted the Plains, pro-
viding opportunities to im-
poverished farmers from the
East and Midwest. It was
possible to get some support
and education about living in
the semiarid region of the
High Plains.
Homesteaders were re-
quired to pay a $15 fee and
they had to live on and culti-
vate the allotted 160 acres
for 5 years in order to be
deeded the land. Unfortu-
nately, 160 acres was not
nearly enough for the home-
steader to make living wages
off the elevated land in the
region of the 98th Meridian
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Dust Bowl from page 11
where rain was sporadic and
drought was cyclical and
sometimes critical. When
rain came to the dry High
Plains region it was apt to
run quickly into the arroyos,
leaving the land damp but
not wet.
Many homesteaders were
forced to live in nearby com-
munities to earn a living,
going to the farmland regu-
larly to satisfy the required
“proving up.” They had to
break the grassland with
horse drawn plows and
hoped that enough rain
would arrive at strategic
times to grow crops to ma-
turity. Profit was nearly im-
possible on this amount of
land. At the turn of the cen-
tury, the amount of land in
each allotment was in-
creased to 320, then to 640
acres in particularly dry re-
gions.
Initially, many homestead-
ers lived out of their wagons
Page 12 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado
and in tents until they could
get a dugout constructed.
Because timber had to be
brought in, they dug down
into the prairie a certain
number of feet and then built
up cement walls reinforced
by rock found dotting the
prairie in rock outcrops and
canyons.
Lumber brought in from
Granada and Lamar, where
trains brought in much
needed goods, was used for
window casings and roof tim-
bers. Cedar posts, still seen
dotting the landscape today
were gathered along an ele-
vated ridge that starts in
Prowers County and contin-
ues along to Trinidad. Most
roofs were slightly arched to
allow rain to drain and some
were covered with sod to
help insulate the interior.
Some entrances had a cov-
ered stairway, and most had
cement interior walls with
clearstory windows just be-
low the roof. It was common
to have dirt floors, but some
had linoleum. Stoves were
used to burn wood and cow
chips to heat the interiors
and to cook.
The “architectural style”
was a minimalist no-frills
home-crafted rectangle with
windows and at least one
door constructed by incorpo-
rating materials found on the
spot. On the eastern plains of
Colorado, walls above
ground were made of stone
quarried from rock outcrop-
pings and those found in ar-
royos and creek beds.
Because initial home-
steads were on 160 acre al-
lotments, many could be
seen at once dotting the
prairie with smoke coming
from their chimneys. Be-
cause of the smallness of the
allotments, by 1930 the pop-
ulation of Baca County ex-
ceeded 10,000 and small
communities dotted the land-
CSU Extension Courtesy photo
scape, some with names of
Eastern cities, such as Bos-
ton and Minneapolis.
Primitive living standards
were the trade-off for living
on a wide open beautiful
prairie where one could
exercise independence and
enjoy the company of other
“adventurers.” For many, it
was their only chance at ever
becoming a landowner. That
is why so many tenaciously
and courageously chose to
stay on in spit of many chal-
lenges. As time would tell,
they would be battling trials
unheard of in eastern cities,
but many chose to stay. It
was their home.
To learn more about these
early communities and
homesteads, please see the
recent Colorado State Histor-
ical Fund’s preservation bro-
chure concerning Baca
County, available at muse-
ums and the Colorado Wel-
come Center in Lamar.
.
 DUST BOWL
Some families stuck it out
on homesteads
Remains of abandoned homesteads dot the Frank Ranch
By Barbara Preskorn A creek separates the two
properties, and it has seen
Southeast of Lamar, David its share of flash floods. Sev-
Frank operates a 5,000 acre eral fully grown tree wind
cattle ranch that has gradu- breaks are now located near
ally increased in size since the homes and in nearby
his grandfather Adolf Frank pastures as conservation
homesteaded 320 acres in projects.
1915. He lives in a house
four times expanded from Frank runs about 200
the original dugout that his head of cattle annually and
grandfather built. His moth- dry-land farms wheat and
er Vela Frank lives about sorghum on about 70 acres.
one mile from David in a Most of the land has been re-
home also many times ex- turned to grassland and is
panded at the original dug- good for cattle grazing. He
out site. and his mother remain mem-
bers of the Star Community from the dust hanging in the
Church, at Prowers County air.”
Roads 28 at D.
Like many other ranch
Mr. Frank recalls the, and farming operations in
“dirty thirties, and the dirty Prowers and Baca County
fifties and sixties! By the sev- south of the Arkansas River,
enties, the increase in re- the Frank Ranch has grown
stored grasslands and new to its present size gradually
farming techniques made through the years. Original
the dirt blows not so exten- homesteads abandoned dur-
sive.” He said, “In the thir- ing drought periods fre-
ties, neighbors would up and quently were turned back to
leave their land to blow, and the federal land board, which
our crops got buried in their resold it. Since then, owners
dirt. We had to leave the of neighboring properties pe-
house many times and sleep
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CONTINUED FROM PG. 13
riodically offer their acre-
ages for sale.
The Franks started like
other families, “living in a
root cellar dugout with only
2 feet above ground. Putting
it up higher than the ground
kept the water from coming
in. The roof was a wooden
form covered with soil. The
cellar was rocked in tight so
animals couldn’t fall in or
through.”
Vela’s home was built by a
stone mason who home-
steaded at the same time
Adolf Frank did. A dip is all
that remains where the ini-
tial dugout was and it is lo-
cated in front of this stone
home, built by adding rooms
as the family expanded. Ve-
la’s husband made the last
addition in 1967. The stone
all came from outcroppings
of a particular formation lo-
cated throughout the ranch.
Extensive stone corrals
and barns were built “as I re-
call in the late teens or early
twenties. Cowboys who
trailed cattle to Montana
from Texas were on their
way back when a blizzard
struck. Our neighbor allow-
ed them to put their horses
in the barn. Then to pay for
feed and hay and allowing
them to stay in the house,
they helped quarry rock
around the ranch. They
stayed on past the blizzard to
get all this work done.”
Still in use today, the
stone walls of the corrals are
unique in their square block-
iness. Some cowboy art
images were carved into the
blocks, including horses and
rabbits — a couple were
even signed. A matching
stone well house next to the
home once was used to keep
milk and other perishables
cool, where water ran into a
shallow pan before going visited was used up until the
into the cattle tanks.
Mr. Frank drove this writ- Electric line poles lead to the
er over open prairie grass to house from the road. It had a
Page 14 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado
every corner of the ranch so
I could see about 20 of the
original homesteads still in
evidence. Some still have
rock walls only and some
still have wooden rafters and
window frames, but most re-
main only as foundations,
with rocks strewn so they
are barely made out in the
windswept soil dotted with
sage and grasses. They are
left as they were, untouched,
to deteriorate at the whims
of the weather, and as such,
they have become part of the
landscape.
One abandoned home we
1950s, its roof still in tact.
Barbara Preskorn For the Ledger
Barbara Preskorn For the Ledger
basement, reminiscent of the
dugout style with stairs lead-
ing down to the door, with 4
rooms above. The roof is
peaked. The stove, a coat,
coveralls and a couple of
chairs remain inside, but the
roof is leaking and the floor
is creaky.
Many rock homes were
elaborate, considering the
tools and materials available.
One has double windows
overlooking a vista with sev-
eral connecting rooms built
under the shade of big cot-
tonwood trees. Several barns
and corrals are located near-
by, some built out from or on
top of rock canyon walls, indi-
cating chickens and sheep
were part of the farm. Cattle
today use these protective
walls to get out of the wind
and end up displacing a few
more rocks from the walls. A
few Indian rock symbols are
found in these locations, indi-
cating it had been used for
centuries to protect against
bitter winter storms.
The Chown homestead
“castle” is now part of the
Frank Ranch. It is located at
the corner of Prowers County
Roads 16 at J. Thomas A.
Chown I and his wife built it
in 1931. A beautifully crafted
WPA bridge crosses the
creek that runs by this home-
stead and stone corrals hand-
laid without mortar. It is an
elaborate 2-story stone home,
dugout style, with a walkout
on the back side of the hill.
The upper floor is reached
through either south or west
facing doors which have 5
steps still remaining. The
lower level had several win-
dows as well as the walkout
door. There is an interior
stairway between floors.
Stone lintels stretch across
the tops and bottoms of win-
dows and doors. The roof line
is dotted with extended tim-
bers and rock “steps” deco-
rating the top edge.
Mr. Chown’s grandson,
Thomas II published the sto-
ry of the Chown’s family
odyssey coming from Eng-
land to Kansas and Colorado,
following several generations.
As a widower, his grandfa-
ther came to Prowers County
and married a local woman
Lila Pike, whose father lived
on a farm close by. He had
met Lila many years earlier
when he lived around La Jun-
ta and before he moved his
family to Indiana, where his
first wife longed to return.
Together Thomas and Lila
built this most interesting ar-
chitectural structure that
exemplifies the hand-crafted
dwellings of the early part of
the 19th Century. It remains
as a salute to the homestead-
er’s tradition of making do
with materials at hand in
carving a life and a home out
of the dirt.
.
Dust Bowl from page 10
more in an effort to make
fixed payments to banks.
“Suitcase” farmers who did
not own the land they farm-
ed, simply gave up and
moved on.
When finally it cost more to
plant or raise farm animals
than the farmer could sell
them for, crops were de-
stroyed along with many farm
animals to balance the
crippled economy. To these
people who worked so hard to
be good farmers, this was
heart breaking.
Without oversight and fore-
thought, most of the short
grasses had been or were be-
ing turned so that no roots
existed to hold the soil. Farm-
ers continued to plow, leaving
flat fields exposed. Furious
winds could come out of Can-
ada or out of the southwest or
northeast. At first, these wind
storms just contained a lot of
dust, but by 1934 when many
farmers began leaving fields
unplanted because of lack of
rain and high heat, dirt turned
into dust and frequently, sand
storms became so dense that
they looked like mountain
ranges off in the distance.
On some occasions more
than one storm could be
spotted coming from different
directions, they could come
with snow, turning it brown
and on some occasions, rain
would occur during a dirt
storm, causing mud to come
from the sky.
The most famous dirt “bliz-
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. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 15
zard” was called Black Sun-
day, April 14, 1935. It mount-
ed several thousand feet in
height and was born out of a
stalled cold front over Mon-
tana and the Dakotas, it raged
all the way into Texas and
then stomped east. One terri-
ble 1934 storm darkened
Washington D.C. and New
York City before rolling hun-
dreds of miles out to sea.
Winds accompanying these
storms could be as high as 60
mph and some up to 90 mph
and they twisted like a thou-
sand tornados, thousands of
feet high. They were impossi-
ble to outrun. Perfect sunny
calm could be punched first
by frightened animals and
birds scurrying to find cover.
These mountains of wind-fury
turned into blackness where
people and animals suffocated
and could not find their way.
Static electricity shorted out
ignitions and shocked people
if they touched each other or
tried to use a fence as a guide.
When Franklin D. Roose-
velt was elected President of
the United States in 1933, one
out of four was unemployed.
He promised to look after the
ordinary person hard hit by
economic depression and cre-
ated myriad agencies to help
stabilize the circumstances in
the center part of the country.
Within three years, and
with the leadership of Hugh
H. Bennett, a soil conserva-
tionist, farmers were helped
to organize into cooperatives
and districts and had to abide
by new soil conservation tech-
niques. Gradually, the farmers
with help from several federal
agencies, including the Civil-
ian Conservation Corps
(CCC), began to calm the rag-
ing rollers.
FDR was not sure they
would be successful in return-
ing the land to farming use,
but he vowed to make every
attempt to make that possible.
The federal government was
left with numerous aban-
doned farms, and they began
reseeding grasses as quickly
as possible.
To ease the plight of those
double struck with both eco-
nomic depression and living
on land incapable of produc-
tion with air unfit to breath,
the government created work
programs in the Dust Bowl
region. In Baca and Prowers
Counties in southeast Colo-
rado over 200 individual
Works Progress Administra-
tion (WPA) efforts sponsored
the building of community
buildings, schools, roads and
bridges, agricultural conserva-
tion projects as well as domes-
tic science and public health
projects.
Local stone was the prima-
ry construction material used
for buildings and bridges. Lat-
er renamed the Works Proj-
ect Administration, it was one
of the many FDR New Deal
agencies that contributed to
turning around economic de-
pression and the creation of
Phone 719-336-4455
Fax 719-336-8150
7395 U.S. Hwy 50 W
Lamar, CO 81063
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Backhoe & Loader Service • Gravel & Fill Dirt
Irrigation & Pipe Supply • Trenching & Demolition
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social welfare and security
programs that stabilized the
region for decent habitation.
The United States Forest
Service was assigned to over-
see replanted grasslands, to-
day called the National Co-
manche Grasslands, which
cover approximately one/half
of Baca County, where cattle
are allowed to graze.
In the end, the families that
were able to survive during
these traumatic times came to
use new farm implements,
many of which were invented
by local creative farmers, and
new farming techniques such
as contouring and crop rota-
tion. Along with the rain that
came in the 1940s, the intense
storms were calmed. In the
years since the 1930s, some
years have seen plentiful rains
and crop production has been
extremely good, making
these former Dust Bowl coun-
ties some of the richest in the
country agriculturally.
Those families that chose
to stay during cycles of
drought that occur, every dec-
ade to some extent, have
shown remarkable resilience
and determination. They sac-
rifice the security of having
good crops every year, and
have adapted their practices
and traditions to accept and
weather the dry spells. They
no longer are under any illu-
sions about rain following the
plow.
 2011
• Lease Fallowing- Super Ditch
• Increase focus on conservation easements
• Rural 10 Plan

Page 16 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado .

 ARTS ON THE PLAINS
Southeast Colorado home to active arts community
Lamar is home to South- Arts Centers for a wide vari-
eastern Colorado’s home- ety of downtown concerts,
town community band, the sales, dinners, dances, recep-
Arkansas Valley Wind and tions and other events.
Percussion Ensemble, Inc.
and the Southeast Colorado In keeping with the vision
of making the Shore Arts
Arts Council.
Center a hub of artistic ex-
Free formal concerts are pression, the Southeast Colo-
offered twice yearly in De- rado Arts Council has made
cember and April and sever- their home at the Shore Arts
al other free and paid per- Center, setting up an office
formances are given as new programs develop.
throughout the year.
“The Southeast Art Guild
Since 2006, the AVWPE currently displays art works
band programs, the Lamar in the Shore Arts Center
Dudes and Dames and many front window on a rotational
others have used the Shore basis. We want the general
AMACHE INTERNMENT CAMP
Granada students work to help keep memory alive
Camp Amache was a Japa- School teacher, John Hop-
nese American internment per, led the way to restoring
camp located near the town this relocation camp. Hopper
of Granada. Camp Amache states, “When we started this
was hidden away for years, project, it was a research
in part because no one want- project. We were trying to
ed to remember this chapter gather as much information
of history. Governor Ralph about Amache as we could.”
Carr welcomed the Japanese
Americans to Colorado near At the entrance new sign-
age indicates the groups and
the small town of Granada. It
was the smallest of the in- organizations currently in-
volved in restoration and in
ternment camps. However in
Colorado, it was the 10th the telling of the Amache
story. There is a new park-
largest city during this time.
The interment camp was ing lot that allows for large
there only three years. vehicles to turn around. At
this location covered kiosks
The town of Granada High give details and show maps.
LAMAR
AUTO PARTS
311 N. Main
Lamar, CO
719-336-4391
. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 17
public to know that we have
many talented local artists in
the region and part our
thinking now is to create a
large gallery space that
would support exhibition
needs for existing artist
groups as well as individual
artists,” said Rose Ann Yates,
executive director.
Eads, Colorado home of
Art Gallery and Gift Shop
The location serves as a
gift shop, offering numerous
craft items, jewelry, hand-
made greeting cards, book-
marks and other items. Re-
A handicapped accessible ce-
ment walkway winds
through one block of what
was left, deteriorated
through the years.
New signs have been
erected along the streets
identifying the sites of the
various buildings. Barracks
sold when the camp closed
are being purchased and re-
located to the site.
Students maintain the
camp’s cemetery, installing
benches, planting trees and
sod. During the war, some of
the Nisei men living at the
camp wanted to join the war
H. MANNING CO.
7265 U.S. HWY 50
LAMAR, COLORADO 81502
1-800-932-0306 • FAX (719) 336-2866
CELL (719) 688-3130
PHONE
(719) 336-2243
cently a coffee shop was
added and the building also
houses a visitor information
center.
The gallery also boasts
two members who are local
authors, Lucinda Perry of Kit
Carson and Jeff Campbell of
Eads.
There is a wide variety of
quality art for sale. The gal-
lery also touts a Christmas
Boutique which is open dur-
ing the months of November
and December and offers
originally crafted decora-
tions and gifts for the holi-
days.
efforts. Eventually, they
were allowed to join the U.S.
Army and fought with the
442nd and 100th battalion.
By the end of the war, they
were the most decorated bat-
tle units. Many received
Medals of Honor. A large
monument to fallen soldiers
can be found in the cemetery
along with the grave mark-
ers of children, and a pago-
da-style building.
To see Camp Amache,
head west out of town on
Highway 50. Within less
than a mile there will be
markers directing you to
turn south into the camp.
THE PRIME LINE
RANDY WITT
SALES MANAGER
 CANYONLANDS
Mountain bike, hike or horseback ride
through fantastic wonders of nature
By Barbara Preskorn Many of the sections of
grassland seen today were
born of the Dust Bowl era
when many farmers and
Prairie grassland
ranchers simply could not
ecosystem continue to attempt to raise
The Comanche National crops and livestock against
Grassland consists of vast the odds of persistent
open agricultural and natural drought, dust rollers and
grassland spaces and an ex- economic depression. 10,000
tensive network of beautiful foot high dirt and sand
canyons. The canyons are lo- storms, dubbed “black bliz-
cated in remote areas where zards,” rolled through the re-
archaeological sites abound. gion regularly for several
The U. S. Forest Service years, turning rich top soil to
oversees protection of both gritty dust that can still be
the fragile soil and the cul- found along a few fence
tural resources in what has lines.
grown to be 450,000 acres di-
vided into two units. CONTINUED ON 19

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Page 18 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado .
CONTINUED FROM PG. 18
After encouraging home-
steaders for several wet dec-
ades prior to the 1930s to
cultivate 160 acre sections in
eastern Colorado, the U. S.
Department of Agriculture in
the mid-1930s began pur-
chasing these sections. The
federal government had not
learned about drought cycles
until one coincided with a na-
tional economic depression,
which made it doubly hard
for those living here.
Much work had to be
done to stabilize and restore
soil from past practices. It
had to be revegetated for
land uses that would sustain
it over time. Farmers who
stayed on their land also be-
gan using various soil con-
servation techniques.
The U. S. Forest Service
has jurisdiction over two
units, the Carrizo Unit in
Baca and Las Animas coun-
ties and the Timpas Unit in
Otero and Las Animas coun-
ties. They manage domestic
livestock grazing on the
prairie and care for numer-
ous Indian archaeological
and historical homestead
sites that are found primarily
in the canyons.
The land is still in recov-
ery. Grazing cattle have re-
placed bison, but pronghorn,
deer and elk continue to
graze the short and mid-tall
grasses throughout the High
Plains.
Grazing is important to
keeping fuel for prairie fires
low.
Lightening can start
prairie fires that grow and
move quickly if wind condi-
tions are right. Properly
managing and maintaining a
healthy and sustainable
grassland and canyon eco-
system is important to the
plants, wildlife, domestic ani-
mals and the culture of the
people making the region
their home.
dreds of species of birds, am-
ple trees and grasses. Hu-
mans have been attracted to
this network of canyons for
what is estimated to be as
many as 11,000 years.
Accessing remote
areas
Several of these Coman-
che Grassland canyons are
maintained for public recrea-
tional and educational uses.
The U. S. Forest Service ad-
vises visitors to prepare for
Canyon gems their treks into these remote
Colorful and extensive areas.
canyons exist along the
Safety and natural re-
many tributaries of the Cim- source management are of
maron and Purgatoire (Pur- concern. Visitors are advised
gatory) Rivers. Conditions to consult with either the
ideal to promote human ac- Springfield or the La Junta
tivities were created by pro- offices for current conditions
tective canyon walls with nu- before embarking onto trails.
merous well-positioned A detailed map of the Co-
springs and seeps where manche National Grassland
groundwater surface. This is available for purchase.
ecosystem now provides pro- Weather conditions, avail-
tective cover and water for
the plentiful wildlife and hun- CONTINUED ON 20

OPEN 24 HOURS

VOTED PEOPLE’S
CHOICE for BEST
SALAD BAR
Daily Specials

HOT BUFFET
EVERYDAY!
24 Hour Road Side Service
Restaurant & Fueling Truck Stop
33110 County Rd 7
Lamar, Colo • 719-336-3445
. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 19
CONTINUED FROM PG. 19
ability of water, proper
equipment and understand-
ing of travel management
rules need to be reviewed.
Cell phones work sometimes
on top of mesas, but rarely in
the canyons.
Photography of rock art is
difficult where light condi-
tions do not create shadows,
so having a sketch notebook
is recommended. Using a
“sky” filter and a lower f-stop
is sometimes helpful as is
photographing from a slight
angle. Do not touch or mark
the rock art in anyway, as it
is illegal.
Vandalism is occurring at
an increasing rate as areas
become more accessible.
The most common types of
damage are done with paint,
scratched graffiti and gun-
shot. All cultural resources
on public lands are protected
by law, please help the U. S.
Forest Service protect the
past. Signs of recent vandal-
ism should be reported im-
mediately.
Picket Wire Canyon
Along the Purgatoire River
35 miles southwest of La
Junta in the Picket Wire
area, points of interest ex-
tend from the Jurassic Peri-
od 150 million years ago to
the recent past when home-
steaders established ranches
and cultivated gardens and
crops. Because the area is
rich with prehistoric Indian
DAYLIGHT DONUT
109 SOUTH MAIN
LAMAR, CO 81052
(719) 336-7911
TUES-SAT 5:30-12:30PM
Page 20 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado
Prevalent in the miles of
rock walls above the Purga-
toire, rock art locations have
not been disclosed for pro-
tective reasons. The U. S.
Forest Service 4-wheel drive
tour offered in spring and fall
of each year, does some-
times make one stop at an
important rock art site. Res-
ervations can be made by
calling 719.384.2181. More
information can be found at
www.fs.fed.us and click on
“to find a forest or grass-
archaeological sites, access land.”
is limited and no facilities are Many classic animal and
provided. abstract designs are de-
picted as well as what appear
The day trip from the
to be counting or record-
Withers Canyon Trailhead to
keeping grids and meander-
the largest number of dino-
ing lines. Rock art in this
saur tracks in the country, is
area are almost exclusively
approximately 11 miles
petroglyphs pecked or
round trip, with hilly terrain.
etched into rock usually
(William J. Withers managed
heavily coated with brown
part of the JJ Ranch division
iron-colored patina, allowing
of the Prairie Cattle Compa-
the lighter rock color to
ny, located between La Junta
show through. When the art
and Las Animas along the
is older, new patina has
Purgatoire River from 1882
grown over the fresh rock
to 1917.) No overnight camp-
cuts making them harder to
ing is allowed.
detect.
It is important to be in suf- Because intent is often
ficient physical condition to hard to prove, researchers
manage extremes in weath- can only speculate about pur-
er. Proper equipment, in- poses and meaning of cer-
cluding first aid supplies, am- tain glyphs or alignments of
ple drinking water and insect shadows on those glyphs. A
repellant is essential. Boots large 20 foot high rock that
and long pants are highly is split apart and surrounded
recommended, packing with petroglyphs around
shoes for crossing the river both sections is located in a
which is necessary to see the northern inaccessible por-
dinosaur tracks. tion of Picket Wire. It is pos- The U. S. Forest Service
sible that this rock also con- tour also stops at the 19th
Rock art tains seasonal time-telling century Rourke Ranch, cur-
301 E. Olive St. Lamar, Colorado
719-336-5382
potential. It has been noted
that a spot of light from a
small crack moves across
the interior surfaces coming
to rest on the fourth of four
pecked parallel lines at sun-
down on a certain day of the
year.
Dinosaur tracks
Where 1,300 dinosaur
tracks are presently located
at the river’s edge, apatosau-
rus and allosaurus were the
most prevalent dinosaurs at
the edge of a very large lake
in a tropical savannah envi-
ronment 150 million years
ago. As these dinosaurs
walked along the muddy
shore, they left footprints
that eventually became cov-
ered over and turned to
stone with subsequent pres-
sures on the sandy mud. Be-
cause of the extensiveness of
the tracks, scientists can
learn about social behavior
among the dinosaurs. Bron-
tosaurus are also known to
frequent the region during
the Jurassic Period.
Mission Cemetery
The trail passes by the
Hispanic Delores Mission
Cemetery that contains sev-
eral headstones and the re-
mains of a church. There is
evidence of garden crops be-
ing grown so a small com-
munity was present close-by.
Rourke Ranch
.
rently being refurbished as a
destination for interested
members of the public. It is
listed on the National Regis-
ter of Historic Places. For a
while, it was part of the
Army’s Pinon Canyon Ma-
neuver Site until they turned
it over to the U. S. Forest
Service in 1977.
A interpretive kiosk de-
scribes the life of the Irish
emigrant Eugene Rourke
family members who lived
here. In 1871 Mr. Rourke
claimed a 40-acre homestead
deed. Through years of hard-
ship, they succeeded in es-
tablishing one of the largest
ranches in southeast Colo-
rado.
Santa Fe Trail
To the west of Picture
Canyon around the commu-
nity of Timpas, wagon wheel
ruts provide evidence of the
Santa Fe Trail Mountain
Route (1821-1880) used until
the steam locomotive
reached Santa Fe. Two other
routes pass through the Co-
manche Grassland, the Au-
bry Cutoff east of Campo
(1850-1860) and the Gra-
nada-Ft. Union Military
Route, west and north of
Kim (1872-1874). This route
crosses Highway 287/385
about 20 miles north of
Springfield. Where evidence
of these trails can be found,
the spot is marked by lime-
stone posts.
Carrizo Canyon
The east fork of the Carri-
zo Creek flows through this
small canyon graced by juni-
per and cottonwood. Images
of mountain sheep, elk and a
deer with fantastically-
branched antlers, have been
pecked into the canyon walls
where trees and vegetation
provide cover. Carrizo Can-
yon contains a wonder array
of grasses fed by springs and
seeps, making the short loop
trail very picturesque.
Covered picnic tables and
restrooms are available and
it is a good choice for travel-
ers who have only a few
hours to enjoy the richness
of the wildlife and Indian cul-
ture along Carrizo Creek.
Birds are easily spotted
and observed. The allusive
Lark Bunting, Colorado’s
state bird is known to be in
the region during summer
months. Known for its won-
derful song and distinctive
solid blue black color with a
single white patch along
each wing it is wonderful to
watch in flight. The attrac-
tive yellow-breasted western
kingbird, a flycatcher, also
frequents the area.
Carrizo Canyon is accessi-
ble from Highway 287/385,
by turning west just north of
Campo onto County Road M,
and traveling 22 miles on
this well maintained gravel
road. However, in wet condi-
tions any of the unpaved
roads can become slippery
and difficult to navigate,
making 4-wheel drive pre-
ferred if wet weather is pos-
sible. County Road 10 goes
north to paved Highway 160
near Pritchett.
Picture Canyon
This well known canyon is
accessible along the same
County Road M, but turn
south at 8 miles. A sign will
indicate proceeding on
County Road 18 for another
8 miles to the Picture Can-
yon sign, again turning south
onto Forest Service Road
533.
On the right just after
turning, watch the top of the
second “hill” for signs of in-
tentionally placed larger
rocks. This is the location
where train robber Black
Jack Ketchum’s gang am-
bushed the posse from Fol-
som, New Mexico chasing
them. Although Black Jack
got away on this occasion, he
was caught later and hung.
This gang also robbed wag-
on trains and local ranchers,
so many people were unhap-
py with Black Jack!

HOLLY NURSING CARE CENTER

An Eden Community
320 N. 8th, Holly, CO • 537-6555

We believe strongly & passionately in living life to the fullest

With Meaningful & enjoyable pursuits, Delicious food to eat &
opportunities for caring relationships in an environment bustling with life!
. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 21
CONTINUED FROM PG. 19 cluding first aid supplies, am- hard to prove, researchers
ple drinking water and insect can only speculate about pur-
Springfield or the La Junta repellant is essential. Boots poses and meaning of cer-
offices for current conditions and long pants are highly tain glyphs or alignments of
before embarking onto trails. recommended, packing shadows on those glyphs. A
A detailed map of the Co- shoes for crossing the river large 20 foot high rock that
manche National Grassland which is necessary to see the is split apart and surrounded
is available for purchase. dinosaur tracks. with petroglyphs around
Weather conditions, avail- both sections is located in a
ability of water, proper
Rock art northern inaccessible por-
equipment and understand- tion of Picket Wire. It is pos-
ing of travel management Prevalent in the miles of sible that this rock also con-
rules need to be reviewed. rock walls above the Purga- tains seasonal time-telling
Cell phones work sometimes toire, rock art locations have potential. It has been noted
on top of mesas, but rarely in not been disclosed for pro- that a spot of light from a
the canyons. Junta in the Picket Wire tective reasons. The U. S. small crack moves across
area, points of interest ex- Forest Service 4-wheel drive the interior surfaces coming
Photography of rock art is tend from the Jurassic Peri-
difficult where light condi- od 150 million years ago to tour offered in spring and fall to rest on the fourth of four
tions do not create shadows, the recent past when home- of each year, does some- pecked parallel lines at sun-
so having a sketch notebook steaders established ranches times make one stop at an down on a certain day of the
is recommended. Using a and cultivated gardens and important rock art site. Res- year.
“sky” filter and a lower f-stop crops. Because the area is ervations can be made by
calling 719.384.2181. More
is sometimes helpful as is rich with prehistoric Indian Dinosaur tracks
information can be found at
photographing from a slight archaeological sites, access
www.fs.fed.us and click on Where 1,300 dinosaur
angle. Do not touch or mark is limited and no facilities are
“to find a forest or grass- tracks are presently located
the rock art in anyway, as it provided.
land.” at the river’s edge, apatosau-
is illegal.
The day trip from the Many classic animal and rus and allosaurus were the
Vandalism is occurring at Withers Canyon Trailhead to
abstract designs are de- most prevalent dinosaurs at
an increasing rate as areas the largest number of dino-
picted as well as what appear the edge of a very large lake
become more accessible. saur tracks in the country, is
to be counting or record- in a tropical savannah envi-
The most common types of approximately 11 miles keeping grids and meander- ronment 150 million years
damage are done with paint, round trip, with hilly terrain.
ing lines. Rock art in this ago. As these dinosaurs
scratched graffiti and gun- (William J. Withers managed
area are almost exclusively walked along the muddy
shot. All cultural resources part of the JJ Ranch division
petroglyphs pecked or shore, they left footprints
on public lands are protected of the Prairie Cattle Compa-
etched into rock usually that eventually became cov-
by law, please help the U. S. ny, located between La Junta
heavily coated with brown ered over and turned to
Forest Service protect the and Las Animas along the
iron-colored patina, allowing stone with subsequent pres-
past. Signs of recent vandal- Purgatoire River from 1882
the lighter rock color to sures on the sandy mud. Be-
ism should be reported im- to 1917.) No overnight camp-
show through. When the art cause of the extensiveness of
mediately. ing is allowed. is older, new patina has the tracks, scientists can
grown over the fresh rock learn about social behavior
Picket Wire Canyon It is important to be in suf-
cuts making them harder to among the dinosaurs. Bron-
ficient physical condition to tosaurus are also known to
detect.
Along the Purgatoire River manage extremes in weath-
35 miles southwest of La er. Proper equipment, in- Because intent is often CONTINUED ON 23

301 E. Olive St. Lamar, Colorado

719-336-5382

1554734
Not Found

Page 22 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado .

CONTINUED FROM PG. 22
frequent the region during
the Jurassic Period.
Mission Cemetery
The trail passes by the
Hispanic Delores Mission
Cemetery that contains sev-
eral headstones and the re-
mains of a church. There is
evidence of garden crops be-
ing grown so a small com-
munity was present close-by.
Rourke Ranch
The U. S. Forest Service
tour also stops at the 19th
century Rourke Ranch, cur-
rently being refurbished as a
destination for interested
members of the public. It is
listed on the National Regis-
ter of Historic Places. For a
while, it was part of the
Army’s Pinon Canyon Ma-
neuver Site until they turned
it over to the U. S. Forest
Service in 1977.
A interpretive kiosk de-
scribes the life of the Irish
emigrant Eugene Rourke
family members who lived
here. In 1871 Mr. Rourke
claimed a 40-acre homestead
deed. Through years of hard-
ship, they succeeded in es-
tablishing one of the largest
ranches in southeast Colo-
rado.
Santa Fe Trail
To the west of Picture
Canyon around the commu-
nity of Timpas, wagon wheel
ruts provide evidence of the
Santa Fe Trail Mountain
Route (1821-1880) used until
the steam locomotive
reached Santa Fe. Two other
routes pass through the Co-
manche Grassland, the Au-
bry Cutoff east of Campo
(1850-1860) and the Gra-
nada-Ft. Union Military
Route, west and north of
Kim (1872-1874). This route
crosses Highway 287/385
about 20 miles north of
Springfield. Where evidence
of these trails can be found,
the spot is marked by lime-
stone posts.
Carrizo Canyon
The east fork of the Carri-
zo Creek flows through this
small canyon graced by juni-
per and cottonwood. Images
of mountain sheep, elk and a
deer with fantastically-
branched antlers, have been
pecked into the canyon walls
where trees and vegetation
provide cover. Carrizo Can-
yon contains a wonder array
of grasses fed by springs and
seeps, making the short loop
trail very picturesque.
Covered picnic tables and
restrooms are available and
it is a good choice for travel-
ers who have only a few
hours to enjoy the richness
of the wildlife and Indian cul-
ture along Carrizo Creek.
Birds are easily spotted
and observed. The allusive
Lark Bunting, Colorado’s
state bird is known to be in
the region during summer
months. Known for its won-
derful song and distinctive
solid blue black color with a
single white patch along
each wing it is wonderful to
watch in flight. The attrac-
tive yellow-breasted western
kingbird, a flycatcher, also
frequents the area.
Carrizo Canyon is accessi-
ble from Highway 287/385,
by turning west just north of
Campo onto County Road M,
and traveling 22 miles on
this well maintained gravel
road. However, in wet condi-
tions any of the unpaved
roads can become slippery
and difficult to navigate,
making 4-wheel drive pre-
ferred if wet weather is pos-
sible. County Road 10 goes
north to paved Highway 160
near Pritchett.
CONTINUED ON 24

HOLLY NURSING CARE CENTER

An Eden Community
320 N. 8th, Holly, CO • 537-6555

We believe strongly & passionately in living life to the fullest

With Meaningful & enjoyable pursuits, Delicious food to eat &
opportunities for caring relationships in an environment bustling with life!
. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 23
 Please sign the registry in
the parking area. In less than
a mile, a trail leads to the
rock art area on the east
wall. Two iconic figures on
the Dakota Sandstone “pic-
ture” rock wall, the warrior
and the horse, are good ex-
amples of where pictographs
and petroglyphs are found
together. These depictions
were highlighted with black
pigment. On close inspec-
tion, faint lines above the
horse may indicate teepees.
An antelope and a pig were
created in red pigment far-
ther down on the same wall.
The figure of a woman,
with many circles across the
chest and belly, is one of the
most fascinating of all
images depicted among this
extensive collection. It is as- ing. The remains of the founda- of Works Progress Adminis-
sumed that most of the rock tion of an old stone home-
Many undocumented di- tration (WPA) projects in
art here was created during stead house can be explored.
nosaur tracks are reported to Baca County with directions
the 17th or early 18th centu- Unique rock formations
ry by Plains Indians. exist in the rocks above the to their locations is available
canyon. Abundant plant fos- abound. at many locations, including
The U. S. Forest Service
sils including stems, twigs, During the 1870s a spur the Two Buttes and Spring-
provides occasional tours to
cones and the first flowering off the Santa Fe Trail was de- field Museums and the U. S.
this wall of pictures. Check
plants are also found within veloped by the Barlow and Forest Service office in
with the Springfield office
the layers of rock in Picture Sanderson Mail and Stage
about tour availability by call- Springfield.
Canyon. Line. Sections of the stage-
ing 719.523.6591. Their bus
coach road and ruins of the The opportunity to work
tours to Crack Cave, 3 ⁄ 4 mile Vogel Canyon station can still be found on saved many families from
from the Picture Canyon
The eastern most trail in the much longer outer trail having to move on. A letter
parking area on the days of
Vogel Canyon winds along loop west of the camp- at the Two Buttes Museum
the spring and the fall equi-
over rocky pinon-covered ground. Access to this loop from one worker from Walsh
noxes, arrive directly at the
terrain with rock walls within is noticeable on the road into
site before sunrise. expresses appreciation for
viewing distance. The easy the parking area.
The cave contains hatch being able to participate in
marks that some research- alternative trail, directly Vogel Canyon is accessi-
building the Two Buttes
ers find strongly resemble south from the parking area, ble by traveling 13 miles
south from La Junta on High- gymnasium.
Ogam, of European origin. is level, wide and well-main-
Anthropologists have not tained and leads to the can- way 109, then west onto Bridges, public buildings,
found collaborating evidence yon overlook. It is handicap County Road 802 for 1.5 gymnasiums and schools
that Europeans actually visit- accessible. miles, south on Forest Serv- were built between 1935 and
ed this region. The marks Either route on this inter- ice Road 505A for 1.5 miles 1940 in primarily Baca and
are clearly delineated with pretive trail can take the visi-to the parking lot. Vogel
Prowers counties in Colo-
light as the sun rises on tor to two springs at the base Canyon picnic area has beau-
tiful camp sites, separated rado to help the region re-
these two days each year. of a high rock wall on the cover economically from
east side of the canyon, from each other. Covered
Lush riparian habitat and devastating drought condi-
where an abundance of rock picnic tables and restroom
the area’s perennial springs tions and many are still in
art also can be viewed. One facilities are available. When
allowed for a semi-perma- use. Simple and functional,
large animal figure is promi- returning to Highway 109 a
nent living environment for
nent in the northern over- turn south toward Kim pass- they remain excellent exam-
indigenous peoples. Teepee
hang and abstract designs es through more scenic can- ples of stone masonry where
rings, rocks of certain size
and symbols are depicted. yons for about 15 miles. workers had little or no pre-
found in deliberately placed
circular formations, have Some of the rock art here is vious training. Large hand
been located on the mesa over 1,000 years old and Baca County WPA saws for two and hammer
above the canyon by scien- fragile. self-guided tour and chisel were the primary
tists, but none have been When in bloom the flora of A brochure which high- tools used to cut local stone
designated for public view- this canyon is spectacular. lights a few of the hundreds to shape.
Page 24 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado .
 FALCONRY ON THE PLAINS
Eastern prairies ideal for ancient sport
The sport of falconry is
said to date back to the 13th
and 14th centuries in Me-
sopotamia. It was also popu-
lar among the nobility of Me-
dieval Europe. Today, the
sport is still has participants
around the world.
Falconers say that getting
their birds back after a hunt
means they had a successful
day, whether a game animal
was caught or not.
Though trained to return
to their flyers, falcons and
hawks, particularly ones that
are trapped, remain wild.
The birds are perfectly capa-
ble of surviving on their own,
and it is not uncommon for a
falconer to trap a wild bird
before the season begins
 ) ')%- "% %)
and the only thing that tance is gradually increased
brings the bird back to its until the bird returns from
flyer is the promise of a 30 — 40 yards away, when it
meal. is introduced to the lure. A
lure is a leather pouch con-
It takes two to three
nected to a long cord to
weeks of training with an ex-
which food can be tied. The
perienced falconer before a
falconer swings the lure in a
bird can be flown free. Train-
circle, and it is the one
ing happens in three stages.
image of falconry that most
The first stage is called people should recognize.
manning, during which the Once the bird responds to
bird learns to associate food the lure, hunting can begin.
with handling as it becomes
Hawks and falcons are the
tame. The falconer will carry
two main species used in fal-
the bird around and get it ac-
conry. Eagles require a lot of
Kathy Tintinger Courtesy photo customed to being near peo-
paperwork and permits,
ple.
which limits their popularity
and then train it and hunt it Using a tether called a cre- among practitioners of the
ance, the falconer teaches sport. And owls, while used
before releasing it.
the bird to return to the glov- occasionally are not condu-
The raptors, even if tame, ed fist where it is rewarded cive to falconry because they
retain their independence, with bits of food. The dis- generally hunt at night.
 %!'**%#" #.-  )
  %!%)"  %! #.)%#!#"

')" % /#  #-)*# %!
* #%" #**)
 # ). !)  &,
&$++
" !)
" *(%!




. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 25

BIRDWATCHER’SPARADISE
Climate, habitat make
for abundance of birds
Bird watching is the fastest
growing outdoor activity in
North America. The National
Survey of Recreation and the
Environment says one in four
Americans watch birds and
that number is growing rapid-
ly each day.
Because mountain weather
can be extremely harsh,
greater species of wildlife can
be found on the Plains and
Southeast Colorado has the
best year round bird watching
areas in the state. It is estimat-
ed that there are just over 700
species of birds in the lower
48 states of the United States
and every one of them can be
seen on the Southeast Colo-
rado Plains.
Geography, location, and
the habitat are why birds
come to Southeast Colorado.
There are many different hab-
itats that attract species from
the northern, southern, east-
ern and western regions of
the country to a very small
area in the state of Colorado.
Currently there are 800 poten-
tial sites for bird watching in
the state of Colorado and 48
of those sites are in Southeast
Colorado.
The Colorado State Bird -
the Lark Bunting - is seen in
abundance in Southeast Colo-
rado. All species of shore
birds have been seen in Crow-
ley, Bent and Kiowa counties
of Colorado. Bent’s Old Fort,
located 13 miles West of Las
Animas, is the best place in
Colorado to see the Black
Rail. Of the 43 species of War-
bler, 35 can be found on the
plains of Colorado. The Least
Tern and the Piping Plover,
both threatened with extinc-
Page 26 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado
tion, can be seen at John Mar-
tin Reservoir in Bent County,
Adobe Creek (Blue Lake), as
well as the Great Plains Reser-
voirs in Kiowa County.
The Lesser Prairie Chicken
is found in Baca County on
the Comanche National
Grassland. The land below
Two Buttes Reservoir in Baca
County is legendary for mi-
grant birds. Prowers County
is also the home of the annual
Snow Goose Festival in Feb-
ruary. In late winter every
year thousands of these geese
begin their migration north
and stop at the many lakes
and ponds of Southeast Colo-
rado to rest and feed. You
may have the opportunity to
see Burrowing Owls wherev-
er there is a prairie dog town.
Southeast Colorado is
blessed with many State Wild-
life Areas, which provide ex-
cellent recreational areas for
wildlife observation and pho-
tography. The five county
areas in Southeast Colorado
include Bent, Baca, Crowley,
Kiowa, and Prowers.
Bent County’s wildlife areas
include John Martin Reser-
voir, Las Animas State Fish-
ing Unit, Purgatoire River
State Wildlife Area, Setchfield
State Wildlife Area, and
Adobe Creek Reservoir.
The wildlife areas in Baca
County include Two Buttes
Reservoir, Turks Pond, and
Burchfield State Wildlife Area.
Crowley County’s wildlife
areas include Olney Springs
Reservoir, Ordway Reservoir,
Lake Henry, and Meredith
Reservoir.
Kiowa County offers a vari-
ety of wildlife areas, including
Queens State Wildlife Areas
and the Great Plains Reser-
voirs. Prowers County wildlife
areas include the Arkansas
River State Wildlife Areas and
Holly State Wildlife Area,
Deadman State Wildlife Area,
the Mike Higbee State Wild-
life Area, Red Dog State Wild-
life Area, Thurston Reservoir,
Willow Creek Park and the
Willow Creek Nature Trail.
Baca a birder’s haven
Over 275 species of birds
can be spotted in Baca Coun-
ty during different seasons.
Baca County has quietly be-
come a favorite site for travel-
ing ornithologists and Audu-
bon members alike. The
upper Two Buttes Lake area
and Two Buttes Canyon along
with the canyon area south
and west of Campo are a few
of the favorite sites.
Some of the more popular
species include lesser prairie
chicken, Canadian goose,
ducks, scaled quail, morning
dove. Prairie falcon, long-bill-
ed curlew, loggerhead shrike,
white-crowned sparrow, king-
bird, lark sparrow, horned
lark, rough-legged hawk,
northern shrike, roadrunner,
black-billed magpie, lark bunt-
ing, species of hawks, mead-
owlark, killdeers and eagles.
Every spring in Baca Coun-
ty, the lesser prairie chickens
gather at the “booming
ground” for their mating ritu-
al. A viewing blind offers an
opportunity for pictures of
these beautiful birds.
Snow Goose Festival not
just for geese
Another great opportunity
to view birds occurs at the an-
nual Snow Goose Festival
held each February.
The festival, centered in
Prowers County, offers sun-
rise and sunset tours where
participants can view snow
geese and other types of wa-
terfowl including Sandhill
cranes. Participants are en-
couraged to bring along bin-
oculars, a camera, bird, identi-
fication book, sunscreen,
sunglasses, layered clothing,
a hat, and rain gear. Partici-
pants can also take advantage
of the Willow Creek Nature
Walk.
In addition to the tours,
there are presentations from
organizations such as the Rap-
tor Center in Pueblo, which
brings live display of birds.
Other guest speakers include
representatives from the Colo-
rado Division of Wildlife, Unit-
ed States Department of Agri-
culture and other experts.
The annual Snow Goose
Festival is sponsored by the
Lamar Chamber of Com-
merce, the local Division of
Wildlife, Kiowa County Cham-
ber of Commerce, Eads
Chamber of commerce, and
Prowers County Develop-
ment, Inc.
Kiowa, Bent host variety of
birds
The Great Plains Reservoir
and Abode Reservoir in Kiowa
County afford prime opportu-
nities for bird and wildlife
viewing. Similar opportunities
can be found at John Martin
Reservoir, Blue Lake, and
Adobe Creek in Bent County.
In Prowers County, bird
watchers can visit a DOW
hunting preserve along the
Arkansas River to view pheas-
ants, ducks and other wildlife.
.
 BOATING AND FISHINGGUIDE
Following is a list of top
fishing spots in Southeast
Colorado:
Adobe Creek
(also known as Blue Lake)
Location: From Las Animas,
go north on Bent County
Road 10 for 15 miles or from
Haswell go south on Kiowa
County Road 19 for 12 miles
then west on Kiowa County
Road A 2 miles then west on
Kiowa County Road A to the
property.
Property: 5,147 acres pub-
lic access land, 5,000 acres
surface area
Motor Boats: Permitted,
public boat ramp available
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Pub-
lic Restrooms
Camping: Permitted, but
few facilities. No developed
campgrounds or hookups
available
Access: Open all year
Species: Blue Catfish,
Channel Catfish, Clack Crap-
pie, Saugeye, Walleye, Wip-
ers, White Bass.
Most Abundant Species:
Channel Catfish, Blue Cat-
fish
Notes: Huge members of
fry size Wipers and Saugeye
were stocked in 2001.
John Martin
(including lake hasty)Lo-
cation: From Lamar, go west
approximately 20 miles on
US Highway 50. Turn South
at the town of Hasty and fol-
low the road approximately
Catcalls
Full Service Salon
Cuts, Color, Nails,
Tanning, Waxing,
Facials
108 S. Main
Lamar, CO 81052
719-691-1550
twollert@hotmail.com
. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 27
two miles south to the John
Martin Dam.
Property: 22,325 acres
public access land, 13,000
acres surface area.
Motor Boats: Permitted on
John Martin, not permitted
on Lake Hasty. Public boat
ramps available near the
dam. Free boat ramp avail-
able on Lane 19 near the
west end of the lake, but not
accessible unless water lev-
els are relatively high.
Facilities: Boat ramps,
public restrooms, RV hook-
ups, RV dump stations,
showers, laundry, play-
ground, covered buildings,
many developed and semi-
primitive campsites. Handi-
capped access to fishing in
Lake Hasty. Hiking trails.
Public telephones, marina,
bait shops, convenience
stores and fuel available
nearby.
Jackson’s Pond Location:
3
⁄ 4 mile south of Eads, From
Highway 287, go south one
block on Slater Street which
turns into Prairie Place then
go 1 ⁄ 2 mile and turn let on
Yucca Drive for about 1 ⁄ 4
mile to the pond. Property: 8
acre pond included in the
300 acre Kiowa Creek Natu-
ral Area. Motor Boats: No
boats permitted. Facilities:
Picnic shelter, tables and
public restroom. Camping:
No over-night camping per-
mitted. Access: Open all year
except for limited closures
Trella Wollert
Owner/Operator
prior to some events such as
the Youth Fishing Day in
May. Species: Featuring
largemouth bass, bluegill,
channel catfish, and season-
ally (spring and fall) stocked
rainbow trout. Some small-
mouth bass and yellow
perch have been stocked to
improve fishing opportuni-
ties.
Most Abundant Species:
Channel catfish, bluegill and
trout (seasonally)Access:
Lake Hasty open all year.
John Martin closed from No-
vember 1 to end of waterfowl
season, usually mid March
to April 1. Species: Channel
Catfish, Wipers, Saugeye,
White Bass, Blue Catfish,
Flathead Catfish, Walleye,
Trout.
Most Abundant species:
Saugeye, Channel Catfish,
Wipers.
Nee Gronda
Location: From Lamar, go
north on U.S. Highway 287
approximately 21 or from
Eads, go south on U.S. High-
way 287 approximately to
Kiowa County Road C then 1
mile west to property.
Property: 4,426 acres pub-
lic access (includes entire
Queens, Nee Gronda, Nee
Noshe area,) 3,400 acres sur-
face area of water when full
but due to sale of water
rights and transfers of water
outside of the Arkansas Riv-
er basin, only Neegronda
currently has enough water
to maintain a fishery.
Motor Boats: Permitted.
Small, primitive free public
boat ramp available on east
side of lake. Privately owned
boat ramp available on north
side of lake.
Facilities: Boat ramp and
restroom on public lands. No
drinking water or developed
campgrounds on public
lands.
Camping: Permitted. Free
on public land, but few
amenities and no water.
Access: Closed from Nov.
1 to end of waterfowl season
(usually mid March to April
1).
Species: Channel Catfish,
Saugeye, White Bass, Wip-
ers, Carp, Largemouth Bass.
Most Abundant Species:
Wipers, Channel Catfish,
Saugeye, White Bass.
Nee Noshe (about 250 ac.)
Location: From Lamar, go
north on U.S. Highway 287
approximately 24 miles to
Kiowa County Boat Ramp ac-
cess road, then one quarter
miles east to public boat
ramp.
Unfortunately, declining
levels and poor water quality
have taken their toll at this
once proud fishery. Fall sam-
pling revealed no fish. Fish-
ery management will cease
at Nee Noshe until the lake
is refilled. The area still pro-
vides camping and good
CONTINUED ON 28
CONTINUED FROM PG. 27
wildlife viewing especially
for shore-birds visiting the
large prairie playa.
Property: 4,426 acres pub-
lic access (in entire 4-lake
complex), 3,696 acres sur-
face area.
Motor Boats: Permitted.
Free public boat ramps avail-
able
Fascilities: Boat ramp,
public restrooms
Access: Public access pro-
hibited from Nov. 1 to end of
waterfowl season.
Species: Channel Catfish,
Carp, Wipers, Saugeye, Wall-
eye, White Bass, Large
mouth Bass, Crappie, Blue
Catfish.
Most Abundant Species:
White Bass, Wiper, Saugeye
Notes: Huge numbers of
fry size Saugeye and Wipers
were stocked in 2004. Histor-
ically yields large wipers.
Queens Resevoirs (0
ac)Upper and Lower Queens
are currently dry. These
lakes will be restocked when
conditions allow. The area
still provides camping and
good wildlife viewing.
Location: From Lamar, go
approximately 21 miles
north on U.S. Highway 287
to Kiowa County road C,
then 3.5 miles east to Upper
Queens. Follow the access
road south about two miles
to Lower Queens.
Thurston Reservoir
Location: From Lamar, go
north 9 miles on Colorado
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Page 28 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado
Highway 196 to Prowers
County Road TT, then 1 mile
west to County Road 7, then
1
⁄ 4 mile north to the reser-
voir.
Property: 173 acres public
access, 200 acres surface
area.
Motor Boats: Permitted
except during waterfowl sea-
son. Primitive free boat
ramp.
Facilities: Boat ramp and
Restrooms.
Access: Open all year, but
closed to motor boats in wa-
terfowl season.
Species: Crappie, Channel
Catfish, Largemouth Bass,
Bluegill, Wipers, possibly
some Tiger Muskie.
Notes: This is the closest
lake to Lamar, roads are
good and access is easy.
Nice day trip and some de-
cent shore access.
Turks Pond
Location: From Lamar, go
south on U.S. Highway 287
approximately 36 miles to
Colorado Highway 116, then
east 14 miles to Baca County
Road 39, then south approxi-
mately 5 miles to property.
Property: 200 acres of
land, 55 acres surgace area.
Motor Boats: Prohibited.
Only craft propelled by hand,
wind, or electric motor per-
mitted.
Facilities: None.
Camping: Prohibited.
Access: Prohibited from
Nov. 1 to close of waterfowl
season.
Species: Black Crappie,
Saugeye, Largemouth Bass,
Wipers, Channel Catfish,
Trout, Bullhead,.
Most Abundant Species:
Channel Catfish, Saugeye,
Bullhead.
Two Buttes
Location: From Lamar, go
south on U.S. Highway 287
for 29 miles to Baca County
Road B.5, then 3 miles east
to reservoir.
Property: 6,793 acres pub-
lic access.
Motor Boats: Permitted.
Free boat ramp
Facilities: Boat ramps,
restrooms, rifle range.
Camping: Permitted, but
no developed campgrounds
and no hookups. Drinking
water may be available, but
bring your own to be safe.
Bring your own toilet paper
and pack out your own trash.
Access: Open all year.
Species: Black Bullheads,
Saugeye, Wipers, Large-
mouth Bass, Crappie, Blue
Gill, Channel Catfish.
Most Abundant Species:
Gamefish populations ap-
proximately equally distrib-
uted.
Notes: Wildlife managers
struggle to keep fish popula-
tions thriving because of low
and sporadic water condi-
tions. Recently, largemouth
bass have done well, but wa-
ter levels are often low and
the lake may become
choked with vegetation. The
Black Hole, just below the
dam is a nice camping spot
and, although small, is also
Happy Hour 2pm-4pm
stocked with fish. Excellent
place to fish if conditions are
too windy over the dam. Two
Buttes is also probably the
most geologically interesting
picturesque of all Southeast
Colorado Lakes. Wildlife is
abundant, so the trip is en-
joyable, even if the fishing
doesn’t go well.
Lake Henry
Location: From Ordway,
go three miles east on High-
way 196 to County Road 20,
then one mile north to prop-
erty.
Property: 1,350 acres,
1,120 acres surface area.
Motor Boats: Permitted.
Facilities: Campground,
public boat ramp.
Camping: Permitted.
Access: Open all year.
Species: Walleye, Crappie,
Largemouth Bass, Channel
Catfish, Bluegill, Wiper, Bull-
heads.
Most Abundant Species:
Bullheads, Wipers, Channel
Cats.
Lake Meredith
Location: From Ordway,
go three miles east on Coun-
ty Road 6 to County Road 21,
turn right onto property.
Property: 3,700 acres sur-
face area.
Motor Boats: Permitted.
Facilities: Restrooms, pub-
lic boat ramp.
Camping: Permitted.
Access: Closed from Nov.
1 to end of waterfowl season.
Species: Walleye, Channel
Catfish, Bluegill, Wipers, Ti-
ger Muskie
Lamar, Co.
719-336-9049
John Adams,
Owner
.
JOHN MARTINRESERVOIR
Gem of SE Colorado
is a hub for
outdoor activities
John Martin Reservoir is
great for boating and other
water activities. Lines at the
boat ramps are virtually
nonexistent, and there is
never a capacity problem,
so one does not have to wait
for a boat to come off the
lake before putting a boat
on the lake. John Martin
Reservoir is on the Colo-
rado Birding Trail. Bent
County has 373 document-
ed species of birds, and
most of them can be seen at
the reservoir.
One of the historic Santa
Fe Trail markers can be
seen on the north shore of
TRI - COUNTY
MOTORING SATISFACTION
FOR OVER 14 YEARS
Open Monday thru Saturday
7240 US Hwy 50 in Lamar
(719) 336-3268
. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 29
John Martin Reservoir State
Park.
Fishing is a popular sport
at John Martin Reservoir
State Park and Lake Hasty
is regularly stocked with
rainbow trout and other
species; this is a great place
for kids to fish. An accessi-
ble fishing pier is located on
the west side of Lake
Hastydoe . The stilling ba-
sin below the dam is an ex-
cellent spot to catch catfish.
Many warm-water species
populate the reservoir; in
particular, fishermen come
to John Martin in the spring
and fall for crappie.
 DINOSAURS
Dinosaur tracks, fossils and rock art
By Barbara Preskorn ter, that they became visible
at all.
Evidence of fossils from
pre-historic plants and sea- Dr. Bruce Schumacher,
living creatures as well as PhD, from the La Junta U. S.
land roaming dinosaurs have Forest Service Comanche
all been found in Southeast Grasslands office investigat-
Colorado, Paleontologists ed initial findings, and cata-
who study ancient plants and loged a total of 79 tracks at
animals based on fossil re- that location. Since 2002 ad-
cords have found thousands ditional tracks have been dis-
of fossils, preserved in rocks. covered in other areas of the
Dinosaur bones from this re- reservoir for a total of 350
gion are displayed in several tracks at 9 sites, forming part
of the country’s natural his- of the Dakota Group Dino-
in what started out to be the tological resources that need saur Freeway.
tory museums, including the
answer to the country’s need special protection, however,
Denver Museum of Nature Eighty-one casts of foot-
for wheat to feed Europeans much has been made avail-
and Science. prints from this freeway are
during World War I. able to the public by the U.
The U. S. Forest Service S. Forest Service on desig- now being studied by Dr.
As a result of ongoing pur-
Comanche National Grass- nated trails and primitive Martin Lockley, PhD, a dino-
chases, the U. S. Forest Serv- saur track specialist at the
lands is a patchwork that ex- roads.
ice now oversees approxi- Dinosaur Tracks Museum at
tends from La Junta south to
mately 450,000 acres in Tracks at John Martin the University of Colorado,
the Oklahoma border and
Baca, Otero and Las Animas Reservoir Denver. There is an abun-
east to the Kansas border.
counties. Their offices are in
About one/half of Baca The Army Corps of Engi- dance of ornithopod foot-
Springfield (719.523.6591)
County is today part of this neers visitor center at John prints in these groups and
and La Junta (719.384.2181)
national treasure. The Unit- Martin Reservoir has an in- Lockley reported this site to
and both provide information
ed States government pur- terpretive display designed be the first with a pterosaur
about accessing special sites
chased sections of land from by the Rocky Mountain Di- track in the Dakota Group.
where dinosaur tracks and
farmers forced to abandon nosaur Resource Center in Tracks at the site are cur-
rock art are available to both
their land during the Dust Woodland Park, Colorado. rently under reservoir water,
individuals and to guided
Bowl drought. and now the Casts of dinosaur tracks but the visitor center on the
tours. These offices have
Comanche grasslands were exposed around the south side of John Martin
handouts, maps and books
checkerboard the region, di- reservoir in 2002, after an ex- dam near Caddoa does have
that provide information and
vided into the Carrizo unit tremely dry period when cer- an actual footprint, a natural
details about the region.
and the Timpas Unit where tain rock outcroppings were cast or mold of the track
soils are revitalization after The southeast Colorado made accessible to view. It where mud and sand filled it
being plowed and badly de- region is rich with archaeo- was only because these
teriorated during the 1930s logical, historical and paleon- rocks were exposed to wa- CONTINUED ON 31

Page 30 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado .

CONTINUED FROM PG. 30
and subsequently hardened
into rock. School groups are
welcome and Donald Head-
lee provides them with com-
mentary about the track
sites. Reservations can be
made by calling
719.336.3476.
Picket Wire Tracks
The longest assemblage of
dinosaur trackways in the
country and one of the long-
est in the world can be found
in Picket Wire Canyon,
added to the Comanche
Grasslands in 1991. Individu-
als can hike into the Purgato-
ry Canyon from Withers
Canyon parking area for a
day trip on foot, horseback
or bicycle across spectacular
high-desert terrain to access
these tracks. Temperatures
can be extreme and rain-
storms can occur, so check-
ing with the La Junta office
before is advisable, but plan-
ning and taking proper
equipment, food and water is
important in any case.
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. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 31
4-wheel drive travel tours the Picket Wire area can be
with a U. S. Forest Service viewed. It is waiting to be
guide is offered through the shipped to the Denver Muse-
La Junta office in the springum of Nature and Science,
and fall of each year. A few but it’s rather large size
spots are still available formakes quite an imposing im-
June 2010 tours, then again pression on visitors to the La
in September and October Junta office. Annual weekly
2010. Early pre-registration “passports in time” pit proj-
is advised for the all-day ect experiences are offered
tour. They are open 5 days by the U. S. Forest Service
week, 8 am to 4 p.m.. paleontologist to a few avid
students where discovery of
At the La Junta Visitor new dinosaur parts entice
Center, a shoulder bone of a them.
Brontosaurus discovered in
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LAMAR, CO 81052
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The trackways are foot-
prints from primarily Apata-
saurs and Allosaurs who
wandered along the muddy
shoreline of an ancient lake
approximately 150 million
years ago. Brontosaurus
were also known to exist in
the area. These trackways
reveal evidence of social be-
havior in dinosaurs.
At the site, crossing the
Purgatoire River to see the
tracks in the rock at the riv-
er’s edge is possible by navi-
gating a series of rocks in
the river. Depending upon
the depth of flow, visitors
need to be prepared to get
wet up to the knees, but of-
ten the river is just a few
inches deep.
Seen along the trail north-
east of the tracks are the re-
mains of a Hispanic ceme-
tery and a 19th Century
ranch community. The river
and canyon got it’s name
CONTINUED ON 32
CONTINUED FROM PG. 31
from Spanish explorers who
lost their way and were
killed by Indians, hence Riv-
er of Lost Souls in Purgatory,
shortened later by the
French to Purgatoire. The
English corruption became
Picket Wire.
Picture Canyon Dinosaurs
Dinosaur tracks also have
been located in the Carrizo
Unit, in Picture Canyon and
elsewhere. However, they are
extremely difficult to locate
unless you are a professional
or have a professional guide.
The new kiosk at the picnic
area discusses their presence.
Evidence of Magnoavipes
(big bird foot) and Iguano-
dontids (large three-toed) di-
nosaurs have been discovered
along the Oklahoma border
in Colorado. Tracks of the Or-
nithominosaur, a small os-
trich-like dinosaur, also have
been found in Picture Canyon
along with plant fossils.
The state’s only complete
plesiosaur, a long-necked sea
reptile, was unearthed near
Pritchett, north of Picture
Canyon about 20 miles, in the
1930s. It is displayed at the
Denver Museum of Nature
and Science. The Springfield
Museum on south Main
Street and the Museum in
Two Buttes (old bank build-
ing across from post office)
both display dinosaur objects,
from eggs to bones to teeth.
Both also display petrified
wood that came from the pet-
rified remnants of an ancient
forest exposed through ero-
sion north of Two Buttes. An-
cient sea oysters and imprints
of shells are commonly found
in stone all around southeast
Colorado. Both museums dis-
play examples.
A large quantity of petrified
wood that was taken from
Two Buttes Creek can be
viewed at the Stagner auto
dealership on North Main
Street in Lamar. A gasoline
service station was built in the
1930s whose floors and outer
Page 32 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado
walls were constructed of pet-
rified wood claimed from this
spot, which now is absent of
any traces. Fortunately, Mr.
Brown, who built the station,
cemented these many pieces
in place so they are available
for all to see!
Petroglyphs and picto-
graphs
For perhaps as far back as
eleven thousand years, peo-
ples have migrated through
southeast Colorado. Without
artifacts to trace their exist-
ence past just a few hundred
years, primary evidence of
their lives and interests are
found in records left on stone
walls in canyons and caves.
All throughout southeast
Colorado where ever there
were protective rock shelters
and sources of water from
springs, streams or seeps,
marks were left, sometimes
abstract, sometimes in short
parallel lines, like counting
and circle cups, and some-
times in depictions of animals,
warriors or stars. Some were
pecked into the stone (petrog-
lyphs), others were painted
onto the stone with pigment
(pictographs.)
Cave Spring, along the Ok-
lahoma border has a good ex-
ample of a pictograph in what
appears to be a war bonnet,
or perhaps it could be the
rays of the sun. At the same
location, a 1903 survey was
drawn directly into the stone
showing a map of Utah, Colo-
rado, Kansas, Oklahoma and
New Mexico along a central
horizontal line.
There is evidence to sug-
gest that visitors a thousand
years ago may have followed
Cimmaron River tributary
canyons to where they found
plentiful sources of ground
water enabling them to gath-
er for periods of time. Script
and certain abstract markings
found in southeast Colorado
are unique and unlike any
found in southwest Colorado,
so it appears that the groups
were from separate origins.
At almost every spring or
seep, markings are found.
Many names from home-
steaders and cowboys whose
cattle roamed freely through
these canyons are found as
well. More recently names of
residents from area towns
and cities appeared. All art
and inscriptions more 50
years old are considered his-
toric and are protected.
Several writers and re-
searchers, primarily from
southeast Colorado, suggest
that there are uncanny resem-
blances to old world scripts in
many letter-type shapes or
symbolic designs. But be-
cause collaborating archeolo-
gical artifacts don’t exist, pro-
fessional archeologists are
reluctant to give credence to
the notion of possible trans-
continental travel. Some are
opposed to any consideration
of such. A selection of books
are available at the La Junta
and Springfield U. S. Forest
Service offices.
Still, when one witnesses
the shadow line of the sun
highlight hatch marks in
Crack Cave on either the
spring or the fall equinoxes at
sunrise, one wonders if some-
how this practice of noting
the arrival of spring and
weather changes in the fall
through markings so strongly
resembling those of Ogam of
European origin, didn’t some-
how travel to the new world
ahead of the Columbus expe-
dition. The hatch lines in
Crack Cave appear to form
patterns consistent with
Ogam letters.
Other types of rock art de-
signs found throughout
southeast Colorado are con-
sistent with middle eastern
scripts. Is this coincidence or
is it evidence that peoples
from early Europe and middle
east migrated here long be-
fore the native American
groups who populated the re-
gion for centuries before and
during the 16th through 20th
century European explora-
tions and migrations into the
region? Much more scientific
research is necessary to ob-
tain conclusive answers.
Spring or fall equinox sun-
rise tours to Crack Cave are
scheduled through the U. S.
Forest Service office in
Springfield. Reservations can
be made by phone. Ordinari-
ly, visitors must walk in about
three-quarters of a mile, but
these tours are taken on a bus
right to the cave to arrive be-
fore sunrise.
IF YOU GO TO A WIL-
DERNESS AREA:
Know that cell phone re-
ception is possible only at the
top of canyons, and then not
always available, so traveling
with companions is always ad-
visable.
Be prepared for the heat
and possible cold from rain.
Take more than enough
drinking water, food and a
good map of the region (trails
can look completely different
on return and there can be
several forks in the trail.)
Walking sticks can take stress
off of backs and can also be
used to make oneself seem
much larger if confronted by
four-legged animal predators.
Stay on designated trails.
Be aware that poisonous
snakes do frequent this re-
gion. Stamping your feet will
produce vibrations that will
usually make them scarce. If
you hear a buzzing rattle,
quickly move away from the
sound, don’t look to find the
source. Avoid tall grasses
where you cannot see the
ground and never put your
hands where you cannot see
the surface.
In lightening storms, do not
sit next to rocks or under
trees, best to stay in an open
area low to the ground, not
close to objects.
Pack out everything that
you brought in, leave nothing
but footprints and take noth-
ing that you didn’t bring with
you. All cultural resources on
public lands are protected by
law; fines can be imposed for
disturbing or removing arti-
facts.
.
 THE OUTDOORS
Camping and hunting popular activities
There are many opportuni- fish-cleaning station, and a available for the same sorts tion on interpretive pro-
ties for hunting and camping dump station. of activities but only for day grams is available through
Southeast Colorado. use. All three of the group the Visitor Center.
The Point Campground is
shelters are available by res- Current information and
John Martin Reservoir basic camping at its finest.
ervation only; call 719 829 conditions can be obtained
State Park, an oasis on the Situated on the north shore
eastern plain of Colorado, is of the reservoir, it offers 1801 ext. 28 for more inform- by calling John Martin Res-
located south of Highway 50 breathtaking views. Vault toi- ation. ervoir State Park at 719 829
near Hasty. Two camp- lets are available in the Group camping and group 1801 or online at
grounds offer a total of 213 campground. Reservations www.parks.state.co.us.
picnic reservations can be
sites for RV, van, camper, or can be made by calling 1 800 made at The Visitor Center The Great Plains Reser-
tent camping. Each campsite 678 CAMP outside Denver that is located at the en- voirs of Kiowa County fea-
feature a picnic table, a high- or 303 470 1144 in the Den- trance to the park. Annual ture picnic and camping
use tent pad, and a fire ring. ver Metro Area. Online, passes, Aspen Leaf Annual areas, public restrooms, and
The Lake Hasty camp- point your Web browser to passes, day passes, camping shady tree-lined shores.
ground boasts all electrical www.parks.state.co.us. The permits, and boat, OHV, and You can find remote
sites, shade, potable water, a Caddoa Shelter for group snowmobile registrations are campsites at Two Buttes Res-
playground, and a Camper camping can be reserved for sold here as well as at the ervoir in Baca County where
Services Building with coin- family reunions, church Hasty Entry Building. In ad- you should be sure to bring
operated showers, flush toi- camping trips, company dition, hunting and fishing li- your camera, your hiking
lets, and laundry facilities. camping, etc. The East and censes can be purchased at boots, some fishing gear,
Nearby are a swim beach, a West Picnic Shelters are the Visitor Center. Informa- and a pair of binoculars.

C OBERLEY
motor sales and service
Automotive Repair • Auto Sales
ED COBERLEY
OWNER/OPERATOR

GARY W HENSON
OWNER/OPERATOR
Wi-Fi – Breakfast – Fridge/MW, Pool
GARY E HENSON Truck Parking - Suites – Laundry – Play Area
719-336-7214
MECHANIC
1801 S Main, Lamar. BlueSpruceLamar.com
9181 E. HWY 50 • LAMAR, CO 81052

. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 33

 VETERANSMEMORIAL
All Veterans/All Wars
Memorial honors veterans
By Lola Shrimplin He was told that the veter-
The Lamar Ledger ans who lived in the area
didn’t have a memorial be-
cause they came back and
Along Highway 96, east of wanted to forget.
Pueblo in Crowley County,
in the small town of Olney “Oh, man, I said, I was an
Springs, sits the All M-60 machine gunner from
Veterans/All Wars Memori- ’67-’69, I said, I can’t forget
al. about it,” Morin said.

The memorial, founded There wasn’t a memorial

and curated by Dan Morin, in the whole county and Mo-
honors all veterans of all rin said that had to change.
wars and 12 flags fly, one for When Morin was Presi-
each branch of the service, dent of the Lions Club. The
including a POW flag and club voted to put a flag up.
the United States flag.
“I thought that was going
Four flags are privately to be it,” he said.
owned and each flag takes
approximately $400 to re- Morin wanted cannons,
place. because they have them at
the memorials in Ohio,
Morin, a Vietnam Veteran, where he was from.
served as a Marine during
the Tet offensive and the me- The Lions Club can’t have
morial is a passion for him cannons, he learned.
and a legacy for his son. In order to have cannons,
On marches down High- the group operating the me-
way 96, renamed the All Vet- morial must be a town, a
erans Memorial Highway by VFW or American Legion or
the Colorado Legislature and something like that, he
sponsored by Sen. Ken Kes- learned.
ter, Morin carries the POW Obtaining cannons isn’t a
flag to honor those who are simple task and a cannon
still prisoners or who were can’t just be ordered from
prisoners of war. Fort Carson, he said. tional facility in Crowley piece of the Vietnam Memo-
County painted them. rial in Washington D.C., and
Morin moved to Olney Rocky Ford disarmed both is the only one in the United
Springs 24 years ago and the cannons currently on dis- Now the memorial is a
States to have a piece of that
asked someone where the play at the memorial and source of pride for Crowley memorial, Morin said.
veteran’s memorial was. prisoners from the correc- County and the communities
there and Morin said he of- A bench sits in front of the
ten receives thanks from vet- memorial, honoring PFC
“ Oh, man, I said, I was erans who are relieved their Raymond H. Suher, who
an M-60 machine gunner from ’67-’69, time of service was not for- served in the U.S. Army from
I said, I can’t forget about it.” gotten.The memorial is for 1942-1945.
all veterans, whether or not
James Morin they served in a war or not, Suher served in the Pacific
Veteran he said. Theater.
The memorial also has a Morin said his son often
Page 34 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado .
asks if they can go to “their”
memorial and Morin has to
remind him that the memori-
al is for veterans who served
and is to honor them for
their sacrifices.
“Can we just go play on
the cannons and pretend it’s
ours,” Morin said his son
would say.
Sand bags are going to be
placed around the memorial,
if Morin can obtain them and
he has big plans for the site.
Morin wants lighting at
the memorial so that people
can see it at night, but the
cost is too prohibitive for the
little town of Olney Springs.
For more information
about the All Veterans/All
Wars Memorial, contact Ol-
ney Springs Town Hall at
401 Warner Ave., Olney
Springs, CO 81062, (719)
267-5567 or Dan Morin at
(719) 267-4492. The e-mail
address is Allvetsallwarsme-
morial@yahoo.com

MILLER SPECIALTY SALES

Gildan • Halloway • Otto Caps

Jewelry • Custom Embroidery
Pickup & Delivery for Quality Cleaners in Lamar

517 Colorado Street, Walsh

324-5513
. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 35
 SAND CREEK
Historic site managed by National Parks
Along the windswept and burned the village. Doz-
plains of central Kiowa On the evening of November 28, a bugle ens of wounded soldiers and
County, twenty one miles sounded “Boots and Saddles” to begin their dead comrades were
east of Eads, the Sand Creek an all-night ride which took taken to Fort Lyon for care
Massacre National Historic the volunteers to Sand Creek. and burial. The aftermath led
Site offers insight into one of to congressional investiga-
the most infamous events tions, bitter critics, staunch
during the American Civil defenders, reprisal, revenge,
of Cheyenne Chief, Lean not matter that these Indians
War. the mustering out of a Co-
Bear. In addition, the burn- were here under premise of
lonel and the resignation of a
A restless 1860 Colorado ing of several Cheyenne negotiating for peace. The
Governor.
Territory grew out of a se- camps by Colorado cavalry- soldiers were part of a volun-
ries of legislations such as men near the South Platte, teer army to protect the The Sand Creek Massacre
the Missouri Compromise of and claims that troops had Union’s transcontinental in- National Historic Site is man-
1820, the Kansas-Nebraska initiated conflict near a place tegrity. aged by the National Park
Act, and the Compromise of called Fremont’s Orchard Service and is open daily
On the evening of Novem-
1850, which impacted Plains foreshadowed war. By June, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A 3/4
ber 28, a bugle sounded
Indian tribes and culminated the murders of the Hungate mile walking trail leads from
“Boots and Saddles” to begin
the Treaty of Ft. Laramie or family near Denver and lin- the visitor parking area to
an all night ride which took
Horse Creek. Tension and gering fears of Indian attacks the monument and overlook.
the volunteers to Sand
fear among white settlers like those at New Elm, Min- Picnic tables are available
Creek. Here, at dawn, the
and Indian tribes also contin- nesota which had claimed near the parking area. Free
ued to grow. The Cheyenne hundreds of lives, increased troops got their first sight of entrance to the Sand Creek
and Arapaho seemed bother- tension among pioneers and the camps of Black Kettle, Massacre National Historic
some to the white settlers Colorado officials. Assur- White Antelope, Left Hand, Site.
since they held title to the ances of amnesty for “friend- and other leaders. Within
To visit the site, follow
routes through which the ly” tribesmen were tempered moments, a barrage of arms
Colorado State Highway 96
Santa Fe, Overland and by a proclamation to “kill fire and howitzer bombard-
ment was leveled against the east off Highway 287 near
Smoky Hill trails crossed and destroy” hostiles.
Cheyenne and Arapaho. The Eads, or west off Highway
and where the routes of vari-
On November 24, 1864, a Indians used driftwood and 385 at Sheridan Lake. Near
ous branches of the railroads
force of some 600 troops un- underbrush as defense Chivington, turn north onto
were headed.
der the command of Colonel against the flying bullets Chief White Antelope Way
The settlers’ desire for John Chivington, mostly vol- while others crawled into (CR 54), or at Brandon, turn
land and prosperity was con- unteers who had been pits dug along the banks of north onto County Road 59.
fronted by nations who lived, chided as the “Bloodless Sand Creek. Big Head, Follow these roads to their
hunted, and traveled across Third” Regiment, began a Howling Wolf, Spotted intersections with County
the same land. Negotiations ride from Camp Fillmore to- Horse, and other small Road W. The park entrance
failed between governors ward Fort Lyon, some 120 groups of warriors fought is along CR W a mile east
and officers on one-side, and miles down the Arkansas the troops in several desper- (right) of CR 54 or several
chiefs and headmen on the River. At Fort Lyon, the ex- ate struggles near the creek. miles west (left) of CR 59.
other. A reservation estab- pedition was joined by an ad- Later, groups of volunteers Caution, there are approxi-
lished in 1861 was insuffi- ditional battalion. These regi- continued to pursue Chey- mately eight (8) miles of
cient for the nomadic Chey- dirt/sand roads leading to
ments were raised to fight enne and Arapaho for sever-
enne and Arapaho. The area the site.
rebels, to save Colorado for al miles up Sand Creek. By
was but a fraction of what
the Union and kill traitors. afternoon, about 160 Indians For more information,
had been promised ten years
The Cheyenne and Arapahoe lay dead and dying, the ma- phone park headquarters at
earlier.
were characterized as “red jority women and children. 719 438 5916, or visit the
The seeds of conflict be- rebels” an extension of that Before departing the website at www.nps.gov/
gan in 1864 with the murder premise. Apparently it did “Bloody Third” ransacked sand.
Page 36 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado .
 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JANUARY
Crowley Chamber Annual Banquet – Ordway
Lamar Senior Center “55 Alive” Driving Class
Lamar Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet

FEBRUARY
Wiley Lions Club Soup & Pie Supper - Wiley School
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet - Elks Lodge - Lamar
Sweetheart Swing Dance at Shore Arts Center - Lamar
Karaoke Fund Raiser for SE CO Initiative - Eagles Lodge
Granada Pride Committee Pancake Supper
KVAY Bachelor & Bachelorette Auction - Lamar
Annual High Plains Snow Goose Festival - Lamar
Eads Chamber Breakfast
Amache Studio Photography Workshop – Westcliffe
PCDI Annual Meeting & Banquet – Lamar

MARCH
Dinner Theatre - Granada
Spring Equinox Festival - Springfield
The Gun Show – Elks Lodge - Lamar
Wiley Lions Club Annual Pancake Supper - Wiley School MAY
Lamar Community College Career Fair Highway 50 Yard Sale - Las Animas
Lamar Community College Regional Science Fair Archaeology Day - Boggsville
Lamar Elks Lodge Annual Crab Crack & Dance Huck Finn Day - Las Animas
Granada Pride Committee Steak Dinner & Dance Children’s Theatre - Walsh Arts Center
Merrill Brush Annual Wrestling Tournament – Lamar Loomis Iris Show - Rocky Ford
Zonta International Rose Day – Lamar Crowley County Auction
Cattle Sorting - Granada
APRIL La Junta Raceway Events May - September - La Junta
Denim & Lace Revue-Lamar Community Building Cinco de Mayo Celebration – Lamar & La Junta
Grand Old Opry Holly Style – Holly High School Car Show Willow Creek Park - Lamar
Dudes & Dames Revue – Lamar Community Building Lamar Days Parade
Equine Time at Camp Amache Little Britches Rodeo – Prowers County Fair Grounds
Rocky Ford All Schools Arts Festival Amache Studio Photography Contest & Show – Westcliffe
College Rodeo - Lamar Care Net Pregnancy Center of SE Colorado Walk for Life – La-
Sante Fe Trail Day - Las Animas mar
Kiva Free Day - First Sunday in April - La Junta Jr. Rodeo – Lamar
Golf Tournament - Las Animas Lamar Racing Club Events – May-Sept
Town of Crowley Antique Tractor Show LCC Region Ix Softball Tournament - Lamar
Ark Valley Wind & Percussion Concert – Granada PMC Spring Health Fair
Enchanted Forest Century Ride & Family Fun Ride – Lamar PMC Spring Sprint
Lamar Parks & Rec Easter Egg Hunt SE Colorado All Stars High School Rodeo – Lamar
LCC HTM/EBM Spring Horse Show – Lamar Wild West BBQ Cook Off – Lamar
Demolition Derby – Lamar
SE Colorado Concert Series - Lamar JUNE
Trash to Treasure Hunt – La Junta Walsh Ranch Rodeo
Youth Rodeo - Baca county Fairgrounds
. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 37
Annual Thunder on the Plains - Lamar
Summer Kiva Shows - La Junta
Kids’ Quarters - Bent’s Old Fort
Otero Museum Chuck Wagon Bean Supper - La Junta
Let’r Buck Ranch Team Competition End of the Line
Arena - Granada
Colorado State High School Rodeo Finals
Holly Days Bluegrass Festival
Jr. Rodeo Assn. – Prowers County Fair Grounds
Granada/Bristol Days
Wiley Hay Days
Bike to Work Day – Lamar Parks & Rec
Cruisin’ Into Summer Festival – La Junta
Lamar Chamber Retail Trades Summerfest & Sidewalk Sales
Lamar Library Summer Reading Program
Lamar Parks & Rec Rockies Skills Challenge
National Wild Turkey Federation Banquet – Lamar
Santa Fe Trail Festival – Trinidad
SE Colorado Cancer Initiative Golf Tournament – Lamar
Relay for Life – Lamar
JULY
Onion Festival in Granada
Springfield July 4th Fireworks
Walsh July 4th Fireworks
4th of July Fireworks Celebration - Rocky Ford
La Junta July 4th Fireworks
Crowley County 4th of July Rodeo
Granada July 4th Fireworks
Lamar July 4th Fireworks
4th of July Fireworks - Las Animas
Art in the Park - Eads
Bazaar - La Junta
Native at Heart Youth Pow Wow - La Junta
Missouri Days - Fowler
Santa Fe Trail Encampment - Bent’s Old Fort
Crowley County Days & County 4-H Fair - last weekend of July
Crowley County Art Show
Baca County Car Show - Springfield
Watermelon Festival - Campo
Bent County Fair & Rodeo - Las Animas
Windmill Classic Annual Softball Tournament – Lamar
Art in the Park – Eads
LCC Adult Open House – Lamar
Summer Kiva Shows – La Junta
AUGUST
Free Ice Cream Social – Willow Creek Park
Lamar Area Hospice Golf Tournament
Ag Appreciation BBQ - Las Animas/McClave
Arkansas Valley Fair -Rocky Ford
Kids Rodeo and Race - La Junta
Lamar Retail Trades Sidewalk Sales
Lamar Sand & Sage Fair and Rodeo - Lamar
Planes to Plains Fly in air Show - Lamar
Baca County Fair – Springfield

The Town of Holly

invites you to our annual
Bluegrass Festival
2nd week of June
Gateway Park
6th & Highway 50
www.townofholly.com

W.H.O. MFG. CO.

P.O. Box 1153
Lamar, Colorado 81052
www.Who-Mfg.com
e-mail:WHOMFGCO@BRESNAN.NET

JON A LITTLER
President Fax (719) 336-7052
(719) 336-7433 Home (719) 336-2304

Page 38 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado .

Crowley County Fireman Oktoberfest Hot Air Balloon Festival & Fine Arts Show & Crafts - Rocky Ford
Early Settler’s Day - La Junta Parade of Lights - La Junta
Big brothers, Big Sisters Annual Golf Tournament - La Junta LCC Craft Show - Lamar
Balloon Festival - Rocky Ford Farm/City Banquet - Lamar
Big Bail of Hay Contest – McClave Rebekah/Lodge Craft Sale - La Junta
Airport Fun Days – La Junta Holiday Harvest Craft Fair - La Junta
Baca County Fair – Springfield Art/Craft Show - Eads
Buzzards Roost Road Jam – Lamar North Cheyenne Healing Run - Sand Creek
CO Interstate Gas Convention – Lamar Ark Valley Wind & Percussion Holiday Concert – Lamar
Hispanic Heritage Celebration – La Junta Fantasy Tree Auction – Lamar
Lamar Parks & Rec Pass, Punt, Kick
LCC Antelope Stampede Rodeo – Lamar DECEMBER
Lamar Retail Trades – Fall Festival Las Animas/Bent County community Center
Craft Show - Las Animas
OCTOBER Holiday Basketball Tournament - La Junta
Lamar Fire Dept Haunted House Centennial Ball - Rocky Ford
Lobster Dinner & Dance – Lamar Elks Lodge Christmas Parade of Lights - Rocky Ford
Oktoberfest - Lamar Parade of Lights - Lamar
SE Colorado Art Guild Show - Lamar Cultural Events Center Wagon Rides & Camp Amache Tours - Granada
Rocky Mountain Invitational / Aerobatics contest -Lamar Christmas Lighting contest - Wiley
Harvest Show - Las Animas Craft Fair - Holly
Fall Health Fair – Lamar Chili Supper - Eads
Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale – Lamar Crowley County Chamber Parade of Lights
LCC Frontier History Encampment - Lamar Crowley Chamber Christmas House Decorating Contest
LCC Golf Tournament – Lamar Kiva Winter Ceremonials - La Junta
Moonlight Madness – Lamar Traditional Holiday Celebration - Bent’s Old Fort
Share the Spririt Shoe Drive – Lamar Parade of Lights - Las Animas
Voces Unidas Annual Banquet – Lamar NOVEMBER New Year’s Eve Dance - Las animas
Hunter’s Breakfast – Granada City Complex Two Shot Goose Hunt – Lamar
Christmas Lighting - Springfield Candy Cane Festival – Lamar
Dinner Theater - Walsh Arts Center Holiday Craft Fair – Lamar
Annual Mennonite Relief Sale - Rocky Ford Holiday Home Tour – Lamar

KIOWA CREEK ESTATES

(south of Eads, CO)

“Living Under the Stars”

Lots from .5 acres
Starting at $6000

www.kiowacreekestates.com

Proudly serving the local

West on Airport Road
community since 1998.
Route No. 2
Lamar, CO 336-5410 1432 East Olive • Lamar • 719.336.0530
. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 39
 HOLLY BLUEGRASS
Free Festival a big attraction
The Town of Holly was
celebrating its 100th anniver-
sary of being incorporated in
2003. Part of the celebration
was held on the second
weekend in June during Hol-
ly Days which began in 1966
to commemorate the devas-
tating 1965 flood.
Larry McLemore was a
member of the Holly Com-
mercial Club at the time and
had a great idea.
His idea was to invite his
family’s band “The McLe-
mores” a bluegrass group
from Colby, Ks. to help Holly
celebrate its founding at Hol-
ly Days.
After the 100th anniver-
sary celebration, a group of
Hollyites had so much fun
that they decided to hold an-
other event in 2004.
The event turned into a
three-day festival, and thus
the Holly Days Bluegrass
Festival was born. with their first how in the val is always held the second pel music and community
Being a FREE festival, spring of 2004. weekend in June of each church.
funds had to be raised to pay Both traditions have car- year. In 2009, the festival was
for the bands that would per- ried on since 2003 and are in Friday night is “Jam Ses- able to move back to Holly
form, and the Grand Old their 9th year. sion Night” with area and
Gateway Park, where it had
Opry-Holly Style was started The Holly Blugrass Festi- out of state musicians com- always been held until the
tornado of 2007 destroyed
ing together for some good most of the trees in the park.
old toe tappin’ and lots of
banjo, guitar, and mandolin The Holly Bluegrass Festi-
val is the only free festival in
pickin’.
the State of Colorado and
In 2009, there were as many of the surrounding
many as 25 to 30 pickers states.
from the area as well as from All you have to do is bring
Kansas, Okla-homa, and your lawn chair and you can
Missouri. enjoy various bands of blue-
grass and country music
On Saturday, the all day throughout the day.
festival begins at 10 a.m. and
runs until 8 p.m. and the jam- For more information you
min’ follows until........! can visit the Web site at
www..townofholly.com or
On Sunday, there is gos- contact (719) 537-6482.
Page 40 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado .
 SOUTHEASTCOLORADO
LODGINGGUIDE
EADS Travel Inn of La Junta
110 E. First Super 8 Motel
Eads Travelors Lodge (719) 384-2504 1202 N. Main
609 E. 15th St. (719) 336-3427
(719) 438-5451 LAMAR
LAS ANIMAS
HASTY Blue Spruce
1081 S. Main Bent’s Fort Inn
Hasty Retreat (719) 336-7454 10950 E. Highway 50
Bed & Breakfast (719) 456-0011
121 S. Main Chek Inn
(719) 829-1890 1201 S. Main Santa Fe Trail Inn
(719) 336-4331 638 Bent Ave.
LA JUNTA (719) 456-0303
Country Acres RV & Motel
Hampton Inn 29151 US Highway 287
27800 US Hwy 50 (719) 336-1031 McCLAVE
(719 384-4444
Cow Palace Inn HUDS Campground
Holiday Inn Express 1301 N. Main 29995 US 50
27994 US Hwy 50 (719) 336-7753 (719) 829-4344
Frontage Road
(719) 384-2900 Days Inn SPRINGFIELD
1306 N. Main
La Junta Inn & Suites (719) 336-5340 Crawford Motel
1325 E. Third 288 Colorado
(719) 384-2571 Golden Arrow Motel (719) 523-6276
611 E. Olive
La Junta KOA (719) 336- 2727 J’s Motel
26680 West Hwy 50 265 Main St.
(719) 384-9580 Holiday Inn (719) 523-6257
Express & Suites
Mid-Town Motel 1304 N. Main St. Stage Stop Hotel
215 E. Third St. Front Desk (719) 336-4010 1033 Main St.
(719) 384-5476 Reserv. 1-888-465-4329 (719) 523-4737

Stagecoach Motel Holiday Motel Starlite Motel

905 W. Third St. 404 N. Main 681 Main
(719) 384-5476 (719) 336-9745 (719) 523-6236

Super 8 Motel Lamar Sportsman

27882 Frontage Road Campground & Horse Hotel
(719) 384-4408 5385 US Hwy. 50
(719) 336- 3623
. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 41
 PUBLICGOLFCOURSES
Cottonwood Links
1 Cottonwood Lane
Fowler
719-263-4500
Eads Public Golf Course
County Road S & Hwy 287
Eads
La Junta Golf Club
27696 Harris Road
La Junta 719-384-7133
Las Animas Public Golf Course
2200 Country Club Drive
Las Animas
719-456-2511
Rocky Ford Country Club
Southwest of Rocky Ford
719-254-7528
Smoking River Golf Course
475 N. Second East
Cheyenne Wells
719-767-5021
Spreading Antlers Golf Club
South Hwy 287
Lamar
719-336-2297
Springfield Golf Course
West on Hwy 160, travel past South-
east Colorado Power for ¼ mile.
Course is located on the right.

SPREADINGANTLERS
GOLFCOURSE
Golf course is a jewel on the plains
Set in the natural landscape of southeastern Colo-
rado’s High Plains, Lamar’s Spreading Antlers Golf
Club invites players to drive down fairways in an
area where teamsters once drove heavily laden
freight wagons.
Located south of Lamar on Highway 287, Spread-
ing Antlers is listed in Colorado Golf Magazine’s
Golf Guide. It is a public nine-hole par-35 golf
course.
Built in 1965 and designed by the late golf profes-
sional and course designer Labron Harris, Sr., the
extremely well manicured course creates strategic October.
challenges for every skill level. You can walk or rent a cart, with no tee-off time
Whether you want to play a round with friends, required, and reasonable green fees for weekdays
practice hitting a bucket of balls, take a lesson to of $12 for nine holes and $22 for weekends and 12
increase the accuracy of your shot, pause for a bit to holds for $14 on week days and $25 on weekends.
eat in the snack shop, or just browse in the golf shop, Memberships are also available for a very reasonable
you’ll find Spreading Antlers Golf Course conve- cost.
niently open from 8 a.m. - dark, seven days a week, For more information on Spreading Antlers Golf
from the first day of April to the first weekend in Course call 719-336-5274.
Page 42 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado .
 CHAMBERSOF
COMMERCE
Bent County Chamber of Commerce &
Development Foundation
322 Amb Thompson Blvd.
Las Animas, CO 81054
(719) 456-0453 office
(719) 456-0455 fax
http://.bentcounty.org
Crowley County Chamber of Commerce
301 Main Street
Ordway, CO 81063
(719) 267-4444 ext. 4
http://www.crowleycounty.net
Crowley County Economic Development
603 Main, Suite 2
Ordway, CO 81063
(719) 267-4444 ext. 259
http://www.crowleycounty.net
Rocky Ford Chamber of Commerce
Eads Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 163
Eads, CO 81036
(719) 438-5590 office
(719) 438-5652 fax
Springfield Chamber of Commerce
Fowler Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 172
Fowler, CO 81039
(719) 253-4461
http://www.fowlerchamberofcommerce.com
. 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado — Page 43
Holly Commercial Club
P.O. Box 114
Holly, CO 81047
(719) 537-6622
La Junta Chamber of Commerce
110 Santa Fe Avenue
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-7411 office
(719) 384-2217 fax
http://www.lajuntachamber.com
Lamar Chamber of Commerce
109-A East Beech Street
Lamar, CO 81052
(719) 336-4379 office
(719) 336-4370 fax
http://www.lamarchamber.com
105 N Main Street
Rocky Ford, CO 81067
(719) 254-7483
http://www.rockyfordchamber.net
P.O. Box 12
Springfield, CO 81073
http://www.springfieldco.info
 LAMAR
CHURCH DIRECTORY
RADIANT LIFE ASSEMBLY OF GOD
— Pastors Bill & Terry Beard 27534
U.S. Hwy 287 (1/2 mile south of the golf
course).
ST. FRANCIS DE SALES/OUR
LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC
CHURCH —Rev. Charles Sena. 600
East Parmenter.
LAMAR MISSIONARY BAPTIST
CHURCH — Pastor John A. Morrison.
507 S. 14th.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — Pastor
David Davis. 1600 S. Main.
GRACE EVANGELICAL
LUTHERAN CHURCH — Rev. Steven
Thomas. 1 Memorial Drive.
KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S
WITNESSES — 1701 S. 8th.
LAMAR CHRISTIAN CHURCH —
Senior Minister Ian Blacker. Associate
Minister Ray Matteson. 811 S. Main.
MT. OLIVE EVANGELICAL
LUTHERAN CLC — Pastor Timothy
Wheaton. 811 S. 1st.
FIRST CHURCH OF THE
NAZARENE — Rev. Troy Wright. 507
S. 7th.
CHURCH OF CHRIST — 7th & Sav-
age Ave.
REDEEMING LOVE CHURCH Pas-
tor Mark and Renee Viar. 204 North St.
(Old Skating Rink).
CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Pastor Jeffrey W. Alexander. 907 S. 3rd.
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF
LAMAR — Pastor Ramon Rolbledo. 107
S. 6th.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
— Pastor, Rory Gillespie. 1110 S. 6th.
ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH —
Father Bernie Ebert. 4th and Parmenter,
Lamar.
VICTORY LIFE WORLD OUT-
REACH — Pastor Mike Caldwell. 110
N. 6th.
FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST
CHURCH — Pastor Harold Bohl. 706
W. Pearl. Y
LIFE CENTER FOURSQUARE —
Pastor Manuel and Debbie Tamez. 1807
S. 11th S
COMMUNITY CHURCH OF THE
NAZARENE — Rev. Roy L. Gueswel.
Page 44 — 2011 Lamar Discover Southeast Colorado
N. 8th and Maple. HOLLY CHURCH OF CHRIST —
FAITH FRIENDS CHURCH — Pastors Minister Don Lawrence. W. Hwy 50.
Galan and Mary Burnett. 7th & Chestnut. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH- Pastor
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Ralph Plummer. 512 W. Colorado.
CHURCH — PastorDale Fuhrmeister. SPRINGFIELD
S. 6th and Savage Ave., across from ball
parks. SPRINGFIELD CHURCH OF GOD
APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY CHURCH — Rev. John W. Kakish 900 Tipton
— Pastor Jose E. Roman. 411 N. 2nd. Street.
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF SPRINGFIELD BAPTIST CHAPEL
LATTER-DAY SAINTS — 1700 S. 14th — Rev. E. Russell Young, Pastor. 441
St. Pinion.
LAMAR CHURCH OF CHRIST — OUR LADY OF ANNUNCIATION
210 E. College Road Rev. Charles Sena 140 Kansas St
WILEY EADS
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
WILEY — Rev. T.L. Phillips Gordon &
Pastor Russell Parker, 705 N. Maine St.
4th Street.
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rev.
VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH —
Nancy Peacock
Meets at the Wiley Community Building.
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH Pastor
Missionary/Pastor Douglas Sanford.
Jason Young
CHURCH OF GOD - Pastor Mike
Schneider, 104 Welton. LAS ANIMAS
WILEY COMMUNITY CHURCH–
Pastor Mike Schneider, 500 Main. ST. PAUL EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH
WELS CENTER — Pastor Robert Glas-
MCCLAVE gow. 1119 Amb. Thompson Blvd.
PARKVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH —
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF
Pastor Nathan Gumkey. 1625 6th St.
MCCLAVE_Rev. T.L. Phillips. Grant &
1st Street. HASWELL
BRISTOL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
— Rev. Gary Goettel and Rev. DeEtta
ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH l.
Goettel. Main St.
211 North LaBelle.
CHIVINGTON
BRISTOL/GRANADA METHODIST
CHURCH - Pastor Kathy Leathers
CHIVINGTON FRIENDS CHURCH
BRISTOL PRESBYTERIAN
— Galan and Mary Burnett, Pastors.
CHURCH- Pastor Gillespie, 1 block east
53676 U.S. Hwy 96.
of 385 on Frederick.
HOLLY
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH — HASTY
MIDVALLEY COWBOY WORSHIP-
Hwy 50 & 5th Street.
HOLLY EVANGELICAL FREE Pasotrs Jack Marin and Harold Bohl. at
the Hasty Fire Department.
CHURCH — 35311 County Rd GG.
HOLLY UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH — Rev. Kathy Leathers HASTY FRIENDS COMMUNITY
CHURCH
511 W. Colorado.
FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZA-
RENE — Pastor Eugene Birt. 1004 W.
Colorado.
ST. FRANCES OF ROME CATHO-
LIC CHURCH — Pastor Re. Charles
Sena 119 South 6th.
.