Colorado - A Postcard that is a Packet of Red Columbine Flower Seeds!

A Postcard that is a packet of Red Columbine wildflower seeds from Colorado.

This unused, unique postcard is from 2017. 

Colorado - Mt. Morrison, Seat of Pluto, Park of Red Rocks

On the Seat of Pluto,
Park of the Red Rocks,
Mt. Morrison, Colorado

The sender writes:
We seen this rock the day we were in the park at Morrison.
Lovingly Alice
1909

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Red Rocks Park is owned and maintained by the city of Denver as part of the Denver Mountain Parks system. The park is known for its very large red sandstone rock formations.

Red Rocks Park was the site of the Start and Finish line of The Amazing Race 9 which aired in the spring of 2006.

Colorado - Real Photo, One Day on The Moffat Road

The Greatest One Day Scenic Trip in the World
THE MOFFAT ROAD

This unused vintage 'real photo' postcard has an AZO stamp box with four triangles which places it between the years of 1904 and 1918.

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www.moffatroadrailroadmuseum.org

Moffat Road History

David Halliday Moffat, youngest of 9, born 1839 in Washingtonville, NY came to Denver March 18th, 1860. He operated Woolworth and Moffat Dry Goods Store, became Post Master, and was the Adjunct General of the Colorado Territories 1861.

In 1881 he became the president of the First National Bank, and then the President of the Denver Rio Grande Railroad. David Moffat built the narrow gauge "Denver and Pacific Railroad" that ran from Denver to Cheyenne, Wyoming. He owned over 100 gold and silver mines and the railroads that serviced them. He had more wealth than most, valued at 25 million dollars.
In 1904, he started building the "Denver Northwestern & Pacific Railroad" - the highest standard gauge railroad ever built in the United States.

The railroad went from Utah Junction (Denver) over Rollins Pass (11,660 feet above sea level) through the Grand Valley and terminated in Craig, Colorado. Moffat originally planned the railroad to go all the way to Salt Lake City, but when he died and the financing evaporated, the line ended up terminating at Craig.

The "Moffat Road" was intended to put Denver on a transcontinental railroad but that didn't happen until 1928 when the Moffat Tunnel (6.2 miles long - the third longest in the country) was finished. That was 17 years after David Moffat had died.

Colorado - Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor Resort Complex

An aerial view of the magnificent Broadmoor Resort Complex in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Builtin 1918, The Broadmoor has retained its original majesty and charm while adding to its complex the facilities which make it unique in the world.

Photo by Don Stotts

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An aerial view of the magnificent Broadmoor Resort Complex in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Builtin 1918, The Broadmoor has retained its original majesty and charm while adding to its complex the facilities which make it unique in the world.

Both of these postcards are from 2016.

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The Broadmoor is a hotel and resort that is a member of Historic Hotels of America of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Colorado - Colorado Springs, Focus on the Family (Three Postcards)

Focus on the Family

Administration Building Entrance

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Focus on the Family

Aerial View 

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Focus on the Family
Welcome Center and Pikes Peak

8605 Explorer Drive
Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80920
1-800-A-Family

All three postcards are from 2016.

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From their website:

Focus on the Family is a global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive. We provide help and resources for couples to build healthy marriages that reflect God's design, and for parents to raise their children according to morals and values grounded in biblical principles.

No matter who you are, what you're going through or what challenges your family may be facing, we're here to help. With practical resources - like our 1-800 Family Help line (1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459), counseling and websites – we're committed to providing trustworthy, biblical guidance and support.

Colorado - Animals in 3D

Colorado

Colorado's natural beauty is enjoyed by all who visit the state.  With over 10 national parks, monuments and historic trails, a variety of recreational actives can be found throughout the mountainous region.  Canyons, mountains, sand dunes, and wildlife grace the landscapes of Colorado creating majestic scenes of rustic beauty.

This unused postcard was made by Howard Robinson in 2014.

I think most of the animals on this 3-D postcard are a: cougar, otter, sheep, chipmunk, beaver, elk, moose, eagle, deer, bear and a marmot. 

Colorado - Silverton, Mining Town

Silverton

A breathtaking view of this once prosperous mining town - Silverton, Colorado

Over the years more than $500,000,000 in silver, gold, lead and zinc have been taken from its mines.  On three sides is the beautiful San Juan National Forest - over two million acres of stately aspen, pine and fir trees.

Photo: Jerry Jacka

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The town of Silverton is now included in a federally designated National Historic Landmark District, (the Silverton Historic District) and has a population of around 630 people.

Colorado - Pike's Peak

Snow Covered Pike's Peak
Through the Gateway
To the Garden of the Gods

Color Photography by Coil of Stewarts

Colorado - Rocky Mountains - Long's Peak

Long's Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park

Longs Peak (14,256 ft.) as seen from the High Drive in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Photo by Floyd Walters

Colorado - Estes Park - Two Postcard Views

Scenic Mummy Range from Highway 36 approaching Estes Park. Peaks in the background are Ypsilon, Fairchild, Hague's an Mymmy.

Color Photo: Ted & Lois Mattews
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Estes Park, Colorado

The Estes park Valley as viewed from the Twin Owls rock formation.  Longs Peak in Rocky Mountains National Park is seen in the background.

Photo by: James Frank

Colorado - Wintertime in the Rocky Mountains

Wintertime in the Rockies.

Color Photo: Alan Carey

Colorado - Y.M.C.A. - Estes Park

Y.M.C.A., Estes Park and the Front Range.  Open to the public with everying that makes for a good vacation.  Open year around.

Color Photo: Ted & Lois Mathews

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From their website:

The YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center is nestled on 860 acres in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Located 8,010 ft above sea level, there is plenty to see!

All seasons at our Center bring abundant wildlife right outside your cabin or lodge room. Cool mountain breezes and brilliant sunshine create the perfect environment for refreshing your spirit and enjoying the natural beauty of the outdoors.

some things to do:

Campfires
Craft and Design Center
Henry Dorsey Swimming Pool
Hiking
Fishing
Roller Skating
Basketball & Volleyball
Mini Golf
Tennis
Horseshoe
Fly Fishing
Climbing Wall
Rafting
Horseback Rides
Mountain biking
Challenge Courses
Gameroom
Winter Activities
Library
Museum
Zip Line

Colorado - Rocky Mountains, Typical Winter

Colorado
A typical winter scene in Colorado's Rocky Mountains.

Photo by Glenn W. Swan
2010

Colorado - Bust, Population Two, from La Quinta

Greetings From Route LQ (Hotel chain La Quinta)

In BUST You're Either the Best-Looking ... or the Worst

Population TWO
There aren't many towns in  the U.S. with a population of two.  Actually, there many not be any at all.  Although Bust, Colorado is not an "official" town, its two members are swelling with community pride.  And a clever way of promoting their roadside souvenir shop.  Drop by and visit "Colorado's newest and smallest town."
Bust, Colorado

Nearest la Quinta: 3 miles

With over 780 Locations, La Quinta Inns & Suites is everywhere you travel.
2010

Colorado - Ivy Baldwin on the High Wire

Ivy Baldwin on the High Wire at Eldorado Springs, Colorado
Height of wire 582 feet.  Length 539 feet.  Thickness 7/8 inches.

(this could be his crossing on July 4, 1906)

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Ivy Baldwin:
He was born Will Ivy in Houston on July 31, 1866, and later adopted the name of Ivy Baldwin.  He ran away at age 12 with the visiting circus. It was there that he learned wire-walking as well as balloonist skills.

 At age 14 Ivy made his first crossing over South Boulder Canyon at Eldorado Springs. He made a total of 87 crossings with the last being on his 82nd birthday.

His various stunts took him around the world. He once performed for the Emperor of Japan who had a silk kimono made for Ivy with pictures of him and his wire act embroidered down the front.

He was small in stature, barely weighing 100 pounds and 5'3" in height. When he walked the high wire he used ordinary cloth shoes with resin soles. He balanced himself with a 26-foot pole weighing 10 pounds.

He died in bed on October 8, 1953 at age 87 in his son's home in Arvada, Colorado.

Colorado - South Cheyenne Canon, Pikes Peak Region

Seven Falls
South Cheyenne Canon, (Canyon)
Pikes Peak Region, Colorado

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The History of Seven Falls (181 feet):
On December 5, 1872, Nathaniel Colby homesteaded the 160 acres that included the present-day Seven Falls and South Cheyenne Canyon. Nine months later he sold the land to the Colorado Springs Land Company for $1000.
Later owners realized little value from the land until 1882, when James Hull purchased the property for $1300. Mr. Hull was a naturalist who was disturbed to note the scenic beauty of the canyon was being threatened by the felling of trees for their lumber value. Hull had already purchased 160 acres west of Seven Falls for $500 and later secured an additional 80 acres in 1885. With 400 acres including the heart of the cañon, Hull became one of Colorado's earliest environmental protectors.

Hull was also a businessman, and he understood the value of the "ranch" as it was then called. He advertised the property as a scenic resort. He constructed a road through the canyon to the Seven Falls, and built a stairway (with 224 steps) along the side of the Falls so tourists could visit it. He installed a toll gate at the foot of the canyon to collect fees.
Access to the Falls in those days was largely by carriages, burros and saddle horses furnished by a local entrepreneur named Hunter. He paid a kind of concession fee to James Hull and his sons of $500 to take passengers to the Falls for 25 cents each. Business flourished, and Seven Falls became a prominent tourist attraction.

Colorado - Royal Gorge and Suspension Bridge

The Royal Gorge and the World's Highest Suspension Bridge, Colorado

Colorado - Gateway, Garden of the Gods

Gateway, Garden of the Gods, Colorado
Pikes Peak (Alt. 14,110 Ft.) in the Distance

Nature has fashioned a renowned natural entrance to this park of geologic wonders.  A gateway through which passes a modern automobile highway.  Inside, an area of remarkable figures in solid stone carved by winds and storms throughout the ages.

Colorado - Colorado Springs, Van Briggle Pottery

World Famous Van Briggle Pottery - Colorado Springs, Colorado

In Colorado Springs, nestled at the very foot of Pike's Peak, in the shadow of snow-crested range and rocky canyon, there is a pottery.  And here each day potters work, drawing their inspiration from the glories of the Rockies; their colorings from the sunset skies, and their gracefulness of design line from the models Nature has set them.

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Established in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1901 by Artus and Anne Van Briggle, the Van Briggle Art Pottery is the oldest continuously operating art pottery in the United States. Artus Van Briggle had a significant impact on the Art Nouveau movement in the United States, and his pottery is foundational to American Art Pottery.

Although they are still in business, the building you see in the postcard above was sold to Colorado College in 1968.  I did a search to see their pottery on sale and found the most expensive one at over 5,000. for a single vase and many more items for over 1,000.  

Colorado - South Cheyenne Canon, Seven Falls

Three Lower Falls, Seven Falls, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Seven Falls, South Cheyenne Canon
Here are miles of massive walls of richly colored granite rising from the murmuring stream almost perpendicular to the sky above.  Their bold and rugged pinnacles are split and broken by the never-ending battle with the elements; their lofty domes and towers standing alone and unsupported after centuries of upheaval and commotion, inconceivable to man, end in a magnificent and most impressive climax at the wonderful Seven Falls, where nature outdoes herself in a grand display of mighty cliffs and rushing waters.