DSP&P Historical Society 2014 Convention - Gunnison, CO Three
days of beautiful weather welcomed 67 members of the DSPPHS to Gunnison,
Colo. for their 16th annual convention, Aug.8-10, 2014. Friday's
tour covered the Baldwin branch of the DSP&P and the never-completed
Ohio Creek extension. Locations visited included the Castleton and the
Baldwin coalmine sites. We stopped below the famed rock wall on the Ohio
Creek branch for our annual group photograph. We
reconvened that evening at the Gunnison Community Center for dinner and
presentations by Todd Hackett and Larry Green. Todd presented a PowerPoint
review of what we had seen and a preview of the next day's outings. Larry
expanded on the information from Castleton/Ohio Creek, with then-and-now
photos. Tables for "show and tell" were set up and items
displayed for sale. New this year from the society were T-shirts, polo
shirts and caps bearing the Como depot logo, designed by Brian Adams. Saturday,
36 attendees toured the Black Canyon of the Gunnison via the U.S. Forest
Service boat tour. Our group filled the boat, so it was virtually a private
tour and we unofficially re-named it the "S.S. South Park."
Ranger Jeff Muse provided narrative about the geologic features, including
the Curecanti Needle. All 36 hardy souls braved the 232 stairs down and 232
stairs back to the top in good order, though the sack lunch waiting at the
end was very welcome. Returning to Gunnison, Dave Primus led a car tour
along Blue Mesa Reservoir, with information on the history of the lake and
the towns and sites now engulfed by it. Other
attendees drove to the Alpine Tunnel, while some toured the Gunnison
Pioneer Museum. Saturday
evening's dinner was followed by presentations by Dan Edwards, Duncan and
Jan Harvey, Bob Schoppe and Todd Hackett. Dan
discussed how he came to compile his books - "A Documentary History of
the South Park Lines: Vol. I and Vol. II," which he also offered for
sale. Duncan and Jan presented a fascinating interview with Jan's
cousin-by-marriage, June Brown, whose grandfather was an engineer killed on
a wreck in Frisco in 1893. The Harveys taped Ms. Brown's description of the
incident. Bob
presented the year-in-review, highlighting such achievements as the
almost-complete restoration of the Como depot and successful restoration of
the Westall monument. He also noted the society's growth - 245 members, and
counting. Bob
also announced the induction of John Manley as the newest member of the
DSPPHS Hall of Fame. John has donated many artifacts and made significant
monetary donations to us. He's also generous in the use of his rare photos
in the magazine and calendar. The board felt he was most welcome as our
latest hall-of-fame inductee. Todd
closed the presentations with a demonstration on creating 3-D photos from
old photographs and stereo cards. Bob
ended the evening with a "thanks to all" who attended and
participated and noted, "These conventions are more than an annual
meeting - more like a family reunion." Sunday,
Dave provided a walking/driving tour of railroad sites in Gunnison for some
members, while others visited the Pioneer Museum. It was a great weekend
and we're already looking forward to Fairplay in 2015. Next
year's convention is scheduled for Fairplay, Colo., Aug. 21-22-23. Plans
are already in the works for what will certainly be a good weekend of fun,
history and good times.
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