WIXLIB

Volume 30—Issue 2Elbert County Historical Society & Museum NewsletterFALL 2021IN THIS ISSUE2021 SEASON HIGHLIGHTSFarewell To Our Friend .2The Elbert County Historical Society and Museum celebrated the 100thAnniversary of the Elbert County Museum building, formerly the Kiowa HighSchool, in grand fashion this year. This milestone was celebrated throughout theyear and began in the spring with theexterior receiving a fresh coat of paint.Upstairs in the Assembly Room, thisyear’s main exhibit was on thebuilding itself and included anassortment of Kiowa Schoolmemorabilia. The display featuredphotos of Kiowa’s first schoolhouseand classes, early report cards,school books, athletic andcheerleader uniforms, trophies andscrapbooks.In May, the Kiowa Alumni Association gathered for their annual banquet andcelebrated the 100th Anniversary of Kiowa’s first graduating class. The museumhosted an Open House andwelcomed former graduates to walkthrough the old schoolhouse,reminisce with classmates and viewthe exhibits.As the summer progressed, ourannual Pioneer Fourth Celebrationreturned after being on COVID hiatusin 2020. This year’s weather andattendance was absolutely fantasticand a special tribute took place in theafternoon to recognize the laying ofthe museum building’s cornerstoneon July 5, 1921! Visitors enjoyed many of their old favorites -from the kid’sgames and cake walk on the basketball court, to the pie judging contest andBBQ lunch under the pines. The livemusic and pie auction on the frontstage provided entertainment, and themuseum open house immersed oldtimers and newcomers into ElbertCounty’s rich and colorful history.Thanks to our great volunteers whohelped make the day a success fromstart to finish!Visitor attendance was up significantlythis summer and museum hosts led ahandful of group tours throughout thesummer - one Friday in August wehad three large groups!The summer season concluded withthe General Membership Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation in September.Following the meeting the Society sponsored a field trip to the West LincolnFriends of the Museum .3Meet The Author .3Memberships/Sponsorships .2Museum Sponsors .6Online Giving Made Easy .3Pioneer Fourth 2021 . .5West Lincoln School Tour .4THE MUSEUM IS CLOSEDFOR THE WINTER.REOPENINGSUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022!UPCOMING EVENTSVolunteer Host OrientationSaturday, May 21, 10:00 amElbert County Museum OfficeElbert County Museum2022 Opening DaySunday, May 29, 1:00 - 4:00 pmPioneer Fourth CelebrationMonday, July 4, 10:00 am - 3:00 pmElbert County Museum GroundsAnnual Membership MeetingSaturday, September 10, 10:00 amElbert County Museum OfficeContinued on page 3EL BERTCO UNT YMUS E UM.O RG

MEMBERSHIP LEVELSJOE MARTELLHANK SMITHLUCY HOFFHINESDONNA SMITHPATSY NORTHMONTY ASHLIMANPresidentSecretaryBoard Member at LargeIndividual - 15Student/Senior - 8Family - 20Volunteer -Donation of six (6) hours of volunteer time orparticipate in two (2) functions and/or events.Vice PresidentTreasurerSEASON SPONSORSHIPSBoard Member at Large515 Comanche Street PO Box 43Kiowa, Colorado 80117Museum Season Sponsorships are collected annually andexpire at the end of each calendar year. Sponsorshipssupport the general operating fund, new and permanentexhibits, development of educational initiatives and publicprograms, and the historic museum building and itsinfrastructure.Season sponsorships are available at four different levelsand are identified by icons of early Elbert County industryElbertCountyMuseum.orgLOCOMOTIVE-CARLA MARTELLPast PresidentELBERT COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETYContributions of 200 cash/merchandise ormore will receive: acknowledgment as a Season Sponsor onall exhibit and event flyers (including Pioneer Fourth) recognition on signage inside the museum and at thePioneer Fourth inclusion in the newsletter(s) and on our websiteThe Elbert County Museum is owned and operated by theElbert County Historical Society, a 501 (c)(3) non-profitorganization.MISSION STATEMENTTo record and maintain the history of Elbert County,Colorado from the earliest settlement.To work for the establishment of appropriate vaults andarchives for the preservation of original manuscripts,documents, photographs and artifacts which may come intothe possession of the Society.To maintain, preserve and house the above stated articlesin the Elbert County Museum.PONDEROSA PINE-Contributions of 100 cash/merchandise ormore will receive: recognition on signage inside the museum inclusion in the newsletter(s) and on our websiteWINDMILL-Contributions over 25 cash/merchandise willreceive: recognition on signage inside the museum inclusion in the newsletter(s)FAREWELL TO OUR FRIENDCULTIVATOR-Contributions of 250 cash or more through theEast Central Enterprise Zone** will receive: acknowledgment as a Season Sponsor on all exhibitand event flyers (including Pioneer Fourth) recognition on signage inside the museum and at thePioneer Fourth inclusion in the newsletter(s) and on our website**East Central Enterprise ZoneBy making a 250 or more cash donation, contributorsreceive 25% of that amount as a credit against theirstate tax liability (i.e.: 250 donation 62.50 credit).The contribution also may be itemized on their federal taxreturn.For additional details on the different levels of membershipor sponsorship, forms can be picked up at the museum’svisitors desk or printed off our website atElbertCountyMuseum.org.It is with great sadness thatwe bid farewell to our friendDonna Reese, who passedaway last August.Donna was a member of theElbert County HistoricalSociety & Museum fornearly thirty years, servingin countless roles includingbut not limited to MuseumCurator (1993-2004),volunteer and hostess, andPioneer Fourth Pie JudgeRegistrant (2000-2021).Donna had an extraordinarytalent for arranging unforgettable exhibits and creatingbeautiful display cases. Her energy, enthusiasm andlaughter will be greatly missed.2

MEET THE AUTHOR BOOK SIGNINGThe 2021 Pioneer Fourth Celebration featured local authorand retired Elbert Postmaster, Warren Gresham.Earlier in the spring Warren and his eldest son Jim, publisheda memoirs book entitled: Warren Gresham’s Memories andReflections, a collection of Warren’s writing about life growingup on a farm near Elbert and other stories from his life.Warren, his son and daughter in law, John and GayleGresham, spent the afternoon meeting and visiting withmuseum visitors, while Warren signed his book.WARREN GRESHAM AND MR. ZIP TAKING A BREAK DURINGWARREN’S BOOK SIGNING AT THE PIONEER FOURTHFRIENDS OF THE MUSEUMThank you to our fantastic museum hosts for anothersuccessful season! Our docents for the 2021 Seasonincluded: Darrel & Shirley Abbey, Monty Ashliman, TerryCourtright, Lynn Hayes, Lucy Hoffhines, Betty Hood, DulcieJones, Judy Kimzey, Rick & Katee Kolm, Carla Martell,Herb & Nita McKnight, John & Sherry Metli, MargeMottinger, Margie Musgrave, Patsy North, Cecil Pugh,Hank & Donna Smith, and Patti Thayer.The board of directors appreciates the dedication of all ourfaithful volunteers. If you would be interested in being amuseum host in 2022, please call Carla Martell at303.621.2229.WARREN GRESHAM’S MEMORIES AND REFLECTIONS BOOKIS AVAILABLE IN THE MUSEUM GIFT SHOP.FOR GIVING MADE EASY, DONATE ONLINE!Visit Elbert County Historical Society & Museum onColoradoGives.org, a year-round online giving website thatfeatures more than 2,000 Colorado charities. Learn aboutour programs, how we are helping our community, anddonate online directly to us. Tell your friends and family -no more stamps, no more envelopes -- simply donateonline.Go to ColoradoGives.org and enter Elbert County HistoricalSociety in the search field. Or, simply click on the DonateNow link from our website. From all of us at Elbert CountyHistorical Society & Museum, thank you for your support!ColoradoGives.org is made possible by Community FirstFoundation.2021 SEASON HIGHLIGHTSContinued from page 1School west of Elbert (see related story on page 4).And lastly, thank you to our eighty-six Museum SeasonSponsors (a new record)! Contributions were made inperson, through the East Central Enterprise Zone programand via the Colorado Gives website. On December 7,(Colorado Gives Day), the Elbert County Historical Society& Museum received over 1,750 in donations from 12individual donors, surpassing our goal of 1,000.3

WEST LINCOLN SCHOOL FIELD TRIPThe Elbert County Historical Society and friends visited theWest Lincoln School on Saturday, September 11. Hiddenaway just miles from Elbert, Colorado, this one-roomschoolhouse is one of Elbert County's best preserved. TheWest Lincoln School, District #42 was organized in 1909and served the surrounding community for 36 years beforeconsolidating into Elbert School in 1945. The schoolbuilding was given to the Lincoln Community Club, a socialclub, who continued to use the building for meeting andsocial gatherings. The present building was built in 1913by Jens Olkjer, and today is lovingly cared for andmaintained by the Bob Gresham family.Bob’s father and uncle, Allen and Warren Gresham, bothattended school in the building. They shared memories oftheir school days, talking about early teachers, classmatesand the families who lived nearby.The tour was well attended, with over 25 people attending.Thank you to the Gresham family for a fun and memorabletour!ALLEN AND WARREN GRESHAM4

2021 PIONEER FOURTH CELEBRATIONPhotos courtesy of Melissa Crippen5

ELBERT COUNTY MUSEUM SPONSORSWhile the museum receives funds through monetarydonations given at the museum and with annual historicalsociety memberships; Season Sponsorships and thePioneer Fourth celebration are the main areas of incomewhich allow the Elbert County Historical Society to developexhibits and educational opportunities and to improve andmaintain the museum building.Thank you for your commitment to the educational andhistorical importance of the Elbert County Museum!LOCOMOTIVEAll Wired Up ElectricAnonymous DonorBino’s PizzaBen & Laurie DukeElbert CountyAbstract & Title CompanyFront Range KubotaHigh Plains Food StoreHigh Prairie Survey Co.Lucy HoffhinesIntermountain RuralElectric Assn (IREA)JR’s Village RepairRobert KirchKatee & Rick KolmLegacy Plow & TrailerJeff & Connie LehmanJim & Carla Martell(LOCOMOTIVE CONT.)Mountain ViewElectric Assn (MVEA)Murdoch’s -ParkerPhillips 66Sawmill Bar & GrillSun Valley Electric Inc.Patti ThayerTrue Value -ElizabethMindy WebbPONDEROSA PINE360 Diesel & Auto RepairAAC EnterprisesAngie’s Cuttin CornerMonty & Phyllis AshlimanMargie AshuraBig R -ElizabethLaurel BrownBuzzard’s Pizza(PONDEROSA PINE CONT.)Elizabeth Locker PlantHamacher Well Works Inc.Christian HertnekyIntegrity Auto RepairJill’s Feed & Country SupplyKiowa Alumni AssociationTom & Marge MottingerPatty Ann’s CafeMarta RailsbackRoyal B Threads, LLCSkadoodles Ladies BoutiqueWINDMILLAdriana’sMexican RestaurantAdvance Quality Auto RepairAmerica’s MostLovable PaintersAnonymous DonorLenore BatesBernie’s KitchenCatalina’s DinerLeanne CookCost Cutters -ElizabethDusty PlainsVeterinary ServiceEl Rinconcito -ElizabethElizabeth FloralForty Mile FeedLynn & Ronald HayesSharon HoffhinesHomeSmart Realty Group-Karen BerendsBetty Hood(WINDMILL CONT.)Iron Horse Equine Medical& Surgical ServicesKings KarsKiowa Creek CommunityChurch FoodbankKW Home Accents-Karin RoystonMK LiquorsPatsy NorthOnce Upon A TanParker Port-A-PottyTom & Linda PetersonAnn PidgeonRunning Creek Auto CenterSafeway -ElizabethKaren SearSizzor Magic -Betty HaulmanSweet AlfasWilliam ThomasJudith TobiasWalmart -ElizabethCULTIVATORGlaser Gas &Equipment Co. -KiowaHarold HeckmanHOO MotorsJC MartellJohn & Sherry MetliRaylene OwenRE/MAX Accord-Tammi SchneiderSmith Ranches

Elbert County Museum Office Elbert County Museum 2022 Opening Day Sunday, May 29, 1:00 - 4:00 pm Pioneer Fourth Celebration Monday, July 4, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Elbert County Museum Grounds Annual Membership Meeting Saturday, September 10, 10:00 am Elbert County Museum Office THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED FOR THE WINTER. REOPENING SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022! IN .