I have talked about this before, but I think it is time to say more about my “thing” for looking through old pictures. As a kid I even liked to do it. It did not even bother me not to know who some of the people were, or where the photos were taken.
I hate to find an album in an antique shop where all of the pictures are removed. What happened? Were they just pitched into the trash? It was looking for pictures that got me fired up about writing my first book, and they can still inspire ideas for stories. One of the amazing things is the amount of information in some pictures that people might not realize is there. Pictures often show old cars, trucks, even trains passing by.
So what is the point of all this? Here's one thing. The Old Colorado City Historical Society's museum next to Bancroft Park has a great, but small collection of pictures. Maybe you can help make this a better collection! Or, maybe you have some pictures, but do not have the time or even the interest to look through them. The Historical Society can find someone who wants to help. The most important thing is, DO NOT THROW THEM AWAY! And this goes for the negatives too!
If you have old pictures, keep them cool and dry. The attic is the worst place, other than a damp basement. If you do not want them, either put them where they will not get in your way, or find someone who will take care of them. The folks at the museum regularly get requests for pictures, and they will be happy to talk to you about yours.
That brings me back to my current search. I know there must be some more pictures out there, of the mills, the glass factory, the railroad and the people who lived here. I do slide programs where I show up to a hundred pictures during the talk. People enjoy seeing them and hearing the stories about them, but I collected most of them one at a time. Many people thought, "No one is interested in that." Oh yes, they are; just ask the folks at the museum!