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History Center programs in March, April

       From a Florissant ranch to NORAD, the Old Colorado City History Center, 1 S. 24th St., will explore history away from the Westside in its March and April programs.

In his February presentation at the Old Colorado City History Center, David Valles talked about the transcontinental railroads and "chapel cars" that brought religion to the Wild West.
Westside Pioneer photo

       - Saturday, March 10 at 11 a.m., “The Colorful History of the Wildhorn Dude Ranch and the Life and Times of Henry Hoder,” presented by Steve Plutt. Owned by the Hoder family, this spread north of Florissant operated as a cattle ranch in the 1920s, saw moonshiners and mafia shootouts during the '30s and celebrity visitors during later years as a dude ranch.
       A 20-year member of the Park County Preservation Commission, Plutt “knew Henry Hoder personally,” a press release adds.
       - Friday, April 13, at 11 a.m., “A Visit to the Inside of NORAD… Sharing its History.” Former NORAD Space Defense Operations Director Roger Berg will use a slide presentation to provide a history of the Cheyenne Mountain national-defense complex and take the audience on a virtual tour inside.
       The History Center is owned and operated by the volunteer Old Colorado City Historical Society (OCCHS).
       Admission to either program is free to OCCHS members, $5 for nonmembers.
       Outside of programs, admission to the History Center and its museum/bookstore is free. Winter hours are currently in effect - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Westside Pioneer/press release