Old Colorado City History Center closed from Dec. 20-Jan. 3; reflects volunteer need
Arlene Lanman, owner of the Spurs and Lace
bed-and-breakfast at 2829 W. Pikes Peak Ave., poses amid some of her Christmas
decorations in the foyer during the Old Colorado City Historical Society's Holiday
Tour Dec. 4. Built in 1885, the Queen Anne Victorian was one of seven historic
buildings on the 2016 tour; it's an annual fundraiser for the society. Lanman
grew up on the Westside and in later years (when visiting from out of state) she
often
stayed at Spurs and Lace as a guest. She bought the property this year.
Westside Pioneer photo
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According to Roberta Hardy, president of the Old Colorado City Historical Society (OCCHS), which owns and operates the center, the reason is a shortage of volunteers to staff the bookstore/museum at 1 S. 24th St.
Normal center hours during the winter months are Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free to the general public, except during special programs.
A nonprofit organization, the OCCHS is run entirely by volunteers. The organization has about 300 dues-paying members, but Hardy has previously estimated that only about a dozen handle the bulk of the History Center duties.
The facility specializes in the Westside's early past, but the society schedules special programs roughly once a month on a range of historical subjects.
Coming up Jan. 13 at 11 a.m. will be a presentation on the Historic Preservation Alliance, a regional group with which the OCCHS coordinates.
In February will be the annual OCCHS membership luncheon, which will focus this year on the early years of Coronado High School.
New OCCHS members are welcome. For more information, call the center during operating hours at 636-1225.
Westside Pioneer article
(Posted 12/14/16;
Community:
Old Colorado City History Center)
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