History Center puts out call for volunteers

The Old Colorado City Historical Society (OCCHS) has a curious sort of problem. On the one hand, 2015 was a record year financially, thanks to careful budgeting and planning. With other History Center displays providing a backdrop, Old Colorado City Historical Society President Roberta Hardy plays a tune on a recently donated antique organ. Westside Pioneer photo        On the other hand, barely a dozen of its 300 dues-paying members handle the bulk of the volunteer work. This includes caring for a 126-year-old converted church/ museum, lining up presenters, archiving artifacts, freshening exhibits, organizing events, editing books for publication, producing a newsletter (the West Word) and figuring out how to earn $30,000 a year to pay for it all.        Into this setting comes Roberta Hardy, who had been the society's secretary and became president in March. She replaces Kathy McBride and Betty Baker, presidents over the past two years.        In a recent interview, Hardy said she's pleased with the History Center's situation and looking forward to new innovations in the coming year.        But she, along with the other dozen “core” members, would appreciate some help. In her very first “President's Letter” in the March newsletter (which goes out to all the members), she wrote: “I invite you to participate in each and every event. Start planning now to join in the fun. Volunteer to bring treats to a meeting, to write a West Word article, to don historic garb and play a character [or] to do a program. Don't hide your talents! You ARE the history we celebrate here. Share your knowledge and help to keep the OCCHS going and growing.”        Hardy herself joined the society about four years ago with her husband David, who has since passed on. She said they were intrigued by the colorful local history and liked the way the society worked to preserve it. Both had been educators in Oklahoma for many years (from 1964 to 2008 for Roberta) before moving to this area to be closer to their children and grandchildren.        The History Center has scheduled the following events in May and June: Saturday, May 14 at 11 a.m., “Everybody Welcome,” presented by Kathleen Esmiol, who worked with the late Fannie Mae Duncan on her life story. Duncan started the Cotton Club in downtown Colorado Springs. “During the volatile Civil Rights era, Colorado Springs was peacefully integrated, as everyone clamored to see the great black entertainers of the day at Fannie Mae's Cotton Club where everybody was welcome,” a press release states. $5 for OCCHS non-members. May 28-30 (during Territory Days) - An HO-scale model railroad with steam locomotives pulling freight and passenger trains will fill up the museum, at 1 S. 24th St. And, in Bancroft Park's Garvin Cabin, the OCCHS plans to feature costumed hosts, including spinner/weaver Charlease Elzenga and vintage gun authority Johnnie Jackson. Free admission to the museum and cabin. Friday, June 24, at 6 p.m. - “Kansas City Monarchs,” presented by Phil Dixon, author of nine books on Negro Leagues. “Before the integration of Major League baseball with Jackie Robinson in 1947, some of the greatest talent was in the Negro Leagues,” a press release states. “Their most famous team, the Kansas City Monarchs, played Colorado Springs' black baseball team in 1934.” $5 for OCCHS non-members. Westside Pioneer article