PRESERVED
THE RAMBLE HOUSE
By Stacia Rice Taking your first step through the doors, familiar emotions surround you in in a feeling you can only describe as arriving home. The floor creaks, as you can almost hear the laughs from the exaggerated stories that have been told by the people who have walked these floors over the last 60 years. You feel yourself wishing you could have been there to listen as these old planks of wood have. You smile at the fish cut outs on the wall, feeling the pride each of these anglers felt, bringing their trophy into Ramble House, standing by the grand fireplace as a camera clicks to document their fish tale’s truth. The rocking chair sits so gracefully by the fireplace, resting as if it is not actually empty, and you feel it isn’t. The few who claim the essence of the eerie quietness of the Ramble House, simply are not listening as the stories of sixty years ricochet off the walls, speaking history, taking you back to a different time.
COURTESY RAMBLE HOUSE
CARRYING ON TRADITION
Creede has been home to many pioneers since it’s beginning in 1892. Two of these were Arkansas natives Alton and Virginia Cole. Doting educators, the pair are responsible for many of the educational advancements Creede has seen in its school system since the couple’s arrival. A valued member of the Creede community, Mr. Cole was an avid outdoorsman, passionate fisherman and eager photographer. These passions are where the idea for Ramble House was born. To ramble means to walk for pleasure without needing a path. In 1956, Ramble House was opened by Alton and Virginia to supply sportsmen and visitors with an enormous selection of flies, lures, tackle, sports gear and souvenirs. Beyond the merchandise, Ramble House stood as a central meeting place for Creedegoers (and residents!) year after year. Mr. Cole spent much of his time in the Ramble House offering advice on the area waters and game, as did many members of the community. The Coles took pride in their passions, and much enjoyed mentoring young enthusiasts. Shane Birdsey, a Creede native, began working at Ramble House in 1976 at age 13, eager to learn as much about fishing and hunting that he could from the Coles. Shane
accredits much of his lifestyle today to what he learned at the Ramble House as a young man. Shane grew very close to the Coles in his time at Ramble House, as would his wife, Susan. Sadly, Mrs. Cole passed away in 1994, and was followed by Mr. Cole in 1996. Shane, Susan and their two children, Cole and Kaitlin, became owners of Ramble House, and strive to carry on the Coles’ tradition of hospitality and expert assistance to fishermen and sportsman alike. In 2000, Shane and Susan started Creede Guide & Outfitters to expand their reach, and were then able to spread their passions by helping clients get started in the wonderful world of fly fishing with an expert guide. It is said that it is impossible to step in the same river twice, for it is not the same river, and the steps belong to a different person. And like our beloved Rio Grande, we feel Ramble House is the same way. Our annual visitors would agree; the memories Ramble House shares with every person who comes through these doors make a lasting impression. Ramble House is a piece of all the wonderful people who have been part of this 60 year journey; without you it wouldn’t be possible. So thank you. Here’s to the next 60. ■ creede.com 21