2024-06

THE CRYSTAL VALLEY ECHO

June 2024 Free

& Marble Times

TheCrystalValleyEcho.com

Photograph by Sarah Uhl.

Making memories along Redstone Boulevard: Joaquin and Cat Ponzo along with their son Luca enjoy an evening ride.

Re-Elect Francie Jacober

FOR PITKIN COUNTY COMMISSIONER 30-Year Resident of the Crystal River Valley Signature Issues: Agriculture, Open Space, Environment, Community

Learn why Francie deserves your vote at www.FrancieJacober.com

Vote in the Primary Mail-In Ballots due by June 25

Page 2 • The Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times • June 2024

CARBONDALE FARMERS’ MARKET

A WONDERFUL VARIETY OF LOCAL, SEASONAL FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND HANDMADE PRODUCTS. JOIN US TO SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS, SMALL BUISNESSES AND THE COMMUNITY!

JUNE 5 THROUGH SEPT 25

WE ACCEPT SNAP, DUFB AND WIC

EVERY WEDNESDAY From 10 AM to 3 PM

4th and Main St Carbondale

Redstone's Annual Plein Air Event

June 2024 • The Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times • Page 3

From the Redstone Art Foundation The Redstone Art Gallery is hosting the Redstone Annual Plein Air from June 18th through June 23rd in the Redstone Historic District. Artists will paint ‘En Plein Aire’ (painting out of doors) from Tuesday, June 18th through Friday, June 21st on the Redstone Boulevard and around the valley.

Watching and engaging with the artists is encouraged! Plein air artists work outdoors in any kind of weather, sometimes hiking miles to get that ‘just right’ view to paint.

On Saturday, June 22nd, the celebration begins! Artisans will be demonstrating and selling their crafts throughout the Boulevard, including a farmers’ market, starting at 10:00 a.m.

Connie Hendrix, our nationally known local artist, will judge the submissions.

The awards ceremony begins at 2:00 p.m., followed by art sales, live music, craft cocktails, and snacks available for purchase at the Redstone Art Gallery.

Sunday, June 23rd, the celebration continues with art sales, wine tasting, live music, craft cocktails, and snacks at the Redstone Art Gallery.

The Redstone Art Gallery will hang select paintings by these talented artists for a month following the event in case you can’t attend this exciting event.

For more information text or email either Cindy Cole at (970) 618-3483, cc.shauck@gmail.com, or Becca Trembley at (970) 930-5654, coloradostay@ gmail.com, or stop in at the Redstone Art Gallery.

The MARBLE/marble Symposium is back with three sessions starting in July!

1st Session: July 2 - 9 2nd Session: July 15 - 22 3rd Session: July 29 - Aug 5 Come carve beautiful Colorado marble with scultors from around the world, or come check out the carvings from students and instructors alike -- many works will be offered for sale.

We welcome every experience level and artistic style. The 8-day Symposium provides everything including marble, tools, carving sites, workshops, demos, and private instruction.

Registration available online, or come spectate by stopping in at The Marble Gallery for directions.

www.marbleinst.org info@MARBLEmarble.org

The official ballot for the June 25 Primary Election Voters affiliated with a major party will receive the corresponding major party’s ballot style. Voters who are registered as Unaffiliated will receive both a Democratic and Republican ballot, but can only vote one ballot. Voters affiliated with a minor party will only receive the County ballot. In person voting begins June 17th. Scan to read more.

Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners approves new tax relief program to alleviate property tax burden In response to the recent reassessment of property values, Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners, in collaboration with Aspen Valley Hospital, approved a tax relief program aimed at mitigating the financial strain on homeowners and property owners, particularly those with lower incomes. Read more and apply here.

Temporary Rental Assistance Grant The Colorado Department of Local Affairs recently implemented a NEW Temporary Rental Assistance Grant Program. Residents of Colorado who are currently renting but at risk of eviction due to a substantial life event may qualify. Use your smartphone to scan the code and learn more.

Food Sites in the Roaring Fork Valley Pitkin County Human Services would like to remind everyone about food assistance options available in our valley. This document has a list of food distribution sites, farmers markets, WIC retailers, and SNAP approved vendors.

The list is updated regularly. https://bit.ly/44E1GDz

Page 4 • The Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times • June 2024

Echoes of Life Larry W elling Rynearson December 1, 1932 — March 31, 2024

Shortly after being born, the family moved to Leigh, Nebraska. Rynearson was called to the ministry early and attended both high school and college in Winfield, Kansas. He graduated from St. Johns in 1952 and then from Concordia Seminary in 1956. As a Lutheran Minister, he started three new congregations in Texas: Holy Cross in Dallas, Hope in Friendswood, and Gloria Dei in Nassau Bay. While in the Friendswood area, he developed a passion for sailing. Quite frequently, after a sunny day in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, Rynearson looked like he had ‘raccoon’ eyes when he preached on Sunday. He retired from the ministry after serving in Eau Claire, Wisconsin at Our Redeemer. This was also the first church where he served his vicarage for 13 months.

After leaving the ministry he became a paint contractor, initially in Texas, then moving to Colorado where his parents had since moved.

Rynearson settled in the Roaring Fork Valley, and lived in Aspen, with his Brother Robert, for a time. He lived in Carbondale, Marble, Redstone, and Glenwood Springs.

Back in the late 70’s to 80’s, you would’ve seen Rynearson painting throughout the valley. He painted the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen and also painted the Village Smithy in Carbondale several times. It was one of his favorite spots for a good meal.

In Redstone, his artistic side emerged and he started wood carving. He produced relief carvings of the Redstone Castle, Redstone Inn, and the Crystal Mill. One of his notable carvings

To our dear readers and supporters,

while he had his gallery in Redstone, was of "Jess Bearly," a full-size bear carved from a tree. However, his largest piece of work is the totem pole that he did in 1996 at a local Doctor’s house in Glenwood Springs, which is still standing and can actually be seen from the trail up to Doc Holiday’s grave.

I have been filled with overwhelming gratituted with the outpouring of support my husband and I have received after he underwent an emergency surgery towards the end of April. In the last month, we've been forced to slow down and reflect on life, as is the result of most health scares. As our vibrant red tulips emerged from the earth and bloomed to ring in spring, I have been reminded of how the Crystal Valley comes together to support their people.

His other passion was jeeping. He crossed his first pass, Pearl and Schofield, in August 1975.

He started with a CJ5 in 1979 and later acquired his CJ7. We’ve always considered those Jeeps an extension of Rynearson. He loved being in the mountains and showing the beauty of the flowers to his friends and family.

Thank you to each of you for your kind words of encouragement, warm afternoon visits on our porch, and the meals brought to our doorsteps that helped us through the early stages of recovery. As May turns to June, my husband continues to get stronger every day, and I'm so grateful to just be able to walk our dog together.

It was through this love that he met his last love, Laurel Williams. They loved going jeeping to see the wildflowers and were married in October of 2007. They loved to travel and meet new people and even worked one summer at a butterfly sanctuary in south Texas.

Larry Welling Rynearson was the firstborn son of Helen and Wesley “Buck” Rynearson. He was born on December 1, 1932, in Madison, Nebraska.

Letter from the Editor

His love of the Colorado Rockies led him to a new passion: writing. Of course, as a Minister, he had always written wonderful sermons every week. The mountains inspired him to write a book called Colorado’s Historic Mountain Passes along with Rick Jones. The book is filled with stories of all the Colorado passes and was published in 2014. He went on to write a second book, Legends of Glenwood Canyon in 2017. Rynearson and Williams traveled all over Colorado merchandising these books and making many wonderful memories.

Rynearson passed peacefully on Easter Sunday, March 31st, 2024. He will always be remembered as a person who never knew a stranger. He was quick to share his stories, his smile, and his laughter with everyone he met, and held many lifelong friendships because of these qualities. Rynearson touched many people throughout the years sharing his love for life, and will be greatly missed.

Rynearson is survived by his wife Laurel Williams, son Marty Rynearson, daughter Carol (James) Simerly, granddaughter Megan, and great-grandchildren, Lydia, Skylar, and Hayden. He is also survived by Laurel’s family; daughter Cindy and husband Brad Williams, Rosalie and husband Tom Lewin, and granddaughter Ashley. They were also an important part of his 17 years with Laurel. He is also survived by his brother Rodney Rynearson and wife Velma, and nephews, Tim and Peter.

There was a celebration of life on May 18th at the First Presbyterian Church in Glenwood Springs.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request that donations be made to the Presbyterian Church in Glenwood Springs or to dementia research.

Thank you to our advertisers for your patience as I navigated his surgery and then recovery, which resulted in the cancelling of our May edition. I am so grateful for your understanding through that process.

However, I am excited that we are once again back on the stands and to bring the June edition into the hands of our readers.

Again, thank you all for your support through this trying time, and enjoy reading this month's issue!

Gentrye Houghton, Editor

The Crystal Valley Echo

& Marble Times

Mission Statement: To provide a voice for the residents of the Crystal River Valley; to bring attention to the individuals and local businesses that are the fabric of the Crystal Valley region; to contribute to the vitality of our small town life.

EDITOR AND ADVERTISING SALES Gentrye Houghton gentryeh@hotmail.com CONTRIBUTORS DJ Sugar Monkey Amber McMahill

DISTRIBUTION AND LAYOUT DESIGN Ryan Kenney The Crystal Valley Echo is published monthly, and is distributed throughout the Crystal Valley.

NEWSPAPER BOX LOCATIONS: Third Street Center • Village Smithy Carbondale Post Office • Carbondale Park & Ride The Marble Hub • Redstone General Store

www.thecrystalvalleyecho.com

June 2024 • The Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times • Page 5

Pitkin County District 5 Commissioner Race, Candidates to be Decided by Primary Election The Pitkin County Commissioner race for District 5 is the only local race that will be contested during the June 25th primary election. The candidates will be found on the ballot with the top two finishers earing a spot on the November 5th general election ballot.

Francie Jacober is District 5's incumbant candiate, and shared the following with The Crystal Valley Echo about her candidacy: After representing Pitkin County as your commissioner from District 5 for the last four years, I have good news and bad news.

The good news is that I love being a Pitkin County Commissioner. I find that representing the people of Pitkin County is challenging, thought-provoking, interesting, and incredibly rewarding.

friends and constituents were by email, and many of you I did not then know.

Since then, I have been proud to serve and gotten to know many people in the county and the valley. This has been one of the most pleasurable aspects of being a commissioner.

While I have lived in the Crystal River Valley for 30 years, and care deeply about this place and its people, I also work for the entire Roaring Fork Valley, including Aspen, Snowmass, Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs, and all the beautiful lands in between. We are one valley that shares a dynamic and important watershed. I try to keep that in mind at all times.

While it is daunting to make decisions that affect people’s lives, I bring to my decision-making The bad news — for me — is that two people process a deep commitment to are running against me this year. This means seek and represent the truth; to I have to campaign for both the Primary ElecPitkin County Commissioner find solutions that help the most tion and the General Election.

Francie Jacober people; to keep our Climate AcIn 2020, the entire process was online. There tion Plan in mind; to preserve the culture of the Roaring Fork Valley in spite of were no meet and greets, no handshaking, no events at all. It development pressures; and to remember those was in the time of COVID. All of my communications with

Do you have a list of marketing to-do’s that you need off your plate?

Graphic Design for your Business

less fortunate.

•

•

•

My family has been involved with farming and ranching in Colorado for 50 years and so I ran four years ago with the hope of preserving and protecting our agricultural lands. This remains an important mission to me. In addition, I am committed to preserving the open spaces on other private tracts of land through conservation easements, knowing that once land is developed, there is no going back.

I also believe in supporting those in our communities who need help. In a place with so much wealth, it is incumbent on us to provide services to lift up those in need.

Pitkin County is one of the most generous Counties in Colorado in terms of health and human services, and it is important that we continue this important work.

Thirdly, one of my goals for the next term is to continue to implement policies and protections that reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and our over-consumption of resources.

If you don’t know me and are not familiar with my work as a commissioner, please check out

Independent, Local Journalism Needs Your Support!

We can’t do it without you. In an economic climate where many established news outlets continue to scale back or close, your support goes directly to writers living in the Crystal Valley!

Send me your list of graphic design and marketing needs. We will prioritze it to get as much done as possible in a full day or half day session!

Contact Heather for more info

heather@elephantmountaincreative.com

Considering signing up for a subscription, $60 for print or $35 for digital, or making a monetary contribution online or by sending a check to Marketing & Graphic Design in Redstone, Colorado 970-718-5848 | ElephantMountainCreative.com

The Crystal Valley Echo 364 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623 www.thecrystalvalleyecho.com

Page 6 • The Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times • June 2024

PitCo Primary Continued... the list below of what the Board of County Commissioners has been doing, as well as my website. I look forward to continuing the important work that the BOCC, along with our exceptional staff, is doing to protect our environment, provide services to those in need, protect agricultural lands and open space, fund worthy non-profits, implement and update the Climate Action Plan, convene public processes, and meet the needs of our constituents in a myriad of ways.

•

It has been my honor to work with my fellow commissioners over the last four years. To date, we have: • Protected many hundreds of acres of open space with conservation easements, including the acquisition of Snowmass Falls Ranch, conserving 650 acres of land adjacent to the Maroon Bells Wilderness Area; • Conserved historic Coffman Ranch and Sunfire Ranch, together comprised of over 1,300 acres used to produce food for our valley, • Helped adjust property taxes for those in need; • Made major steps toward reducing Pitkin County pollutants and carbon emissions; • Begun the electrification of all County-owned buildings; • Received funding and began construction of a micro-grid for sustainability and resiliency of electrical service in the Upper Valley; • Provided stipends for childcare workers

•

•

•

•

• •

and thereby increased childcare availability and affordability; Codified house size limits (from 15,000 Sq ft down to 9,250) in order to help mitigate the effects of construction on our environment and the culture of our community; Developed an Airport Layout Plan which will guide our community towards a modern, environmentally-sophisticated airport, prepared for the future of aviation; Developed guidelines to help control the proliferation and safety of short-term rentals and thereby protected Rural and Remote zoning; Helped expedite and fund the building permit process for those affected by severe loss; Developed and maintained resources for our homeless population and others in need, including during the pandemic and beyond; Implemented policies to safeguard our community during the COVID-19 pandemic; Put together two important volunteer committees — the Airport Advisory Board and the Community Growth Advisory Committee — to help with decisions for the near and distant future of our valley.

In addition: • I served for two years on the Stakeholders’ Advisory Group for the Reintroduction of Wolves to Colorado and continue to serve on panels addressing associated issues; • I serve on the Boards of Aspen-Pitkin County Housing Authority, Community

• • •

Office for Resource Efficiency, and Roaring Fork Transit Authority, and as Pitkin County representative to the Colorado Association of Ski Towns; I serve on the CSU-sponsored Colorado Conflict Reduction Group; I serve on several committees in Colorado Counties Inc. for influencing legislation — Agriculture, Wildlife, & Rural Affairs; Land Use & Natural Resources; and Public Lands; And I continue to serve on the Crystal River Wild and Scenic Coalition, working to preserve our free-flowing river, which defines and sustains our beautiful valley.

For more information on Jacober, visit her campaign website at www.franciejacober.com.

Toni Kronberg and Neil Reilley are running against Jacober in this race. Kronberg provided the following about her campaign: Pitkin County has been my only home for the last 49 years. I moved to Pitkin County to hike, climb, ski the mountains, swim the rivers, and put down roots.

I started my careers and professions as a paralegal/research specialist, swim teacher, security officer, emergency medical technician (ambulance, CFR aircraft firefighter, elder care), and advocate/lobbyist for over 200 community projects, of which I am still involved to this day.

Some of these projects, which highlight my ability to bring consensus to an issue after listening to public comments have been: • Working with CDOT on transportation improvements on Highway 82, notably, Smith Hill Road Stop sign intersection, striping in Snowmass Canyon, roundabout in Snowmass, turn lane into Burlingame, the free bus between Aspen and Snowmass,

9 ACRE CREEKSIDE LOCATION

LIMITED WEEKENDS LEFT FOR SUMMER & FALL EVENTS

32 miles from Carbondale over McClure Pass

You Are Welcome Here

$850,000

2136 sf log home, 3BR, 2 BTH, art studio, 30x40 shop, 3 car carport, horse pastures

A Gathering Place for All MICHAEL R. KENNEDY Broker/Owner 970-379-3907 mikekennedy@sopris.net ColoradoHomesRanches.com

Family Reunions | Weddings | Conventions Retreats | Community Events

Call to Book Your Event

178 Co Rd 3, Marble, CO 81623 | (970) 963-9522 chairmountainranch@gmail.com | chairmountainranch.com

June 2024 • The Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times • Page 7

PitCo Primary Continued...

• • • •

Recreation centers in Aspen and Snowmass, Swimming pool in Basalt, Pitkin County Airport passenger waiting area expansion, All while lobbying/advocating to bring forward over a dozen community projects resulting in an election so voters can choose what they want for their quality of life.

Having served on Mountain Rescue for 20 years, plus having worked as a snowmobile guide, horseback trip guide, and Highlands Ski Patrol, I appreciate the majesty of the mountains and its’ rivers and support the goals of the Crystal River Valley residents and Pitkin County to protect the Crystal River.

The Crystal River which starts at the raging headwaters in the beautiful Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and runs through Marble, Redstone, and Carbondale is known as “the Gold Standard of River Protection” with its’ undisturbed free-flowing nature of the river.

Yet the Crystal River has been affected by climate change and dry weather resulting in practically dried-up stream beds that cannot maintain water levels high enough to ensure a healthy river that supports aquatic life, water for ditches, and recreational uses.

I support the work of the three sub-committees in finding solutions to maintain the free-flowing Wild and Scenic beauty of the Crystal River with solutions to preserve the Crystal River water without the use of dams.

I decided to run for Pitkin County Commissioner 2024 with the #1 priority being real-time safety and efficiency improvements to ALL the Pitkin County intersections on Highway 82. . . also known as Killer 82. . . as well as the Garfield and Eagle County intersections of Highway 133 and Highway 82 through to I-70.

It’s time to focus on the lifeline of Highway 82 so that people arrive home alive, sane, and on time to pick up their kids. There is no dispute about how dangerous Highway 82 is, claiming fame as one of the most deadly and dangerous roads in Colorado.

For decades, there has been literally no outreach to CDOT to work collaboratively to improve the roadway and intersections. It’s time to change that!

Through the years, my work has made a valuable impact on the residents of Pitkin County.

I am determined to find solutions for Highway 82 so our families, friends, and neighbors arrive home alive, sane, and on time to pick up their kids.

I would appreciate your vote in the June 25th primary so we can focus on the lifeline of Highway 82 with real-time solutions.

Ballot Information Ballots are mailed on June 3 to registered voters and may be returned by mail or at a dropbox location. The election office must receive your ballot by 7 p.m. on election day, June 25th, for your vote to be counted, and that does not include postmarks. It is not recommended to mail your ballot after June 17th. rd

Drop-Box Locations: Available from now through 7 p.m. on Election Day, June 25th • Pitkin County Administration & Sheriff's Office: 530 East Main Street, Aspen Available from Monday, June 3rd through 7 p.m. on Election Day, June 25th • Town of Snowmass Village Town Hall: 130 Kearns Road, Snowmass • Basalt Town Hall: 101 Midland Avenue, Basalt.

In-Person Voting Registered voters may cast their ballots in person during early voting or on Election Day, but don’t forget to bring identification with you. ADA-accessible voting machines are available at any voting center: Voter Service and Polling Centers Pitkin County Admin & Sheriff's Office: 530 E. Main Street, Aspen • Monday - Friday, June 17th through June 24th, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Saturday, June 22nd, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• Election Day, Tuesday, June 25th, 7:00 a.m.

- 7:00 p.m

Your Best Choice for Pitkin County Commissioner

VOTE ON JUNE 25TH FOR

TONI KRONBERG REAL-TIME SOLUTIONS TO HIGHWAY 82 & 133 PITKIN COUNTY AIRPORT LAYOUT PLAN FACILITIES FOR MENTAL HEALTH - JAIL FOR CRIME PROTECT THE WILD AND SCENIC CRYSTAL RIVER AFFORDABLE HOUSING

TONI WILL BRING A NEW ENERGY TO THE PITKIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Since 1976, I have devoted my life to making Pitkin County better! I utilize my background in security, paralegal/research specialist, emergency services, property management, athlete, swim instructor/ coach, home health care and lobbyist.

I have worked on 100 plus community projects most notably in transportation, recreational facilities, improving the airport, sports and recreation, and land use applications.

MY SKILL SET IS: BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER • DEVELOPING SOLUTIONS MAKING A DECISION FINDING THE FUNDING • IMPLEMENTING THE DECISION Paid for by “Vote for Toni .. Your Best Choice for Pitkin County Commissioner 2024

48 YEAR RESIDENT OF PITKIN COUNTY CONTACT TONI: Vote4Toni@gmail.com 970-379-1519

MAIL YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO: P.O. Box 132 Snowmass, CO 81654

Page 8 • The Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times • June 2024

Redstone Historical Society's Vintage Valley

By Darrell Munsell

All content sponsored and provided by the Redstone Historical Society.

Industrializing the Crystal River Valley: Building the Railroads In a letter dated September 20, 1886, Julian A. Kebler described to C.M. Schenck, vice president of Whitebreast Coal and Mining Company, the conditions and activities of Camp Prospect, a base camp headquarters established on John C. Osgood's ranch to explore and develop the coal resources in the Crystal River area.

Camp Prospect was isolated, Kebler explained. Supplies were hauled in by mule teams over the wagon road from Crested Butte, some 29 miles away. Burros packed supplies from Prospect to other camps, including the camp at Coalbasin, where 70 to 80 men were opening to rich coal veins.

To overcome the problems of transportation in this remote and rugged country, Kebler noted that railroad crews were surveying from Coalbasin down Coal Creek and down the Crystal River along the rocky trail to Satank (Carbondale), where the proposed rail line would connect with the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad once both lines were completed.

This #102 narrow gauge locomotive, carried several hundred tons of coal from Coalbasin down the steep 4.4 percent grade to the Redstone tipple. Photograph circa 1901 from the Denver Public Library, Western History Collection.

Plans for the construction of the rail lines from Coalbasin and along the Crystal River languished for the next few years while Osgood consolidated his coal empire and, with his associates, founded Colorado Fuel and Iron Company's (CF&I) Railroad Company as a subsidiary of CF&I. In 1893, the Crystal River Company entered the race with the Elk Mountain Company to lay track up the Crystal River Valley. Osgood's company won out, as, according to The Crystal Silver Lance, "the CF&I

Crystal River Railroad was taken over by the Crystal River & San Juan Railroad (CR&SJ) in 1903. CR&SJ extended the line from Placita to Marble in 1906. This 1941 photo was taken as the train leaves Marble hauling marble chunks. The railroad shut down in 1942. Photograph from the John Maxwell Collection.

WALKING TOURS Explore Historic Redstone Saturdays 10am thru September 28

depart from the Redstone Inn 970-963-2526

$15 per person 1.5 hour tour

- Consider a Private Tour contact Becca HistoryRedstone@gmail.com

Redstone Historian Becca Trembley will entertain you with the who? when? and wheres? of our past.

The High Line narrow gauge connected Coal Basin and Redstone with 12 miles of narrow gauge track at a four percent grade, crossing Coal Creek 22 times, going a distance of 8 miles. Each coal car could carry 125 tons of coal.

Photograph from the Ernest Gerbaz Collection.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2024!

Wherever life takes you next, take us with you. Alpine Mobile® makes it easy to stay on top of your finances from work, school or play.

Online Banking and Alpine Mobile® are not available to minors under the age of 13. Alpine Bank does not charge you a fee for using Alpine Mobile®; however, your wireless carrier's standard web access and text message rates may still apply. Mobile Deposit limitations apply. Please refer to product terms and conditions.

alpinebank.com • Member FDIC

June 2024 • The Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times • Page 9

Vintage Valley Continued...

Following a 20-foot snow slide in 1903, miners were called out to clear the High Line track. Photograph from the William McManus Collection.

brute" played "hog a little more than necessary."

was captured by The Marble Times & Crystal Silver Lance: "Yesterday, the 20th day of December 1900, was one of Redstone's red letter days. At ten o'clock a.m., a trainload of coal arrived. . . It consisted of five of the new coal dumping cars, capacity 50,000 lbs. each, a total of 125 tons, and immediately passed through Redstone's new and immense tipple on its way to the coke ovens."

tended the line from Placita to Marble in 1906.

Carrying more marble and livestock than coal, the CR&SJ Railroad continued both passenger and freight service between Carbondale and Marble until 1942. The industrialization of the Crystal River Valley would have been impossible without the CR and CR&SJ railroads.

Osgood and his associates lost control of the Crystal River Railroad in the summer of 1903 when John D. Rockefeller and George Gould took over CF&I. After CF&I closed the Coalbasin mines and shut down the Redstone coke ovens in 1909, the Crystal River Railroad was taken over by the Crystal River & San Juan Railroad (CR&SJ), which under the direction of Colonel Channing Meek had ex-

Darrell Munsell, professor emeritus, West Texas A&M University, is the author of From Redstone to Ludlow: John Osgood's Struggle Against the United Mine Workers of America published by University Press of Colorado. He is a past president of the Redstone Historical Society, and a former Redstone resident.

The Panic of 1893 [mostly caused by the demonetization of silver and the recession that followed] delayed Osgood's plans for the expansion of CF&I's steel mill in Pueblo, Colo., and the opening of new coal mines, coking plants, and camps as part of that plan. By 1899, better economic times enabled Osgood to resume his expansion plans, which included opening the Coalbasin mines to full production and building 250 coke ovens at the confluence of Coal Creek and the Crystal River.

On the other side of the river, Osgood began to build his model industrial village of Redstone, and, a little over a mile south of the village, Cleveholm Manor, his magnificent country home.

The establishment of Redstone as a coking plant and model village, as well as the building of Osgood's Cleveholm estate, necessitated the completion of the Crystal River Railroad, which reached Redstone in 1899 and was extended to Placita by the end of 1900. The narrow gauge line (High Line) from Coalbasin reached Redstone in December 1900. The moment

Rotary snowplow being readied for a trip to open the snowbound track. Photograph from the Sewell Family Collection.

The Redstone roundhouse stored and interchanged standard and narrow gauge locomotives; the track on the left continued to Placita. The Gamekeepers cottage is seen on the far right. Photograph from the Gerbaz Family Collection.

DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVORITE READ! White River Books is here for all your literary needs

65B N. 2ND ST. CARBONDALE 970-340-4503 | @whiteriverbooks

OPEN Tues: 10-3, Wed-Sat: 10-5, Sun: 10-2, Mon: Closed

Page 10 • The Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times • June 2024

Town of Marble Board of Trustees: May 2nd Meeting Recap An Account from DJ Sugar Monkey May’s meeting of the Trustees was scheduled to begin an hour earlier than usual to swear in the re-elected Mayor, Ryan Vinciguerra, and new Trustee Dustin Wilkey, as well as appoint a further two trustees to the Board. There were 11 residents present, not including the Town’s administrative staff. Incumbent Trustee Amber McMahill looked on as Town Clerk Ron Leach administered the Oath of Office to Vinciguerra and Wilkey (pictured). Leach and the Mayor then explained the process for appointing the additional two Trustees to the Board; this consisted of a brief presentation and interview to be conducted there and then in the Marble Community Church Fellowship Hall.

First up was Amy Rusby, a Marble resident for 16 years. Rusby explained that her husband’s family had settled in Marble in the 1870s. She described herself as an active member of the community, former director of the Marble Charter School with a background in business and grant writing, and benefits from a “very diplomatic” disposition.

When questioned by Vinciguerra, Rusby assured the Board that she had the time available to serve as Trustee. McMahill then asked Rusby what had led her to apply for a position on the Town Council. “I have to be busy,” Rusby replied, “I have to have a purpose, and I wish to protect the history of our community.” She identified the biggest issue facing the Town as “traffic” and talked about the need for establishing clear boundaries and controls on visitors.

When questions for Rusby were solicited from residents, Mike Yellico expressed a desire to see “new blood” on the Town Council and to encourage “new perspectives.”

Next to throw his hat into the ring was Jared Tetzlaff, a resident of East Marble for the last seven years. Tetzlaff hails from southern Mississippi, is a military veteran, and a thoroughly nice man. I know this because I bump into him regularly walking his huge but friendly dog, Hank. He shared that he “had not met anyone in Town (he) has not gotten along with,” adding that his friendly demeanor built on a foundation of Southern Hospitality made him “easy to talk to.” In Tetzlaff’s view, the main issues facing the Town are the volume of traffic and a lack of enforcement.

Last up was Larry Good, who has served on the Town Council already for 14 years. Good apologized for being distracted from

Town business the previous year due to family commitments but was nevertheless “proud of his record” as the longest-serving Councilman present. He listed some of the past achievements of the Council, including the Wetlands acquisition, the recent successful installation of [Visionary] broadband internet in Marble, and the Thompson Park addition.

Good, a professional musician and co-owner of the Beaver Lake Lodge and Cabins in the east end of Marble, maintains a central role in the community and plays the piano on a semi-regular basis at the Marble Community Church. He described himself as “having a good connection with the community at large.” When asked by the Mayor what kind of behavior a Board Member should aspire to, Good eloquently stated the importance of “not sharpening the axe on your personal issues.” He went on to identify the main issues facing the Town as establishing a cap on short-term rentals, getting control on ATV usage, and most important, the protection of our natural resources, and the Marble Charter School, which Good described as “our treasured social resource.”

Hawkins Siemon, Chairman of the Board of the Marble Charter School, made a presentation on the School’s financial position during April’s Town Council meeting, the full details of which can be found on The Echo’s website, www.thecrystalvalleyecho.com. In short, the school is in a perilous financial position. It is funded on a per-student basis by Gunnison County (which results in a cash shortfall of $1,440 per student when compared with other school districts not incorporated in the same County). Its costs, unsurprisingly, are higher because of the need to compete with “down valley” wages and pricing. The net result is that the school has had to dip into its $150,000 reserve fund this year to the tune of $50,000, a clearly unsustainable position barring the discovery of another source of funding or a dra-

Dustin Wilkey ran uncontested during the election for Town of Marble Trustee and was sworn in during the May 2nd regular meeting. Photograph by DJ Sugar Monkey.

matic increase in enrollment.

There, then, followed a vote after which Amy Rusby and Larry Good were elected to the Board and took their oaths of office. As the longest-serving member, Good was elected Mayor Pro Tem. As if in celebration, a small fox trotted gleefully across the lawn behind the Fellowship Hall, the air surrounding it alive with small birds.

Ex-trustee Emma Bielski then took to the floor with an update on the Jailhouse restoration project, the completion of which requires further funding. The Board was left a little confused and requested that Bielski procure refreshed pricing and estimates for the work, which she agreed to provide by a June 30th deadline. Mayor Vinciguerra stated his preference to appoint a specialist to run the project to make sure that proper protocols are followed and “to prevent a catastrophe.” Ron Leach, peacekeeper extraordinaire, clarified that “we’ll treat this as any other building project in town,” adding, “I’m

2024 Meeting Schedule The Marble Town Council meets on the 1st Thursday of each month starting at 7 p.m. in the Marble Community Church’s Fellowship Hall.

Town of Marble meetings are open to the public.

June July

6th 4th

August

1st

** July’s meeting date will be dicussed on June 6th

Agendas can be found prior to each meeting by visiting

www.townofmarble.com

June 2024 • The Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times • Page 11

Town of Marble Continued...

PLEIN AIR

going to be taking an active role in this.”

Redstone Colorado

Followers of the Marble Water Company and the evolution of its relationship with the Town may be interested to know that a work session between the two parties will be scheduled for mid-June, probably at the Redstone Inn. Please check the Town’s website, www.townofmarble.com, for more information.

Town Administrator Ron Leach also announced with regard to the Town’s possible acquisition of the Bank Building from Gunnison County that no decision on how to proceed has been made, but a Memorandum of Understanding is to be drawn up to formalize negotiations between the two parties.

Lise Leach, presenting the Parks Committee Report, reported the imposition of a moratorium on requests for memorials in the Mill Site Park, adding that “people were calling in (to request memorials) when their relatives weren’t even dead yet!”

Additionally, she said that the Aspen Valley Land Trust was looking for bids to remove fallen trees in the Children’s park (owned by the AVLT) and that an event license had been granted for the Marble Gem and Mineral Show to be held on June 7th - 9th. Finally, the Parks Committee volunteer weekend has been set for June 29th and 30th.

The next Meeting of the Town of Marble Board of Trustees will be on Thursday, June 6th at 7 p.m. in the Marble Community Church’s Fellowship Hall. The first Thursday next month falls on the 4th of July, and the potential reschedule will be discussed during the June 6th meeting.

DJ Sugar Monkey is the host of “Snack Time” every other Thursday after- noon from 12-2 p.m. The music show features mostly jazz with a mix of funk and, according to DJ Sugar Monkey, a "smattering of world music thrown in, mostly from Africa." You can find him on KDNK (88.1 FM), Carbondale’s public access radio that connects community members and the world.

JUNE 18-23, 2024 ARTIST PAINT DAYS

22pm pm Winners Winner Announced Announced 2-6 pm Awards Ceremony, Live Music, Cocktails, Snacks

12-3 12-3 pmpm All All Works Works OnOn DisDisplay play Live Music, Wine & Cheese

JUNE 18-22

SAT. JUNE 22

SUN. JUNE 23

All submitted works will be available for purchase at the Redstone Gallery.

970.963.3790

173 Redstone Blvd, Redstone, Colorado 81623

PRICE REDUCED

PRICE REDUCED

ELEGANCE AND VAST VIEWS

STUNNING ARCHITECTURE

DREAMY ALPINE HOMESITE

The quaking aspen and lush gardens surrounding this elegant log home lend privacy and a ‘treehouse feel’.

Situated to best enjoy vast views, this beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 bath home has been remodeled from end to end with high quality doors, windows, and finishes that include countless upscale features.

The charm of historic Redstone inspired the design of this stunning 4 bedroom/4 bath home built on the site of the original Redstone schoolhouse. Complete with a replicate belltower and details that mimic the European design of Osgood architecture, this home exudes thoughtfulness and quality throughout.

30 gorgeous acres perched above historic Redstone and bordering National Forest with panoramic Crystal Valley views and lush alpine meadows. Ready for your dream home with private well, buried utilities, and activity envelope in place. Just a short walk to Redstone’s charming shops and restaurants. No HOA.

3 BD | 2.5 BA | 3,118 Sq Ft | Redstone, CO $2,200,000 | MLS#: 182736

4 BD | 4 BA | 3,271 Sq Ft | Redstone, CO $2,100,000 | MLS#: 183765

30 Acres | Redstone, CO $895,000 | MLS#: 181543

PENDING

BACK ON MARKET

LET ME HELP YOU FIND OR SELL YOUR HOME IN REDSTONE, COLORADO

DREAM HOME? DREAM BUSINESS? OR BOTH?

CHARMING REDSTONE COTTAGE

An opportunity to own the coveted ‘’Crystal Dreams B&B and Spa’’ with amazing Crystal River frontage and located smack dab in the middle of town. With architectural splendor throughout and 5 charming bedrooms all en suite, this unique and perfectly maintained property is waiting for the perfect person.

This charming cottage with original details, once known as Three Sisters Bookstore, has been meticulously cared for and updated by the current owner...AND includes additional buildable lot and newly built detached 2 car garage/workshop. Residential or commercial zoning on both parcels paints endless options for a buyer.

5 BD | 4.5 BA | 3,535 Sq Ft | Redstone, CO $1,600,000 | MLS#: 182922

1 BD | 1 BA | 1,031 Sq Ft | Redstone, CO $997,000 | MLS#: 183377

Edie Engstrom 970.404.1123 edieengstrom@gmail.cominclud

THE MARBLE TIMES

Page 12 • The Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times • June 2024

A LOOK AT LIFE AT THE MARBLE CHARTER SCHOOL

All content is provided by the Marble Charter School staff with original essays written by students and is not edited by The Crystal Valley Echo staff.

Celebration of the Crystal River Marble Charter School met in Redstone's Park to celebrate the Crystal River. We would like to extend a huge thank you to: • Pitkin County Healthy Rivers for making this celebration possible, • Anjanette Garcia with Pitkin County Open Space for the art project, • Mateo and Gabriela, thank you for teaching us a beautiful song about the Crystal River, • Jennifer with Roaring Fork Conservancy for the water table lesson, • the students of MCS for presenting their projects, and • Carbondale Community School and the Homeschool Group for coming and participating.

A few words from participants: “I enjoyed teaching the other students about what I was learning. They were engaged, enjoyed the activities, and learned something. It felt like a birthday party for the Crystal River.

I thought that educating the other students was a good way for them to Celebrate the Crystal River.” — Nina (a student presenter at the Celebration of the Crystal) “I enjoyed participating in the example of the wetlands that Sebastian did and watching the River Watch chemistry procedure that was done by Ali”.

— Mylo (student participant) “I really liked the different education communities that came together. I liked how excited they were to build a model dam.” — Emily (a student presenter at the Celebration of the Crystal) “I enjoyed the art project. I thought it was fun and cool and that we had the responsibility to work with the metal. I learned something new. I made a hummingbird because I like hummingbirds and I knew that I could use lots of colors.” — Luna (student participant) “My favorite part of the celebration of the Crystal was the art project. I made a bear out of metal.” — Auggie

These pages are generously sponsored in part by David Parks & Laurie Farber

ADD YOUR NAME HERE and sponsoring The Marble Times Contact Gentrye Houghton at gentryeh@hotmail.com

Marble Times is generously sponsored in part by

(970) 963-2504 BeaverLakeLodge.com

June 2024 • The Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times • Page 13

Marble Times: Celebration of the Crystal Continued...

Pitkin Pitkin County County Cares

¨XÁkXz !

ÈzÁç nX « «ç «0³

È«!0

Cares

Let us help you find the resources you need.

Pitkin County Human Services:

Let us help you find the resources you need.

Pitkin County Human Services: Community Resources:

Community Resources:

$YDLODEOH WKURXJK /LEE\ &UDIWV\ LV DQ RQOLQH UHVRXUFH IRU DOO FUHDWLYH PDNHUV ZKHUH \RX FDQ ILQG HYHU\WKLQJ \RX QHHG IURP EDVLF LQVWUXFWLRQ WR DGYDQFHG WHFKQLTXHV 'SFF XJUI ZPVS -JCSBSZ DBSE $FFHVV WKURXJK WKH /LEE\ DSS XQGHU ([WUDV

pitkincounty.com/humanservices

(970) 920-5235

‫ ׎א׏‬zِ xXnn ³Á ۴ ‫ ׎׎ח׏ٮחאגٮ׎וח‬۴ ¨XÁ! nX ِ «J

Page 14 • The Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times • June 2024

Marble Times: Celebration of the Crystal Continued...

June 2024 • The Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times • Page 15

A light in the darkness.

A portion from each candle supports childhood cancer.

Are you curious about the Crystal River Wild & Scenic and Other Alternatives Committee?

100% natural soy wax.

Hand poured in small batches.

Custom orders available.

Available in stores and online: The Marble Gallery The Marble Hub Redstone Mountain Mercantile www.marblecandle.com marblecandle@hotmail.com

For information, including minutes and webinars, visit: thecrystalvalleyecho.com/wild-scenic­stakeholder

Page 16 • The Crystal Valley Echo & Marble Times • June 2024

26 Years ! presents

Magical Moments Summer Concert Series, 2024 at the Redstone Park

Peace Love Music

Sat. July 13 • 6-8pm

MAD DOG BAND

Sat. June 22 • 6-8pm

BRAD FITCH

High Energy acoustic blues jam band; explore a fresh new world of blues in a favorite old pair of shoes

Tribute to John Denver

Sat. July 6 • 6-8pm

MOORS & MCCUMBER

Celtic Bluegrass, Blues, True Americana at its best,The new Simon & Garfunkel

Sat. July 20 • 6-8pm

QUEEN BEES Female fueled music for the heart and soul

Sat. Aug. 10 • 6-8pm

JOHN WHOOLEY HELEN HIGHTOWER World Music, jazz, funk, Latin & Motown

Sat. Aug. 17 • 6-8pm

DELTA SONICS

Chicago Blues Based Music Seasoned with swing, Delta N’awlins, and R&B

• PARKING AVAILABLE AT ELK PARK AND BEHIND THE COKE OVENS •

FOR MORE

SPONSORED BY:

& Nature