21 minute read
OurAy: LOts 86–174
ouray
The accommodations at Caribou Ranch for visiting artists and their families were both rustic and luxurious. Settled in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the surroundings offered a peace and calm not often prevalent for working musicians. Many found it idyllic for writing and rehearsing. Unlike anywhere else, it’s no surprise that Caribou Ranch quickly established a reputation for being a wonderful place to record. The guest cabins were a group of fully restored log buildings clustered around the original lodge and mess hall. There were a total of five guest cabins, each named after important Native American leaders including Running Bear, Chipeta, Wigwam, Red Wing and Ouray. Both the design and names are reflective of the Ranch’s century old heritage.
Ouray became known as the premiere cabin where many top artists preferred to stay due to its well-appointed, larger rooms and close proximity to the studio. Many recording artists, producers, actors and models enjoyed the casual comforts of Ouray including Elton John, John Lennon, Michael Jackson, Kris Kristofferson, Al Green, Jerry Lee Lewis, Waylon Jennings, Michael Douglas, Steve Martin, Steven Stills, Rod Stewart, J. Geils, Frank Zappa, George Martin, Michael Brewer, David Cassidy, Twiggy, Chick Corea, Kiki Dee, members of Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Van Morrison and many more.
Located in Ouray, the Mm. Knabe & Co. baby grand piano, circa 1925, is credited as perhaps the most utilized piano for writing hits on the ranch. Almost every recording artist who stayed in Ouray took a turn on this piano either writing or rehearsing.
It was in Ouray where John Lennon stayed with May Pang during his infamous “lost weekend.” Lennon was there to contribute to Elton John’s
recording of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.”
Michael Jackson was a young man at the pinnacle of his career when he stayed at Caribou Ranch, recording vocals and relaxing during the Denver leg of The Jacksons Victory Tour. Michael Jackson was possibly the most popular man in the world at the time, but at Caribou he was just Michael— free to wander the grounds, ride horses and walk to the studio away from the paparazzi and his ever present body guards.
Ouray was home to many celebrities visiting Caribou Ranch, but its charm and sense of creative freedom was part of the much larger atmosphere shared by and resonated throughout the entire compound. No pretenses. No red carpet. Only the calm and community that came from an appreciation for the ranch and the music that came from it.
86
92 86 A Taxidermy Caribou Shoulder Mount Ouray. Height approximately 60 x width 51 inches. $400-600
87 A Victorian Parlor Suite Ouray great room, comprising two armchairs and a settee, each having a carved crest rail depicting the bust of a maiden with upholstered backs and seats. Height of settee 46 x width 50 inches. $300-500
88 An American Oak Table Ouray, having a circular top with a beveled edge over a plain frieze, raised on an octagonal baluster form support terminating in a shaped platform on squat feet. Diameter 53 inches.
This was the kitchen table in Ouray that many guests sat around drinking coffee in the morning or playing cards after a long day in the studio. $300-500
89 A Set of Six American Carved Oak Chairs Ouray kitchen, comprising one armchair and five side chairs, each having an elaborately carved horizontal splat depicting a serpent above an upholstered seat. Height of tallest 41 inches. $200-400
90 An Oak Framed Mirror Ouray kitchen, set with a circular plate. Height 24 x width 25 inches. $80-120
88
91 Five Contemporary Faux Leather Upholstered Stools each having a round seat over four cylindrical legs joined by stretchers. Height 29 1/2 inches. $50-70
92 A Thorens TD 125 Turntable
SERIAL NUMBER 4930 Recording Studio, later moved to Ouray, made in West Germany under Swiss license, belt driven.
Due to the quality of sound, the Thorens Turntables were used in the recording studio for playing back vinyl. $500-700
93 A Caribou Ranch Women’s T- Shirt from the 1970s for a ‘Caribouette.’ Size: L
‘Caribouette’ was a moniker assigned to the young women who worked at the Ranch in the ‘70s, filling a variety of positions including waitresses, housekeeping, cooks, ranch hands and more. $80-120
94 An American Oak Washstand having a hanging rack over the rectangular case set with two drawers over two doors. Height 44 x width 30 x depth 16 inches. $80-120
87
103
95 An American Butcher’s Block having a square top over turned legs. Height 34 x width 24 x depth 24 inches. $200-400
96 An American Mahogany Rocking Chair Ouray first floor, having an ornate carved crest rail over the upholstered back and seat between scroll arms. Height 43 1/2 inches. $150-250
97 A Victorian Oak Side Table having a square top over turned legs joined by a medial shelf, ending in glass ball feet. Height 29 x width 24 1/2 x depth 24 1/2 inches. $100-200
98 Two Decorative Prints comprising Colorado - Scenes in the New Mining Town of Leadville and The Great Loop on the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, each matted and framed. $80-120 99 An American Ashtray
EZRA SMITH & CO. IMPORTER, CANTON-BOSTON 1852 together with a white matchbox with the Caribou Ranch logo.
This was the first ash tray on Caribou Ranch when it opened in 1972. $50-70
100 A Taxidermy Bison Shoulder Mount Ouray great room. Height approximately 38 x depth 36 inches. $500-700
101 An American Oak Chest having a rectangular top above a single drawer and cupboard with two doors, on flattened bun feet. Height 29 1/2 x width 31 1/2 x depth 17 3/4 inches. $80-120
102 A Victorian Oak Prie-Dieu. Height 33 3/4 x width 22 x depth 25 inches. $100-200
103 A Leather Upholstered Chesterfield Sofa Ouray great room, near the fireplace, having a button-tufted back, arms and seat, on bun feet ending in casters. Height 28 x width 66 x depth 37 inches. $500-700
104 A Platte Valley Ceramic Jug Featured in Photos of Chicago Band Members marked to underside, I68-1972 liquuh botte 11-D16, together with two silver gelatin prints of members of Chicago with the jug. Height 9 1/2 inches.
This was a promotional item sent to James W. Guercio, producer of Chicago. $20-40
104
Frank Zappa
106
105 An Oak Low Table, Ouray great room, having a rectangular top over a frieze drawer, raised on two pedestals over a shaped base ending in paw feet. Height 20 x width 47 x depth 27 inches. $200-400
106 A Pair of Leather Upholstered Chesterfield Club Chairs Ouray great room, each having a button-tufted back, arms and seat, raised on bun feet ending in casters. Height 28 x width 46 x depth 36 inches. $300-500
107 A Taxidermy Elk Shoulder Mount Ouray great room. Height approximately 66 inches x width 48 x depth 48 inches. $300-500 108 A Group of Nine Ranch Related Articles Ouray, comprising a kindling box with the Caribou Ranch brand, a set of wrought iron fire tools, two rustic tin cans and a farm implement. Height of kindling box 9 x width 27 1/2 x depth 16 inches.
Used as decoration around the hearths of various cabins at Caribou Ranch. $200-400
109 An Original Rustic Wood and Railroad Spike Coat Rack Ouray, with eleven railroad ties, having the Caribou Ranch brand. Height 12 x width 72 x depth 18 inches.
The idea for the signature branded coat racks came from James W. Guercio’s father, Mr. G, and longtime studio manager John Carsello. The design was implemented by John Matheson (Big John), the Los Angeles based craftsman and set designer who worked on the Caribou Ranch studio. John C. and Mr. G. salvaged buckets of railroad ties from a restoration site in 1972 near the Moffat Tunnel, a railroad and water tunnel that cuts through the Continental Divide in north-central Colorado. $300-500
109
105
107 110 A Hide Rug Ouray, first floor. Approximate length 85 1/2 inches. $100-200
111 Two Framed Harper’s Weekly Prints Ouray. Height 7 1/2 x width 9 1/2 inches. $100-200
112 A Pair of Victorian Open Armchairs Ouray great room, each having a carved crest rail over a tufted back and upholstered seat, raised on shaped legs ending in paw feet on casters. Height 41 inches. $200-400
113 A Leather Upholstered Chesterfield Sofa Ouray great room, having a button-tufted back, arms and seat, on bun feet ending in casters. Height 28 x width 80 x depth 36 inches.
This is among the many Chesterfield sofas purchased by Lucy Guercio for the different cabins and the studio at Caribou Ranch. $1,000-2,000
114 A Decorative Map of Colorado Ouray, together with a map of the Pacific states, each framed. Height 10 1/2 x width 13 inches. $100-200
114
115
115 A Gold Record Award, Windows and Walls, Dan Fogelberg, 1984 presented to Caribou Ranch to commemorate the sale of more than 500,000 copies of the Full Moon/ Epic Records long playing record album, together with a compact disc. Height 20 3/4 x width 16 1/2 inches.
Caribou Ranch and Dan Fogelberg are among those being inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
The total proceeds of the sale of this item will benefit the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. $300-500 116 An American Oak Roll Top Desk Ouray, opening to a fitted interior, over one side with four drawers, the other with a single drawer and a door. Height 45 1/2 x width 48 x depth 30 inches. $200-400
117 Two Decorative Maps of Colorado Ouray, each framed. Height of taller 9 1/2 x width 12 1/2 inches. $100-200
118 An American Oak Washstand Ouray, having a rectangular top above one long drawer and two cupboard doors with a shaped apron, lacking backsplash. Height 28 3/4 x width 29 3/4 x depth 15 1/4 inches. $100-200 119 Two Ironstone Pitchers Ouray fireplace mantle. $40-60
120 An American Oak Washstand Ouray first floor, having a rectangular top over one long drawer, two short drawers and a door. Height 45 x width 30 x depth 16 inches. $100-200
121 A Chicago II Album Cover Columbia, Stereo KGP 24, framed, together with an LP and commemorative Chicago belt buckle. Height 11 1/2 x width 11 1/2 inches. $40-60
Jimmy had The hearT of an arTisT. i Think he undersTood whaT an arTisT needs To creaTe aT The highesT level…
Michael Jackson leaning on the piano in Ouray. Photo credit: Sam Emerson Photography
122
122 A Wm. Knabe & Co. Baby Grand Piano
CIRCA 1925, SERIAL NUMBER 99389 Ouray, together with a Rolling Stone magazine featuring a photo of Michael Jackson and the piano. Length 68 inches.
The piano was used in writing and rehearsing by nearly everyone who stayed in Ouray at Caribou Ranch. Including but not limited to Michael Jackson, Elton John, Frank Zappa, Stephen Stills, Dan Fogelberg, Peter Cetera and many more. Elton John recorded three albums at Caribou Ranch and this was the piano he wrote and rehearsed on for hits such as “Philadelphia Freedom” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” When Elton was at Caribou Ranch working on Rock of the Westies, bassist Kenny Passarelli recalls sitting with him at the piano as he turned the words of legendary lyricist Bernie Taupin into songs. $1,000-2,000 123 A Chicago III Promotional LP together with Chicago III Double-LP framed album cover and a commemorative Chicago belt buckle. Height 11 3/4 x width 11 3/4 inches. $80-120
124 Six Pairs of Vintage Cross Country Skis comprising five pairs of Skilom and one pair of Rossignol, together with five pairs of vintage ski boots and six pairs of ski poles. $100-200
125 Three Pairs of Vintage Snow Shoes. Length of longest pair 56 inches. $80-120
126 Four Pairs of Vintage Skilom Cross Country Skis together with four pairs of cross country ski boots, two pairs of poles and a set of Rossignol downhill skis, boots and poles. $100-200 127 Six Pairs of Vintage Skilom Cross Country Skis together with five pairs of cross country ski boots and six pairs of ski poles. $100-200
128 A Royal Crownford Ironstone Ewer and Basin Ouray guest room. Diameter of basin 16 inches. $80-120
129 A Pair of American Brass Oil Lamps each having a hurricane shade above the baluster form body, electrified. Height overall 21 1/2 inches. $50-70
Elton John, Gus Dudgeon and Bernie Taupin in the Studio.
130 A Pair of American Maple Bedside Cabinets Ouray first floor guest room, each with a marble top above a single drawer and door. Height 27 1/2 x width 16 1/2 x depth 14 1/2 inches. $100-200
131 A Framed Decorative Print Ouray guest room, Silver Mining in Colorado, initialed C.R., together with two others. Height of first 13 x width 9 inches. $150-250 132 A Hide Rug Ouray first floor. Length 91 1/2 inches. $100-200
133 Three Harper’s Weekly Prints Ouray guest room. Height of first 15 x width 9 1/2 inches. $150-250
134 A Victorian Mirrored Washstand Ouray first floor guest room, having a marble top above three long drawers. Height 80 x width 39 x depth 17 1/2 inches. $200-400 135 An American Mahogany Settee Ouray, having a shaped crest rail over the upholstered back, arms and seat, raised on scroll legs. Height 43 x width 87 x depth 26 1/2 inches. $300-500
136 A Victorian Brass Bed and Quilt Ouray, with a spindled headboard, footboard and side rails. Height 59 x width 54 x depth 76 inches. $100-200
131
139
144
135
137 A Decorative Map Ouray first floor guest room, of the Ute Indian Reservation, framed. Height 9 1/4 x width 12 1/4 inches. $50-70
138 An American Pine Cupboard Ouray first floor, having a shaped cornice above two long doors above two short drawers and two lower cabinet doors, all with iron hardware. Height 68 x width 51 x depth 18 3/4 inches. $200-400
139 An American Pine Bedside Table Ouray, having a marble top above a single drawer and a cupboard door, raised on short cabriole legs. Height 29 1/2 x width 15 3/4 x depth 16 1/4 inches. $80-120 140 A Royal Crownford Ironstone Ewer and Basin Ouray, having raised wheat decoration. Height of ewer 12 1/2 inches, diameter of basin 16 inches. $80-120
141 A Victorian Walnut and Mahogany Washstand Ouray second floor guest room, having a marble top above three long drawers on casters, having an associated mirror. Height 85 inches. $300-500
142 A Cow Hide Rug Ouray. Approximate Length 105 inches. $100-200 143 Two Harper’s Weekly Prints Ouray, both titled The Cowboys of Colorado, the first depicting Lassoing and Branding Calves and signed W.A. Rodgers, the second depicting Life in a Dugout. Height 9 1/3 x width 13 7/8 inches. $100-200
144 An Iron Mounted Domed Trunk Ouray Presidential Suite, having decorative scalloped mounts at each end with handles at the sides. Height 21 x width 37 7/8 x depth 17 inches. $150-250
145 A Decorative Map of States and Territories West of Missouri Ouray, framed. Height 16 x width 22 1/2 inches. $50-70
151
146 A Pair of American Brass Oil Lamps each having a hurricane shade above the baluster form body, electrified. Height overall 21 1/2 inches. $50-70
147 A Brass Bed Ouray guest room, with a spindled headboard, a footboard and side rails. Height 54 1/2 x width 54 x depth 76 inches. $100-200
148 A Pair of American Brass Oil Lamps each having a hurricane shade above the baluster form body, electrified. Height overall 21 1/2 inches. $50-70 149 A Royal Crownford Ironstone Ewer and Basin Ouray first floor. Height of mirror 32 1/4 x width 26 1/4 inches. $100-200
150 An American Oak Washstand Ouray, having a rectangular top above one long drawer and two short drawers flanked by a door, lacking backsplash. Height 28 3/4 x width 33 3/4 x depth 17 inches. $100-200
151 An American Oak Rocking Chair Ouray, having a solid back and seat. Height 35 inches. $150-250
156
152 Two Decorative Maps of Colorado Ouray, comprising Crowell and Kirkpatrick and Johnson’s Colorado. Height of larger 11 3/4 x width 16 inches. $100-200
153 A Cow Hide Rug Ouray. Length approximately 88 x width 94 inches. $100-200
154 An American Oak Washstand Ouray, having an attached backsplash above a rectangular top, one long drawer and two short drawers flanked by a single cabinet door, on casters. Height 36 x width 29 1/2 x depth 17 1/2 inches. $100-200
155 Three Harper’s Weekly Prints Ouray, each framed. Height of first 9 1/2 x width 14 1/2 inches. $150-250
156 A Victorian Dresser Ouray, having a mirrored superstructure with two shelves above a marble topped chest with three long drawers, raised on casters. Height 88 1/2 x width 44 x depth 21 3/4 inches.
This dresser was located in the Ouray guest room that John Lennon and May Pang stayed in during their visit to Caribou Ranch in 1974. During their stay at the ranch Elton John was recording Captain Fantastic at the studio. In the cabin bedrooms, at the time, were: Elton John in the Presidential Suite, John Lennon and May Pang in the other second floor room and Bernie Taupin in the first floor bedroom by the dining area and piano. $300-500 157 A Near Pair of American Oak Bedside Cabinets Ouray guest room, each having a marble top above a single drawer and door. Height 28 1/2 x width 16 1/2 x depth 15 1/2 inches. $150-250
158 A John Lennon Used Vintage Brass Bed Ouray guest room, comprising a spindled headboard, a footboard and side rails, together with a quilt. Height 53 3/4 x width 56 x length of interior 77 inches.
John Lennon stayed in this bed while at Caribou Ranch during his infamous “lost weekend” with May Pang in 1974. Lennon was at the Ranch to visit and record with Elton John. Elton John’s cover version of “Lucy in Sky with Diamonds” was recorded during this time and features backup vocals and guitar by John Lennon. $300-500
159 A Framed Copy of the Caribou Ranch Brand together with an unframed photograph of the ranch. Height of photograph 11 x width 14 inches. $80-120
160 An American Oak Trunk Ouray, with iron hinges, brackets and locks. Height 23 1/2 x width 28 x depth 19 inches. $100-200
161 A Harper’s Weekly Print Ouray first floor, signed Frederic Remington in the plate and titled An Oar Train Going into the Silver Mines, Colorado. Height 14 1/8 x width 20 inches. $50-70 162 A J.H.W. & Sons Ironstone Ewer and Basin in the Devon pattern, having floral transfer decoration. Height of ewer 11 1/4 inches, height of basin 5 x diameter 15 inches. $100-200
163 An American Oak Fainting Couch Ouray Presidential Suite, having a shaped crest rail with decorative panels surrounding an upholstered back, single rolled arm and long rectangular seat, raised on tapering legs ending in casters. Height 34 1/2 x width 72 x depth 24 inches. $200-400 164 An American Pine Cupboard Ouray Presidential Suite, having a rectangular top with canted corners above a single drawer and a door, with canted corners and bun feet. Height 29 x width 24 1/2 x depth 16 1/4 inches.
Used as a bedstand in the Ouray Presidential Suite. $100-200
166
167
165 An American Eastlake Style Seating Suite
EARLY 20TH CENTURY Ouray Presidential Suite, comprising a settee, two side chairs, an open armchair on casters and a rocking chair, each having an elaborately carved crest above a tufted upholstered pink velvet back and trapezoidal shaped seat. Height of chair 35 1/4 inches.
The suite was used by all of the major artists who visited Caribou including Elton John, Michael Jackson, Frank Zappa and more. $400-600
166 An American Empire Style Washstand Ouray Presidential Suite, having a marble top above one long drawer with carved foliate handles and two doors. Height 30 5/8 x width 34 x depth 17 inches. 167 A Historically Significant American Burl Walnut, Mahogany and Oak Chest of Drawers
LATE 19TH CENTURY Ouray Presidential Suite, with a mirrored superstructure over the case with two drawers and three drawers on a bracket base. Height 87 1/2 x width 86 x depth 27 inches.
Originally built for President Grover Cleveland, this chest and mirror were used at Caribou Ranch by numerous artists including Elton John, Michael Jackson and Jerry Lee Lewis. $2,000-4,000
168 A Pair of American Brass Oil Lamps each having a hurricane shade above the baluster form body, electrified. Height overall 21 1/2 inches. $50-70 169 A Cow Hide Rug. Length approximately 100 x width 81 inches. $100-200
170 Two Harper’s Weekly Prints Ouray, the first titled Life on the Plains, Denver, the second Rough Traveling in Colorado. Height of taller 12 1/2 x width 9 1/4 inches. $100-200
LATE 19TH CENTURY Ouray Presidential Suite, comprising a headboard, footboard and side rails. Height of headboard 79 x width 73 1/2 inches.
Originally custom built for President Grover Cleveland, this bed was used at Caribou Ranch by numerous recording artists including Elton John, Michael Jackson and Jerry Lee Lewis, among others.
An attached plaque reads: This bedstead and matched dresser were officially designed for and used in the executive mansion at Albany by President of the United States Grover Cleveland when governor of New York State. Used later by Governor David B. Hill. When replaced by the state with a newer style, the then United States Senator David B. Hill purchased them for Wolfert’s Roost. By his will they passed to Alton Brooks Parker, ex-Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals who took them to Rosemount, his home at Esopus. $3,000-5,000
171
172 172 An American Maple Ladder Back Rocking Chair Ouray, with turned supports over an upholstered seat; together with a reproduction print of the chair in the cabin room. Height 49 1/2 inches.
This was located in the Ouray guest room that John Lennon and May Pang stayed in during their 1974 visit to Caribou Ranch. $150-250
Davey Jonstone, Nigel Olson, Elton John, Dee Murray and Bernie Taupin.
173 A Guest Coat Parka Worn by Michael Jackson together with a signed Michael Jackson Victory Tour headshot, the People Weekly Extra, 1984 November/December featuring a photo of Michael Jackson in the coat and a Victory Tour album, tag reads: Arctic Snorkel Parkas. Length 34 inches.
The navy blue hooded parka was worn by Michael Jackson while visiting the Ranch at the height of his fame in 1984. He visited Caribou Ranch during the Victory Tour and took time to relax in the Rocky Mountains after his Denver concert. Jackson was seen on the Ranch wearing the parka and riding a Honda ATC (Lot 174). $300-500
173
174
174 A Michael Jackson Used Red Honda ATC Three Wheeler together with the People Weekly Extra 1984 November/ December featuring Michael Jackson driving the three wheeler and a Victory Tour album.
Michael Jackson enjoyed the freedom of riding the ATC all over Caribou Ranch during his vacation following a 1984 Victory Tour concert in Denver, Colorado. Eluding the ever present media circus that followed the pop icon, Michael Jackson spent a private week at Caribou to rest and rejuvenate. $1,000-2,000
