Newsletter-Sidewalks

Delta Chief

June 24, 1885

Important Notice to:

Nat Wales, G.D. Yocum, T. J. Fisher, H. M. Peterson, Addie Biltz, J.C. McClure, D.D. Lewis, Jesse Benton, D. Johnson, Amelia Kohnie, McFerron & McIntyre

You are hereby notified that you are required to construct a sidewalk in front of the lots owned by you, which front on Main Street, between Second Street and Fifth Street in the town of Delta, State of Colorado, said sidewalk to conform to the grade for sidewalks on said street, and be constructed of materials and in manner as is provided for the construction of sidewalks on said portion of said Main Street, within thirty (30) days from the time of service of this notice upon you, and that if you fail as to do, the Town of Delta will construct said sidewalks and charge all the costs thereof to you and your property, as is provided for by the ordinances of said Town.

Delta, Colorado, June 17^th, A.D. 1885

Ben S. Gheen

Marshal of the Town of Delta

The notice above pertained to the original wooden sidewalks. Concrete sidewalks were handled in a similar manner, and started to appear in 1906 on Delta Streets.

 

Jim Wetzel

Director, Delta County Historical Society and Museum

(970) 874-8721

deltamuseum@aol.com

 

Linda

http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

Newsletter-Historic Photographs

Many visitors come just to view our photograph collection displayed on 80 panels in our Jones Gallery area. For years, copies of our original photos were made by Ben Walker, who took a photo of each original photo, from which the negative was used by Ben to make prints of varying sizes as needed. We do not exhibit original photos on these panels — only copies. The originals are safely tucked away in our archive storage room.

With the technology now offered by computers, we can scan original photos, producing a digital image stored in the computer, from which prints can be made for purchase or exhibit. The photo panels display only a portion of our photo collection – about 15% of it, but the photos displayed represent a good overview of our early history.

Jim Wetzel

Director, Delta County Historical Society and Museum

(970) 874-8721

deltamuseum@aol.com

 

Linda

http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

ANNUAL MEETING TO FEATURE HISTORIC PRESENTATION

The Delta County Historical Society will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday, April 15^th, at2:00 p.m. at the Westminster Hall behind the Delta Presbyterian Church. Our keynote speaker will be Robert Silbernagel, an award-winning editor for The Daily (Grand Junction) Sentinel and author of the recently published book, “Troubled Trails / The Meeker Affair and the Expulsion of Utes from Colorado.” Silbernagel will reveal in his presentation the actual, well researched and documented, facts regarding the Meeker Affair – often referred to as the Meeker Massacre of September 29, 1879, and the often distorted facts regarding the capture and subsequent events relating to the five females taken by the Utes from the White River Indian Agency, and held captive by the Utes, and finally released not too distant from Delta County. They included Nathan Meeker’s wife, Arvilla, and daughter, Josephine.

This particular event in Western Slope history was the final conflict which precipitated the removal of the Utes from this area, dissolved their reservation, and thus opened the Western Slope to pioneer settlement in 1881.

The author tells the story not only from the perspective of the white settlers but also from the Indians, and brings the Ute side of the story into focus. This is one meeting you will not want to miss. You may know the story of the Meeker Massacre, but you will now hear “the rest of the story.” (Sorry, just had to say it).

MUSEUM DIRECTOR / CURATOR:

Jim Wetzel, Museum Director/Curator

MUSEUM:         (970) 874-8721

deltamuseum@aol.com

Linda

http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

Members Sought for Historic Landmark Board

By Jim Wetzel

Director, Delta County Historical Society

A countywide Historic Landmark Register is being created by a citizen group representing the four historical societies within Delta County. They have met for the purpose of forming a Delta County Historic Landmark Board from which applications for historic landmark designation will be reviewed and recommendations made for including the structure or site on a local historic register.

With the exception of the City of Delta, which already has a historic register, citizen owning historic structures or sites throughout Delta County and who wish to certify such historic properties on any historic register have available only the State of Colorado Historic Register or the National Historic Register as options for historic designation.

Following an application process, now being determined, applications will be presented, first, to the Delta County Historic Landmark Board, then to the Delta County Board of County Commissioners in a public hearing for county approval prior to being placed on the local Delta County Historic Landmark Register. Having a property, structure, or site placed on the an “official” historic register not only gives it the recognition it deserves as a historic structure, but presents funding resources and opportunities for renovation and historic repairs which would not otherwise be available.

The Delta County Historic Landmark Board is seeking additional members, who must live in Delta County, and who have an interest and passion for preserving our history as represented in our homes, buildings or other sites. Interested applicants should contact either Jim Wetzel (874-8721) or Leigh Ann Hunt (874-6691) for additional details. Membership in a local historical society is not required.

Historic designation has no effect on the legal status of any designated property. Nominations or applications for historic landmark designation are simply mechanisms to recognize and certify the historic aspect of the structure or site. Buildings, houses, or other structures must be at least 50 years old and be relatively unchanged from the original exterior appearance. The Delta County Historic Landmark Board is currently working on all details regarding applications and registry criteria.

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Linda

http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

Jo Gore to be Honored at Delta County Museum

The Delta County Historical Society is pleased to announce a public reception honoring long-time Delta resident Josephine Gore on Saturday, February 25, from 1to 3 p.m. at the Delta County Museum, 251 Meeker Street, In Delta.

On the occasion another Pioneer Recognition Day at the museum, guest of honor Jo Gore is being recognized for her many years of service to the Delta community. She is also a found member of the Delta County Historical Society, serving on the newly created board of trustees back in 1964 and for many years thereafter.

Jo Gore is, perhaps best known for her work and support of the Colorado beef industry, having served in numerous capacities with the Colorado CowBelles, Delta County Livestock Association and the Delta County Farm Bureau. She was also the first woman to serve as Delta County Clerk and Recorder, holding that elected office for more than 10 years. She was also a charter member of Delta’s Altrusa Club.

Jo Gore’s roots began locally before 1881 when her grandfather, Elias Beech, came to the Western Slope and hauled freight into the San Juan mining area around Telluride. At the time, most of the Western Slope was still a Ute Indian Reservation. Upon the departure of the Utes in 1881, Elias filed a homestead claim on California Mesa, establishing a family presence and legacy which Jo and her husband Wayne continued in 1945 when they, too, purchased property of California Mesa, which has remained in the family ever since.

The public is invited to share memories and storied with Jo Gore as her contributions to the community are honored. Call 874-8721 for questions.

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

 

Linda

http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

It’s Membership Dues Time Again!!!!

While time and efforts of museum volunteers help reduce expenses, there are still a           great many expenses which can only be met by monies received through memberships,   memorials, donations, and research.

Your memberships apply directly to the operation and maintenance of the museum            facility. This includes the publication of the newsletter and brochures, maintenance of the photocopy machines and computers, and keeping our microfilm library current. The Delta County Historical Society Museum has the only microfilm file (in the county) of all the newspapers which have been published in Delta County since 1883. A membership in the Society allows you unlimited admission to the museum at no additional cost, free research, and a right to vote at the annual meeting in April. By reciprocal agreements with the North Fork and Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Societies, unlimited FREE admission is also available to their museums, as well as half-price admission to Surface Creek’s Pioneer Town museum.

Unlike larger museums in the state, this museum is operated (without tax support) by the Delta County Historical Society and it’s volunteers. Modest grants have allowed us to improve our collection, storage, and exhibit capabilities over the years.

Our grateful thanks to all who donated time and/or money last year to ensure the preservation of Delta County’s irreplaceable records and relics of bygone days.

An application form is printed below for membership renewals. As always, new members are invited to join us.

——————————————————————————————————-

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Date___________________

NAME________________________________________ PHONE______________________

MAILING ADDRESS _________________________________________________________

CITY _________________________________ STATE ________________ ZIP__________

______$7.50 Individual Senior (65 and older)

______ RENEWAL ______$15.00 Senior Couple (Both 65 or older)

______$10.00 Individual Adult (Under age 65)

______ NEW MEMBER ______$20.00 Family (All under one roof)

______$30.00 Business

______$50.00 Sponsor

______$150.00 Lifetime per Single Member

______$250.00 Lifetime for Couple

Please mail or return this application and payment to:

Delta County Historical Society

251 Meeker Street

Delta, CO 81416

THANK YOU!

New Board Member

With the resignation of Robert “Nick” Nicholson, a committee was designated to find a replacement board member, and they were successful in selecting Mary Dow, a Delta resident and willing participant, to our Board of Trustees. A unanimous vote by the Board members finalized the appointment at the November DCHS Board meeting.

Mary Dow has been a Delta resident for the past ten years and also has a huge interest in our local history. She adds to that a vested interest in the success of the Delta County Historical Society and the Delta County Museum.

The Board of Trustees welcomes Mary Dow to the DCHS Board, and we are grateful for her willingness to serve in such capacity.

Jim

Museum Director / Curator and Newsletter Editor

Jim Wetzel (970) 874-8721

deltamuseum@aol.com

 

Linda

http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

ANOTHER PIONEER RECOGNITION DAY IS PLANNED

 Saturday, November 12, 2011, is the date we plan to honor Norman Shetley at an open house at the Delta County Museum.

 Norman is a long-time resident of Delta County, and he is also a veteran of WW-II. From a teaching career in Delta, where Norman remembers teaching Phys Ed classes in the Armory, to his contribution to the Delta County Historical Society as a Trustee for many years, Shetley has left a proud legacy throughout the County.

 Please join us in honoring Norman Shetley on November 12, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the museum.

Jim

Linda

http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

E-Newsletter is Planned

By Jim Wetzel, Director

At the May meeting of the Delta County Historical Society Board of Trustees, a number of cost-saving items were discussed, one of which is the plan to make our quarterly newsletter available through the internet.  In fact, we would prefer to use the internet as a means of notifying our membership of coming events and for the quarterly newsletter.

In this digital environment, just about everyone has access to the internet through a home computer. Our plan is to email your newsletter to you beginning with the October, 2011 quarterly issue. Naturally, we will need your email address in order to do this If you are willing to help us out in this manner, all we need from you is an email to: deltamuseum@aol.com, and please include your name and address for membership verification. No one- I repeat- NO ONE will have access to your email address at this end. It will only be available to, and used by, the museum person who handles the newsletter, normally, that is me.

Through email, we will also be able to send color photos, and hopefully provide better resolution in all of our photos.

Of course, we will still prepare a print version of the newsletter for those without internet availability, or for those who do not respond with an email address. Our cost saving will be reflected in the need to print fewer copies of the newsletter and, of course, to save on postage.  Thanks in advance!

Jim

(Linda

http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com  

http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com )