Day 84: Native American Influence

The Baldpate Inn has been the welcome recipient of many Native American influences throughout the years.

As a young man, Charles Eagle Plume worked at The Baldpate Inn. Later in life, he operated a trading post not far from The Baldpate Inn. I remember visiting his store many times as a young one. I was thrilled by his tipi and artistic artifacts. On one special occasion, I was delighted in his kindness when he gave me a much-treasured feather.

The Baldpate’s Santa Fe Art Collection celebrates Native American life in the early 20^th Century, and other photos in our black and white photo collection depict many special moments.

A Golden Globe winning TV mini-series, “Centennial” (1978-1979) told the story of Colorado’s cultural and economic growth in the 18^th through 20^th centuries. Part of the filming took place at our very own Lily Lake.  We have several photos of this time, and would love to know more of the stories surrounding them. Our Baldpate friend and photographer Moses Swindler (Street) recently posted a photo taken during the filming of himself with Actor Richard Chamberlain.

Our key collection also honors Native American history. Of several donations, one is from 1936: a key that had been used as the front door of the Cherokee National Female Seminary’s Administrative Building in Oklahoma.

A thrill of curiosity surrounds this beautiful "Baldpate 7 Keys" Native American styled jewelry. (Note the keys in the details!) We have always wondered who created these stunning custom pieces, and how and when they arrived at Baldpate.  Another mystery, anyone have the story?

Written by Liz Rodgers

Day 59: Baldpate Black & White Photograph Collection

The Baldpate PhotoCollectionis one of those things about Baldpate that fascinate some guests while others don’t even notice it. Thankfully our friends at American History Savers took note and were instrumental in preserving and documenting our collection.

Their work over the years to painstakingly repair frames and research short bios for each photo (yes, all except the chimpanzee are identified) have greatly added to the interest in our collection.

In the dining room, many guests recognize the faces of Presidents and the most famous of persons, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and perhaps Jack London. Others, once we know the name, we can tag, like Roy Rogers and Emilia Earhart.   Then it gets a little more difficult, how about Tetrazzini (the opera singer whose love for food lent its name), or Billy Sunday (baseball star and later evangelist), or Marlowe & Southern (Shakespearean actors), or Barney Oldfield (race car driver).

Most of these photos are the artistic talent of Charles Mace, one of Baldpate’s founders, and his brother Stuart during their time as a photojournalists for Denver newspapers. Charles was also General Pershing’s personal photographer during World War I.

Guests often inquire if all these people have actually visited our Inn. At this point we cannot document that they all have. Although some have inscriptions or guest register notes, like this one from Johnny Morris of Philip Morris, that do let us know they were here, most are a mystery with clues and answers likely still hiding in our guest registers.

Another other interesting feature of our photo collection are the early advertising photos for Kodak, Palmolive Soaps, and Colgate that are hanging in our lobby. Charles Mace won a Kodak national contest in 1911, and during the 1920s, he sold many photos featuring his wife, Gloria, daughter, Jeanie, and other family members. 

Come see these snapshots of history, and don’t forget to “Bring up the Kodak!”

Written by Lois Smith

Day 57: Making Memories: Guest Photos

Each time I look at the piles of photos we have of guests at Baldpate, I am reminded how blessed we are when we take the time to make memories with friends and family.  Those trips far or near, when we laughed at old adventures, cried over losses and created new memories to cherish were worth every dime.  So make plans with your family, or sweetheart, or your sister, or silly friends to come for lunch or a stay at Baldpate. Make some memories in 2017!

Written by Lois Smith