Day 99: Baldpate Staff Tribute: 2011 - 2016

Our outstanding 2011 team, with managers Evan, Emily and Courtney ably corralling the gangs from Washington State, Oklahoma and New Mexico was especially fun, be it a night out at a Rockies game or rodeo adventure.

While each year we continue to receive compliments about our exceptional staff, the most recent years staffing has remained a challenge with less local and returning staff.  Campus job fairs were becoming less of the thing, and online recruiting began taking over for the most part.

With an ever-growing fall season we have relied heavily on our international staff to end well each season. Students from Romania, China, Russia, Croatia and especially Turkey have brought their enthusiasm and curiosity to help us grow in our world view.

Leah, Dillion and Sara accepted the challenges to lead our team in 2012 with students from 16 different colleges.  That’s a lot of different ideas to mesh!

Having staff return to help out in the fall or step up as managers is always to be cherished. That was the case in 2013 with Matt and Kayla were joined by Angela to lead our team of winners!

You already know the end of our 2013 season was the big flood, but certainly the brightest spot of the year was the arrival of my youngest granddaughter Lola. She burst onto the scene weeks earlier than expected and so visits to NICU were part of the season schedule for more than 2 months.

We were incredibly honored as well in 2013 to have Brad and Renee’s daughter, Lily, as our first “legacy” staff member. A loyal champion for years, we adored having her really join our Baldpate family in this way. The very next year, Alicia, another “legacy” gal joined, bringing photos of when her mom had worked at Baldpate in 1985.

Abby and Andy led our 2014 super team.  Having the rare opportunity to have an international student return in 2014 was super, but when Claudia brought along a friend, Clara, we knew we were especially fortunate. Those two certainly kept the smiles going.


During these years as well, our American History Savers partners, were deep into databasing our Key Collection and our guests were increasingly interested in learning more, so we decided to create a new Museum Curator staff position. First accepting the challenge to better preserve and improve our exhibits, create educational opportunities and presentations, were Lauren & Sara. Preparations for the Estes Park Friends of the Museum celebrations was a motivation for our 7 Keys Armchair Tour project which is still enjoyed today.

Realizing how big the project was, in 2013 we expanded to three curators, Luchana, Caitlyn, & Cameron. They were especially creative that year with their 1920’s exhibit, an idea which you will hopefully find repeated this summer in our 100^th Birthday Decades project.

Continuing the work, Rachel, Ryan, & Margie in 2014 and Bella & Matthew in 2015 diligently stepped up to work on the database and create activities for kids visiting the Keyroom.

With the end in sight of our Key Room database project, Topher, Hunter, and Natalie in 2016 worked steadily to catch up our unlogged key donations and stay up with our Key Room blogs. 

Since the time they were able to waddle through the sloping floors of Baldpate, my grandchildren Megan, Mason and Emily have always helped out when they have been on the property with their families. Last year was the first time my three oldest grandkids spent 10 days working alongside the staff without parents onsite. They had an amazing time and will be back this summer for a few weeks! Crazy to think that Jen was 14 and Mac was 9 our first summer and now our guests will be left in the capable hands of Megan (15), Mason (13) and Emily (13).

To enjoy more fun memories, check out our Centennial Staff albums from over the years.

Written by Lois Smith & Jen Macakanja

Centennial Staff Album at
https://www.youtube.com/embed/yS0LYcKBFvQ

Day 98: Baldpate Staff Tribute: 2006 - 2010

Capably leading our 2006 team, we were delighted to have Jodi from Iowa back, who in previous years was rotating staff, now our Events Manager along with Eric from California and Eli from New Mexico. Our Estes Park crew, four Polish guys, first gal from Romania along with students from Washington, New Mexico and Oklahoma State made for another successful year.
 
2007 we enjoyed our team from Oklahoma and New Mexico staff along with just enough easterners from Pennsylvania, Michigan & Kentucky to keep things fun. We even celebrated our 90^th birthday, with an eye towards our upcoming 100^th.

Because my Dad had been such a significant help throughout our years at Baldpate, when he died in 2007 it was sort of a tough year for me personally. We did work that year to improve our Library door handicap entrance and upgrade our computer systems. We had gone from our pen and paper guest receipts several years before to a real POS “point of sale” system, but as you know with computer stuff, there is always an update to be purchased.

Certainly a bright spot in 2007 was the arrival of grandson Nick in August. Mac and I flew to Spokane (I stayed for 36 hours, Mac spent the week) and thankfully the US Army cooperated and allowed Pete to come home for 10 days from his surprise reserve deployment to Kuwait too.

In 2008 Jodi and Pam led the crew with our new Summer in the Keys promotion. It was an adventure that the staff seemed to really enjoy complete with tie-dying special shirts! Thanks to our artist cook, Nick, we even created our own t-shirt for the event in 2009.

Our hero “brother” Eric from Ohio arrived and took on the challenges of Hotel Manager for the next two years with sidekicks super Event Managers Emily & Laura.

Again our international hiring branched out as we welcomed students from France, Spain, Turkey, Serbia, Russia, and Vietnam, once again expanding our world view and understanding of cultural differences.

2009’s big full stage live theater production of Seven Keys to Baldpate at our newly renovated Key-thedral Theater by our friends at Encore!Encore! was certainly a highlight for both staff and guests.

More exceptional staff from Oklahoma & New Mexico carried the day in 2010 along with local returners like Eileen, always especially ready for our promo days, and even my eventually-to-be daughter-in-law, Holly, who saved the day as one of our cooks that fall.

Our business season had been gradually extending from its original Memorial Day to Labor Day, with travelers discovery of the incredible beauty of our fall season. As an increasingly booming month, staffing for September grew, demanding even more commitment from our dedicated Baldpate staff.

For more fun photos, enjoy our Centennial Staff albums from over the years.

Written by Lois Smith

Centennial Staff Album at
https://www.youtube.com/embed/dOZlF2nLV5w

Day 97: Baldpate Staff Tribute: 2001 – 2005

2001 & 2002 were really golden years in my book, as my daughter Jen, and her new husband Pete, each completing their military commitments, decided to jump in headfirst and help with management.  Thankfully we had planned in advance it was to be a 2-year agreement, so when they moved on in 2003, there was no big surprise only gratefulness for their time at Baldpate.

2001 as well marks the beginning of our Baldpate Weitzel family legend of service, when Erika joined the staff on the recommendation of family friends. Spanning the next 11 years we are proud that all five kiddos spent at least one summer with us. Thanks Erika, Breanna, Lindsey, Chelsea and Jason.  To be honest, we weren’t actually sure we could function when you all eventually moved away!

The birth of my first granddaughter, Megan in 2002 was clearly the highlight! Arriving on the day of a wedding, I did manage to sneak down to the hospital to meet her between appetizers and dinner!  She was put to work of course right away, and our staff that year were all adopted aunts & uncles.

Megan joined Jen & me on our job fair trip to the Midwest in January 2003 for what ended up being quite an adventure. We were traveling on wintry roads from Iowa to Oklahoma when our SUV slipped on the ice and took a roll. Thankfully no one was hurt, but the vehicle was totaled so we decided to spend the night in Des Moines. I was given a list of hotels to call from the hospital, so imagine my surprise when I called and said, "Hello, my name is Lois Smith from the Baldpate Inn and my daughter, granddaughter and I need a room for the night." "Wait...Lois Smith? Baldpate Inn? This is Eric York – I worked for you!" What a small world! Needless to say – we were taken care of with exceptional service!

In 2003, MacKenzie stepped back in as Assistant General Manager as Pete & Jen moved back into corporate America. This job Mac has held ever since, some years more involved on the premises than others, but always in the background as my emergency chef replacement. Don’t get him started telling about his pies or breakfast adventures whenever I was called out of town.

The fall of 2003 brought the arrival of my first grandson Mason, who has been a frequent helper over the years and along with his cousins, has in the past two years even moved out front to join as waitstaff in the dining room. 

We were delighted to celebrate granddaughter Emily who arrived in January of 2004, now making three on our team of next generations crew that you will see for a few weeks this summer.

It was about that time, that as a means of training for our increasingly out of state staff, we initiated our annual Staff Scavenger hunt as a way not just to locally advertise our opening each year but as well to kickstart their knowledge of all the fun places and activities available in Estes Park.  (As college students, they did always seem to locate The Wheel and Lonigans by themselves!) Each team is tasked to visit our favorite local businesses and local attractions. Creativity and timely completion scores points for prizes, and in the meantime just getting to know each other better, we think has brought harmony to our seasonal Baldpate teams.

Larry from Oklahoma, who joined as Hotel Manager, was a champion in 2004 stepping up to fill multiple roles when a co-manager left unannounced in the middle of the night!  That doesn’t happen often thankfully, but of course there is also the legend about another staffer, that proclaimed a quick trip to Starbucks, but didn’t ever return (not to worry -- we confirmed that she was safe).

The illustrious 2005 team, is often remembered for the crazy Cabin gals (you know who you are!), our second West Point grad and the ready for whatever Oklahoma “Cowboy” Cooks, Jeff & Adam.

In those years, our international students came a little further, arriving from eastern European countries, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria, and bringing with them even more new cultural learning opportunities.  Can’t tell you how honored we are when these internationals take the time to include a trip to Baldpate in their return trips to the USA!  They almost always timidly ask, do you remember me?   OF COURSE we do, they have each added so much to the Baldpate experience, both for our guests and staff.

And speaking of memories, enjoy our Centennial Staff albums from over the years.

Written by Lois Smith

Centennial Staff Album at
https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z-MjLEvneXk

Day 55: Baldpate Blessings

I know that The Baldpate Inn has brought blessings to many people in many ways. For me, it has been a steadfast haven and inspiring influence throughout my life.

Baldpate has brought my family together. It was purchased by my aunt and uncle when I was very young, and during the early years, my family would pack up the van and head up to Estes Park for a weekend of work and fun. As previously mentioned, I wasn’t much help in the beginning, mostly eating, running around and starting fires. However, I always LOVED spending time with my very cool cousins and brothers, who were always up for an adventure. 

After my first summer of college, I was very excited to officially work at The Baldpate Inn. I had a wonderful summer, finally able to experience the magic of Baldpate for the duration of a season. In addition to all the benefits of an employee, I was blessed to see my Aunt Lois in a new light. Tough as nails when needed, with a loving heart that kept others' best interests first, I was impressed with her invincible positive attitude, work ethic, creativity, sense of humor, faith, and generosity. I knew without a doubt that I was blessed to be family with such an inspiring woman! 

When I graduated from college, I was a bit daunted as to what to do next. Again, Lois opened the Baldpate doors for me, providing not just a place to live and work, but a safe haven to consider life’s options. Lois and I shared conversations about my future, and I greatly appreciate her wisdom. She even helped me appreciate my boyfriend (now husband), noting his willingness to jump in and humbly help out around Baldpate, even though he wasn’t employed there. 

Once again, when life took an unexpected turn, Lois was there, with an opportunity to help collaborate on this blog! Although I’ve enjoyed researching and writing about The Baldpate Inn (who knew there was so much to know?!) and discovering how blogs work (some days more fun than others), the best part has been working and laughing with my Aunt Lois and Cousin Jen. 

My amazing Aunt Lois has shaped who I am and where I am today, because of her great love and exemplary example. She has taught me many things (beyond an appreciation of daily alliteration)! I am so very blessed by her, as I know all those who have encountered her are; she truly makes the world a better and brighter place!  

Written by Liz Rodgers

Day 52: Days with Dad

Baldpate would definitely not be what it is today without my dad, Sam Hoke. As mentioned before, from the beginning of our tenure here, my dad was not only a financial backer, idea man, but also creative engineer and super handyman when things just did not fit!

Looking even further back in time, William Mace, father of the Mace brothers who founded Baldpate, was known for his contributions even as early as 1922.  Folklore says each time he trekked in the forest, he would pick up unusual pieces of wood to be later transformed into a door handle or stair railing. He is also given credit for promoting the growth of the aspen trees along our driveway, saying he wouldn’t be content until the entire side of the mountains was covered in aspens.

So with such a heritage of helpful fathers, our Baldpate Days with Dad salute is clearly demanded. In honor of my father, we had always given free ice cream à la mode on Father’s Day, but wanted to do more. 

To promote spending time with your dad (probably what he wants most) we decided on the idea of you bringing him to lunch on Father’s Day AND then back once again to enjoy our Key-thedral Theater plays.

Start planning now, get your reservation for Father's Day, Sunday June 18^th, bring your Dad to lunch, get him free à la mode on his pie, and a free ticket to our Seven Keys to Baldpate play. 


Argyle socks, crazy bowtie, optional! 

Written by Lois Smith

Day 3: Colorado Cousins

Baldpate’s 1987 Staff, our first season open was really just the Colorado cousins!  My kids, Jen & Mac, my nephews, Steve, Jay & Vince, and nieces, Angela & occasionally little Liz. They ranged in age from 6-14 and delighted most of our guests, especially when they moved like a team from table to table.

Oh, the stories! Wasn't it Steve who could do nothing but laugh when he accidentally spilled 14 glasses of water on the beautiful guest of honor at her birthday party?! Or Vince, when presenting the bill, graciously informed the guest they could put the tip right back on the tray. Or the guest that put Jen in tears when after the third bowl of chili, he said he really didn't like it, "It tasted terrible!" 

Every day before we opened we would get together to say a promise and prayer.  I do recall about mid-way through that first season, when business was really picking up, the day we had quoted the well known verse from Isaiah, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will RUN and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  The kiddos all replied loudly with a big AMEN (let it be!)   

And run we did, for much to our surprise, our restaurant took off like crazy.  Several days we ran out of food just because we underestimated the crowd!

The kids would work extra hard during mealtimes and then head to Lily Lake to relax each afternoon. We always sent them off with the "Don't go in the Lake" rule. One of our guest those first years, Texas lawyer & artist, Larry Newman, captured their adventures which they proudly brought back to show - and it was clear that our rules were not always heeded!

Written by Lois Smith

Day 2: The Baldpate Inn, Still a Family Business

The Mace family owned and operated the inn for 70 years, so when the Smith family bought the property in 1986, we were only the second family to own and operate this legendary place. You really must admire the Mace family for when it was time for change, they did not, like so many others, sell everything off but instead kept the treasures so that we have them today. Their financier during the last several years was a Texas lawyer, Rex Baker, who was visionary in maintaining the integrity of the property.

The last thirty one years have been no exception to the family theme at Baldpate. Our first few years we were totally supported by our extended family in ways one can never repay. We tried to call them "working vacations" but we all know they were more work and less vacation than anyone planned.

My sister & brother-in-law, Corrine and Dick, spent weeks on site those first two years, helping with anything and everything. Corrine made covers for our lobby couches and cleaned who knows how many rooms. Dick held down the desk, did all kinds of handyman jobs as well as being the favored uncle that would somehow find time to take our kids fishing!  Mac still remembers his first big trout caught at Lily Lake with Uncle Dick.

My sister, Eunice, and husband, Sherm, spent hours in the kitchen, cooking and doing dishes. As you may know, it was Eunice that talked me into our always famous cornbread! As the real gourmet chef in the family, she still sends me recipe ideas. Sherm, an avid Indy 500 watcher, gave up many a race day doing dishes those first couple of years, only catching a lap or two during much needed breaks!

My mom-in-law, Dot, was not only a work horse at whatever needed to be done, ironing, chopping vegetables or cleaning bathrooms, she was a volunteer laundry slave each spring, washing & ironing all the curtains!!!  Dot loved to chat with our guests, and it was her idea to put our evening snack in the lobby each night, instead of just putting cookies in the individual rooms, so that our guests could share their day and chat in front of the fireplace.

My Dad, Sam, was not only a financial investor in our crazy dream but a steady problem solving, hands-on helper. He would do whatever needed be done, and even well into his 80s labored longer and harder than anyone!

Written by Lois Smith