Crystal River Saga: Lore of the Colorado Rockies — John Shaqi
Crystal River Saga: Lore of the Colorado RockiesFrancis, Theresa V.
History
Crystal River Saga: Lore of the Colorado Rockies
Francis, Theresa V.
Crystal River (Colo.); Gunnison County (Colo.) -- History; Marble industry and trade -- Colorado -- Gunnison County
The tourist court across the river and highway from Cleveholm is Swiss
Village Resort owned by the Olyn Parkers of Denton, Tex. It was
originally the game-keeper’s house. They bought it in 1949 and have
added cabins and improvements every year since then.
The Parkers had spent several summers in various parts of Colorado and
had fallen in love with the majestic rugged scenery, the clear fresh
air, and the peace and quiet found along the mountain streams away from
the city. The idea of having a summer haven in Colorado grew on them
until they began corresponding with real estate men in different
sections of the state.
Irvin Jarvis, Glenwood Springs, Colo. wrote them that he believed he had
just the place they were looking for—his summer home above Redstone.
They were interested and arranged to meet him and his wife there on June
8, 1948. It was love at first sight, just the place they were looking
for—a place away from the city, in the beautiful high mountain country,
the sparkling Crystal River flowing just across the road, tall majestic
evergreen trees and lovely aspen gracing the scenery, and many deer,
elk, bear and other animals roaming the mountains. Needless to say they
bought the place.
The house and barn are of Swiss architecture, built in 1901 and were
originally a part of the John C. Osgood estate. The gamekeeper, William
Keir, lived here with his family and looked after the private herds of
deer, elk, and mountain sheep. Much of the high fence and original posts
which enclosed many acres as pasture for these wild animals, are still
standing.
Two of the Keir daughters visited the Parkers and related many
interesting anecdotes concerning the early life of the game park. One
deer they had tamed and named Dolly. She would often jump the high fence
and follow them to school. Then it would be their pleasant duty to skip
school and take Dolly back home.
Quoting from a letter received from Mrs. Parker, Jan. 19, 1959:
“We started building cabins in 1949 and called our place Swiss Village
Resort. Many nice guests came our way that first summer and stayed in
our cabins. Since then many people—and they are such lovely
people—have come our way and happy are the memories of their laughter
ringing out over the place in summers and falls.
“We derive genuine pleasure in seeing our guests happy. Most of them
are people who love a quiet vacation away from cities, close to
nature. Many enjoy riding into the high country to see nature at its
best. So very many enjoy fishing while others like to ride, hike,
rest, or play games. All of them, the same as we, love to hear the
early history of Redstone, which is most interesting.
“Fond are our memories of gatherings in the living room in front of a
roaring fire in the huge fireplace listening to the guests tell of the
big fish that got away, or the hunters tell of their day’s experiences
in getting their elk, deer or bear.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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