Denver South Park and Pacific Historical Society
 

DSP&P Historical Society 2000 Convention - Gunnison, CO

The 12 members of the Denver, South Park & Pacific Historical Society had such a good time at the first convention in 1999, they unanimously decided it had to become an annual event.  With more time to plan and get the word out, the 2000 convention in Gunnison attracted about 30 people.  Activities included a trek to the never-completed Ohio Creek extension of the DSP&P and, of course, a trip to the west portal of the Alpine Tunnel.  Sunday, we toured the town of Gunnison, looking for remnants of DSP&P activity, and spent some time at the Gunnison Pioneer Museum.  It was another great time and the 2001 event was scheduled for Idaho Springs.

 

 

Remains of the rock wall on the uncompleted Ohio Creek extension of the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad were still visible in August 2000.

 

Group members, including Jim Wing’s dog, inspect work being done at the west portal of the Alpine Tunnel.  The rebuilt turntable was a special favorite.

 

DSP&PHS members enjoy a picnic lunch at the west portal of the Alpine Tunnel.  Cool weather didn’t discourage anyone, including railroad artist Dave Morris, Grand Junction, who was making his first trip to the site.  Dave was 82 years old at the time.

 

 

Some folks decided to tackle the muddy approach to the west portal of the Alpine Tunnel.

 

Cliff Mestel and others enjoyed exploring an old stamp mill on the road between Gunnison and the west portal of the Alpine Tunnel.

 

Sheri and Brian Adams, Dan Windolph, Dave Primus and Jack and Judi Bartlett share a quiet moment at the Gunnison Pioneer Museum.