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Picture-book weather greeted 60-plus attendees at the 12th annual Denver, South Park & Pacific Historical Society convention in Frisco, Colo., Aug. 20-22. And, what a good time we had! We toured the Frisco/Breckenridge/Dillon sites where once ran the tracks of the DSP&PRR and followed its route to Dickey, until it went underwater at Dillon Reservoir. A trip over Boreas Pass and a visit to Como for “Railroad Day” were Saturday highlights, as was the opportunity to see the society’s latest acquisition – DSP&P boxcar no. 608. It will need a lot of restoration work, but will be a welcome addition to our list of restoration projects. A fascinating talk by Bill Fountain Saturday night on the dredge boats that used to work in the Breckenridge area led to Sunday’s visit to the remains of the Reiling dredge, still in its pond off a country road. What a kick! We’re already looking forward to the “lucky 13th” convention, to be held in Denver in August 2011.
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 Our annual group photo was taken this year in front of Baker Tank on Boreas Pass. It’s a lot bigger group than the first annual photo, taken in 1999 at our first convention.
Todd Hackett Photo |
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Nine of the original 12 members pose again at Baker Tank. From left are Bob Schoppe, Cliff Mestel, Carol Primus, Pat and Dan Windolph, Dave Primus, Joanne Schwenke, Todd Hackett and Gary Schwenke. Missing in 2010 are Jack Bartlett and Art and Bernice Wallace.
Todd Hackett Photo |
In the Frisco area, members of the DSP&PHS walk the old grade, now a bicycle path, to the location of some long-abandoned charcoal kilns. Great weather made for enjoyable walking.
David Primus Photo |
Member Ray Perschbacher peers out from the Como depot. Ray’s son, Mike, and his Older Than Dirt Construction Co. are doing restoration work on the depot.
The Pershbacher family has been a part of the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad practically since its inception.
David Primus Photo |
The society’s newest acquisition, DSP&P boxcar No. 608, sits on track outside the Como roundhouse for Como’s Railroad Day. A lot of restoration work will be needed to bring this important relic back to life.
David Primus Photo |
Lettering “DSP&PRR” is still clear (Sort of) on the society’s ‘new’ boxcar, housed at the Como roundhouse. It’s pretty amazing for an approximately 125-year-old item!
How do we go about restoring something of this age and in this condition?
Pat Windolph Photo |
The Keystone depot on the DSP&P, now a ticket office and gift shop for a riding stable, was a wonderful rest – and, cold drink – stop.
Pat Windolph Photo |
A C&S narrow gauge boxcar and rotary snowplow 01 are on display at the Breckenridge Rotary Snowplow Interpretative Park.
Pat Windolph Photo |
A C&S narrow gauge boxcar and rotary snowplow 01 are on display at the Breckenridge Rotary Snowplow Interpretative Park.
Pat Windolph Photo |
Box lunches were enjoyed at the original section house, still standing atop Boreas Pass. Member Tom Klinger made presentations throughout the day as part of Como’s Railroad Day celebration while Denise prepared pancakes for U.S. Forest Service workers.
Pat Windolph Photo |
Remains of the Reiling Dredge – No. 8 in Breckenridge’s long history of gold dredges – sit in its pond off a gravel road in French Gulch. It’s the last remaining specimen from a once-vibrant industry.
Pat Windolph Photo |
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