Dear Rock Ledge Ranch Supporters;

The October 12th issue of the local Gazette Telegraph has reported that the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site will not be funded for the 2011 City Budget. We are once again on the chopping block! This is very discouraging since the many things we have done to keep this historic part of Colorado Springs alive and well through 2010. Disheartening to say the least we have stepped-up-to-the-plate after being given a chance to stay open by Councilman Sean Paige. If you remember; Councilman Page passed a motion allowing the first quarter of 2010 to be funded. By closing the Ranch on Sundays and adding several revenue producing events the Ranch has successfully remained open. Many other cost reducing efforts have been eliminated and many volunteered hours logged to make this happen. Your personal donations to the Rock Ledge Foundation have shared in this undertaking. Last week we gave to the City of Colorado Springs Parks Recreation and Cultural Services $54,000 allowing the last quarter of operational cost for 2010. We have been able to do this only because of your continued support. The preliminary city budget for 2011 now will not be placing money into operational needs for the Ranch! The entire city held “Trust Funds” for the Ranch have been spent. We have within the Rock Ledge Foundation $61,600 going forward towards over $230,000 to stay afloat.

We need aggressive communication with not only the city council and all the love the Ranch and what it represent but also Grants and donations. Our plea again this year is "Not Now!, Not Ever!" should the Ranch be closed!

We have entered into the GIVE Campaign as indicated on this web site and donations can be deposited with them or directly to the Rock Ledge Foundation and mailed to PO box 6299, 80934. You will be receipted back and your donations are tax deductible.

Ron Wright
President RLRHS LHA
President Rock Ledge Foundation

Children enjoyed the park grounds with the echoing sound of bluegrass bands surrounding them while most adults convened around the hundreds of different vintages of wine. All the while, a fragrant smell of brick-oven pizzas, fresh schnitzel, steamy barbeque, and other various foods quavered in the air.

As the sun began to set behind the Kissing Camels at Garden of the Gods, the lively music drew to a close making for a perfect rocky mountain summer evening.

Please download the PDF of the Living History Association newsletter "The Annunciator".

The Spring edition 2010 Annunciator has taken many hours of work. This issue completes the interview of Mr. Steve Kochis who lived in the Rock House and worked for Mr. Mr. Louis Dent when Rock Ledge Ranch was known as the Westland Ranch's 1940 - 1949. I was fortunate to spend time with Steve prior to his passing in 2009. His sharing with me some history of the Ranch was indeed a treasurer and part of the history of the Ranch that needed exploring. I have through the help of Board Member Lee Keyser the video and taped interview with Steve where it will be archived.

This issue contains information throughout related to life at the Ranch and two testimonials from former Docents and Staff members. Lead Interpreter Ms. Elizabeth Barber and Period Clothing Librarian Ms. Natalie Dale have written about how a Friendship Quilt was made by Jr. Docents. If you have ever wondered why we chose the title of our newsletter you can read about this also.

From this issue you can also discover answers to such questions as: "What is the 'Annunciator' and how was it used in 1890?", "Who is the fabulous "Cadillac Cowboy", Chuck Pyle and how is he related to John Denver, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Susy Bogguss?" and "Why was Rock Ledge Ranch once called Westland Ranch?"

Our Thank You's are extended to all for your generous donations that has helped in saving our Ranch for 2010 as well as keeping our five horses fed and happy. Many pictures of life at the Ranch are throughout this issue. Your name is in print showing you have supported and kept open this part of history of Colorado Springs.

The Annual Meeting of the LHA as part of the Presidents Report and Ranch news from Ranch Manager Andy Morris gives you an idea of how thankfully we appreciate your support.

Ron Wright President RLRHS LHA

Download PDF, 2 MB

You can read past issues by clicking on the "Newsletter" link at the top right corner of this page!

Read about the history behind the ranch and the challenges we face in the years ahead from the Living History Association President's letter in PDF format. These are times to band together to save and protect the heritage we value. Learn some interesting history about the ranch. Did you know it was planned to become a graveyard? This letter also introduces new ways you can save the ranch now and preserve it for the generation that follows.

(If you don't already have the free Adobe Acrobat reader you can get it here.)

Since many of the events were canceled, no admission charge was offered to those wishing to take part of this days event. Those attending as visitors to the ranch were also provided refreshments following the event after the Elders, Grandfathers and Dancers were honored. Everyone enjoyed the fare and the food was appreciated. Attending this years ceremony as special guest was the Medicine Bear Native American youth Treatment program from Canon City CO. Our own Elder Eugene Redhawk emceed the Dancers and explained that 1st Nations Day was the answer to the traditional Columbus Day that Americans celebrate. Eugene is a Native American from the Mohawk Tribe and is pictured as the center person in this photo from last year. Among other states persons attending was Elder Alden Naranjo from the Southern Ute's as a special guest.

Children gathered around pioneers at the log cabin to build corn husk dolls and try their skill at sawing logs. The American Indian area presented their authentic buffalo hide tepee and demonstrated various skills. The Rock Ledge House was fragrant with the smell of wood-oven baked pie while musicians played on the front porch, and the Orchard House was decked out in lively banners to celebrate the day of National Independence.

Elsewhere around the ranch were Civil War and Revolutionary War encampments that each displayed various tools and authentic clothing from their respective periods. President Abraham Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg address at the front of the Galloway Homestead log cabin, accompanied by a Civil War troop.

When the rain poured down, people gathered in the barn where there were plenty of carnival games and prizes or under the front porch of the Rock Ledge House where there was live music.

In rain and shine, this event provided a fun adventure and authentic revisit of the past milestones that helped make America the great country it is today.

Last Saturday, approximately 300 people showed up for the thunderous appearance of Willie Houston and His Junkyard Dogs, the legendary blues artist and his companions. Not much longer after playing "Here Comes the Rain" did nature respond with a torrent of showers that sadly washed the concert out half-way through.

We can't control the weather and have to book these events months in advance. C'est la vie. We ring out a hearty thanks for those who attended and especially for Willie Houston and His Junkyard Dogs. May their future gigs be dry.

Nearly 690 visitors came for an affordable, educational and entertaining day under the beautiful late-spring Colorado sky at the ranch.

They saw and experienced first-hand how sheep herding dogs know what to do, the patience and strength of a rancher's hand as he sheers the wool, and the artisan skill of textile tradesmen as they spun wool into yarn and made cloth.

They also wandered into the various full-time attractions that brought them back to the various ages when Native American Indians lived in this area, when pioneers homesteaded in the wilderness, at the dawn of the Victorian age into the elegance of the Edwardian period, and at the workshop of a seasoned blacksmith as he demonstrated his firey technique.

Come join us on our next event and live a part of history!