Photo | William Henry Jackson Collection

Local History Timeline

Aspen Historical Society presents here a brief local history. For a more complete look into the storied past, please visit one of our sites, take a tour, join a program or search the archives. All images presented on the website and timeline are from the AHS Photograph Collection with collection names highlighted, unless otherwise stated.

Learn More in the Online Archives

Pre - 1879

Ute People

1879 – 1893

The Mining Boom

1893 - 1936

The Quiet Years

1936 - 1948

Aspen Rebounds

1949 - 1960

Mind, Body and Spirit

1961 - 1986

The Skiing Boom

1988 - Present

Modern Aspen

Pre - 1879

Ute People

The Ute people occupied Colorado before Spanish explorers arrived in North America. Their introduction of the horse enabled the Ute to expand their territory and increase their possessions. However, as settlers and miners encroached upon their lands, Ute territory began to diminish. By 1868, the Ute people were confined to the western side of the Continental Divide, and their territory continued to shrink with subsequent discoveries of silver and gold. In 1881, they were permanently displaced on reservations.

One b/w glass-plate negative and sepia photograph of several Native Americans (Ute) mounted on horseback and standing in front of teepees, circa 1900. One of the men is holding a gun. 1900- Image taken by James "Horsethief" Kelley.
Photo | James "Horsethief" Kelley Collection

Pre – 1879

Ute tribes hunted throughout the upper Roaring Fork Valley, often establishing summer campsites near ground-source springs (Ute Springs, near present-day Glory Hole Park at Ute and Original Streets a few blocks from the gondola, may have been a campsite).

1876

Colorado becomes the 38th state.

Advertisement found in the historical Newspapers showing an illustration of a soldier with a rifles tipped with a blade "escorting" out a Ute Indian- "Utes Must Go" written at teh top with "But don't forget to patronize the Pioneer Grocery of Colorado Wolfe Londoner" at the bottom from the Aspen Times, 1881
Photo | Aspen TImes Collection

1879

In the “Meeker Massacre” or “Meeker Incident,” a band of Ute people revolted against the local “Indian agent,” Nathan Meeker, who had been trying to convert them to Christianity and force them to abandon their nomadic lifestyle to become farmers. Meeker and 10 other men died.

 

1879 – 1893

The Mining Boom

Aspen’s Mining Era – In 1879, rich silver veins were discovered in the Roaring Fork Valley, leading to the silver boom and Aspen becoming Colorado’s third-largest city. At its peak, Aspen produced one-sixth of the nation’s silver. For 14 years, the town continued to prosper. By 1893, two railroads served a community of approximately 13,000 residents, which boasted 14 newspapers, three schools, six firehouses, eight churches, 35 fraternal organizations, and a three-story brick opera house. However, in June of that year, the silver economy collapsed, plunging Aspen and much of Colorado into a severe depression. Silver mining continued on a smaller scale, the industry never fully recovered, and Aspen entered a long, slow decline

One b/w photograph of early Aspen, with Aspen Mountain in the background. Several wooden buildings and fences are visible. 1882.

1879

Hayden Geological Survey reports are released in fall of 1878 indicating promising geologic formations in the Roaring Fork Valley for the presence of silver prompting the first prospectors to cross difficult mountain passes, explore the area for silver and lay claims on what will become one of the richest silver lodes in history. Henry B. Gillespie arrives in Aspen to examine a claim and travels to Washington, DC to petition for a Post Office. He lays out a town and calls it Ute City. Prospectors discover the Independence Gold Lode on July 4 in what will become the mining camp of Independence.

One 12" x 19" white paper map of the "Aspen Mining Belt" of Pitkin County done as advertising for the Arkell, MacMillian and Stewart Company. It was drawn by D. Rohlfing, circa 1892.
Photo | Durant Rohlfing Collection

1880

B. Clark Wheeler and Charles A. Hallam, as agents and co-partners of David Hyman of Cincinnati arrive in Ute City. They purchase several mining claims. Wheeler surveys town site and renames it Aspen, forming his own town company. DRC Brown and H.P. Cowenhoven arrive after a difficult 3-week wagon trip from Leadville over Taylor Pass. The D&RGRR reaches Leadville. Stages are running from Leadville to Independence Gold Camp where 300 people now reside. Prospectors form the mining camp Ashcroft.

Map showing the Ute territory outlined in a dashed line that included Utah, Colorado and parts of New Mexico and Wyoming with shaded in areas showing today's current reservation lands. Drawn by Scott McGillihan.
Photo | Scott McGillihan

1881

Pitkin County is established. The Aspen Times (owned by B. Clark Wheeler) is first published. Aspen Mining and Smelting Company is organized. First Aspen school opens. Independence Pass road is completed to Aspen. The remaining Ute people (except for Southern Utes) are forcibly removed from Colorado and relocated to the Uintah and Ouray Reservation in Utah as stipulated in the 1880 Ute Removal Act (approximately 1,465 Ute people were removed from their ancestral lands in what is now considered Colorado to reservations west of their range). Silver is discovered in the Molly Gibson Mine. First Clarendon Hotel is built. Volunteer fire department is established. Katie Cowenhoven marries DRC Brown. Horace Tabor comes to and invests in the Montezuma and Tam O’Shanter mines. Wagon road over Taylor Pass is officially opened. D&RGRR reaches Crested Butte. A telegraph connecting Aspen, Ashcroft, and Crested Butte is completed. Independence’s population reaches 500 and it is served by four grocery stores, four boarding houses, and three saloons.

One mounted b/w photograph of the Farwell Mill at Independence, when it was still in use. The trees on the hillside have all been cut down, and there is an American flag flying from the top of the building. Date gathered from counting stars on flag. 1896-

1882

The gold camp (Independence) has an estimated 1,500 residents, however, production drops drastically. The Farwell mines close and Mill shuts down.

One mounted b/w photograph of Jerome B. Wheeler, 1910-.

1883

Jerome B. Wheeler, half-owner of Macy’s Department Store, visits Aspen. Through various investments Mr. Wheeler injects much needed cash into the community.

One 18" x 24" map of Pitkin County dated 1884. The map shows Aspen and other towns in Pitkin County. The ink is blue on white paper, that is yellowing around the edges. The transparency is clear with black markings. The borders of Garfield, Gunnison, Eagle and Lake Counties can be seen as well. Drawn by the US Department of Mining Surveying.

1884

Clarendon Hotel burns down. Ranching in valley takes hold with the help of the 1862 Homestead Act. Aspen Times 1884 Pitkin County map shows various ranch holdings around the area including the Stapleton ranch on Owl Creek, Carroll and Burke ranches on Brush Creek, Watson ranch on the divide, Koch ranch up Hunter Creek and McLain Ranch on what is now known as McLain Flats.

One b/w photograph of the Clarendon Hotel from the Durant Street fire tower looking west. Red Butte is barely visible in the background. The large building to the far left of the image is the Washington School and the Central School is also visible. This image came from "Aspen Illustrated," a booklet sold at Carbary's Corner Bookstore. A caption under the photo in the booklet reads "View looking down the valley from bell tower."
Photo | Shaw Collection

1885

New Clarendon Hotel opens. Hydro-electric power is used in the mines. Electric Company turns on power to 40 stores. Soon after Aspen has public electricity available throughout the community. Aspen Water Company is organized. Aspen’s first telephone system is installed in the Spar Consolidated Mine. Henry Weber and H.P. Gillespie order the first pianos shipped to Aspen at a cost of $1,000. Wyatt Earp and a US Marshall arrest James Crothers in Aspen for a Wells, Fargo & Co’s stage robbery in Arizona in 1884 with a Mr. Chambers.

One 6.5" x 8.5" b/w glass plate negative of the lower end of the Castle Creek flume of the Aspen Water System. 1900-
Photo | John Bowman Collection

1886

City water system is turned on.

One b/w photograph of trains from the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, first train into Aspen. A large group of people is posed around the trains, including women and children. (according to the Aspen Daily Times, the railroad arrived on October 28, 1887, and a grand celebration was held a few days later)
Photo | History Colorado

1887

The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad reaches Aspen in November. The mines can now ship low-grade ore to market more economically.

One lantern slide of the Durant Mine and a panoramic view of the edge of Aspen Mountain, the mine and east Aspen and Red Mountain. Original Street and Ute Avenue can be seen, as well as the railroad tracks with cars on it. Hunter Creek is in the far right background, as well as Red Mountain.

1888

A second railroad, the Colorado Midland, reaches Aspen in February. The Wheeler Opera House opens. Jerome B. Wheeler builds a home for his wife in Aspen’s West End which is now headquarters for the Aspen Historical Society. A one-mile long tramway is operational on Aspen Mountain. Durant and Aspen mines are consolidated forming the Compromise Mine, ending years of expensive litigation. Only 100 citizens remain at Independence.

One lantern slide of the Hotel Jerome, 1900-. Two children are standing at the corner and an overhead streetlight shows. Corner of Main and Mill streets. Very stark with no businesses or awnings noticeable.
Photo | John Bowman Collection

1889

The Hotel Jerome opens in November with great fanfare.

Silver dollar coin from 1890

1890

Sherman Silver Act is passed, assuring a continuing market for silver. Population of Aspen reaches 8,000. Cable tramway from Tourtelotte Park to Aspen is completed.

One 5x7 Glass negative of the Holden Lixiviation Works, between 1900 and 1910. Shows the processing plant in the winter with snow. Looking South towards Castle Creek Valley. Can see residential homes on the left side of the image as well as the assay house for the plant on the right which later became the Marolt Ranch home. Castle Creek can be seen in the foreground.

1891

Silver ore production exceeds that of neighboring Leadville. Aspen is the largest silver producing district annually in the nation with one-sixth of the U.S. total and one-sixteenth the world total. The Holden Lixiviation Works becomes operational (visit the site). The Pitkin County Court House opens.

One b/w photograph of an illustration of the Silver Queen Statue. This was Aspen's contribution to the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. The statue disappeared shortly thereafter.

1892

Construction of the Silver Queen Statue for the Chicago World’s Fair is supported by the City. Davis H. Waite becomes Governor of Colorado on the “Free Silver” issue.

1893 Birds Eye View map of the Town of Aspen

1893

Aspen reaches a peak population of 10,000 to 14,000. Congress repeals the Sherman Silver Act, demonetizing silver. The Silver Panic follows, virtually halting the area’s mining industry and beginning an economic long downward slide. Women’s Suffrage in Colorado is enacted by popular vote (the first state where men voted to grant women the right to vote).

1893 - 1936

The Quiet Years

Aspen’s mining boom came to an end with the repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act in 1893, leaving town with an uncertain economic future. Known as the “Quiet Years,” the period lasted from 1983 to 1936. Residents experienced many hardships and struggled to make a living. The area’s economy shifted from mining to ranching. Ranchers, who had previously supplied meat and vegetables to miners, began using trains to transport their produce to far-off markets. Aspen managed to survive as a ranching town, with a county-wide population of just 1,770 people by 1930.

One mounted b/w portrait of a woman in a fancy dress with a large hat, 1895-. She is a member of the Ring family, who were in Aspen in the 1890s.

1893

Aspen reaches a peak population of 10,000 to 14,000. Congress repeals the Sherman Silver Act, demonetizing silver. Following the Silver Panic, Aspen’s population declines sharply and the main economy shifts to ranching. Women’s Suffrage in Colorado is enacted by popular vote.

One 6" x 8" mounted b/w photograph of a man, a boy and a dog riding on a horse drawn wagon that is carrying three large nuggets of silver. The boy in the photo is Joseph H. Hicks, who worked as an office boy, the driver is Mr. Kit Burns and the fox terrier dog belonged to S. I. Hallett. The silver in the wagon are pieces of the largest silver nugget ever mined in the United States, that had to be broken apart for removal from the mine and transportation. The I.O.O.F. (International Order of Odd Fellows) building is in the background, now City Hall. The harness of the horse that is visible says "Smuggler," 1894. According to a letter written by D.F. Rolhfing in 1938, the silver nugget was 93% pure silver, it weighed 2060 lbs. but had to be trimmed down to 1840 lbs. to be removed from the mine. It came out of the 8th level of the Smuggler Mine.

1894

A 2,350 lb. silver nugget is mined from the Smuggler. A few mines reopen on a limited basis, many are leased to local mining families. Overall silver production is less than half that of 1892.

One glass-plate negative of the Colorado Midland depot and telegraph station, with some men standing just below the sign which reads "Western Union Telegraph and cable office"

1895

Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph builds a phone line over Independence Pass, connecting Aspen to the outside world for the first time.

One b/w photograph looking down Mill Street. There is a trolley (street car) in the street, as well as many people. The two story wood framed buidling in the right front corner is most likely the "old LaFave Building" built in 1885 by Frank LaFave. Furnished rooms and a second hand store were operated in the building.

1899

Street car line to be torn up on Main St.

One b/w Glass plate negative and one bw photograph of several men and teams of horses on a hillside. They are working to build the Salvation Ditch. West end of Red Butte is visible in the background. 1903-

1903

In 1902, ranchers organized the construction of the Salvation Ditch, a 25-mile water system running from the Roaring Fork River east of Aspen to below Woody Creek. The ditch, completed in 1903, became the “salvation” of the land it watered and, along with later irrigation ditches, opened thousands of acres to cultivation.

One b/w glass-plate negative of a horse race. There is the bandstand with the announcers and a flag on top, horse and buggies on side with the spectators as well as th horse drawn carts on the race track. Red Mountain is in the background. The horse track was in the west end where the Aspen Meadows is (2007).

1906

The first Pitkin County Fair is held at the racetrack where Aspen Meadows is today. The racetrack held horse races, and later, car races, as well as serving as the Rodeo and fairgrounds. The first car, a Buick, arrived in Aspen on August 4, 1906, around 5 pm, according to the Aspen Democrat. Driven by Ted Cooper and Tom Flynn, it took them three days to get to Aspen via Glenwood Springs (and canyon) from Denver.

One 5 x 7" b/w glass plate negative of the Aspen Telephone Company Exchange. The manager is Howard Adams, Ruth Wheeler (Chellen) (standing next to him), Freda Warkentine (Bowles) (seated wearing dark clothing), Eura Layton (Vagneur) (standing far left), and Ethel Powell (Frost) (seated in front), circa 1915.

1908

Telephone lines extended to areas including Snow Mass divide and Brush Creek residents.

One b/w photograph of a man on a potato planter at the Gerbaz ranch, taken from behind. The man is identified as J.J. Gerbaz, and the young boy on the right is Mike Gerbaz, circa 1915

1909

Mining continues on a limited basis as the town becomes a supply center for local farmers and ranchers. Known for it’s high-quality potatoes, the Roaring Fork Valley provided delicate, light pink Peachblow potatoes to fine hotels such as the Brown Palace in Denver and in railroad dining car services including the new York Central Line. Potato production peaked in 1909 but continued to be an important cash crop until the 1940s.

5x7 glass plate Negative and b/w photograph showing a deep sea diver (Fred Johnson) about to descend underground in the Smuggler Mine to renew the packing in a pump that had been drowned out. The man helping him is George Peterson, both of New York. The stalled pump was about 65 feet under water. The other two men identified in the paper as Jesse Yates far left and Joe Hull on the other side of the crank wheel. 1910 - Published on the front page of the November 30, 1910 Aspen Democrat-Times paper.

1910

Hallam Lake is sold to DRC Brown. De-watering of the flooded Smuggler, Molly Gibson and Free Silver mines begins, though the efforts were thwarted by defective pumps that had been under water for 12 years. Several ineffectual attempts were made to reach the pump, but the depth of water was too great to permit any work being done. The need for divers became very apparent. Merritt and Chapman Wrecking Company of New York was contacted and Messrs. Fred Johnson and George Peterson, divers, were sent to Aspen. The de-watering of the Free Silver shaft resulted in the production of more than two million dollars’ worth of ore.

One 3.75" x 4.5" b/w photograph of the interior of the Wheeler Opera House after the fire of 1912. The interior is badly damaged and the roof of open to the sky. Through the back door/window, the Hotel Jerome is visible. There is a man standing in the middle of the picture.

1912

Two fires within ten days gut the opera house third floor. Owner Boyce, of only a few weeks, is suspected of arson for insurance, but nothing comes of it.

One b/w photograph of the interior of the Isis Theater, circa 1915. The photo shows the proscenium arch and the surrounding decoration. The curtain is down, showing advertisements for various Aspen businesses, and a painting of the Statue of Liberty in the center of the curtain. When the show was about to commence, the curtain would be raised.

1915

James Morrison opened the doors of his new moving picture house, “The Isis,” in the Weber Block on Hopkins Avenue, September 1915.

One mounted b/w photograph of the collapsed Glory Hole. Four men are standing on the tracks toward the back of the hole. The mine buildings are in the background. The collapse occurred in Saturday August 10th, 1918.

1918

The “Glory Hole” is created when the Durant Flume was turned into a City ditch and the increased water flow caused a sink hole. Colorado Midland Railroad goes bankrupt and operations cease. Flu epidemic forces closure of most of the town.

One glass-plate negative of the Midland Ranch from the Colorado Midland Railroad tracks west of Castle Creek. Left center is Red Butte, and to the right is Red Mountain. Utility wires run across the upper left hand corner of the photo. There are men in the field with a machine working the hay.

1920

The Colorado Midland RR, bankrupt after WWI, returns to Aspen only to dismantle the line. Aspen designates Wagner Park as the town’s first park and baseball field, honoring Mayor Charles Wagner, who served from 1909 to 1927.

One b/w photograph of the escort for the body of D.R.C. Brown, Sr. at the top of Independence Pass at 6:30am on July 1, 1930. The body was brought from Denver to Aspen for interment.

1930

D.R.C. Brown, Sr., one of the original founders of Aspen, is escorted from Denver over Independence Pass and laid to rest in Aspen. He was also responsible for helping to get Independence Pass completed for automobile traffic in 1924.

One b/w photograph of eleven people lined up on the front steps of the Highland Bavarian Lodge holding skis, 1936. Five people are standing on the ground in front of the steps, and there are six people standing on the steps. There are two pairs of skis and poles just to the right of the group leaning against the lodge. Pictured in the top row are Andre Roch, Gretl Arnold Fuler, Steve Hart, Norman Barwise, and an unknown (possibly James S. Bodrero) Italian Consul. In the bottom row is William V. Hodges, Martha Wilcox, Joseph Hodges, Polly Grimes, and Frank Ashley. December 1936.
Photo | Charles E. Grover Collection

1936

Highland Bavarian Lodge on Castle Creek opens in December; one of first guests is Andre Roch, an avalanche expert from Switzerland contracted to survey the Aspen/Ashcroft area for the proposed ski operations during the winter/spring.

1936 - 1948

Aspen Rebounds

Tourism in Aspen began in the 1920s, but it was the introduction of skiing in the 1930s that sparked a significant economic boom for the area. The first ski resort, the Highland Bavarian Lodge, opened its doors in December 1936. To teach locals how to ski, they cut Roch Run on Aspen Mountain. From this single run and rope tow, Aspen Mountain developed into a world-class ski resort. During World War II, 10th Mountain Division ski troopers came to the area for training exercises. Many were awed by the potential of Aspen’s mountains and vowed to return.

One b/w photograph of Andre Roch (left) and Billy Fiske (right) at the top of Mt. Hayden. Both men are in ski clothing and are standing by a pile of rocks. Behind them other mountain peaks can be seen, 1937.

1936

Billy Fiske, Andre Roch, and Ted Ryan propose a ski area on Hayden Peak up Castle Creek; build Highland-Bavarian Lodge. They hire Andre Roch, Swiss avalanche expert, to layout ski runs and lifts.

One film negative of the Wheeler Opera House from Mill Street facing Aspen Mountain, 1939. Roch Run and Corkscrew can be seen in the background, and there is a car on the left side of the image. This image was made into a postcard that was sold at the Cooper Book and Stationery Company; the caption reads "Mill St.- Aspen Colo.- Showing Ski Run."
Photo | Cooper Family Collection

1937

Aspen Valley Ski Club begins. A six-passenger “boat tow”, powered by an old mine hoist and truck engine, is constructed at the base of Aspen Mountain and Roch Run is cut on the hill.

One b/w negative of a group cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Ashcroft, 1956. The woman in front in snowshoes is Elizabeth Paepcke. There are three men behind her on cross-country skis.
Photo | Margaret Durrance Collection

1939

Elizabeth Paepcke travels to Aspen for the first time (via train to Glenwood Springs) for a skiing adventure with friends, while their Perry Park Ranch was flooded.

One glossy photo the 1941 National Championships on Aspen Mountain. The image shows the base of Aspen Mountain, the Corkscrew ski run, cars, people and a log structure. Written at the bottom of the postcard is "Club House and Ski Runs, Aspen, Colo.".

1941

Aspen’s first national downhill and slalom championships are held March 8th-9th. Fritz Benedict visits Aspen for the first time.

One b/w photograph of an outfit of Tenth Mountain Division soldiers lining up outside of the Hotel Jerome, preparing to leave by truck for Camp Hale, 1943-.
Photo | Ted Ryan Collection

The War Years

The 10th Mountain Division, stationed at Camp Hale near Leadville, uses the Aspen area for training exercises. Friedl Pfeifer “discovers” Aspen during a reconnaissance in 1943, returning as often as possible with his wife and purchasing property at base of Aspen Mountain.

One 1/2-Day Ticket for the Friedl Pfeifer Ski School, 1945-. Associates: John Litchfield, Perry Rideout. No. 108. Lower half of ticket is separated by a serated line (still attached) with "No. 108" and "Day Ticket" written on it.
Photo | Litchfield Collection

1945

Chicago industrialist Walter Paepcke, president of the Container Corporation of America, visits Aspen at his wife Elizabeth’s suggestion. The couple begins plans for a new cultural center. Paepcke meets with Friedl Pfeifer and plans for Aspen’s first ski lift. Aspen Ski School begins with Friedl Pfeifer as director.

One b/w negative of construction of the Sundeck, summer 1946. Only the bottom floor, wooden wall supports and some deck framing are in place.
Photo | Charles E. Grover Collection

1946

Aspen Skiing Corporation is formed. Herbert Bayer is invited to Aspen by Walter Paepcke to help “rebuild” Aspen, starting with remodeling the Hotel Jerome. Why Aspen is filmed to promote area for skiing. The first Roch Cup is held in March. New runs and lift lines are cut and the sundeck is built during the summer, and Lift-1 unofficially opens December 14th.

One color slide transparency of skiers lined up at the base of Aspen Mountain waiting to get onto Lift One. People riding the lift have the canvas blanket over them. Buildings around town can be seen in the background, circa 1955.
Photo | LeMassena Collection

1947

Lift-1 is dedicated as the world’s longest chairlift. Refurbished Hotel Jerome opens. Herbert Bayer’s partially refurbished Wheeler Opera House reopens. Dick Durrance becomes Aspen Ski Corp.’s General Manager. A T-Bar on Little Nell is installed for beginner skiers.

One b/w photograph of a small building with "Airport" written on roof, and a large Aspen leaf, 1960.
Photo | Lavina Meeks Collection

1948

Sardy Field officially opens for commercial flights. Walter Paepcke brings Stuart and Isabel Mace to Aspen. Ruthie’s Run is cut in anticipation for FIS races.

1949 - 1960

Mind, Body and Spirit

With the end of the war a fresh new outlook for Aspen emerged with the arrival in 1945 of Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke. The prominent Chicago couple brought vision, culture, a love for the outdoors and financial backing with them and infused modern Aspen with the idea that this was a place where mind, body and spirit could flourish.

One 2.25" negative and 2.5x2.5" b/w photograph (contact) of attendees entering the Saarinen Music Tent (Saarinen) built for the Goethe Bicentennial Convocation with an airplane flying overhead, circa 1950. The Saarinen tent was used 1949-1964.
Photo | Loey Ringquist Collection

1949

Goethe Bicentennial Celebration with Dr. Albert Schweitzer as guest lecturer (his only visit to the US) is held in tent designed by Eero Saarinen. The success of the event gives birth to summer cultural institutions including the Aspen Music Festival & School, Aspen Institute, and International Design Conference. Stuart Mace opens Toklat at Ashcroft.

One digital image of a color slide showing the finish line of the 1950 FIS World Championships ski race courses. There are several television cameras.
Photo | Willoughby Collection

1950

Aspen hosts the FIS World Alpine Championships, the first sanctioned international alpine competition in the U.S. World class skiers now recognize Aspen’s skiing potential. Ski racing stars like Norwegian Stein Eriksen and American Andrea Mead Lawrence built a life in Aspen after competing in the World Championships.

One mounted b/w photograph of the first Winterskol parade, showing the Winterskol Queen and runners-up on a float that says "Queen of the Winter Carnival 1951" (the "Q" is missing from the float). Elli Whitten (aka Elli Spence and Gale Spence) was the winner. Others identified are Sally Baker, Joan Wilson (hidden), Dave Darling, Helen Leatherbury, Bete Woods, Loyette Gamba, and Bob Marsh (behind tree).

1951

Aspen holds its first Wintersköl celebration in January as a way to toast winter during what was a quiet time in Aspen.  First International Design Conference of Aspen (IDCA) held with the theme of “Design – A Function of Management.” The program grew and morphed over the next several decades.

One b/w glossy photograph of the terminal building for Lift Three and the Sundeck, circa 1954.
Photo | Charles E. Grover Collection

1954

Lift #3 built from Tourtelotte Park to Sundeck on Aspen Mountain (it was replaced in 1969 and reinstalled in Sunlight as the Segundo Chairlift in 1973).

One color slide transparency of the Hotel Jerome, August 1958. The image shows the Bayer blue "eyebrows".

1955

Hotel Jerome gives the Bayer Blue “eyebrow” paint job under the direction of Elizabeth Paepcke and Herbert Bayer.

One color photograph of Aspen and the Little Nell, taken in 1953 from Aspen Mountain.

1956

Lift #4 on Aspen Mountain is built from Little Nell to Bell Mountain (replacing the T-bar which was bought by Whip Jones for Aspen Highlands) and the Sundeck is enlarged by enclosing the deck and expanding the bathrooms and kitchen facilities.

One color slide transparency of the restaurant at the base of Buttermilk, with Pyramid Peak from a distance, January 1959. The base lodge was designed by Aspen architect, Jack Walls, in 1958.
Photo | Bob Harper Collection

1958

Friedl Pfeifer opens Buttermilk Mountain with base restaurant designed by architect Jack Walls. Whip Jones opens Aspen Highlands. DRC Brown becomes President of the Aspen Skiing Corporation.

1961 - 1986

The Skiing Boom

In the 1960s and ’70s Aspen was again thriving, thanks in large part to skiing, the new “boom” industry, as well as new cultural and recreational attractions. The population rebounded, often resulting in tensions between conservative locals and newcomers, especially the “hippie culture.”

One 35mm b/w negative of the newly-opened Aspen Golf Course, 1961. This image is in the Aspen Flyer on July 18, 1961, with a caption reading "No. 3 green looking towards Aspen Highlands ski area."
Photo | Aspen Flyer Collection

1961

The City of Aspen’s municipal Golf & Tennis Club opens with the first golf tourney happening in September.

One b/w 35mm negative of paving operations on Main Street, 1963. This image is in the Aspen Flyer on August 24, 1963, with a caption reading "The largest municipal construction project in recent years will mean the end of chuck holes in downtown-area streets by early fall. Members of Grand Junction's Corn Construction Co. are shown in action on Main St. several weeks ago." paving
Photo | Aspen Flyer Collection

1963

In 1962, Aspen begins to pave the downtown streets but by 1963, all downtown streets are paved in Aspen. The Brown Ice Palace opens for ice skating and hockey. The Aspen Historical Society is established. Aspen Ski Corp. acquired Buttermilk and merged the ski schools.

One b/w film negative of the Music Tent (ampitheatre) designed by Herbert Bayer, 1965. The Bayer tent was used 1965-1999.
Photo | Joan Lane Collection

1964

Herbert Bayer designs a new music tent, later named the Bayer-Benedict tent. The US Forest Service grants approvals of the Snowmass-at-Aspen Ski Area and the Ruedi Dam project.

One b/w photograph of Robert O. Anderson and his wife Barbara Anderson seated on the hill above the music school campus taken July 11, 1965. Taken the day which the Aspen Institute (of which Robert O. Anderson was a chairman of the board for) gave the land and buildings up Castle Creek to the Aspen Music School and festival (also known as the Music Associates of Aspen - MAA) The facilities had formerly been the Four Seasons Resort and the Newman Mine.
Photo | Margaret Durrance Collection

1965

The Woody Creek Improvement Association is formed. The Aspen Institute donates the Four Seasons Club land for the Aspen Music Festival School- now the Bucksbaum Campus, it was originally the Newman Mine up Castle Creek Road in the early 1900s.

One b/w negative of the interior of the ceramics studio with pottery wheels lined up in front of the windows at Anderson Ranch at Snowmass, 1967.
Photo | Aspen Illustrated News Collection

1966

Ceramic artist and Scripps College professor of ceramics, Paul Soldner, founds Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village. The site of the arts center is the historic Hoaglund Ranch where Hildur Hoaglund Anderson grew up and later ran the ranch with husband Bill Anderson. The ranch was bought in 1966 by the Janss Corporation and then deeded to the Snowmass Arts Foundation, a non-profit corporation who leased the space to the Anderson Ranch Arts Center. Soldner wanted to create a space for people who had made a commitment to their particular craft as a profession, not just as a hobby.

One color digital print of Fanny Hill with part of the lower chairlift tower as well as the Burlingame Lift at Snowmass-at-Aspen, 1968. There is a line of people waiting to load the lift from the top of the Fanny Hill Lift. The Silvertree Inn is the in background.
Photo | David Hiser Collection

1967

Snowmass Ski Area opens with 5 chairlifts, 50 miles of trails, and a shelter restaurant at Sam’s Knob. Lift tickets are $6.50. Snowmaking machines introduced at the base on Aspen Mountain on Little Nell.

One b/w glossy photograph of Spider Sabich in mid-air during a ski race. A gate can be seen behind him and he is wearing a bib that has the Aspen name and leaf, 1968-. Possibly the combined World Cup/Roch Cup. He placed 7th in the Men's DH that year.
Photo | Aspen Skiing Company Collection

1968

Elizabeth Paepcke establishes wildlife sanctuary (ACES) at Hallam Lake. The first official Aspen Alpine World Cup races are held on Aspen Mountain in conjunction with the Roch Cup.

One b/w negative of the last Denver and Rio Grande train to come to Aspen, January 14, 1969. The depot is on the right. Related images are in the Aspen Illustrated News on January 16, 1969 (page 22), with a caption reading "On Oct. 27, 1887 the first train of the Rio Grande Railroad, narrow gauge, puffed into Aspen. On Nov. 5, a dinner for Rio Grande officials was held and a poem written in honor of the occasion, beginning thus: 'Here's to Aspen, her youth and her age; we welcome the railroad and say goodbye to the stage.' On Tuesday, Jan. 14, 1969 the last train of the railroad pulled into Aspen. It is significant that just at this time Aspen is getting its airport control tower. The only time Aspen will again see a locomotive is when the work train comes in this spring to take up the tracks."
Photo | Aspen Illustrated News Collection

1969

Train service (by now only freight) to Aspen ends on Jan. 29th. Pitkin County Airport begins operating a control tower. The local City and County governments hire a full-time planner. The State Highway Dept. begins to plan a 4-lane highway 82 from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. The Funnel Chair is built at Snowmass. Citizens for Community Action formed, a group advocating for liberal policies and growth control.

One b/w film negative of Hunter Thompson, October 1970 wearing a sheriffs badge as part of the campaign for Sheriff.
Photo | Joan Lane Collection

1970

Sam’s Knob restaurant is expanded and Cafe Suzanne is built at Snowmass. Hunter S. Thompson runs for Sherriff on the “Freak Power” ticket. Eve Homeyer begins term as first female mayor of Aspen.

One b/w photograph of the Ruby Park bus station, with buses parked on either side of the street, 1974-.
Photo | Aspen Skiing Co. Collection

1971

Lift-1A starts running, replacing the original Lift-1 single chair on Aspen Mountain. Rubey Park is purchased as depot for a mass transit system.

One b/w film negative of a group of people gathered to protest the possibility of the Olympics coming to Colorado, January 1972. Bil Dunaway is sitting on the far right and many people are holding protest posters made by Tom Benton. The opposition to the Olympics was a reaction to the rapid growth in Colorado at the time.
Photo | Joan Lane Collection

1972

Dwight Shellman and Joe Edwards elected as Pitkin County commissioners on a growth control platform. Colorado voters voted against funding the 1976 Olympics.

One b/w 35mm negative of a street show performance on the Temporary Pedestrian Mall, Mill Street and Cooper Ave, circa 1973.
Photo | Ann Hodges Collection

1973

The first phase of the pedestrian mall is completed in downtown Aspen. The first Snowmass Village Rodeo is held.

Photo | Aspen State Teachers College Collection

1975

The no-credit, all-fun college of the Rockies, also known as “Aspen State Teachers College” is founded.

One color slide of Brush Creek Road and Snowmass Ski Area in the distance, 1977.
Photo | Bob Krueger Collection

1977

The Town of Snowmass Village is officially incorporated.

One b/w photograph of D.R.C. Brown, President of the Aspen Skiing Co., with his skis over his shoulder, 1977.
Photo | Aspen Skiing Company Collection

1978

Alpine Springs and Wood Run chair lifts open at Snowmass. Aspen Ski Corp. is sold to 20th Century Fox and Tom Richardson succeeds DRC Brown after his retirement as President of the company.

One b/w photograph of the construction going on for the new addition being added onto the Aspen Center for the Visual Arts Building (the old Holy Cross Electric building). This image appeared in the Aspen Times on April 5, 1979 on pg. 6B.
Photo | Chris Cassatt Collection

1979

Aspen Art Museum opens in former hydroelectric plant building near the confluence of Hunter Creek and the Roaring Fork River. Aspen celebrates 100 years.

One b/w photograph of the Rodeo Lot (parking lot) at Snowmass, which was "working well." This image is in the Aspen Times on January 10, 1980 page 20 B. This was where skiers could catch a local bus to the ski area and park all day for free.
Photo | Aspen Times Collection

1980

The “Rodeo Lot” at Snowmass is developed for day skiers.

One b/w image of snow making on Little Nell, November 1982. The image was in the Aspen Times on January 6, 1983, pg. 26B.
Photo | Chris Cassatt Collection

1981

Aspen Ski Corp. changes its name to Aspen Skiing Company. Snowmaking is used for the first time for World Cup races in Aspen.

One Burton Cruise snowboard, 1989. It is 165cm long, and has the matching Burton bindings from that same year. Features of this board: • Had a Fiberglass/Urethane core construction • Variable Flex Pattern for easy turns but consistent carves. • Rounded kicked-tail freestyle design for maneuverability and tricks. • All mountain board According to the 1989 Buyer's Guide: "The Burton Cruise 165, as with the 155, is a board all levels of riders can enjoy. It floats softly in powder but can still take the abuse of big air in an icy halfpipe. The size and flex are ideal for riders over 140 pounds or those who are aggressive on the edge, but the board will accommodate all ability levels.”

1983

Snowboarding is allowed on Aspen Highlands. The Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) is established.

One color photograph of the Wheeler Opera House after renovation, 1984-.
Photo | Aspen Times Collection

1984

A restored Wheeler Opera House opens. Jerry Blann becomes President of Aspen Skiing Company.

One b/w photograph of a group of snowboarders making their way down Tiehack during a snowboarding demonstration, 1986. The photo is in the December 4, 1986 Aspen Times, p. 7C. *This was likely part of of filming for "Snowboard Meltdown."
Photo | Aspen Times Collection

1985

Snowboarding is allowed on Buttermilk

One color slide transparency of a gondola car of the Silver Queen Gondola, circa 1990. The Little Nell Hotel is in the background.
Photo | Aspen Skiing Company Collection

1986

The Silver Queen Gondola opens on Aspen Mountain—the longest single-stage gondola in the world.

1988 - Present

Modern Aspen

“At once rugged and gentrified, rural and urban, rich and poor, both beloved and despised, Aspen throughout its history provides provides a rich case study of ambiguities found in the biography of one place.”

– Edward Duke Richey, 1990, “Living it Up in Aspen: Post-War America, Ski Town Culture and the New Western Dream, 1945-1975”

One color slide of a man snowboarding at Snowmass, March 2002. He has gone off a jump.
Photo | Russell Collection

1988

Bob Maynard becomes President of Aspen Skiing Company. Snowboarding is allowed on Snowmass.

One b/w photograph of Ingemar Stenmark (Sweden) during a Winternational World Cup Giant Slalom in the early 1980s. Probably 1981 or 1983 because it is snowing.

1989

Ingemar Stenmark wins his 86th and final World Cup race on Aspen Mountain.

One color slide of the Harris Concert Hall, June 2001.
Photo | McCullough Collection

1993

Harris Hall opens to critical acclaim. Whip Jones donates Aspen Highlands to Harvard University, which sells it to Gerald Hines, who becomes a partner with the Aspen Skiing Company, which assumes operations of Aspen Highlands.

One color slide of an aerial view of Snowmass Ski Area, Snowmass Village, circa 1990. before Two creeks was put in in 1995.
Photo | Russell Collection

1995

Two Creeks base area at Snowmass opens providing quick access to the popular Elk Camp area.

One newspaper/magazine, the Denver Post's Empire Magazine of the West, January 5, 1997. The paper celebrates "Aspen - Fifty Years of Going Downhill" - 50 Years of Skiing in Aspen. Story by Mike McPhee. On the cover page is a black and white photo of skiers at the base of Lift One in the late 1940s and a lift ticket for Steve Knowlton for the 1946/47 season signed by Friedl Pfeifer.

1996

The 50th Anniversary of the Aspen Skiing Company is marked with more than 3,000 employees and 4,700 acres of skiable terrain across four mountains and secures its status as a world-class winter destination. Pat O’Donnell becomes President and CEO of Aspen Skiing Company.

One 8.5 foot long poma pole and platter (7" diameter) from the Cirque Poma on Snowmass, 2012. The pole and platter were donated as part of the Bests, Firsts, and Worsts: Aspen in Objects exhibit.

1997

Snowmass celebrates 30 years of skiing. The Cirque lift opens giving Snowmass the nation’s longest lift-served vertical rise of 4,406 feet. The lift is built in an ecologically sound fashion to protect local animals and their habitat and is the first lift to be operated solely by clean, renewable wind power.

One color slide of competitors in the 24 Hours of Aspen endurance race on Aspen Mountain, December 14, 1996.
Photo | Bob Krueger Collection

1998

The World Cup returns to Aspen after a three-year hiatus. The Cirque run on Snowmass is renamed “Rocky Mountain High” in tribute to John Denver. Gulfstream 24-Hours of Aspen charity ski race set a new fund raising record of $1.2 million to support Kid’s Stuff (Silver Lining Ranch) and the Aspen Valley Ski Club. Highlands Cafe closes forever. Construction begins on new Highlands Village. Cloud Nine Cafe debuts on Aspen Highlands.

One 8" x 10" color photograph of the Sundeck Reunion party taken in April 1999 before the building was demolished. There is a large group of people in front of the east entrance to the Sundeck including Linda Vitti Herbst, Tom Anderson, Dick Durrance, Margaret Durrance, Ned Ryerson, Phoebe Ryerson, Loren Ryerson, Ed Pfab, Jim Hearn, Patty Edmondson, Willard Clapper, Anne Clapper, Gretl Uhl, Christine Aubale-Gerschel, Peggy Rowland, Howard Awrey, Peter Birrfelder, Mary Eshbaugh Hayes, Bob Throm, Phyllis Throm, Rob Baxter (Aspen Mtn. Manager), Ruth Whyte, Charlie Paterson and many others.

1999

The 50th Anniversary of the Aspen Music Festival and School. The Sundeck on Aspen Mountain is demolished to be replaced by a new 21,600 square foot mountain-top restaurant. A new Cloud Nine lift is built on Aspen Highlands. A controversial roundabout is completed at the intersection of Highway 82 and Maroon Creek Road with hopes of relieving increased traffic congestion at Aspen’s entrance. There are 9 traffic lights between Mill St. in Aspen and the first light in Glenwood. A remodeled Isis cineplex theater opens.

One color film negative of people coming out of the Music Tent (Benedict) at the Design Conference in June, 2000. The Benedict tent replaced the Bayer tent in 1999.
Photo | Mary Eshbaugh Hayes Collection

2000

The 50th Anniversary of the Aspen Institute. Aspen Music Festival and School dedicates new permanent music tent. The World Cup returns again to Aspen. Isis cineplex theater declares bankruptcy and closes.

1_25_09/WINTER X GAMES 13/MEN'S SNOWBOARD SUPERPIPE FINAL Kevin Pearce soars over the heads of spectators on his way to X Games silver
Photo | Aspen Skiing Company Collection

2001

We’ve stopped counting the traffic lights on Highway 82 from Aspen to Glenwood. The Isis cineplex theater reopens under new management. Snowboarding is allowed on Aspen. The Winter X Games is hosted in Aspen at Buttermilk for the first time (and still continues).

One color slide of two women standing in front of the Woods Building on E. Hyman Avenue, 1978. A sign for Aspen Drug is above their heads, and there is a pair of skis leaning against the building. The awning for Wax and Wicks can be seen down the street.
Photo | Bob Krueger Collection

2002

Aspen Drug ceases business after over 100 years of service to the community.

Base Village in Snowmass Village looking up fanny hill towards Sam's Knob.

2006

The original The Silver Queen Gondola cabins are retired to be replaced with larger cabins. Construction of the new Snowmass Base Village begins. Mike Kaplan becomes President and CEO of Aspen Skiing Company.

Fossils of mammoths, mastodons, a giant sloth and many other Ice Age animals and plants are discovered during the expansion of the Ziegler Reservoir in Snowmass Village, 2011

2011

Fossils of mammoths, mastodons, a giant sloth and many other Ice Age animals and plants are discovered during the expansion of the Ziegler Reservoir in Snowmass Village. The City of Aspen passes a “Plastic Bag Ban.” The Merry Go Round is renovated on Aspen Highlands.

One color slide of skiers in front of the Elk Camp Restaurant at Snowmass, 1975. The ski racks are filled with skis, and there are people on the deck. This became the Cafe Suzanne in 1989, and the building was torn down in 2012 when a new Elk Camp Restaurant was built at the top of the nearby Elk Camp Gondola (built in 2006).
Photo | Bob Krueger Collection

2012

Cafe Suzanne is torn down and replaced by a new Elk Camp Cafe at Snowmass. Colorado voters approve Amendment 64 legalizing marijuana for recreational use and regulating sales and tax income. The vote marked an electoral first in the United States and worldwide. The Hotel Jerome undergoes significant renovations.

One digital image taken on the first day that the Silverpeak Apothecary in Aspen sold recreational marijuana, March 5, 2014. The image shows the sign for the Aspen Silverpeak Apothecary. (drugs)

2014

The commercial sale of marijuana to the general public began on January 1, 2014 at licensed establishments throughout the state, including several stores in Aspen.

One digital color image of Federika Brignone (ITA) going around a gate during the 2017 FIS World Cup Finals Super G on March 16, 2017.
Photo | Andrew Hancock Collection

2017

The men’s and women’s FIS Ski World Cup Finals are held on Aspen Mountain, marking 50 years of World Cup racing in Aspen.

2019

City of Aspen voters approve new Lift One corridor project at Aspen Mountain’s historic western portal. The project includes a history museum to be operated by AHS, in the restored Skiers Chalet Lodge.

Photo | Aspen Ski Company

2023

The men’s FIS World Cup races return to Aspen Mountain.

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Land Acknowledgement
We gratefully acknowledge we gather on the land of the Uncompahgre band of the Ute Nation, or Nuche, past and present. We honor this land and the people who lived in harmony with the natural world for generations before their forced removal. We are committed to sharing the complete history of the land, recognizing and partnering with Native Peoples, and supporting the advancement of Native places and heritage. This calls us all to be better stewards of the land we inhabit and the natural resources we benefit from today.