|
Gold Camp Victorian Society History
 he Gold
Camp Victorian Society, Inc. is dedicated to the preservation of the
history of Cripple Creek, Colorado, and surrounding areas. Known as the
World’s Greatest Gold Camp, the District is rich in ranching, mining and
railroad history. By wearing Victorian era clothing and reenacting
typical scenes of those days, the Gold Camp Victorian Society is
determined to safeguard this heritage by educating all generations in the
lifestyles and accomplishments of the early day residents who created and
enriched our community.
 This
knowledge of life one hundred years ago, presented as skits in the local
schools and elsewhere, allows our children to better appreciate their
community today. Our Victorian Balls, area tours and educational
programs enlighten local citizens and visiting tourists, spurring interest
in return trips to Cripple Creek
he
Society plays a role in City historic events such as the opening of the
Heritage Center. We extend our historic education by participating in
parades and historical reenactments in Colorado Springs, Victor,
Florissant, Canon City, Leadville, and elsewhere.
The Gold Camp Victorian Society’s
activities support the City’s on-going efforts to preserve the historical
culture of Cripple Creek. We are pleased to be able to work with the City
of Cripple Creek in this endeavor and wholeheartedly thank the City for
their support in our many activities. Our thanks, as well, to the dozens
of businesses and individuals who contribute to our efforts. Our
existence depends on the generosity of our many friends.
he
Society began in 1999 with twenty people who liked to dress
“old-fashioned” and pursue entertainments enjoyed by the early-day Cripple
Creek District pioneers. Today, we have grown to a membership exceeding
eighty.
he
Gold Camp Victorian Society is now a Not-for-Profit Corporation, known and
respected throughout the State of Colorado and beyond. The society
is applauded by history buffs and Historical Societies everywhere for the
attention given to authenticity in clothing, manners and activities.
he Gold
Camp Victorian Society’s annual Victorian Balls have rapidly become the
most popular event of its kind across the State. Those in attendance are
treated to lavish decorations and an extraordinary banquet. The evening
is spent in learning and enjoying Victorian dances accompanied by vintage
music.
he
Gold Camp Victorian Society is actively involved in helping the City of
Cripple Creek celebrate National Historic Preservation Week. Events
for 2008 will include a Victorian Tea and Social Gathering, Donkey
Derby Days Gold Dust Dance, Military Appreciation Days, Mt. Pisgah Speaks
Cemetery Walk, as well as several parades and historical reenactments.
Please see our "Events" section for details. We encourage visitors of all
ages to join us at our balls and d ances
to learn old-time dance steps from professional instructors and to dress
up in turn-of-the-century clothing.
 n summer
Saturdays, members in period attire stroll the streets of Cripple Creek,
at the request of the City, adding an ambience of gentler days. Casino
visitors and tourists are delighted with our long summer gowns and
parasols, our top hats, vests and canes. Many snap our pictures and walk
along with us, asking questions about the “old days.” Our hope is that
people leave with a feeling this city cares about those who come to our
town.
 The Society’s Smokin’ Guns Club brings historical weapons to life. Using
old single shot handguns, these men and women add excitement to parades,
historical reenactments, and events. Safety is our priority and training
sessions held on occasional Saturdays offer practice in friendly fast draw
competitions. Unarmed members come to cheer them on and partake in a
potluck dinner. Click on Smokin’ Guns Club link to the right to learn
more about this unique club..
he
Mount Pisgah Speaks Cemetery tour in Cripple Creek was one of the
first activities established, acting as a means to both educate visitors
and raise funds for the Society. Re-enactors, dressed as historical
characters such as Pearl DeVere and Doc Susie, stand beside their
tombstones and tell about their lives in early Cripple Creek. This event
continues to be well received by hundreds of visitors.
he
Gold Camp Victorian Society helps make Christmas in Cripple Creek a truly
memorable occasion. Victorian Society members participate in the annual
community Christmas parade and other City events.
The Society participates in the annual community Christmas
parade. Last year’s float, an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh, was a
prize winner.
 onthly meetings of the Gold Camp Victorian Society are held to plan
events, conduct Society business and give people a chance to socialize and
get to know each other better. We encourage individuals, couples and
families to join us in our endeavors and our fun. Well behaved children
add to the authenticity of the era, and we welcome them. If you have
questions about this organization, please call President Sally Millikan at
719 689-9795.
To join, please click on the Become a Member Link to the right.
|
For more information on the
Gold Camp Victorian Society, please
email
us or visit these links.
Dues & Meeting Dates
Annual dues for membership in the
Gold Camp Victorian Society, Inc. are currently $15 per person or $20 per
family for the calendar year. Our meetings are normally held the 4th
Sunday of each month at 2:00 pm. Meetings are held at the Teller County
Centennial Building (Commissioner’s Room) in Cripple Creek.
Dates of 2008 Meetings:
-
January 27
-
February 24
-
March 30
-
April 27
-
May 18
-
June 22
-
July 27
-
August 24
-
September 28
-
October 26
-
November 23
- No December Meeting
2008 Board Members
-
President Sally Millikan
-
Vice President Jeep White
-
Secretary Jolene Sharrett
-
Treasurer Linda Johnson
-
Sergeant at Arms Rob
Johnson
-
Members at Large:
-
Neva McMullin
-
Diana Melching
Read our Event Blog
Contact Information:
By mail
at:
Gold Camp
Victorian Society
PO Box
1188
Cripple
Creek, CO 80813
By
telephone:
719-689-9795
By email:
goldcampvictoriansociety@gmail.com |
