Author - The Journal

Leopold Grasse’s Boot and Harness Shop in Cortez

Leopold Carl Gottfried Grasse (pronounced “Grassy”) and his wife, Augusta (nee Shoneboom) Grasse, came to Cortez about 1909. Both descended from German immigrants and spoke German as well as...

DATE: Apr 1, 2021 | CATEGORY: Looking back

Dr. Royal W. Calkins, physician, surgeon, legislator and friend of the schools

Dr. Royal W. Calkins was born March 18, 1870, in Wyoming, Iowa. Lorilla Calkins Crowson shared her memories of her father in 1987. “As a boy, he moved with his family to the homes...

DATE: Feb 26, 2021 | CATEGORY: Looking back

Looking Back: The early days and life of Montezuma County

Editor’s note: The following column is based on excerpts from a manuscript by Dora Pederson that was read at a Women’s Club Meeting in 1934.By The Montezuma County Historical Society ...

DATE: Jan 27, 2021 | CATEGORY: Looking back

The uprising of Polk and Posey in 1915

Shooting leads posse from Cortez on manhunt to Bluff City

DATE: Nov 24, 2020 | CATEGORY: Looking back

The pioneers and outlaws of McElmo Canyon

Part 2 The first record of irrigation in McElmo was 1888, and four ranches hold this priority. Most all the McElmo Canyon ranches hold early water rights. About 1928, John Miller ...

DATE: Oct 30, 2020 | CATEGORY: Looking back

Walter Halls’ McElmo history

Editor’s note: Part 2 of Walter Hall’s McElmo History will appear in Looking Back article on Nov. 4.The first record of irrigation in McElmo Canyon was in 1888. Four ranches held this pr...

DATE: Oct 3, 2020 | CATEGORY: Looking back

Looking Back Gymnasium built by students and interested people

In 1919, it was decided that to have a more complete athletic program, a gymnasium was needed. Money for the gym was collected from pledges of students and interested citizens. Pl...

DATE: Sep 1, 2020 | CATEGORY: Looking back

The pioneering Lyntons left imprint on Southwest Colorado

Editor’s note: This article was provided by Pat Castle. It was printed in Volume Four of Great Sage Plain to Timberline “Our Pioneer History.” Castle’s grandfather was James Earl Lynton,...

DATE: Aug 1, 2020 | CATEGORY: Looking back

The early days of Montezuma County: abundance and scarcity

Editor’s note: The following was read by Mrs. A. W. Dillon at the Pioneers’ Reunion on Sept. 4, 1908.The glint of gold first lured the prospector with the pick, shovel and pan strapped o...

DATE: Jun 30, 2020 | CATEGORY: Looking back

J.M. Rush of Mancos: A life forged in young America

Editor’s note: This article is based on an interview Anna Florence Robison had with J.M. Rush Jr. and his granddaughter, Minnie Rush. J.M. Rush Sr. died in 1917.Montezuma County Historic...

DATE: May 31, 2020 | CATEGORY: Looking back

Mancos 1884: The big snow and other travails

James Martin Rush Jr. recounts the big snow and the travails of the canyon and Four Corners

DATE: May 7, 2020 | CATEGORY: Looking back

James Martin Rush Jr. and the quest for a lost mine

Editor’s note: This article, the first of two parts, is based on an interview with Anna Florence Robinson on July 17, 1934. Part 2 will publish May 1, barring unforeseen circumstances.I ...

DATE: Mar 31, 2020 | CATEGORY: Looking back