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Saturday, 10 October 2009 05:57 |
 The 1st Nations Day Celebration held October 10th was cold and very slick with ice encrusted ground. Several of the scheduled events had to be canceled because icy roads and bad weather played a big part this year into where the Dancers and events could take place. However, the Dancers performed in the barn for the visitors to enjoy and everyone had a great time. The other events took place within the Carriage House with lectures and food provided for all attending. The food was prepared by Staff and volunteers at the Staff Office. The food fare consisted of Burritos, Buffalo Chilie, Guacamole, Pinto Beans, Coffee, Tea, and a special cake. Even amidst the unseasonably freezing cold temperatures, about 125 attended.
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. |
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Monday, 06 July 2009 20:54 |
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The 2009 Rock Ledge Ranch Family Fourth event was an explosive success! Hundreds of families gathered around the lawn to listen to live music and an appearance by General William Palmer who read the Declaration of Independence.
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. |
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Tuesday, 16 June 2009 15:12 |
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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. |
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Two New English Shire Horses Arrive |
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Sunday, 05 April 2009 00:00 |
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Two new beautiful young English Shire Horses arrive at the ranch. Winston and Victoria are half siblings (sharing the same mare) and are being trained to work the ranch. Come and see the two new exciting editions at Rock Ledge Ranch! |
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Saturday, 07 July 2007 02:54 |
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Authentic working adobe brick oven (horn) used for cooking breads and bakery goods. Stationed outside the homestead log cabin. |
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Tuesday, 22 September 2009 12:41 |
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This is a sensitive topic, not only because of the financial times we live in but also because of the recent years and continual nature of dishonesty and wasteful spending in the government. Trustworthiness is more difficult to come by than even money but there are moments where we each must step out on faith. In stepping out on faith we hope to improve our community ... or at least prevent it from sliding downhill. This November ballot will propose a mil levy increase, of which the taxes of home owners will be increased an average of $250 a year while businesses will get a tax decrease in an effort to draw more businesses to the city. These tax dollars, though they cannot be explicitly provisioned for parks and recreation or public transportation, are intended to provide for such amenities that our communities enjoy.
Simple attributes that we take for granted in our parks, such as mowed and watered grass, playground equipment repair and trail maintenance, and garbage disposal to name a few, cost money from the city. Parks will close if this funding isn't provided, and Rock Ledge Ranch is slated to be one of those parks.
How could the city run out of money? A majority of the city of Colorado Spring's budget is dependent on sales tax. As sales decline, so does the city's income.
More information on the ballot is available online at www.cityworthfightingfor.com. You can also read and distribute our printable letter regarding this issue (PDF). We urge you to read all you can about this issue from multiple sources. Also consider that this November's election is on a mail-only ballot. Make sure you vote on this ballot to make your voice heard. |
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Friday, 03 July 2009 00:45 |
 We are very pleased to announce that Rock Ledge Ranch has joined the social networking scene. Follow us on twitter for quick news updates and insider information. Additionally, we now moderate the Flickr Rock Ledge Ranch photography group. Members of this group will get insider information and photography tips specifically tailored to the ranch. So what are you waiting for? Follow some tweets and join our Flickr group! |
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2009 Sheep Shearing / Opening Day |
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Saturday, 06 June 2009 23:38 |
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The 2009 Rock Ledge Ranch opening day sheep shearing event was a fantastic success.
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! |
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Sprinkler Wagon Referbished |
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Wednesday, 02 April 2008 03:00 |
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Original wood water wagon used to keep the dust down on the streets of early Colorado Springs. Recently renovated in South Dakota. Come see the wagon at the Ranch in the Blacksmith shop. |
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Orchard House Renovations |
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Saturday, 07 June 2008 05:00 |
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Last year the Orchard House celebrated its 100th anniversary. Take a tour with a trained docent to see the historic renovations it underwent to commensurate the event. |
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