Sometime this spring a local icon will leave Huerfano County. Here’s the story.
While soliciting donations in La Veta and Walsenburg for a silent auction to benefit Colorado Preservation, Inc. and the “Most Endangered Places” program, I was surprised when a La Veta businessman offered a car! He had paid generously for it several years earlier to help a young family struggling financially. This 1957 classic, particularly the paint job, created quite a stir at the conference. It was mentioned at both luncheons to encourage the 1,000 plus attendees to shop the auction. In the final minutes of the three day display, one bidder hovered near the bid sheet to be certain the auto would be his. So determined was he to own the Buick that he made the high bid on lodging at La Plaza Inn for his visit from Denver to claim his prize.
As happens so often when I explain my connection to Walsenburg, the new owner of the Buick told me of his family roots in our area. This gentleman is a public historian with an organization which provides consulting services to owners of cultural resources throughout the southwest. His grandfather once owned two buildings on Main Street, the Fireside and Alpine Cafes. Some of you have already guessed the name I recognized on his business card as one I’ve heard mentioned by friends who grew up here—Shosky!
In addition to Dan Shosky, at least a dozen others have reason to visit Huerfano County, thanks to the generosity of Alhadef Photography, Armida’s Boutique, Bear Mountain Mercantile, Cowboy Connection, Davis Ranch, Eric Bachman, Grandote Peaks Golf Club, Huerfano County Historical Society, the Huerfano Journal, La Plaza Inn, Lathrop State Park, Quest Enterprises, and Yellow Pine Ranch. With their support over $10,000 was raised to help save Colorado’s historic resources, among them the one near and dear to us—The Santa Fe Trail.
JoVonne Fitzgerald- Colorado Preservation, Inc.
