RANCHING HISTORY – Ranchers living in the region (left) taking a break during haying. Billy Noland, Reg Barry, Jr. and Kenny Sodowski taking part in branding day at the McClure Ranch (right). The photos are a part of a two-volume ranching history compelation at the Ridgway Library. On Father’s Day, catch a glimpse of Ouray County’s Ranching History at the historic Colona School. (Photos courtesy Ridgway Library Ranch History Collection)
Thanks to funds donated by Ralph and Ricky Lauren of Double RL Ranch to the new Ridgway Library building project in 2000, a special section devoted to local ranching history was created, with an oral history project at its centerpiece. As a result, stories from Ouray County families were compiled into a book, Ranching History of Ouray County, which has been published in two volumes.
Some of the families taking part Sunday’s presentation have their stories featured in the books, which will be available for purchase at the event. Along with games for children and refreshments, guided tours of the historic school will offered, and the Ouray County Ranch Museum, housed in two of the Colona School's classrooms, will be open.
The event is part of an ongoing series to help raise money for the Save Colona School project. A registered historic landmark, the Colona School was placed on a list of Colorado's top ten Most Endangered Places in 2006. Donations are currently being sought to help raise matching funds for a grant to restore the historic school building.
Admission is free, but donations are requested. The event begins at 3 p.m. The Colona School is a two story, grey building located about a quarter mile west of U.S. Highway 550 on Ouray County Road 1. For more information about the Save Colona School, call 970 626-5075.
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