Good afternoon Key Lovers!
Today I want to look a a very special key. It did not belong to a famous musician, or unlock a secret passage. It is not a key to a city the White House. This key is not hung on our walls or kept behind glass. This key hangs on the ceiling, with all of the other keys donated by people who have stayed at the Baldpate Inn over the years. It belongs to a regular family who enjoys visiting Estes Park.
This key is actually a bright yellow bubble wand in the shape of a key. It was originally donated July 9th 2002 by Jolene Andolsek. It is labeled as the key to Teamwork at North Colorado Medical Center. Since then, this family has visited the Baldpate Inn Key Room twelve times. Sometimes when they visit, they leave a new tag with a note explaining what is happening in their lives. The earliest date (other than the donation date) is May 31st, 2008. Next to that date it states "Our 6th yearly visit. Laura just got braces. She was 16 on the 27th." On May 29th, 2009, they wrote, "Our 7th yearly visit. Laura gets wisdom teeth pulled on June 2. Laura is now 17." On May 28, 2010: "Our 8th year. Laura graduated May 21. Laura 18th Birthday. She starts at UNC in the fall. I am so proud of you. -Mom" May 27, 2011: "Laura 19th BD. 9th year. Mom passed away March 24 5:07pm at NCMC. Laura will be a sophomore at UNC. She likes Jeff Huffman." October 1, 2011 simply says, "With Jean." May 27th, 2012: "Laura is 20 today. She is dating Jeff. I have lost 62lbs. since Nov." May 27, 2013: "Laura 21 today. Where has time gone. Lost 96lbs. NCMC optimization. Laura dating Jeff." May 27, 2013; "Laura engaged to Jeff. Laura to teach first grade at Penrose. Move to Pueblo with Jeff." The last entry, dated Jun 5, 2016 states: "Laura in North Glenn. Stopped working Oct 24, 2015. Love retirement. With Laura and Harmin. Amazing year and many changes for us." On a separate tag, one that Laura left when she came without her mother, she wrote "Hi Mom! I'll see you in 2013. Love you! -Laura"
Many times we look at keys that have significance to state history or national history or unlock significant building. It is just as important to remember our own history. I'm thrilled to know that families have used our key collection as a way to track their own history and I cannot wait to see what else they will write.
Until next time,
Natalie
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Thursday, July 28, 2016
The Key to the First Bank Robbed by Jesse and Frank James
Good Afternoon key lovers!
It is yet another beautiful day here up in the Rocky Mountains, and as my time at the Baldpate is down to only two weeks I am filled with a mixture of emotions. I am excited to go back to school and continue my classes, but also sad to leave behind all the experiences and people that the Baldpate has brought into my life. With my time coming to a close it also means that my Summer Enchanted Evening presentation is coming up next week! In honor of this event, I will be focusing on yet another key with Wild West origin- the key to the first bank robbed by Jesse and Frank James.
The main vault, which had three chambers and four doors, was home to over two-millions dollars in gold at the time of the James Gang robbery, yet the robbers were unable to make off with that load. They made off with the cash that was being stored in the building's second vault, which located in what was then the President of the bank's office, who's name was Nimrod Long. This vault was known as the day vault since it was open during the daylight hours. Two bullet holes still remain to this day, as Long refused to cash a questionable bond brought in from the gang, and therefore was shot and wounded.
It was after this robbery that the James-Younger Gang made their presence known, and they went on to rob countless banks in the United States for many years. The bank is now not a functioning bank, and instead is a home with a kitchen, six bedrooms, twelve fireplaces, and two mahogany staircases. It was converted for residential use in the 1980s.
I personally find the Wild West extremely interesting, and I hope you guys as the readers are enjoying reading my series of Wild West keys just as much as I am enjoying writing them!
Til Next Time,
Hunter
Monday, July 25, 2016
The Key to Sudden Death
Good afternoon everybody!
Today I would like to look at a key titled "Key to Sudden Death." In reality, this key isn't really a key at all, but part of a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake carcass. With all the wildlife sightings in the area recently, it only seemed fitting.
The Western Diamond Rattlesnake, commonly known as the Texas Diamondback Rattlesnake lives in Texas and Mexico. It is the most common venomous snake in the area. This snake is a dusty brown color with darker brown diamond pattern down its back and white rings near the end of the tail. Western Diamond Rattlesnakes are pit vipers. This means that they can sense differences in temperature from the animals around them, making hunting incredibly easy. This snake is a generalist, which means that they are not very picky about where they live. As long as it's warm, they'll stay. These snakes hibernate during the winter and mate during the fall. They oftentimes give birth to about twelve children after a seven month gestation period. The young only stay with their mother one hour after birth and are fully capable of delivering a fully venomous bite the moment they are born.
The venom that the Western Diamond Rattlesnake produces destroys tissues and disables their prey. The venom also contains cytotoxins and myotoxins that destroys cells and stops cardiovascular function. General local effects include pain, heavy internal bleeding, severe bleeding, muscle damage, blistering and necrosis. The venom also causes hemorrhagins, dizziness, and convulsions. Although the snake only needs to bite its prey once in order to kill it, it is usually not enough to kill a human. Mortality rate of untreated bites from this snake is between 10-20%
This key was donated to the Key Room by Lillian and Fred Proctor.
Until next time!
Natalie
Today I would like to look at a key titled "Key to Sudden Death." In reality, this key isn't really a key at all, but part of a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake carcass. With all the wildlife sightings in the area recently, it only seemed fitting.
The Western Diamond Rattlesnake, commonly known as the Texas Diamondback Rattlesnake lives in Texas and Mexico. It is the most common venomous snake in the area. This snake is a dusty brown color with darker brown diamond pattern down its back and white rings near the end of the tail. Western Diamond Rattlesnakes are pit vipers. This means that they can sense differences in temperature from the animals around them, making hunting incredibly easy. This snake is a generalist, which means that they are not very picky about where they live. As long as it's warm, they'll stay. These snakes hibernate during the winter and mate during the fall. They oftentimes give birth to about twelve children after a seven month gestation period. The young only stay with their mother one hour after birth and are fully capable of delivering a fully venomous bite the moment they are born.
The venom that the Western Diamond Rattlesnake produces destroys tissues and disables their prey. The venom also contains cytotoxins and myotoxins that destroys cells and stops cardiovascular function. General local effects include pain, heavy internal bleeding, severe bleeding, muscle damage, blistering and necrosis. The venom also causes hemorrhagins, dizziness, and convulsions. Although the snake only needs to bite its prey once in order to kill it, it is usually not enough to kill a human. Mortality rate of untreated bites from this snake is between 10-20%
This key was donated to the Key Room by Lillian and Fred Proctor.
Until next time!
Natalie
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Hotel Keys - Tokyo's Imperial Hotel
Greetings! Today's key is going to transport us across the Pacific Ocean to the country of Japan, where we visit the famed Imperial Hotel of Tokyo. This hotel, currently boasting more than 700 rooms, has an especially interesting history that we'll dive right into.
The Imperial Hotel's history dates back to its opening in 1890. At the time, Japanese leaders and other important figures thought that opening such a hotel would be a necessity for Japan. The objective was for it to be targeted at foreign visitors. The initial hotel building was designed in a neo-Renaissance style, looking like it would fit in more with a European city than a turn-of-the-century Japanese one. After a slow start, business at the hotel gradually picked up until the hotel became more of a Japanese institution.
The original 1890 hotel ended up burning down in 1922. Fortunately, the hotel was in the midst of some big plans, and, as a result, the fire wasn't the end of the hotel. A decade before the fire, Frank Lloyd Wright, the famed American architect, was contracted to design a new hotel. His design was based on a Mayan Revival style of architecture, with the main facility resembling a pyramid. Wright's building endured a barrage of physical abuse over its lifetime, starting fairly early with the massive 1923 earthquake. While Wright was informed there was no damage, some minor parts of the building sustained some amounts of damage. During World War II, the incendiary bombing of Tokyo by the Allies decimated the hotel's south wing and completely annihilated the beloved Peacock Room. When Wright was asked to return to the hotel to oversee repairs, he refused, presumably due to the fact that Japan and the US were still at war at that point.
During the American occupation of Japan, the Japanese owners were forced to give up the property. It was not returned until 1952, when the decaying hotel began the repair process. A few more annexes were added to the building so that the hotel could accommodate more visitors. But then, in 1967, with the building aging poorly, the decision was made to demolish it and start over again. Despite Wright's structure being a classic, the repairs needed on the building made a new one more practical. Additionally, Wright had the idea of a "floating foundation", essentially set on mud, which would help protect against earthquakes. While it did help in that regard, it also made parts of the building sink over 3 feet. The newer hotel would be on a much more solid foundation, and hopefully as safe against earthquakes.
The current version of the Imperial Hotel was completed in 1970, and is considered to be one of Tokyo's top hotels. The Japanese were diligent in modeling their hotel after American hotels and practices, in their consistent attempt to appeal to foreign visitors. Despite the fact that today's hotel isn't nearly as architecturally interesting as Wright's version, it remains a popular destination. And fortunately, for those who want to see a glimpse of the older hotel, the lobby and part of the Wright hotel have been reassembled at the Museum Meiji-Mura in Nagoya. The museum is a large architectural park which celebrates early 1900s Meiji-style architecture.
As always, be sure to check out the key to the Imperial Hotel of Tokyo, as well as countless other keys, in the key room!
Topher
The Imperial Hotel's history dates back to its opening in 1890. At the time, Japanese leaders and other important figures thought that opening such a hotel would be a necessity for Japan. The objective was for it to be targeted at foreign visitors. The initial hotel building was designed in a neo-Renaissance style, looking like it would fit in more with a European city than a turn-of-the-century Japanese one. After a slow start, business at the hotel gradually picked up until the hotel became more of a Japanese institution.
 |
| The original 1890 Imperial Hotel |
The original 1890 hotel ended up burning down in 1922. Fortunately, the hotel was in the midst of some big plans, and, as a result, the fire wasn't the end of the hotel. A decade before the fire, Frank Lloyd Wright, the famed American architect, was contracted to design a new hotel. His design was based on a Mayan Revival style of architecture, with the main facility resembling a pyramid. Wright's building endured a barrage of physical abuse over its lifetime, starting fairly early with the massive 1923 earthquake. While Wright was informed there was no damage, some minor parts of the building sustained some amounts of damage. During World War II, the incendiary bombing of Tokyo by the Allies decimated the hotel's south wing and completely annihilated the beloved Peacock Room. When Wright was asked to return to the hotel to oversee repairs, he refused, presumably due to the fact that Japan and the US were still at war at that point.
 |
| The Frank Lloyd Wright Imperial Hotel, as seen on a postcard |
During the American occupation of Japan, the Japanese owners were forced to give up the property. It was not returned until 1952, when the decaying hotel began the repair process. A few more annexes were added to the building so that the hotel could accommodate more visitors. But then, in 1967, with the building aging poorly, the decision was made to demolish it and start over again. Despite Wright's structure being a classic, the repairs needed on the building made a new one more practical. Additionally, Wright had the idea of a "floating foundation", essentially set on mud, which would help protect against earthquakes. While it did help in that regard, it also made parts of the building sink over 3 feet. The newer hotel would be on a much more solid foundation, and hopefully as safe against earthquakes.
 |
| The remains of the Wright structure, as it appears today |
The current version of the Imperial Hotel was completed in 1970, and is considered to be one of Tokyo's top hotels. The Japanese were diligent in modeling their hotel after American hotels and practices, in their consistent attempt to appeal to foreign visitors. Despite the fact that today's hotel isn't nearly as architecturally interesting as Wright's version, it remains a popular destination. And fortunately, for those who want to see a glimpse of the older hotel, the lobby and part of the Wright hotel have been reassembled at the Museum Meiji-Mura in Nagoya. The museum is a large architectural park which celebrates early 1900s Meiji-style architecture.
 |
| The modern Imperial Hotel |
As always, be sure to check out the key to the Imperial Hotel of Tokyo, as well as countless other keys, in the key room!
Topher
Sunday, July 17, 2016
The Key to the First United Airlines "Mainliner"
Good morning key lovers!
I hope all of you have had an exceptional morning and start to your day, as the weather continues to get hotter and drier up here in the Rocky Mountains. Today I have decided to focus on a key that's unique story captured my attention right away- the key to the First United Air Lines "Mainliner."
At the time of the explosion, there was actually no federal statute that made it a crime to blow up an aircraft. Therefore, in order to convict Graham of his crime that tried him on the ground of premeditated murder against one victim, which was his mother Mrs. King. Despite the multiple deaths, he was only executed on the murder of his mother, and it was the first trial to be televised in Colorado.
Following the bombing and execution, a bill was introduced and signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 that made the intentional bombing of an aircraft illegal. Graham is believed to have been inspired by a similar crime committed by Albert Guay, in which he bombed an airplane with the intention of killing his wife.
I know I have chosen some dark stories to focus on lately, but sometimes the darkest moments in our nation's history are the most interesting. But do come on down and find some keys that you may find especially interesting to yourself when you visit our key room!
Til Next Time,
Hunter
Friday, July 15, 2016
The Francis Scott Key Key
Today I want to talk about a Key that is very important both in this museum and in our nation's history.
Francis Scott Key was born august 1, 1779 in Maryland. He became a successful lawyer and was later appointed to be the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
In the year 1812 the United States of America declared war on Great Britain due to a number of trade agreements. The British set fire to the White House, the Library of Congress, and the Capitol Building before setting their sights on Baltimore. In 1814, Key had gone to a ship off the coast of Baltimore to negotiate the release of his friend. He succeeded but was not allowed to leave the ship until the bombing of the Fort McHenry was over. He watched the whole thing from eight miles away. After a day of bombing, the British gave up. When the dust settled, Key saw the American flag still flying from the fort. He was so moved by the experience that he wrote a poem in tribute. The poem was printed in newspapers and eventually set to music. It was adopted as the national anthem March 3rd, 1931.
The flag that Francis Scott Key saw that night was made in 1813 by Mary Young Pickersgill in a building now known as the Baltimore Flag House. In 1936 when that house was being renovated, some of the original wood was carved into a wooden key with pictures of Francis Scott Key and the flag house on the front and the story of the house on the back. We acquired the key from Dudley P. Bowe, the president of the Star Spangled Banner Flag House Association in 1947.
The Francis Scott Key key is located in cabinet #7 in the Key Room. Make sure you take a look when you visit!
Until next time,
Natalie
Francis Scott Key was born august 1, 1779 in Maryland. He became a successful lawyer and was later appointed to be the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
In the year 1812 the United States of America declared war on Great Britain due to a number of trade agreements. The British set fire to the White House, the Library of Congress, and the Capitol Building before setting their sights on Baltimore. In 1814, Key had gone to a ship off the coast of Baltimore to negotiate the release of his friend. He succeeded but was not allowed to leave the ship until the bombing of the Fort McHenry was over. He watched the whole thing from eight miles away. After a day of bombing, the British gave up. When the dust settled, Key saw the American flag still flying from the fort. He was so moved by the experience that he wrote a poem in tribute. The poem was printed in newspapers and eventually set to music. It was adopted as the national anthem March 3rd, 1931.
The Francis Scott Key key is located in cabinet #7 in the Key Room. Make sure you take a look when you visit!
Until next time,
Natalie
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
The Tom Horn Execution Case!
Good morning key lovers!
Today I decided to switch things up a little bit and focus on one of the other various artifacts found in our key museum that is not a key- a piece of rope that Tom Horn was hung with after being convicted of the murder of 14 year-old Willie Nickell.
Tom Horn was an American Old West scout who carried out various jobs as a gunman, cowboy, soldier, detective, and Pinkerton. He is believed to have committed about 17 murders during his time as a scout, and was finally executed after being accused with the murder of Willie Nickell in 1902. Willie Nickell lived in Iron Mountain, Wyoming, and was the son of Kels Nickell, a sheep rancher. Kels Nickell had been involved in a feud with his neighbor Jim Miller, who was a cattle rancher. Horn visisted Jim Miller and his family, and learned of the feud with the Nickell family. On July 18, 1901, young Willie Nickell was found murdered near the family's homestead gate.
Following his son's death, Kels Nickell was shot and wounded wile 60-80 of his sheep were clubbed to death. Other various violent attacks occurred against the Nickell family, prolonging the murder investigation. Tom was later questioned about the murder by Deputy Marshal Joe Lefors, After gathering what was perceived to be ample evidence, Horn was arrested for the murder of the young boy. After receiving a guilty verdict by the jury, Horn was sentenced to be executed by hanging.
Tom Horn was one of the few people in the Wild West to be hanged by the Julian Gallows, which were water-powered gallows where the trapdoor was connected to a lever which pulled the plug out of a barrel of water. This then caused the lever with a counterweight to rise, pulling the support beam under the gallows. Horn was buried in Boulder, CO in the Columbia Cemetery. There is still debate to this day if Horn was wrongly accused of the murder, as many believed that he did not commit the act. The picture above is Tom Horn holding his execution rope as he awaits his hanging.
On a lighter note, I hope you all enjoy this beautiful summer day, and if you happen to be in visiting Estes Park, come pay us a visit here at the Baldpate!
Signing off,
Hunter
Today I decided to switch things up a little bit and focus on one of the other various artifacts found in our key museum that is not a key- a piece of rope that Tom Horn was hung with after being convicted of the murder of 14 year-old Willie Nickell.
Following his son's death, Kels Nickell was shot and wounded wile 60-80 of his sheep were clubbed to death. Other various violent attacks occurred against the Nickell family, prolonging the murder investigation. Tom was later questioned about the murder by Deputy Marshal Joe Lefors, After gathering what was perceived to be ample evidence, Horn was arrested for the murder of the young boy. After receiving a guilty verdict by the jury, Horn was sentenced to be executed by hanging.
On a lighter note, I hope you all enjoy this beautiful summer day, and if you happen to be in visiting Estes Park, come pay us a visit here at the Baldpate!
Signing off,
Hunter
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)