. The Anthony Hospitals Plant Service Manager Gary responsibilities having been abated, having handing his written resignation to the Hospital Administrator’s wife Nina, Lee Adams observing his action from the shadows of an adjoining room. The realm of unemployment a new experience, the silence of the vacuous N. Springfield residence, Jan still fulfilling her hospital commitment , the children in school, the lack of presence or purpose displaying a void within, Gary realizing the stillness echoing the reality of circumstance, questioning his judgment to resign his Anthony Hospital position. A firm justification prevailing, the resignation, an acceptance of responsibility for his daughter involvement in the Halloween Adams residency labeling event and any disparage it may have caused, leaving the Administrator with no pretext for making public any deprecatory statements about the Willson’s’.
. Gary having made the decision, “to take up the gauntlet” and submit for publication the evidence of Lee Adams transgressions. With an abundant accumulation of evidence of Adams past transgressions , Gary culminating an editorial for submission to the Anthony Republican Newspaper, disclosure of the despot lurking at the Anthony Hospital. Accessing the Main Street local paper, acquainted with Jim Dunn, the owner-publisher and his wife Vera, having worked with the couple in the past, illuminating the Editor with articles about up-coming hospital activities and events. Gary brandishing his typed exposé of Lee Adams sequestered past, including documentation of the numerical count of nurses, doctors, even catholic nuns whom were compelled to resign or were terminated by his actions during his tenure at the A RG (Appalachian Regional Healthcare) Hazard Kentucky Medical Center. Jim’s first reaction was one of forbearance, not aspiring to evoke the newspaper in what appeared to be an evolving public dispute, declining to publish the type written article. Gary opening a folder, spreading the abundant incriminating clipping from The Hazard Herald Newspaper on the counter, Jim’s interest peaked. Gary turning towards the door to leave, briefly stating to the Editor, he could print it or file it away, it was his decision.
. Gary’s article exploded on the front page of the Anthony Republican, the only deprecatory, Jim’s decision to withhold the name of the author, explaining it was a discretionary measure reserved for publishers, his concern, Gary’s family and possible retribution. The community became openly polarized with citizens submitting additional editorials for the removal and support of the administrator, the hospital board of directors submitting a letter of their continued steadfast support of Lee Adams, the outpouring of concern over whelming. Jim Dunn receiving veiled threats, including Larry Olds, owner of Larry’s Home Town market, threatening the editor with pulling his advertisement if the editor continued to publish articles detrimental to Adams and the Hospital Board.
. Jim a true journalist calling his bluff continuing to publish the facts even though Larry’s store was his largest advertising account. The conflict now a blatant affliction, a discourse that Jan Willson would soon be discharged as Director of Nursing was rumored. With growing apprehension Gary and Jan journeying to Wichita seeking advice from a labor relations attorney, exploring legal alternatives for possible upcoming developments. The attorney suggesting that the couple and other concerning parties document Adam’s past by engaging a private investigator, thus providing a future foundation for litigation. The attorney supplying the name of an investigator who had worked with him in the past. The drive back from Wichita was one of accomplishment, but also one of question wonder where or when destines road will end.
. Amidst the Anthony Hospital turmoil, involving the administrator, a short two weeks into the realm of the unemployed, Gary discovering vocational employment from an unexpected authorship, the Kiowa District Hospital. Both Jan and Gary having served the Hospital, Jan functioning as a Nurse’s Aide and EMT during her college internship, and Gary as a driver with the hospital directed Barber County Ambulance Service during his employment at the school. The ex-Anthony Hospital employee according a message of appreciation to his brother inlaw Shawn Johnson, for conveying the possibility of an opening at the hospital, conveying, an ongoing dissolution between the current maintenance man, Mike Pavlu, and the Hospital Administrator. Gary discovering that Mike, the son inlaw of hospitals director of nursing, Sharon Reagan, having unexpectedly resigned in pursuit of another avocation.
. Gary placing a call to Buck McKinney the Administrator expressing an interest in applying for the maintenance position, arranging for an interview having some apprehension about residing in Anthony. The interview with McKinney was brief, the administrator having no consequence about his Anthony residency and to Gary’s surprise afforded little interest in the prevailing occurrences at the Anthony Hospital. The financial compensation for a maintenance man was as anticipated, substantially less than his previous multi-department Plant Service Manager position at the Anthony Hospital. Gary bringing to light his participation in the Kansas Hospital Engineers Association, currently serving the organization as secretary, treasurer and editor of the KHEA monthly newsletter, his concern was whether the Kiowa hospital would continue to endorse his participation, the administrator assuring the hospital’s commitment would be extended.
. During his initial interview with Buck, Gary summarized his past hospital related responsibilities and experience, in addition to his normal maintenance duties, he initiated a written maintenance and safety policy and procedure programs with documentation, to comply with the ever increasing number of state and federal regulations. With the start of his employment, the new employee given license to search for a small suitable office space, discovering a vacant room across the hall from Gail Lindley, the long established purchasing director from the past John McGee Administrative era. The small office accommodation fulfilling a homestead for his computer, plus its edict, and once situated he began to research for past written documentation. An investigation soon realized that there was no recorded written records for past inspections, and discovering the hospital staff never having participating in regularly scheduled monthly fire drills as required. The contrivance days of the past were of a by-gone epoch, the day of written documentation and compliance with State and Federal regulations having arrived.
Gary experiencing the maintenance requirements contrary to those of the Anthony Hospital, the smaller Kiowa facility with its diminished numbered of acute, and swing-bed patients, having fewer maintenance request. His morning walk-thru of the building, a visit to the clinic, all the ancillary departments, documented inspection of clinical systems, the daily incineration of medical waste and regiment of grounds keeping. The facilities housekeeping duties being provided by Judy Reed and a staff of two, Ona Hunter and Vicki Rugg.. Gary having been acquainted with Dick Reed when he was a sales representative with the Bogner Chevrolet, but not Judy. The Dietary Department consisted of one person, Arveetah Starzac, her culinary domain absolute, dominantly ruled, more than adequate for the sparse patience influxe. Arveetah a working mother, her son William an enrollee of the California Highway Patrol Academy, and younger daughter Anna, still in Grade School.
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The hospital nursing contingency directed by registered nurse Sharon Raegan, her patient concern and advocacy, reflected by the diligent attention and a caring atmosphere the healthcare facility espoused.. Her community presence, displayed by her voluntary commitment to supervising the Ambulance Service monthly employee schedule , fulfilling almost all registered nurse transporting runs. Gary very much acquainted with the Raegan’s, having worked with Sharon’s school custodian employed husband Craig, and commemorating how Sharon covered his ambulance on-call duty during his Grade School vocation, when embarking his morning and afternoon bus route.
. Gary, in all honesty, missed the challenge and learning experience of the larger Anthony Hospital, but accepted his return to Kiowa and the hospital employment as a literal evolution of, Back to the Future.
. Amidst the Anthony Hospital turmoil, involving the administrator, a short two weeks into the realm of the unemployed, Gary discovering vocational employment from an unexpected authorship, the Kiowa District Hospital. Both Jan and Gary having served the Hospital, Jan functioning as a Nurse’s Aide and EMT during her college internship, and Gary as a driver with the hospital directed Barber County Ambulance Service during his employment at the school. The ex-Anthony Hospital employee according a message of appreciation to his brother inlaw Shawn Johnson, for conveying the possibility of an opening at the hospital, conveying, an ongoing dissolution between the current maintenance man, Mike Pavlu, and the Hospital Administrator. Gary discovering that Mike, the son inlaw of hospitals director of nursing, Sharon Reagan, having unexpectedly resigned in pursuit of another avocation.
. Gary placing a call to Buck McKinney the Administrator expressing an interest in applying for the maintenance position, arranging for an interview having some apprehension about residing in Anthony. The interview with McKinney was brief, the administrator having no consequence about his Anthony residency and to Gary’s surprise afforded little interest in the prevailing occurrences at the Anthony Hospital. The financial compensation for a maintenance man was as anticipated, substantially less than his previous multi-department Plant Service Manager position at the Anthony Hospital. Gary bringing to light his participation in the Kansas Hospital Engineers Association, currently serving the organization as secretary, treasurer and editor of the KHEA monthly newsletter, his concern was whether the Kiowa hospital would continue to endorse his participation, the administrator assuring the hospital’s commitment would be extended.
. During his initial interview with Buck, Gary summarized his past hospital related responsibilities and experience, in addition to his normal maintenance duties, he initiated a written maintenance and safety policy and procedure programs with documentation, to comply with the ever increasing number of state and federal regulations. With the start of his employment, the new employee given license to search for a small suitable office space, discovering a vacant room across the hall from Gail Lindley, the long established purchasing director from the past John McGee Administrative era. The small office accommodation fulfilling a homestead for his computer, plus its edict, and once situated he began to research for past written documentation. An investigation soon realized that there was no recorded written records for past inspections, and discovering the hospital staff never having participating in regularly scheduled monthly fire drills as required. The contrivance days of the past were of a by-gone epoch, the day of written documentation and compliance with State and Federal regulations having arrived.
Gary experiencing the maintenance requirements contrary to those of the Anthony Hospital, the smaller Kiowa facility with its diminished numbered of acute, and swing-bed patients, having fewer maintenance request. His morning walk-thru of the building, a visit to the clinic, all the ancillary departments, documented inspection of clinical systems, the daily incineration of medical waste and regiment of grounds keeping. The facilities housekeeping duties being provided by Judy Reed and a staff of two, Ona Hunter and Vicki Rugg.. Gary having been acquainted with Dick Reed when he was a sales representative with the Bogner Chevrolet, but not Judy. The Dietary Department consisted of one person, Arveetah Starzac, her culinary domain absolute, dominantly ruled, more than adequate for the sparse patience influxe. Arveetah a working mother, her son William an enrollee of the California Highway Patrol Academy, and younger daughter Anna, still in Grade School.
The hospital nursing contingency directed by registered nurse Sharon Raegan, her patient concern and advocacy, reflected by the diligent attention and a caring atmosphere the healthcare facility espoused.. Her community presence, displayed by her voluntary commitment to supervising the Ambulance Service monthly employee schedule , fulfilling almost all registered nurse transporting runs. Gary very much acquainted with the Raegan’s, having worked with Sharon’s school custodian employed husband Craig, and commemorating how Sharon covered his ambulance on-call duty during his Grade School vocation, when embarking his morning and afternoon bus route.
. Gary, in all honesty, missed the challenge and learning experience of the larger Anthony Hospital, but accepted his return to Kiowa and the hospital employment as a literal evolution of, Back to the Future.
A group of concerned Anthony citizens having assembled at the Willson’s residence, to discuss a means to convince the Hospital Board, in a revocation of Administrator Lee Adam’s contract. Financial donations were acquired to compensate a Private Investigator, and secure a leasing of the Municipal Hall for a publicized town meeting to address the impasse. The evening of the community town hall meeting, a show of solidarity present at the Municipal Hall , over 100 concerned people in attendance, Gary and Jan both seated on the stage as current and past hospital representatives, but neither addressing the congregation. The oratory conducted by long standing civic prominent citizens, and as expected, not a single hospital board member in attendance. A straw poll being conducted by a show of hands, the tallied count overwhelming for a dismissal of the Hospital Administrator..
. The supposition was broadcast, Lee Adams was going to terminate Jan Willson as Director of Nurses, but before he could issue the summons, a message from the hospital nursing staff was delivered to Terry Musick, hospital board chairman, the bulletin, the entire nursing staff would “walk“, if Jan was removed as Director of Nursing. Musick placing an immediate call to the Administrator, Jan’s termination order was halted. The news of the impending “walk out “ having reached the news desk of KWCH 12 and KSNW channel 3 television in Wichita. the stations dispatching their mobile broadcasting trucks to Anthony, the possible nursing walkout an item on the nightly news. The stalemate continued, the Hospital Board unwilling to admit an error in judgment, then an announcement by Doctor Robert Ludwick, he was vacating his Anthony practice, and moving to Louisiana, publicly stating. “the agitation at the hospital, was a contributing factor for his decision”. The news of the respected physicians departure resonating throughout the community, Leander Adams remaining the topic of conversation at the donut shop.
. A full-page announcement in the Anthony Republican, the Anthony Hospital Board would accommodate an open public meeting the following week at the old vacated Lincoln Junior High School Gymnasium, to address the communities concerns about the hospital. The evening of the meeting, the gym bleachers filled to capacity, the entire hospital board, and Lee Adams, seated on stage. Terry Musick, speaking on the board’s behalf, once again endorsing their support for the Administrator. One by one members of the audience came forward to be recognized, microphone in hand, displaying their disagreement with the board, their appeal having little, or no effect on those seated on stage. Gary noticing a huddled crowd around a member sitting in the bleachers, it was Doctor Jeffrey Bond, the hospital chief of staff, the surrounding group encouraging him to speak.
. The influential doctor having maintained an outward appearance of neutrality throughout the ongoing ordeal, having spoken with him Jan and Gary, the couple knowing otherwise. Standing and addressing the assemblage, the doctor hesitant to speak, a hushed silence radiating in the auditorium, a pronouncement that his statement would be brief. He began “It would be in the best interest of the Hospital and Community, if the Board asked for Mister Adams resignation.“ With the applause ringing, Terry Musick acknowledging the public’s concern, thanking all for their attendance, stating the Board would take what was conferred under advisement, and render a decision in an executive session. The public beginning a slow exit from the building when word filtered down from the stage, the Hospital Board informally having reached a decision, they would request Leander D Adams to submit a letter of resignation. Gary pondering how a simple Halloween prank, could trigger a life changing event, and their destination on the road of life.
The decision having been constituted, blanket the exterior with a new coat, the specifics presented a cauldron of details, the longevity of the project requiring a constancy of enduring fortitude and a gathering of perseverance. The first determination was advocated by Jan, Gary’s true sentiment being sequestered, giving his wife’s predilection precedence of the chromaticity of design. Not surprisingly it was her adjudicate that the residence at 602 N. Springfield Ave be painted blue and a realization by Gary, that for the most part, the ensuing labor endeavor would be a solitary commitment.
A remembrance from the past
Gary’s work ethic having been established at an early age, unlike Roberts and Sandi who were not saddled with a lack of monetary foundations to pursue their pleasurable pastimes, the youth establishing a vigil for enterprising opportunities. Gary was given a token allowance by his parents, but it was minimal, requiring a regimen of weekly chores. Gary expanding his responsibility, creating a yard mowing enterprise in the sixth grade, establishing neighborhood customers. The seventh grade finding a full-time commissioned charge delivering the Oakland Tribune, an obligation that would continue for three years, until his entrance to High School. Gary attempted on several occasions to instill a work ethic on the children, assigning them duties, even to encompass Robert engagement in the perpetual upkeep of the yard, but to no avail, the youth’s were more absorbed in their diversion with their friends. A conclusion prevailed, not a lack of discipline, but of endurance, it was less demanding to do it yourself.
Gary initiated his house painting project, visiting his father-in-law Bud Murrow a Porter Paint distributor about securing paint, Bud offering the emulsion at his cost. An estimate in the number of gallons was difficult to envision, Gary disclosing a decision to inhibit a five step program, scraping to remove the old loose paint, a sealer, a primer, followed by two coats of a semi-gloss enamel on all wooden concordances. The structures ship-lap walls having been overlaid in the 1950’s with the installation of asbestos shingles which would require two coats of the semi-gloss product, all to be enhanced by brush. A visit to Home Lumber and Supply in Anthony to inquire about scaffolding, discovering the nearest procurer was in Wichita. A telephone conversation with a Wichita construction equipment dealer concerning scaffolding rental came as a shock, the cost was based on a per-day use. Gary contemplating it would take months to complete his project, especially considering the added effort of repairing and replacing dry-rot wood and the scouring of the upper floor outside window panes, their transparency hampered from generations of weathering. Once again, approaching his father-in-law, questioning him about scaffolding, noting some scaffolding remnants beside Buds shop, but finding their number unusable for an application on a three-storied structure. Bud mentioning he had access to a construction equipment provider he and his crew had used in the past, the provisional Wichita company leasing scaffolding by the job, with no time restraints. Gary’s scaffolding dilemma was solved.
Robert & friend talked into helping.
The inauguration began in May, the assemblage of four tiers of scaffolding arising on the north side of the residence, a point in the structure width where the roof peaked at its apical height. Working alone presented a difficulty joining the scaffolding sections, Gary’s inherent discomfort with heights giving him pause, especially when standing atop the final level of the 2×12’s that provided the narrow horizontal platform, conjecturing a way to achieve a more agreeable method of assemblage. Once the four tiers were in place, the application strategy was elementary, starting at the top, administer all of his five painting steps then move the placement of the four tiers horizontally completing another section, all maximal surface’s attainable before descending its apex. The west side with its three gables protruding from the steep incline of the roof, presenting a new challenge. This time the assemblage and rising of the scaffold was without difficulty, Gary importing a second pair of hands, a willing accomplice scurrying upwards without hesitation, showing no concern for the height, seemingly enjoying the upward journey. With an able assistant to put in place the ascending sections, assisting in its mounting and the anchoring of the crossbars, the intrepid confederate was his son, Robert.
The view from the scaffolding was the view.
The top windows on the gables above the third floor were accessible by placing a twelve-foot ladder on the 2×12’s of the fourth tier, Gary finding himself on a ladder approaching 50 feet above the ground. The most vexatious moiety was mounting the inclined roof to scrape, seal, prime and paint the sides of the gables, the inclines uncertainty causing Gary some concern about sliding off, not wanting to involve the roof in anyway deciding he could be reconciled by fastening a securing rope . The labor was time consuming, the carpentry, the continuous removal of paint from a by-gone era and having to wait 24 hours between the various applications seemed to procrastinate a conclusion. The summer months progressed, Gary addressing his unobligated time, accessing the long-lasting project almost every day after work and on weekends. A relief from the scaffolding, a welcome change, the painting application of the two porches, their pillars and structure a lower region, accessible by stepladder, finding some appreciative help from Jan, Sandi and Robert, whom invariably invited a friend to witness and experience the activity.
The final reaches of the project coming to a conclusion in October, a final culmination to what at times seemed to Gary as never-ending. The achievement leaving vestiges, Gary recalling a memorable aspect, his appearance on a 12 ft. ladder atop four tiers of scaffolding, addressing the gables on the N. Springfield Ave. side of the structure. It was a weekend endeavor and he took notice of the continuous traffic flow on the street, slowing and sometimes stopping to observe his precarious elevated perch on the frail looking ladder, presenting a visual allocution for the Anthony community and the probable blather at the donut shop Monday morning. A final assessment of the 4 ½ month long enterprise, the sealer, primer and paint totaling 37 gallons, an integer far less than a spraying application. Gary concluding, his time and effort was a testament to the intrepidity of his character.
The Willson’s Buick was heading west on highway 54, a Ouray Colorado journey to join Gary’s father & mother in-law Bud and Helen Murrow at their annual summer retreat on the western slope of the Rockies, their 35 ft. fifth wheel trailer a Rocky Mountain 6 weeks provisional home. This summers foray would also find other members of Jan’s family assembling in the quiescence of the Rocky Mountain domain. The Willson’s first stop, Greensburg, a typical Kansas farming community celebrated as having the largest hand-dug well in the world, not a planned agenda stop but the highway sign according the families attention. The Greensburg morning stop a novelty to investigate something off the beaten path, its proclamation of acclaim giving raise to curiosity. The entrance thru a gift shop, finding a stairway leading down the 110 foot depth to the 1880’s era’s townships water supplying well. Robert, Sandra and Gary descending the stairwell into the dimly lighted hand -dug cavern, Gary’s dissertation wasn’t the descent but the experience.
Replica of old Dodge City.
Gun fight at Dodge
The journey continuing northwest thru old Fort Dodge, erected in 1866 and then deeded to the State of Kansas in 1890 as the Kansas State Soldiers Home. Another 5 miles to Dodge City, the famous Cow town making its historic significance from 1876 to 1886, a span of ten years before reverting to a sleepy West Kansas meat packing community. The 1951 radio and later television program Gunsmoke responsible for its new-found prominence, the replica’s of the Long Branch Saloon and the Boot Hill Museum a host to the inquisitive like Gary whom was an avid Gunsmoke radio listener of that era. The original Front Street buildings no longer giving a presence, the victims of a 1970 urban renewal program, but the flavor of the old west still could be perceived. The Willson’s touring the replicas, mounting boot hill, enjoying a gunfight presentation, savoring the memorable realm.
Newspaper account
Welcome to Rocky Ford
US Highway 50, the median west thru Garden City, then elapsing less than a mile from another noted Kansas town, Holcomb, its acclaim pronounced by Truman Capote 1966 book and movie, In Cold Blood. The 1959 well publicized murder of the Clutter family in farming community of Holcomb being chronicled. Crossing into Colorado, the small town of Rocky Ford, another distinctive town nationally renown, noted for it its cantaloupes. Gary making a mental note for the return trip home, to stop at one of many roadside stands and redeem a quantity of Rocky Fords nationally known product.
The Rockies on the horizon
Double rainbow at Canon City Colorado
The Holiday Motel
Trekking west thru Pueblo, the arid flat plains of Colorado giving way to a vista view of the Colorado Rocky Mountains in the distance. The day long venture about to conclude, echoing in the first nights rest at the Holiday Motel in Canon City, a small privately owned facility without amenities, but the congeniality of the management and its low-budget rooms were adequate for an overnight stay. Canon City, the gateway to the Royal Gorge Bridge and State Park, Gary reserving the gorge visit for the return journey home. The early morning breakfast fulfilled, the family making a decision to traverse northward, 1 ½ hour detour from Highway 50 to the Colorado gold mining communities of Cripple Creek and Victor.
Robert on the road to Cripple Creek
Cripple Creek
Journeying on Highway 9 the unpaved portion before intersecting the uphill Highway 11 to Cripple Creek and its sister city Victor, reminding Gary of the mountainous roads of Siskiyou County California as a youth with the exception of the rocks causing the road to narrowed to a single lane then passing through the tunneled walls of solid granite. The once booming 1890 town now renounced from its past, the state of Colorado having just legalized Cripple Creek for gambling. The sparse old shops housing antiques and tourist knickknacks now sporting For-Lease or For-Sale signs, the future modern-day entrepreneurial proprietors yet to established all their gambling enterprises.
Aboard the CC & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
Train Robbers
An early lunch at the Victor Hotel dining room, followed by a tour of the remaining shops of Cripple Creek and a boarding of the CC & Victor Narrow Gauge Railway. The scenic journey hugging the cliff endowed tracks, crossing the old trestles, following the paths of the ore carrying cars to the stamp mills. A group of masked outlaws, firing their guns, boarding the train, commanding a hold-up, extracting gratuities from the tourist passengers, a payment for the reenactment. The late afternoon finding the Willson’s receding the 9494 ft. elevations of Cripple Creek this time on State Highway 24. Gary thankful for leaving the thin air of the mining community, the Buick breaching the scenic high mountain meadows, again to acquaint US 50, the westward venture continuing. The scenic wonders of the Colorado fulfilling the excursion as they continued upward on the majestic expanse of the Continental Divide.
Rocky Mountains leaving Cripple Creek
Sharing the terrain – Highway 50 & the Arkansas River
With the farewell to Cripple Creek and again on highway 50, the Buick Skylark reaching a summit on the Continental Divide, Monarch Pass, revered as one of Colorado’s most scenic overlooks. The Willson’s halting their progression at the visitors center which included a gift shop and small restaurant. The family taking notice of the aerial tram for those wanting to acknowledge the cable journey across a canyon to Monarch Ridge. The family taking a brief refreshment pause in the prevailing thin air Colorado environment, acknowledging the postcard scene exposition. Gary uncomfortable with the thin air of the 11,000 ft. elevations, but relief was coming as they traversed downhill toward Gunnison, their westward journey continuing.
Down hill to Gunnison
The city and also the county of Gunnison Colorado was named for John W Gunnison, a surveyor for the Pacific Railroad in 1853. His demise coming from the Indians of the Ute Tribe resenting the intrusion in their majestic domain, the Tomichi Valley, its area included the marvelous expanse of Gunnison. The valley a scenic wonder, nestled at 7,200 feet, with the majestic Gunnison river. Unlike the white water Arkansas which the Willson’s had witnessed during their scenic Highway 50 travels. This smaller river journeys through the wide-spreading Gunnison Tomichi valley mostly presenting a presence of serenity.
Main Street – Highway 50 in Gunnison
Gunnison River
The Gunnison Super Eight Motel lodging accommodating Gary and his family for the night. The morning found the Willson’s traveling north to the hamlet of Crested Butte, a small scenic community 30 miles north of Gunnison. Crested Butte was primarily a winter season Activity Center with ski lodges and lifts, the pronounced presence of 12,162 foot Crested Butte with its sloping 2.6 mile ski run overlooking the community. The township with less than 1200 was dotted with small sundry shops, Gary finding an atmosphere reminiscing of the Hippies communities from the bygone era of the sixties.
Crested Butte
Crested Buttes shops
The return to Gunnison on Highway one 35 found the outset of the Gunnison River, it was a confluence of the Taylor river tributary from Crested Butte and the East River, the two coalescing to form the Gunnison at the town of Almont, 15 miles north of the municipality of Gunnison. The River flowing southwest, then making a horseshoe turn, changing and flowing northwest before entering the Colorado River at Grand Junction. Jan and the kids mentioning the numerous river rafting enterprises along the river on the return from Crested Butte, Gary getting the message, deciding to stop and inaugurate a new experience, river rafting.
Almont
The sign read Scenic River Tours, Gary halting the Buick’s journey to inquire, recognizing that Robert and Sandi’s excitement starting to blossom with expectation. The world of river rafting an unknown to the family, the explanation of white water rafting being discerned, a type 1 voyage being a gently float down a river, advancing in scale to a white water type 5 perspective, requiring experience to work as a crew member, able to adhere to the instructions from the guide without hesitation. The juncture of the Gunnison river, its flow towards the town was a rafting category type 3, not a floating experience, but in respect, not a hazardous white water type 5 encounter either.
T
he Willson’s adorning their life jackets, boarding the raft, taking their assigned rowing positions. with cast off they listened to the instructions from the experienced helmsmen, even with their attentiveness they were still able to absorb the beauty of the countryside and the enhancement of the sparkling clear brisk moving river. The 45 minutes of passage was an onstage presentation of Colorado’s natural beauty. the quiescence experienced with the roar of the river, then a calmness, the silence of serenity abounded with the husbandry of nature, the charisma of the flowing river removing all thoughts of the quotidian world. Gary subliminally making a mental note, having experienced the gleam in his children’s eyes, plus his own countenance, this first experience of rafting would not be their last.
Blue Mesa
black Canyon National Monument
Again the westward journey began, the Willson’s departing Gunnison, Highway 50 still a bulwark of progression, another two hours would find their destination. The high altitude plains of Colorado and Blue Mesa Reservoir promulgated before them, the largest body of water in Colorado, Gary having never experienced a 36 mile long reservoir. the highway paralleling the seemingly endless body of water, its presence but a brief pause for the flowing Gunnison river. The roadside sign red Black Canyon National Monument, its designation further north. Gary hesitating, a curiosity, filing a thought for another time, a possible inquisition on the family’s return to the plains of Kansas.
Montrose turn off
Ouray
.Arriving at Montrose, their westward trek on highway 50 coming to an end, the Buick turning south on Highway 550, an hour’s journey to embrace their destination, a small sequestered community of 800, slumbered at seven thousand seven hundred and ninety two feet, nestled in the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains, its prominence proclaimed as the Switzerland of America, Ouray Colorado.
The Willson’s Arriving at the Switzerland of America, Ouray Colorado, an unique town nestled in the San Juan Range of the western Rocky Mountain at an elevation of 7811 feet, Gary remaining Curious of how Jan’s mother and father found this picturesque location. The Willson family having made prior reservation at the Rivers Edge Motel, a scant distance from the river trailer sanctuary hosting the Murrow’s 35 ft. fifth wheel mobile home. As expected, Jan’s sister Lynne, husband Shawn and daughters Sarah and Jamie having stationed their tent travel trailer accommodations in the same location.
The Rivers Edge Motel (note the blue 87 Buick)
Murrow’s 35 ft. 5th wheel trailer
As anticipated, her Aunt Esther and Uncle Charles Terry, having found enrollment at the Matterhorn Inn, a more affluent residency. The Willson’s impressed with their River Edge Motel accommodations, their spacious upstairs corner room enabled them to descry the rippling sounds of the adventurous Uncompahgre river, and with the rooms windows open, its nighttime discharging sound providing a constitutional environment, proclaiming its Colorado presence.
Esther & Charles Terry
Matterhorn Inn
The Uncompahgre River (An Ute Indian name)
The agenda for each day was nondescript, a progenitor discussion held the night before about the coming ascendancy enabling a determination of the next day’s events. A daily stroll uptown to acquaint the many store exhibitions filled with tee shirts and Ouray memorabilia, like many scenic wonders the town dependent on tourist for its livelihood. The Murrow’s and Willson’s venturing into The Old Tyme Photograph Shop on Main Street, the opportunity for a meritorious Photograph was irresistible. The Willson family opting to be photographed as a western formal sitting family of the 1880’s, Sandi and Rob enjoying their characterization. Gary taking an interested in his father-in-laws quiet but reserved demeanor, the seriousness and subtle pride of donning the confederate uniform, as if recalling a past memory, having done this before in a prior life. Bud was very much like Gary’s Dad sheltering his inner feelings and opinions within.
The Old Tyme Photograph Shop
The Willson Family
Bud Murrow a depiction from the past but ever-present today
Helen Murrow – a celestial Bride
A meaningful dedication
The captivating couple
An afternoon ritual a lunch engagement with the communal family, the Murrow‘s, Johnson’s and Terry’s, an adherence to the dining opportunities of Ouray, followed with a gelatinous appearance at the Ice Cream and candy store. Gary and Jan enjoying a walking exercise east on 8th Street, a 3 block journey to appraised the splendor of cascade falls, the water descending off the mountain, able to acquaint the alluring Falls, up-close and personal.
Sundry shops
Candy & Ice Cream Shop
Cascade Falls
Jan and Cascade Falls
The Rocky Mountain town a portrait of opportunities, not just from its endowed natural artistry, but a simulacrum of visitation for its guest. The 800 block of Main Street, home to the Ouray Livery Barn. Jan, Robert, Sandra and the two Johnson girls ready to saddle up for a venture into the surrounding hills via horseback, the chaperoned excursion a well-received equestrian event.
Sandra and her Mount
The Johnson Girls
The trailer hook-up area extended for 3 and one half blocks north of 7th Street and was located on the west bank of the Uncompahgre River, the facility with a unique name 4 J+1+1 RV and trailer Park, which also provided restrooms, shower facilities, a laundry and vending machines. bud and Helen Murrow enjoying a home away from home. Shawn and Lynne Johnson displaying their tent trailer adjacent to the Murrow’s 5th wheel location. An early morning breakfast could be discovered if the person’s timing was good, the Willson children having commendable morning dietary predication, if not prepared by their Grammy, prepared by their Uncle Shawn whom enjoyed displaying his culinary breakfast talents.
The 4J+1+1 RV & Trailer Park
4 J + 1 + 1
Esther Terry & Shawn Johnson
Sarah – Sandra – Jamie and Robert in the RV trailer
The family members escalating their 87 Buick, traversing the quarter-mile southwest on Box Canyon Road to hike into the cavern domain of Box Canyon, a steel scaffold walkway allowing passage, the roar of the water cascading thru its formidable aperture filling the air. Entering the Falls dominion, a spectral aura could be experienced, the force of the water providing a rebounding intonation of aptitude, a resolution of mother-nature’s ascendancy. One could journey into the cavernous atmosphere of white water pluming through its rocked carved highway seeking its freedom from containment..
Inside Box Canyon
A gushing presence
Another adventurist location, the Bachelor Syracuse Mine, the pioneering industries of a by-gone era, the gold mining enterprise that first brought acknowledgement to the community. The Willson’s desiring to partake of the 3350 foot journey on a train tram into the void of solid rock designated as Gold Hill, to their disappointment there was a long waiting list. The miners of yesteryear also were disappointed, they found that most of the mining effort wasn’t productive for gold, but discovering a bonanza for another commodity that was inherently abundant, silver.
Bachelor – Syracuse Min
Gold ore
A mile south on Highway 550 was the intersection of county road 16 which ascended across several streams, raising above the valley below, the entire Murrow related family assembling for the outing. The area providing stopping points to engage the crystal clear water, which gently flowed from above, enabling a venue for gathering rocks and weathered wooden artifacts and a vicinity for Robert to engage in a display of his rock climbing ability. The promulgated destination projected an overlook platforms providing a majestic vista, below one could view the panorama of Ouray and the grandiose San Juan Mountains could be ascertained.
Rock hunting
Robert & Grammy
The Willson’s – Bud Murrow – The Terry’s
Twelve miles north of Ouray, the community of Ridgeway awaited, its prominence established when the 1969 John Wayne Movie, True Grit, and the 1962 epic How The West Was Won with its all-star cast. but its tourism industry expressed predominantly in the winter. its location at the junction of Highway 550 and 62, the well-traveled avenue to the renowned winter haven of Telluride. Gary finding it interesting, Telluride was located in a box canyon just 10 miles from Ouray, but one had to traverse 55 miles of highway to get there. The small town besides being a winter wonderland is known to the movie industry for the annual Telluride Film Festival, the cinema elite in attendance.
On the scenic drive to Telluride, the Willson’s noticing the presences of the eastward flowing Dolores River, navigating onto a dirt access road to accord a better view of the waterway, a discovery in a weeded over grown area on the side of the road, a rusted 1960’s VW Van, a makeshift chimney protruding thru it roof, Gary surmising, a probable home to a personage from the bye gone 60’s era. The river providing an opportunity to disembark, to communicate with its flowing aura, to feel its pulse and experience its breath of life.
A relic from the past
The Dolores River
The Dolores River near Telluride
A tour of Telluride finding a 12 square block domain very similar in size to Kiowa Kansas, but studded with an array of proprietary buildings inflated with wears, catering to the thousands of affluent visitors each year. Gary concluding, the San Juan Mountains, their 14,000 foot majestic peaks, the travel time to Telluride in itself a nominal price to pay for the wondrous scenic experience. The days travels concluding, the grandeur of tomorrow awaiting.
Gary couldn’t believe the passage on Highway 550 over the 12,980 foot elevation of Red Mountain, its program south from Ouray designated as The Million Dollar Highway was a carnage of progress, the Willson’s destination being Durango and points west. This renown highway was a cornucopia of twist and turns, the incline of the road finding highway signs disclosing a warning message to slow to a speed as low as 5 miles per hour thru the curving deviations. The Buick ,its transmission paling, registered in first gear to slow its downhill decent, the brakes being applied on numerous occasions to moderate it’s speed, the family taking notice that many sections of the road unsheperd with guard rails
The view of the gorge below, the depth of the incline giving reverence to the perplexity of those workers who fashioned a path on the sheer cliffs of the 13,000 ft. mountain. Halting their travel at Silverton, the family disembarking the Skylark, Gary noticing an emanation discharging from the Buick, a familiar odor from his peregrinations with his father during his youthful travels in a ten-wheeler loaded lumber truck, the smell of calescent brake pads.
Continuing the digression on the Million Dollar highway, but this time being somewhat more cautious in braking the automobiles advancement, the smell emitted by the hot brakes still lingering, the 70 mile journey from Ouray to Durango a two hours juncture being fulfilled. A hesitation at Durango, the Willson’s then embarking west on Highway 160 to the Mesa Verde National Park, a historic presentations of Colorado heritage, its Indian Cliff Dwellings dating from 550 AD to 1300 AD, but never acknowledged until the 1870’s by William Henry Jackson and finally recognized as a national park in 1906. The road trip ensuing a 40 mile venture, the passing scenery mostly made up of desolate rock propositions, then a sudden conclusion with the appearance of a vestige tree habitation, thus acquiring its name Mesa Verde, “Green Table”.
Mesa Verde National Park
The Buick reaching its destination, the family embarking on a winding rock spawn path entering the realm of a Indian civilization that existed for more than 800 years, their demise still questionable to this day. The cliff dwellings and their presentation a wondrous vision of the past, Gary a student of history, intrigued with the surroundings, a curiosity about the inhabitants culture, their thoughts about life and the future, or was it all about survival. Rob and Sandi touring the realm, examining its remains, Gary wondering how long the permutation would hold their interest., but what really matter was providing the opportunity, learning years ago not assess another’s inquisitiveness and especially with children, just enjoy the moment.
The tour of the relics of the past completed, once again in the presence of the Buick reversing course but with a final cessation, Gary noting a sign for an overlook, “Four Corners“, a view from one vantage point of Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado, the family according the winding road to acquaint the presentation. Discovering the flatland view somewhat anticlimactic. Returning to Durango, ensuing a discussion of acquainting the Durango Silverton Narrow Gage Railway Tour, but because of the late hour decided to forgo the two-hour tour, Gary desiring to arrive in Ouray before dark, postponing the event for another time
The Willson family Matriarch
Family Gathering
The contradistinction visits to Ouray finding Gary’s mother, Betty Willson, the dexterous matriarch traveling from California to the high altitude region, making an aeronautical entrance to the Montrose Airport to join them in Ouray to celebrate the abundance of the Colorado Mountains. The Murrow Family playing host to the eldest Willson, sharing their riverside trailer pavilion for her stay, Gary happy to see a closer articulation of the two families.
Acknowledging his mother’s presence as an uplifting experience, her attendance giving acquiesce that another family realm existed besides those propagated from the domination and dynasties of Kansas and Oklahoma. With the new arrival, a return to many of the local enhancements including the dominion of Box Canyon and the cavalcade of rushing water. Gary’s mother spending the better part of a week experiencing the presentations of Ouray community and the over-powering instigation of the Rocky Mountains.
The Rivers Edge Motel
Western Hotel
A departure time having ascended, the Willson’s River Edge Motel provision having expired, but a desire to remain another day was acquired, a move up the street, a block away to the historic Western Hotel, it’s remnants from an earlier era. The dining room and bar a depiction of something out of a western movie, the upstairs rooms having old metal spring beds, the restroom a commune down the hall, the experience a peregrinations back in time.
Turn of the century dining
A real saloon bar
The departure morning the family enjoying a buffet breakfast in the western hotel, Gary and Jan visiting with the proprietors, the conversation revolving around the sale of the property, its ascension and its despondence, for a second a peak of interest bridging Gary’s mind, a move to Colorado brandishing itself, but being dismissed as only a dream of a beholder.
With the Willson family departure in the morning, Shawn Gary’s brother-in-law, affirming he would see Gary’s mother Betty to the Montrose airport the following day, Gary very appreciative of Shawn’s jester. With goodbyes having been said, the Buick once again embarking on a journey, only this time east towards Kansas.
The Willson’s having made notice of their portal trip, the return journey to Kansas having commenced, the memories amassed from Ouray forever ingrained, the family still anticipating adding excursions during their homecoming venture. Once again traversing on Highway 50, the road sign proclaiming Black Canyon National Monument, the Buick Skylark veering north to explore the reaches of another one of nature’s commemorations.
Visitors Center
Gunnison River in canyon
Arriving, the scenic pathway from the visitors lodge leading to the bounds of the canyon, the family from high above the able to view the waters of the Gunnison River, its flow providing a majestic contour of Colorado topography. Continuing on, a brief stoppage in Gunnison for lunch at the Chatterbox Cafe before continuing eastward towards the Royal Gorge and the flowing Arkansas River.
The roadside sign proclaimed river runners whitewater rafting, Gary halting the Buick in anticipation of what lay ahead. Entering the rafting operators pavilion discovering the River Runners provided Class 3 & 4 river experience for the family, a 16 years of age requirement preventing a class 5 river journey. Suited with life jackets, mounting the fourteen foot river raft, Gary sitting on the forward port side, Robert on the starboard Jan Sandra and another couple all positioned with oars making up the capable crew, the helmsman ready to bark the rowing instructions.
Casting off, the river presenting a flowing quiescence, the oarsman pilot adducing an explanation to his crew about the necessity to adhere to his commands and the procedure for their safety if the raft should capsize. The scenic canyon housing the empowered Arkansas providing a majestic view, the flora, the habitat, including the long horn sheep visible on the cliffs of the gorge. The white water now a more frequent occurrence, appearing in longer presentations, its deafen roar no longer a background intonation but an on stage advocate to mother nature’s paramount production.
White water – a challenge
The Willson’s on the Arkansas
The swiftness of the river cascading over the boulders, the crew of the water besieged vessel giving their full attention according the helmsman and the administering of his commands. The adrenalin beginning to flow with the temporal onslaught of whitewater, the aura of the experience casting ones total fulfillment. The assailant began its recession, a calming inauguration of the river, a relaxing temporal landing ashore, the crew joining others embarking on a bus ascending Highway 50, a return to the inception, the white water adventure coming to a conclusion. The only casualty being Gary’s watch. In his haste in the port side rowing position he forgot to remove it from his wrist, the river remedied his forgetfulness and removed it for him.
royal Gorge Bridge
Bungee site
The Royal Gorge National Park entrance was a exiguous 6 miles from Canon City, the Willson’s appointed overnight lodging before abrogating their opportune Colorado journey. The entrance to the park finding an abundance of parking and a pathway leading to the famous suspension bridge. The structure having a suspended wooden walkway 955 feet above the Arkansas River, its 150 foot towers providing support for the 1260 ft. long, 18 foot wide wooden pathway. The bridge completed in 1929 and most recently used in a 1980 television program, That’s Incredible, where a world record-setting bungee jump of over 800 feet was made.
A petting experience
Having a new acquaintance
Happiness shows
Most surprising to the family was the deer habitations found at the bridge entrance, so accepted of mankind, a person could approach them and stroke their presence. Jan and the children taking advantage, able to pet the ancestry of nature. Gary finding the view of the Arkansas river and the royal gorge railway below a majestic display, one was able to watch the kayaks of the river rogues navigated down the torrent of water, observing their small vessels oscillating upside down in the domain far below. The enlightenment of the Gorge, its scenic wonder furthering another display of the wonderment of Colorado.
The Royal Gorge from the bridge
A royal person at the royal gorge
An early morning Canon City start, the Buick up and running for its return to Kansas, bidding a farewell to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the flat easterly plains lay ahead. A final scheduled stop before the Stateline, Rocky Ford, the family not forgetting its famous cantaloupes. Crossing into Kansas, the continuous journey about to conclude, at last the welcoming of home, Anthony, the family adventure indelibly imprinted, a mnemonic occasion for remembrance.
The Anthony House
After Arriving home, Gary received a phone call from California, his sister inquiring about their mother’s health, his mother embarking from her flight in a wheelchair, a discernment that she may have been under duress during her stay, the 7800 ft. elevation may have caused an encumbrance to her health. Gary mentioning that she never related a problem to those presence during her stay, Gary thought. the stubbornness of a matriarch, never to beset others with her problems. But thankful that her prognosis was better and her detriment on the mend. and that the time they had spent together was a blessing.
The overcast morning at the Riverside Cemetery, the sky’s solemn display representative of the eclipsing grief displayed by the Bud Murrow and Stevenson families. Jeanette, the eldest of the Murrow’s Granddaughters, involved in an automotive accident was reposed in her final earthly resting place. The 27-year old divorced mother, an unexpected precipitous tragedy, a gesture of life’s entwined path of uncertainty, a question of reason enshrouded those in attendance for the somber memorial. The assemblage somewhat separated, a vestige of remembrance instilled in the gathered families, its members gathering in supportive unison, but inwardly searching their own intrinsic resolution, awaiting a temporal reconciliation. Gary was cognizant of the furtive petitioning displayed by of paternal, and maternal families after the commemoration.
. Gayle Robb, Jeanette’s mother, her daughter Shawna and Helen Murrow besieged with consolatory members of the Apostolic Christian Church. Lucille Stevenson, the paternal grandmother and Jeanette’s younger brother Todd, surrounded by sympathetic townspeople. Gary taking notice of the two separate groups, also noticing a grievous Bud Murrow standing alone, disengaged from the array, a consideration to approach him. but hesitant, Gary knowing that his Father-in-law as the man he was, preferring to address his tribulations in solitude.
Jeanette and Todd, the offspring of Gayle’s first marriage to Kiowa raised Jim Stevenson, the Stevenson’s a prominent Kiowa and Barber County family. Jim’s father, Andy Stevenson elected Barber County Sheriff, adhering the position for 24 years before retiring in 1974. Gary recalling in years past the Robb family upon visiting Kiowa, Steve, Gayle and Shawna would accommodate the Murrow family home, Todd and Jeanette acquainting the Stevenson’s household with their overnight presence. An undercurrent of inauspicious events in Jan’s sister Gayle and husband Steve’s onset giving precedence to their grieving lamentation and despair for the loss of Jeanette. The augmented Robb family, Steve, Gayle, Todd, Jeanette and Shawna through the years embraced by Bud and Helen Murrow as exemplifying the canonical presence of a prominent heritage, the couple’s stature as a foundation of the ultimate attainment. Gayle repenting and becoming a Sister in the Apostolic Christian Church, Steve, an Officer and Gentlemen during the Vietnam conflict, an activist and pillar of his community.
With the passing of time, an ominous cloud forming, a metamorphosis progressing, a subtle fissure was apparent in their propinquity. The Murrow family members beginning to have a growing concern, confiding surreptitiously of laden aspersions, arising and casting speculation. Gary overhearing Ester Terry’s chronicle of Gayle’s articulated acquaintance with her photography store employer and their overnight business trips. Gayle’s insatiable desire for extravagant furnishing to attain status, Steve relating to Esther’s husband Charles, Gayle was about to bankrupt them with her excessive ambition.
. The Robb family and public suddenly made aware of a new development, one of unbelievable consequence, a catastrophic disclosure, Steve having abruptly submitting his resignation as a prestigious bank loan officer. The bank and newspaper publicly disclosing allegations of improprieties concerning the United Way Charity account, an implication adding to the distress of the Robb conjugation. Gary discerning that during this time of turmoil there was an unattended situation that also addled Jeanette, a separation and divorce from her husband Robert Tice and loss of the custody of her two young boys Logan and Cody. Jeanette having difficulties coping with the unrestrained turmoil turning to frequent latitudes of unseemly acquaintances, eventually culminating in the fatal automobile accident. The whole specter of the unmitigated plight that addressing the Robb family, its once quintessential pedestal of endowed prestige having waned with it deliquesce. The final outcome, disillusionment, the conceptualized perfect family realizing imperfections.
Gary’s respect for Steve Robb remaining immeasurable, Steve’s alleged improprieties were acquiesce, his motive honorable, his retribution was reputable, his creed remaining intact, but the addendum was never worthy of his sacrifice. Gary reasoned, the road of life reveals itself as it is traveled.
Inquisitive Quest 