Jean Hanfelt Collection
Photographer Jim Todd was employed full-time to document the historic setting of the Bureau of Reclamation’s Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. These images represent some of his interest in historic sites around the area. They were donated by Jean Hanfelt, who worked on the project.
Comments included are from the back of the photos.
Thrusting dramatically upward, this old smokestack is the tallest monument in Salida valley. Representing tremendous effort, the old stack was built entirely of handmade brick.
12-30-73 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
The smokestack at Smeltertown (old Salida) is seen here from the air. It remains the tallest landmark in the surrounding countryside. Built entirely of handmade bricks, the old smokestack is currently being considered for a historical marker by the State of Colorado.
3-25-74 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
Marred by vandals and age, this rear view of the Smeltertown railroad depot still retains an air of dignity and permanence even though times have left it without function or use.
12-30-73 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
Gas Creek community school was extremely modern for its day as it had a separate room for its high school classes. Reminiscent of the days when education was on a 1:1 basis, student and teacher, it sets an antiquity far removed from today’s modern educational problems.
12-30-73 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
Built of hand-made brick, Gas Creek community school has weathered the life-times of many of its students and made its mark on more than the ever-changing landscape.
12-30-73 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
Overall view looking northwesterly across Salida, Colorado.
1-31-74 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
Aerial view of Salida, Colorado.
11-18-73 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
Mt. Princeton, one of several peaks along U.S. Highway 285 rises above the plains to altitude of over 14,000 feet.
1-30-74 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
Built in the late 1800’s, this solid brick home reflects an early taming of the hostile western environment in the Salida area.
12-30-73 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
While not a principal source of income for the region, some small ranches are able to produce prime beef and breed stock.
1-15-74 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
This old steel truss bridge provides the only access to many farms and ranches on the north side of the Arkansas River here in the Salida Valley.
1-8-74 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
Stark and very much alone on this stormy winter day, this old smelter has little left to indicate the bustle of activity it saw during the golden days of Colorado mining era.
12-30-73 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
The wind and tumbleweeds are sole companions to this Smeltertown railroad depot. The vaults within that once held over $10,000,000 in gold and silver; now hold only dust and memories.
12-30-73 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
Overall view of old two-room brick structure located right on the river banks directly across from the once thriving smelter works. This old structure has functioned as schoolhouse, town hall, private dwelling and final resting place, from memories of the past.
1-15-74 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
Hydro-electric power facility for the old Smeltertown refineries built during the early 1900’s
1-15-74 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
This one-time active silver mine in the Salida area is again bringing wealth to its owners. This time the wealth comes not from within the earth but from the aged wooden structure itself. Modern markets have placed a premium on paneling made from wood of this type.
11-18-73 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
Front view of old two-room brick structure located right on the river banks directly across from the once thriving smelter works, which has functioned as schoolhouse, town hall, private dwelling and final resting place, from memories of the past.
1-15-74 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
This brick structure was part of the original downtown planning for Salida. Even though it is no longer operative, some one has expressed their dismay with modern fuel shortages by placing a brick through the leaded-glass door.
12-30-73 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd
Accessible only by a wooden bridge, heavily rutted by horse-drawn ore carts, this mine is the largest historical structure in the reclamation area.
12-30-73 Bureau of Reclamation Photo by J. Todd