Member Events
Our 25th Anniversary
The Gold Camp Victorian Society of Cripple Creek, Colorado, marked their 25th Anniversary on October 12th, 2024 with a celebratory Get-Together in the beautiful clubhouse at Cripple Creek Mountain Estates which is located just outside the town of Cripple Creek. The evening began with a pot-luck dinner and many fine dishes were served. A brief awards and recognition ceremony followed dinner and included very brief speeches from our President and Vice President in which they recognized all of the members and reminded everyone of the mission of the Gold Camp Victorian Society to preserve and protect the historical legacy of the Cripple Creek Gold Mining District (aka The Gold Camp). Immediately following the President’s very brief remarks, a regular party ensued with much singing and abounding with merriment. A nice time was had by all.
Christmas at the Butte Theatre
The members of the Gold Camp Victorian Society gather in full Victorian costume every year at Christmas to take in the featured Christmas presentation and “Olio” at The Butte Theatre in Cripple Creek. The Butte Theatre is located at 139 East Bennett Avenue in Cripple Creek. The City of Cripple Creek partners with the Thin Air Theater Company as the resident professional company to carry on the tradition of melodrama and to present a full slate of additional plays and shows each season at “The Butte.” The Gold Camp Victorian Society is proud to be a major sponsor of the theatre. Please join us at The Butte!
Georgetown Loop Railroad Trip
Considered an engineering marvel, the 0riginal construction of the Georgetown railway was completed in 1884 thanks to financing from Jay Gould who controlled the Union Pacific Railroad at the time. Then, the advent of WW II and the introduction of the automobile in the 1940’s spelled the (temporary) end of the line for the railway in 1941, In 1959 the Colorado Historic Society began to rebuild the line. The Historic Society continues to restore and operate the railroad today. The Georgetown Loop Railroad is now a major historic attraction in the area. The members of The Gold Camp Victorian Society invite you to enjoy this famous part of Colorado history! Also, while you’re in Georgetown be sure to also visit the wonderful Victorian Hotel de Paris Museum and stop in for lunch at the Historic Happy Cooker Restaurant.
Cumbres & Toltec Train Trip
Originally constructed in the 1880s, this historic train trip is the most scenic part of the original line. After being partially dismantled in 1969, this scenic portion between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado was preserved through a joint purchase by the states of New Mexico and Colorado at a cost of $547,120 in 1970. Since then the line has carried many happy tourists, including the members of The Gold Camp Victorian Society!
Tea Anyone?
The Victorian lifestyle of the 1890s included many occasions for the ladies to get together, share a cup of tea or two and exchange the latest neighborhood “news.” Periodically our group gets together to visit an historic location and relax together while reenacting a “tea.” Here our members are visiting the amazing Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs in full Victorian vestment.
Royal Gorge Route Train Trip
The construction of the Royal Gorge railroad line was originally motivated by the burgeoning Colorado silver mining industry. The narrow Royal Gorge became the place of fierce competition between the Denver and Rio Grande (DR&G) and the Santa Fe railroads for control of the tracks. After much legal maneuvering, manipulation of freight fees, broken agreements and even an armed takeover of the line by employees of the DR&G in 1879, the matter was finally settled with the DR&G buying out the Santa Fe and completing the line to Leadville, Colorado in 1880. Passenger service was added in 1882 and it lasted until 1988 when the Denver and Rio Grande Western shut down the line due to lack of ridership. Then, in 1998, the Royal Gorge Route was established and passenger train service once again began running through Royal Gorge. Since 1998 the Royal Gorge Route’s magnificent scenery and world class service and dining experience have made it a “can’t miss” destination for tourists from around the world including The Gold Camp Victorian Society!
Leadville Colorado & Southern
Train Trip
Did we mention that we like to ride the rails? No? Well, we do! One of our favorite trips is to take the Leadville Colorado and Southern line which runs from Leadville, Colorado (the highest incorporated city in North America) to the brink of the continental divide. Before boarding, our members enjoyed an interesting presentation by Buffalo Bill Cody and the Mayor of Leadville on the history of Leadville over lunch at the legendary Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville. After lunch we boarded the train and our ride was superb! Originally the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad (later called the Denver, Leadville and Gunnison Railway), this 2 1/2 hour trip has some of the most awesome views imaginable. After rumbling through the dense wilderness of the Isabel National forest it breaks out into the Arkansas River valley rising to 1,000 feet above the valley floor. From this vantage the passengers are afforded breathtaking views of Freemont pass as well as two of the tallest peaks in Colorado, Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, both towering more than 14,000 feet into the sky.
Jus' Relaxin'
Every once in while we like to relax and take a break, too. Periodically one of our members’ will graciously open their home to us and invite us to come and socialize on the deck in their backyard. These events are always held with Victorian garb optional (but still loved!) and they usually feature some tasty food and adult beverages as well!
The Best Experience Ever
