Redstone Historical Society

06/09/2026

Claudette and Tom Mainer were an important part of Redstone for decades. Claudette Mainer's family just shared this message. "It is with a broken heart that I share with all of the many people who have loved, cared for, and prayed for my mother over the past year that she passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026.
Wanda Claudette Burkett Stewart Mainer was 85 years old and truly lived her life to the fullest. She was always ready for an adventure, and she passed that spirit down to her children, grandchildren, and even her great-grandchildren. She was an incredibly strong woman who faced life's challenges head-on with courage, determination, and grace.
As most of you know, my mother was not only a mother to her four children, but also to her stepchildren and countless friends who became family. As our own children grew up, she was a constant presence in their lives and in the lives of their friends. She attended everyday moments and special occasions alike, always offering love, encouragement, wisdom, and support. She truly was the matriarch of our family.
Throughout her life, she cared for others without hesitation. She was there for her elders and her sisters during times of illness and grief. When I first got sick it was around the same time as her and she touched my face and said “I’m so sorry I can’t take care of you”! Even in her darkest times she was always there for me. She stood beside her nieces, nephews, family members, and friends through both sorrow and celebration. Her door was always open, and so was her heart.
One time, she told me that the thing she hated most about getting older was feeling as though she no longer had a purpose. Looking back, I believe that feeling contributed greatly to her decline over this past year. The truth is, though, her purpose never left her. It was reflected in every life she touched, every person she comforted, and every act of love she gave so freely.
My heart is broken, and I know this loss will stay with me forever. But I also know she is no longer searching for purpose or struggling with the burdens of this world. She is finally at peace.
Please continue to keep our family in your prayers during this difficult time. This is a tremendous loss not only for us, but for everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving her."

05/27/2026

Imagine a Chicago gunman/gangster who relaxed by running a dude ranch in Colorado and staging rodeos in Denver! That was "Diamond Jack" Alterie, real name Leland Varain, alias Louis Alterie. The nickname supposedly came from the large diamond-studded belt buckle he wore. "Diamond Jack" had been raised as a cowboy before entering into a life of crime in Chicago as a hit man and body guard for Dion O'Banion's South Side Gang. He was also a slugger for the Theatrical and Building Janitor's Union. A slugger is someone who extorts money, in this case, from theatre owners. O'Banion was one of Al Capone's early competitors for control of the bootlegging business. After O'Banion was murdered, Alterie decided it was time to head west. Among other land purchases in Colorado, he bought the Sweetwater Lake Ranch in 1927 and ran it as a dude ranch. He had it until 1932 when he could no longer pay the mortgage. During his time there he was shot by his brother, accosted fisherman who didn't rent boats from him for their recreational pursuits, and, at the same time, was known as one of the most generous people around. On November 8, 1932, "Diamond Jack" was involved in an altercation at the Hotel Denver. It resulted in Alterie shooting two innocent patrons of the Hotel. At his trial, Judge John Shumate of Glenwood Springs, sentenced him to 1-5 years in the state penitentiary. He was ultimately granted probation provided he left the state by February 1, 1933 and agreed he would not return for 5 years. Alterie returned to Chicago and on July 18, 1935 he was gunned down in the style of the "rented ambush". This was an excution technique which Alterie himself was said to have invented. It involved renting a room within shotgun range of an address that a marked man frequently visited until the opportunity presented itself for the hit. You can help preserve Glenwood Springs history by joining the historical society at GlenwoodHistory.org/donate

05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, we want to thank Ron Sorter, former Redstone Historical Society board member for his service. Ron Sorter is a Vietnam Vet who he lost his left leg in combat. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He went on to lead the Prosthetics Services for the VA when he also earned a graduate degree. His ground breaking thesis on AI was used to help develop computerized prostheses. In 1993 after meeting Michelle, they moved to Redstone where they were both very active in the community and the Redstone Historical Society. This includes their ten year effort to protect and restore the Coke Ovens, and the establishment the Crystal Valley Caucus.

05/22/2026

https://historyredstone.org/vintage-valley/new-york-times-1902/

New York Times, 1902 THE NEWEST FIGURE IN FINANCE Remarkable Career Of J.C. Osgood, Who Has Defeated John W. Gates— A Brooklyn Lad Who Started The Colorado Fuel And Iron Company With One Room And A Boy— Now Controls … Continue reading →

05/21/2026

05/13/2026

The Crystal Valley Echo needs our support!

05/12/2026

The Brunot Agreement between the Nuche (Ute) and the US government in 1873 led to the development of mining in the San Juan Mountains by taking 3.7 million acres (about 5,780 square miles) from the Ute Reservation in western Colorado. As encroachment continued over the next decade, tensions escalated and the Utes were eventually force-marched to Utah in 1881.

Unlike previous agreements between the US government and Native Americans, the Brunot Agreement was not a treaty; treaties were considered to be agreements between sovereign nations, and the US government no longer recognized Indigenous sovereignty after 1871.

Learn more: https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/brunot-agreement
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Image: Ute leaders and agents in Washington, DC after conclusion of the 1873 Brunot Agreement. Front row, left to right: Guero, Chipeta, Ouray, and Piah; second row: Uriah M. Curtis, James B. Thompson, Charles Adams, and Otto Mears; back row: Washington, Susan (Ouray’s sister), Johnson, Jack, and John.

05/11/2026

Aspen Colorado circa 1890s!

05/06/2026

West Elk mine in Somerset near Paonia has new environmentally focused owners. The mine closed several years ago after an accident with their 'Long Wall' The former owner (Oxbow Mining, LLC, a subsidiary of William I. Koch’s Oxbow Corporation) abandoned the mine operation when there was an accident with their 'Long Wall' and has been leaking methane ever since.
A Long Wall is a giant tunnel crawling excavator, a similar one is on display on Hwy 133 just south of the Redstone Coke Ovens.
- link to article in comments.

05/05/2026