“Villa Grove was simply a small supply town of
possibly a few over two hundred souls, men, women and children; even counting
two preachers. From it was reached Saguache, Bonanza, Cotton Creek, Crestone
and intervening stations, by mail coach, buck-board or horseback. Once
I did see a bicycle, but only once. There was a daily train, in and out.
Some folks wanted the spur to continue down the valley, not realizing that
when that day came, it would sound the knell of the Grove. It was not very
lively in my day, but on a visit there some years ago, I found that the
railroad had been extended down the Valley and had left the Grove high
and dry.
Yet in 1885 it was quite a center, not only for the surrounding
mining sections like Bonanza, Oriental, Crestone and the Coal and Iron
Camp, but also for apparently flourishing ranches, like those belonging
to Young, Hall, Hill and Wells. It had its main street with drug store,
cobbler, notions and general stores; its hotels, saloons, stable, post
office and one dance hall. All of them very quiet except on Saturday nights
and then not all uproariously so. There was also a blacksmith shop.
In my record book, I still find such names as: Mrs. Harrison
and her two children, Miss Bean, Mrs. Haines and Gussie, the latter being
a boy; Mrs. Brailey and Della, Arthur Young and his wife, employing some
half dozen men. Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Hall and their little girl and son Lyster,
aged then, four and a’ half. (The Halls were the parents of Mrs. O. P.
Shippey and Mrs. W. L. Hamrnond).
Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wells and their two boys, one of whom
I buried, and five men employed by him. Mrs. Hopkirk and two chil-dren,
Mrs. Charles Smith, Mrs. Miles Standish, Dr. & Mrs. Macfarlane.
Mrs. Minnie Wathen of the hotel of the same name with whom I still associate
a cake of soap, as she always seemed to be filling holes in furniture especially
beds, to avoid bug settlements, a constant battle.
Tom Williamson, Joe Shittler Eagle of the wonderful moustache
who ran the drug store. Mrs. Shedd and her sister. Mr. and Mrs. Cook. The
Hills with their two charming daughters and a son called Callie, his correct
name being Calvert.
The numerous Croft family and one Mylius who lived at
times with them. Mrs. Gully of the hotel of the same name. Mr. and Mrs.
Bertschy of the general store. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins, he ran a livery stable.
Most of these still remain in memory and each might receive comment space
permitting.
Tom Williamson, hail fellow well met, equal to any emergency,
even that of driving a Bishop down the Valley to Crestone in a rickety
buck-board drawn by two mules. I do not ever remember seeing him in church,
but one day he came to me with the offer: “If you ever feel like having
a drink on the side, let me know, I have a room where you can enjoy yourself
unobserved.” Once was sufficient for me! His idea of a drink was far different
from, say - well several I could mention. He believed in quantity, quality
and frequent repeat doses. Tom was a really good sort, with a university
education and family pedigree to be proud of, but filled with a wonderlust.”
