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Colorado Vignette - Hiwan Homestead Museum

Step back into the past to a cherished mountain retreat of the families who lived within the rough hewn walls of what is now the Hiwan Homestead Museum in Evergreen. In the 1890's Mary Neosho Williams, a Civil War Widow, and her daughter Josepha were among the aristocratic society of Denver who camped at Evergreen. They acquired the simple log structure, then hired John 'Jock" Spence, a Scottish carpenter to convert it to a summer cottage. Overnight guests would stay in double canvas walled tents with wood floor and stoves. Mrs. Williams named it Camp Neosho, after her own middle name.

Josepha graduated from Gross Medical School in 1889 and became one of Colorado's first women doctors. Seven years later, Josepha married Canon Charles Winfred Douglas, an Episcopal clergyman, who achieved world acclaim for his musical work. Father Douglas conducted church services in Evergreen and at the camp Neosho's chapel. Father Douglas was also interested in preserving Native American culture and worked directly with Theodore Roosevelt on a project to encourage Native Americans to market their handicrafts. The Douglas' only child Frederick Huntington (Eric), born in 1897 became an avid collector of Native American Handicrafts. These artifacts became the nucleus of what later became the Denver Art Museum.

Josepha Douglas died in 1938 and the house was sold to Tulsa oilman Darst Buchanan. His wife renamed the land Hiwan Ranch and the lodge Hiwan Homestead. Hiwan means a "high, secluded place with enough land for one oxen to plow." Buchanan's Hiwan Hereford cattle were known throughout the country and won many stock show prizes.

Six generations of notable families lived in the 17 room rustic mountain lodge before it was developed as a museum by Jefferson County Open Space in 1974. Hiwan's unique construction and restored 1890 - 1930 era rooms illustrate a comfortable style, early mountain summer home. The progression from a small log cabin to the architectural classic spanned many years. The final addition was an octagonal tower which housed a study for Father Douglas and a private chapel. The Chapel has been restored and is used today for small weddings and services. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Homes in 1974.

The Rocky Mountain Rustic style of architecture of the Hiwan Homestead, is similar to the rustic architecture style found in the great lodges of the Adirondack Mountains of New York.

The Hiwan Homestead Museum facilities are used in many educational programs for the children of Jefferson County. Hands on projects and changing exhibits highlight various aspects of the regions history. A tour of the museum will reveal many unique and original designs. Call (303) 674-6262 for more information and times.

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