THE OLD HOMESTEAD MUSEUM BOARD
The 4th annual Pearl DeVere Day is right around the corner in Cripple Creek.
Join us for a day full of fun on Saturday, July 22nd from 10 am to 6 pm. Our ever-popular Bed Races begin at high noon. Stick around for food trucks, a Beer Garden, Cornhole tournament, kids’ games, a bounce house and live music. This year’s event takes on added importance as we work to repair our hail damaged skylight, as well as dealing with continued foundation issues.
Bed Race Teams can still sign up to participate in the races. For interested competitors, each 3-person team (2 “Johns and 1 “Pearl) can find all the rules and register online at www.oldhomesteadhouse.com or call 719-689-2485 for more information. Registration fees begin at $30.
Beds and teams will also be eligible for prizes for bed design and team costumes. Check-in for beds begins at 10 am and judging of the beds/costumes will occur at 11am. Races start at noon.
Besides the bed race teams, ladies can enter the best Madame costume contest, which will begin also at 11 am. Don’t have time to design and make your own bed but still want to participate? We offer rental beds for your teams to race for an additional $10 to your registration fee.
For some added action in the afternoon join us for the 1st annual Cornhole Tournament. This requires a $10 registration fee per team. The competition features double elimination and prizes for winners. Register day of or stop by the museum you can also email us at ohomesteadhouse@gmail.com for a form.
Cari Dell Trio will be playing at the Beer Garden from 1 pm to 5 pm. Grilled Cheese food truck as well a Shaved Ice truck will be onsite throughout the day. The popular Victorian clothing booth is returning as well. Also new this year we have Victorian hoop and Stick games available for kids to race each other for prizes. We also have Pikes Peak Bounce providing bounce houses for the kid’s entertainment area.
The museum will be open for tours from 1 pm until 5pm. It is advised you call ahead to reserve a time slot. Reservations can be made by calling the museum 719-689-9090 or are available on the website. 10 folks will be allowed in every 40 mins so get your slot reserved soon.
The Old Homestead was built in 1896 and was the most elegant brothel in the Cripple Creek mining district during its heyday. Since 1958, the house has been operated as a museum and has been a public favorite ever since. With the continued support of the community this treasure will be around for many generations to come.
For additional information about The Old Homestead Museum, contact Charlotte Bumgarner at 719-689-2485 or cb4mile@hughes.net.
About the Museum Board:
The Old Homestead Museum Board 501c (3) was formed in 1999 for the preservation and operation of the museum. The group has raised enough money to purchase the furnishings and artifacts of the house and purchased the building. The last 5 years have been restoration and rehabilitation of the 125-year-old house, which needs tender loving care. The goal of The Board, comprised of seven caring local-area residents, is to ensure that this piece of Colorado History is preserved for future generations to learn how life was in the days when the West was wild, and Cripple Creek was one of the hottest places in the county.
