The History of Peaceful Valley Ranch

1860- Gold mining is booming in Colorado. The town of Ward is one of many that springs up as a miner's camp, and later built up into a small city. There's mining exploration happening all around the area. Central City, within a day's ride (now a short car ride) would come to be known as "The Richest Square Mile on Earth."

1883- Henry L. Wellman files a pre-emption on a property he calls the "Lake Ranch." It gives him squatter's rights to purchase the land from the government, though the right expires without being exercised. The first building on the site comes in 1898, when Reuben Bliss, an Iowa farmer, builds a 14' x 22' frame house. In 1905, after satisfying the settlement requirements, he purchases 160 acres, for the grand total of $16.75. This is half of the Peaceful Valley property today. He lives there with his wife and six children year-round, except for the six weeks in winter when they go to Ward or Boulder.

1904- The "Highline" county road is constructed from Ward to Allen's Park, passing right through the valley.

1907- John and Mildred Roberts arrive. Mildred reportedly exclaims "Oh, what a peaceful valley," which quickly replaces the name "Wildcat Gulch." That year, the Roberts' buy the property from Bliss and file a patent application on an adjoining 166 acres. They receive patent in 1909. Roberts has plans to turn the property into a resort, but has financial problems. He borrows heavily against the property, continuing to build and promote, as if the property is complete..

1915- Members of Estes park successfully lobby Congress for the formation of Rocky Mountain National Park. The most scenic route to the park runs right through Peaceful Valley. Brochures from the park include descriptions of the Valley.

1916- Phone lines are in. Roberts' number is violet13.

1917- Roberts applies for the establishment of Peaceful Valley's own Post Office. Motorized travel through the mountains is becoming popular.

1918- The tourist trade is increasing, but Roberts' financial troubles are increasing. He offers lots on the property for sales, from $50 to $150.

1920's- Tourism is big business in the area, but Roberts cannot turn a profit. He continues to borrow against the property, and eventually loses it to foreclosure. The property is sold at public auction to Ed Sanders, who renames it the Forest Inn. Sandersbuilds a separate building as a dance hall in 1936. Little else is written about this time.

Early 1940's- Sanders sells the property to Alice Hegg, who sells it to Karl Riehle in 1944. Dances, complete with a live orchestra, are held at least once a week in the dance hall.

1953- The Boehms arrive. Austrian Karl Boehm is traveling by the Forest Inn, and stops in for gas. He discovers that he and Riehle both served in the Army's 10th Mountain Division. Boehm ends up spending the weekend. He tells Riehle that he is looking for land to purchase. He had originally wanted to build a small ski lodge, but this property appeals to him more. Boehm would like to buy the Inn, but can't afford it. Enter Floyd W. Parker, a square dance caller, who agrees to take the first mortgage. The Boehms buy the Inn. Karl and Mabel Boehm cut and mill the trees themselves, adding a small dining room, store, and kitchen. They also modernize the rooms. By 1956, all the cabins have bathrooms. Gross receipts for the year total $650.

1956- Karl builds a lounge with a fireplace, a second floor with 8 rooms, and later a third floor for employees. But the employees never use the rooms, as they are full with square dance guests.

1960- Karl builds an outdoor swimming pool, then later covers it and closes it in with the main building. Groups are beginning to come both before and after the summer season, and eventually are coming year-round. Square dancing is one of the largest income producers for the ranch.

1964- Karl Boehm's father, Paul, passes away. The family decides to honor him by building a chapel. It is constructed on the mountainside above the ranch, with spectacular views of the Continental Divide.

1977 - The Peaceful Valley Chapel was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1977. The chapel had been a dream of the Boehm's for over 10 years, and it was built in honor of Karl's father, Paul F. Boehm, and Florence Wagner, a longtime guest.

1993- Karl Boehm passes away. The business is continued by wife Mabel, daughter Debbie, and Debbie's husband, Randy Eubanks.

1998- Dick and Karen Gann purchase Peaceful Valley. The Gann's purchase a fleet of snowmobiles. work begins on modernizing the ranch, redecorating and renovation.

1999- A complete interior renovation of the Conference Center is completed. Improvements include new carpeting, soundproofing, audio/video, a new business center for faxing, copying, etc.

2001- In July, a renovation and remodeling of our Cimmaron Lodge was completed. Extensive soundproofing was added, and our very own staff built much of the log furniture. The ranch also introduced Wireless Internet Services, which allows guests to be connected to the Internet from a laptop computer anywhere on the ranch property.

2002 - The Barns are Remodeled: The indoor arena is insulated and heating systems installed; The Livery and Saloon (old mid-barn) are remodeled for “Old West Nights”, dances, and hootenannies; 19 horse stalls are completely re-done for horse clinic participants. The old “Breakfast on the Mountain” site is re-done into an outdoor amphitheater that will seat 250 for weddings and group events. A 40’ X 40’ covered deck is built for meals, and trees were cleared for magnificent views of the continental divide.

2008 - You, the reader, join us for our 55th year as a guest ranch!