SATURDAY, JUNE 5th.
According to our original itinerary this is the day we should arrive in Philadelphia, yet here we are at Denver, in the midst of as disagreeable a spell of weather, we are told, as ever was known here. Each afternoon since we have been here it has snowed on the mountains and rained in the valleys; heavy wraps and overcoats are worn by our people when they venture away from the train. “This is not a sample of Colorado weather,” I hear Charlie Hooper declare, and we are all very glad it isn’t, for the sake of the people who have to stay here; we are not going to remain much longer, and wouldn’t be here now, only for the irrepressible tantrums of the Rio Grande River. Our people scatter again to-day, and I cannot tell where they went or what they saw.
Mrs. Shaw and myself visited an old friend and former neighbor, David Cannon, on his beautiful Broadway dairy ranch, six miles south of Denver. An electric line runs within half a mile of his residence. We were very cordially received and spent a pleasant day. We also visited the splendid Windsor ranch, owned by Major Dubois, ex-mayor of Leadville, and operated by Messrs. Penrose and Cannon. We met the Major and Miss Dubois and were very kindly treated by them. The Windsor and Broadway dairy farms comprise a fine, beautiful, level tract of land, containing 1000 acres in a highly improved condition. It commenced to rain again about three o’clock and we returned to the city in a cold, beating storm. Mrs. Bicking, who was with us, remarked that in the four years of her residence in Colorado she had, heretofore, experienced no such weather as this.
The rain had ceased when we reached our train, about five o’clock. Found most of our company there and photo artists Stanton and Warren with their outfit, preparing to picture the train and party. We forthwith arrange ourselves in a group about the end of the train in a manner according to the instructions of the artists. Mrs. Bicking is requested to join the group and her little son, Austin, is placed upon the platform of the car. Our dinner this evening was an interesting and happy occasion. Brother Reagan’s friend, Conductor John Ryan, and his family were guests, and during the repast Mr. Ryan presented Brother Reagan with a handsome floral tribute, representing a keystone, composed of roses and carnations, with inscription in immortelles: “From Jack to John, who were Boys Together.” Below the inscription, artistically wrought with the same kind of flowers, is a representation of clasped hands. Brothers Reagan and Ryan were boys together, grew up and learned railroading together, but have been separated for about eighteen years. The event was a happy one and will be long remembered by those who participated. A few of our people attended the Overland Park races to-day, but the weather was unfavorable for the sport. Brother Crispin met an old schoolmate this afternoon, Mr. J. H. Harris, who is connected with the inspection department of the Denver and Rio Grande Road. Mr. Harris took charge of Brother Crispin and several others and showed them a good time.
We are scheduled to leave here at midnight, and conclude to remain up till we start. There is usually an entertaining time in the smoker and the hours pass quickly away. We start promptly at 2.01 A. M. Eastern (12.01 A. M. Mountain) time over the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, known as the “Burlington Route,” with B. & M. engine 317, Engineer W. Fuller, Fireman C. Babcock, Conductor C. W. Bronson, Brakeman E. Q. Robie. As guests we have with us leaving Denver Trainmaster J. F. Kenyon and Traveling Engineer C. A. Dickson. It is now past midnight; we have said goodbye to the kind friends who remained with us till the start, and as we leave the great city of Denver behind us we feel both glad and sorry; glad that we are once more speeding toward our Eastern homes, but sorry to lose sight of the matchless Colorado scenery and part with our kind and generous Colorado friends. The efforts made to show us a good time by the kind people of Denver and by the railway officials of the various lines are highly appreciated by each member of the party. Charlie Hooper will be remembered so long as memory of the trip shall last; may his appetite never grow less nor his shadow ever shrink.