The Hilltop Guild in Allenspark celebrated its 75th anniversary at its annual summer bazaar Saturday, August 5. Hundreds of cars filled the parking lots along Highway 7 as shoppers perused the wide array of offerings. Independent sellers showed their handmade crafts, jewelry, baked goods, and more throughout the grounds - donating a portion of their proceeds to the Hilltop Guild.

Inside the Kelley House, the large log building donated to the guild in 1954 by summer residents Mr. and Mrs. L.B. Kelly, was filled with items created by guild members. These included hand-painted note cards, embroidered tea towels, hand-sewn baby items, pillows and aprons, along with knitted and crocheted hats, scarves and accessories.

A whole table was filled to overflowing with homemade cookies, hand pies, banana bread and other goodies. In the back room, all kinds of beautifully hand-woven items and hand pieced and stitched quilts were for sale. A favorite item seen in the hands of many shoppers was the Hilltop Honeys Favorite Recipes Book containing hundreds of recipes passed down from one generation to the next in this corner of the Rocky Mountains.

Also on the grounds shoppers looked for their favorite titles in boxes of used books, selected items from the white elephant shop and chose from among an assortment of homemade jellies and preserves made from hand-picked fruit in the area. A food truck on site along with a stage featuring a variety of live entertainment added to the festive atmosphere.

An added attraction, especially for children, was the historic Bunce School. The Bunce Schoolhouse is one of two log rural schoolhouses remaining in the county. The one room log cabin was filled with everything needed for a well-rounded education for the children of early residents of the region - including the all important bell and apple on the teacher’s desk.

Proceeds from the annual Hilltop Guild bazaar help fund college scholarships, low-interest loans for students’ education, along with financial support of the Allenspark Fire Protection District and other worthwhile causes.

(NOTE: It is called Kelley House, but the donation was made by the Kelly family - not known when the name of the house was changed.)