Pam Oden, Gilpin County. Imagine it’s the 1920s. Money and power are widespread. Slavery has been abolished, but segregation is still in full force. Black people, though successful, did not have the luxuries that white people did. 

When Colorado was offered entry to the Union, its citizens fought hard against it because of the language in the decree, “All white men over the age of 18 could vote.” Colorado, even with its KKK supported Governor Morley and Denver Mayor Ben Stapleton (rumoured to be a member) they could not get support until the bylaws were changed. With the new rule, stating “All men, regardless of color, over the age of 18 could vote,” we became a state. 

Even with all the segregation in place, many black people had a higher socioeconomic status, and lived successful lives. At this time in the U.S., they took care of themselves and were able to keep their money in their own community; through black-owned stores, black doctors and black vacation resorts.

In 1922, a group of black investors from Five Points, in Denver came to Gilpin County to find land. This was just a short ride in comparison to most locations, or an easy train ride with the depot in Pinecliffe. Gilpin County welcomed them with open arms. The land was purchased, and the future Lincoln Hills Resort had been born. By 1925, the community was flourishing. With cabins, lodges and even a YWCA camp, black people from all over the United States were making their way to Gilpin County. At the time, there were plenty of similar resorts all over the nation. But only three, including Lincoln Hills, were for blacks. Because of this, Lincoln Hills continued to grow rapidly.

The YMCA and YWCAs were extremely active at this time, but black children could not attend those summer camps. Camp Nizhoni, founded with Navajo values, was Lincoln Hills’ YWCA camp. Girls from all over Denver and Chicago were able to get on the train and arrive in the paradise of Lincoln Hills—the kind of place most had never seen. Many of those campers returned year after year and eventually became counselors.  

One man in particular, Obrey Wendell Hamlet, also known as “Winks,” became the unofficial mayor of Lincoln Hills. He was a local entrepreneur who dreamed of building a lodge in Lincoln Hills for those who needed a place to stay. Most hotels were whites-only. As a result, famous celebrities stayed at the resort, including jazz musicians and composers Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Billy Eckstine, singer, dancer and actress Lena Horne, as well as writers like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston. 

One night there was a big fight, and Winks decided to make the long drive to Central City to speak with the sheriff. Stating that he couldn’t be bothered with Lincoln Hills, he gave Winks a sheriff’s badge.

Lincoln Hills was an active vacation resort until 1965, when the era of “dirty dancing” resorts came to an end. Desegregation changed everything, and for the community of Lincoln Hills, it wasn’t necessarily for the better. The hustle and bustle of summer life in these hills slowly eased out of existence. 

Over 30 years later, and with multiple changes of hands, the Witts Lodge and many of the other remaining cabins were in need of TLC. The history of Lincoln Hills would be solidified yet again. A group of African American investors from the Denver area were looking for a place to build a fly-fishing resort. When they heard about Lincoln Hills and came to visit, they said it was a “no brainer.” With the lodge still standing, and South Boulder Creek flourishing, the investors purchased the property. Today, the community is active again, with all different shades of skin but with the same goal in mind: a place for people to come get away.

Lincoln Hills Cares (LHC) is a coalition of public charities that enrich local communities through environmental awareness, a connection to cultural history.

The mission of Lincoln Hills Cares is to create unforgettable Colorado experiences for youth by creating a connection to cultural history, science, technology, art and environmental conservation. The program imparts knowledge, encourages thinking and empowers youth who would otherwise not have the opportunity, due to economic, social or family circumstances.

For more information and a fascinating full history, visit www.lincolnhillscares.org. 

(Originally published in the May 16, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)