2019 - IN MEMORIAM
Charlotte Osgood Blackmer | Peter Osgood | Fred Gerbaz | Susan McEvoy Strong
Twenty nineteen marked the end of an era with the passing of two members of the Osgood family: Charlotte Pearl Osgood Blackmer and Peter Russell Osgood, the great-niece and great-nephew of Redstone’s founder, John Cleveland Osgood. Their father, Charles Russell, was the son of J. C’s brother, Charles Edward, who joined his brother’s growing CF&I enterprise in 1896.
Sister Ruth with Charlotte
Charlotte, born in 1917, recalled living in Redstone with her family between 1925-27,when her father was hired by his uncle, John Cleveland, to manage the ongoing renovation and updating of Cleveholm Manor. Charlotte attended school in Redstone and spent considerable time at Cleveholm, where she remembered being entertained by Osgood’s third wife, Lucille. Among the generous gifts donated to the Historical Society by her family is a set of Japanese dolls presented to her by Lucille. Charlotte died on August 27th at the age of 101.
Peter, born in 1935 and the youngest of the family, also recalled early memories of Redstone and of Lucille, who spent much of her time in Denver after the sale of the Manor. Peter’s interest in preserving mementos from the remaining estate led to the saving of an original set of Castle blueprints from the architectural firm of Harnois and Boal. Members of both families have been extremely generous in sharing memories, pictures, genealogical information, and artifacts; and numerous family donations are now on display at the Redstone Castle. These items are an important part of the Osgood story. The Society is deeply indebted to the family for allowing the public to share these fascinating reminders of Redstone’s early history.
Another family whose roots go back to early Colorado also experienced the loss of an early area resident. Calvin “Fred”Gerbaz, born in Gerbazdale in 1929, moved with his family to Redstone, where they resided in the summer months in the nearby Coal Basin area. At various historical gatherings, Fred and his brother Ernest (Ernie) shared stories of their early years in Redstone. There were few residents in the village at the time, but the boys attended school there, sharing a classroom in the 1940s with members of the Frank Mechau family. In addition to school and chores, the brothers found time for adventure and, in their words, “a bit of mischief along the way.” The Society greatly appreciates the support Fred and Edna and Ernest and Marg have provided as members over the years.
Fast tracking to recent history, Redstone mourns the loss of Susan McEvoy Strong, 1958-2019. Sue was a devoted member of the community for the past 24 years. She was the force that kept the Redstone Castle alive through over six failed ownerships that included a Ponzi scheme and a two year IRS seizure. Sue entertained and educated thousands with her Castle tour in her signature Lady Bountiful costumes, was the secretary of the Redstone Historical Society and was the energy behind the society’s annual events. As a writer for the Crystal Valley Echo, her Vintage Valley columns and area stories were an informative blend of events in Redstone, past and present. We honor her memory.