Archive Record

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Metadata

Collection

Abner and Alberta Sprague Collection

Catalog Number

2016.004.001-.061

Object Name

Diary

Title

Abner and Alberta Sprague Collection

Scope & Content

This collection consists primarily of diaries written by Mary Alberta Sprague throughout her life. The collection also includes a few of Abner Sprague's diaries, as well as drafts of his memoir, "My Pioneer Life," originally published in 1999 by the Rocky Mountain Nature Association. The collection also includes a few miscellaneous books, photograph albums, and physical artifacts related to the Sprague families. The total collection spans the Sprague's life in the area from the 1890s to 1949.

Researchers interested in the early history and development of both Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park should find this collection useful. Additional researchers interested in Western women's history will find this collection rich in information since it spans such a long period of time. Together the materials in this collection span over 50 years and document the life and development of one the area's pioneer families.
Overall the collection is in good to fair condition. Many of the diaries are in stable condition, however several books have bent, creased or torn pages in addition to broken spines. In addition to this, many of the earlier diaries are written on paper calendars and are quite fragile. Researchers should handle the collection with care and should always wear gloves.

Physical characteristics

Dairies are small bound books. Several are composted on old calendars.

Creator

Alberta Sprague

Other Creators

Abner Sprague

Copyrights

There are no restrictions on access to this collection.

Caption

Img_3380

Finding Aids

See attached.

Language of Material

English

Other number

ASC

Search Terms

Rocky Mountain National Park
Homesteading
Tourism
Spragues Lodge
Stead's Ranch
Estes Park
Hotels and Lodges

Subjects

Rocky Mountain National Park
Homesteads
Tourism
Hotels
Lodging
Spragues Lodge
Steads Ranch
Womens history
Estes Park

Year Range from

1892

Year Range to

1950

People

Sprague, Alberta M.
Sprague, Abner
Stopher, Edgar
Stopher, Karen

Admin/Biographical History

Abner Sprague first came to the Estes Park area in 1868 with two school mates. Eight years later, Sprague returned to Moraine Park, then known as Willow Park and filed for a Homestead Claim. With his wife Alberta, the Sprague family initially tried to make a living ranching, however they quickly began feeding and lodging tourists. In turn, this led the Sprague's to build several cabins and a hotel with overnight accommodations. Abner Sprague remarked that "We came here for small ranch operations, but guests and visitors became so numerous at first wanting eggs, milk and other provisions then wanting lodging, and finally demanding full accommodations, that we had to go into the hotel business or go bankrupt from keeping free company!"
In 1904, the Sprague's sold their hotel to J.D. Stead and planned to move to Loveland, Colorado, however by 1908 they had returned to the area. They purchased property in Glacier Basin (part of present day Rocky Mountain National Park) and built a summer home. By 1914 the couple had completed a lodge located at the present-day site of Sprague Lake and parking lot. They operated Sprague's Lodge until the National Park Service purchased their property in 1932. Sprague's Lodge continued in operation until their 20-year lease with the Park ran out. The property was razed in 1957.
Not only were the Sprague's active in the tourist and lodging industries but they were active members of the Estes Park community. Their daily lives were significant to the development of both Rocky Mountain National Park and the Town of Estes Park. In addition to being a resort owner, Abner Sprague was an explorer, civil engineer, mountaineer, author and an active member of the Rotary Club of Estes Park. Abner Sprague helped survey the Town of Estes Park in 1905 and helped survey Larimer County three times over the course of his life. Alberta Sprague was involved in P.E.O. a service club and Abner Sprague was an active member in Rotary.

Access Conditions

Diaries available to family members to view. This diary should be handled as little as possible due to its condition.

Reference code

ASC

Dates of Creation

1892-1950

System of arrangement

This collection is arranged in four series. Series one consists all the diaries written by Alberta Sprague and is contained within folders one through twenty-six. These books are further arranged chronologically. Series two is contained within folder 26 and consists of miscellaneous books owned or written in by the Sprague family. Series three consists of diaries written by Aber Sprague, as well as drafts of his memoir "My Pioneer Life." Series four consists of physical artifacts and are contained within box 3.

Custom Field 22

Updated

2024-05-23

Dates of Accumulation