This description of Morrison, Colorado and its history was written in 1908. Some things have changed. Some places are not there anymore. However, if you thought perhaps your ancestor had a business located in the tiny community of Morrison, Colorado, then this posting might help you solve a mystery.
"The Town of Morrison is situated on the C.& S. Railroad at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, sixteen miles west of Denver, the location is an ideal one for a town, on the east it is protected by the great dike running north and south protecting it from the cold winds of the plains; Bear Creek, a beautiful mountain stream well stocked with native and rainbow trout, affording excellent fishing, runs through the center of the town; Bear Creek Canon is directly west of the town and affords excellent scenery for the sightseers and lovers of nature. Turkey Creek Canon, two miles to the south, is noted for its beauty. The Garden of the Titans in the western part of town is the most wonderful spot in Colorado with its fantastic rocks and freaks of nature rising majestically above the town. The visitor to Colorado cannot afford to miss a visit to this wonderful Park.
From the observatory on the summit of Creation Rock a magnificent view of the Platte Valley, including the City of Denver, and a number of suburban towns, may be seen. From the top of Mt. Morrison, to the summit of which a passenger tramway is now under construction, one can see Colorado's wonderful farms with their valuable lakes and waterways to the great Divide to the east and to the Continental Divide on the west and to the north and south as far as the eye will carry. Georgetown Loop 1908
A large number of business enterprises are represented here, as follows: Pike Bros. & Co., who carry a large stock of General Merchandise; H. L. Deane, General Merchandise; J. Schneider, Drugs; Otto Huck, Wines and Liquors and Cigars; James Culver, Wines, Liquors and Cigars; S. T. Shipman, Restaurant and Rooms, Confectionery and Soft Drinks; J. Swanson, Cliff House Hotel; A. C. Rogers, Hotel; A. Amos & Son, General Blacksmiths; M. MacLean, Morrison State Bank; Abbo & Lewis, Livery Stable; F. W. Adams, Barber Shop, Cigars and Tobaccos, and News Stand; T. C. Morrison, Meat Market; Mt. Morrison Casino, first class Hotel; F. W. Canon, Wines, Liquors and Cigars; V. Swanson, Billiard and Pool Hall.
The population is about 500, elevation about 5,850; the water is first class. Rock quarries, lumber, timber, farming and stock raising are the principal enterprises here. We also have an ideal climate and a summer resort. There are several secret organizations, the I.O.O.F., organized October 12th, 1888, which is not large, but has a substantial treasury; the W.O.W., organized November, 1897, has over one hundred members and has not had a death. The Women of Woodcraft lodge was organized March, 1898, with about fifty members."
So there you have it. An early description of Morrison, Colorado. Official and unofficial names have changed for some landmarks. Can you figure out the modern names of these places?
Here is a link to Historic Morrison http://historicmorrison.org/ website with a list of pioneer names and genealogies. Check this website out under "People and Personalities" and "Pioneer Families".
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