Stage station opens doors

On June 12, the Virginia Dale Community Club will open the Virginia Dale stage station to the public. It is a rare glimpse at one of Larimer County's most important historic structures.

A full day of activity takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors should take U.S. Highway 287 to County Road 43F north of Livermore and follow the signs to the stage station.

The club's annual quilt raffle is a major fund-raiser at this event. Proceeds help the club maintain the station. The drawing will be held at 3 p.m. Tickets for $1 may be purchased in advance by calling Sylvia Garofalo at 495-1828 or Norma Dent at 482-3575. Tickets may also be purchased at the open house.

This year's quilt features a railroad theme with scenes appliqued by hand and machine. It also includes photo-to-fabric blocks commemorating historic Virginia Dale area railroad events. Numerous other items will be raffled as well.

Other attractions include a craft fair with wooden toys, soaps, jewelry, beads, pottery, stained glass, paintings and wood furniture. John Wells' garden train will be on display and Bill Tempero will show his Civil War artifacts. Mountain man Cotton Dent will talk about a trapper's life in the 19th century and demonstrate how to fire a black powder rifle. Norma Dent will make her spud donuts over a wood-fired stove. Kathy Robinson will give spinning demonstrations. Games for children and sales of homemade baked goods are also planned.

After lunch (sloppy joes and hot dogs), author Kenneth Jessen will give a short talk about the railroads in the area followed by Wayne Sundberg providing a history of the Overland Trail. Both Jessen and Sundberg will have books and videotapes for sale with half of the proceeds going to the Virginia Dale Community Club.

The community club meets throughout the year. Anyone interested in more information should call Garofalo at 495-1828.