Bellvue couple get pioneer award

By Arlene Ahlbrandt
Correspondent

This year's Pioneer Team of the Year award went to long-time Bellvue residents Robert "Bob" and Helen (Shipp) Bland in recognition of their self-sufficient and pioneer spirit.

The Pioneer Association of Northern Colorado presents an award annually from a list of nominees submitted by the community.

"It doesn't take long when visiting with Mom and Dad to learn their life centers on simple things: the Lord, their family, friends and 'The Bland Place,'" said their son.

Larimer County natives, Bob, 79, and Helen, 76, met at church and have been married 56 years.

Bob was born in 1927, in Fort Collins. His father died when he was 8 months old, and his mother died when he was 3. As a child he suffered from congenital eye disease, and his retinas detached when he was 32 years old; their children Rob, David and Dawn were 9, 7 and 3. Because of earlier surgeries, nothing could be done to restore his sight, Bob said, so his blindness required a lot of adjustment in the family.

Helen was born in 1930 to Walter and Lora (Ebert) Shipp. Her ancestors on her father's side came to Colorado in 1868 by covered wagon and settled in Pleasant Valley. Helen recalls that her father drove the wooden bus for Cache La Poudre School.

Bob is a graduate of Fort Collins High School and Helen of Cache La Poudre High School. After graduation, Bob worked at the Currie Ranch in Livermore. He later attended Harding Christian College in Arkansas.

Although Bob was blind, and Helen was supporting the family as a nurse, the couple moved to a 12-acre homestead in the Bellvue area in 1961. Their home surrounds the original 1872 one-room cabin.

Bob has landmarks and guidelines that help him get around the property, and he has a keen sense of touch. Helen guides him when he gets into unfamiliar territory. He did much of the remodeling and built an addition to the house. Together they built a barn and sheds, and Bob has a workshop near the house though he cannot see his handiwork.

When their children were young, Bob built a tree house for them and their playmates. The Bland Place is still popular territory for children who love to play outdoors.

The Blands were self-sufficient on their small farm, raising most of their food. Their cows provided milk for cottage cheese and ice cream. The children remember churning butter and making apple cider in the fall. The Blands still cook on a wood-fired stove that has electric burners on the opposite side of the wood box.

The Blands are known for their deep love and compassion for others, especially those less fortunate. Over the years they have raised numerous foster children and helped the elderly and others living in the area.