The Wilson Stone Block building has withstood more than a century. Built in 1889, it was the only building on the west side of Main Street that didn’t succumb to a raging fire in the early twentieth century. It later became a pharmacy bought and owned by the Wilson family.
Given its celebrated backstory, the building, which still houses several businesses, will no doubt turn heads at this year’s historical walking tours run by Cortez historians.
The tours, returning for a third year during the first two days of May, highlight the buildings, people and stories that shaped the city’s early downtown life.
The tours will be led by members of the city’s Historic Preservation Board and other local historians, guiding participants through the city’s long-standing commercial district as well as notable residences. Each tour draws on archival research, local knowledge and notes of well-known Cortez historian June Head, who was instrumental in creating the Montezuma Heritage Museum.
“The downtown district tour is really exploring commercial buildings in downtown Cortez. Several are designated historic and it is for learning about the commercial history through the years,” said Helen West, Cortez economic development specialist and a planner.
In contrast, the Montezuma Avenue tour focuses on more residential historical eras, highlighting homes and the people who built and lived in them. One example includes the property at 23 E. Montezuma Ave., across from St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, which was originally one of Cortez’s first school buildings before being remodeled into a private home.
According to Head’s research notes, 23 E. Montezuma Ave. was referred to for many years as the “Aunt Maude Bryce Home,” for Maude Bryce, originally from Mancos, who was a well-liked woman of her era. Head wrote that Bryce lived in the home until the mid-1950s, and the property has changed ownership several times since.
Each year during Historic Preservation Month in May, the city hosts several events along with the museum’s Heritage Days. Events last year focused on videos and talks related to the historical site of the Cortez Civilian Conservation Corps, the Depression-era camp near Carpenter and Geer natural areas.
Through a grant, the city has made progress on research this year, including archival work and outreach to family members connected to the camp. City officials and archaeological consultants with Woods Canyon Archaeological Consultants Inc. continue to complete an archaeological report to be presented to the public at a later date.
“We do various things, but this year we have capacity and people were excited about the walking tours,” West said.
The walking tours will be one hour each. Registration is required, but participation is free. A $5 donation is suggested to benefit the Montezuma Heritage Museum.
The downtown district tour runs May 1 at 1 p.m. and May 2 at 10:30 a.m., while the Montezuma Avenue tour takes place May 1 at 2:15 p.m. and May 2 at 1 p.m. Additional tours are planned for June 6, Aug. 1 and Sept. 5. All tours begin at the Montezuma Heritage Museum, 35 S. Chestnut St.
This year marks the state of Colorado’s 150th anniversary, America’s 250th anniversary, Mesa Verde National Park’s 120th anniversary and the city of Cortez’s 140th year since being platted.
Additionally, the U.S. Navy Southwest Brass Band will perform in Montezuma Park on April 23 at 6 p.m.
awatson@the-journal.com
