Honoring his “dedication, diligence, and love of history, making it available to all,” the Daughters and Children of the American Revolution and Cherry Creek Valley Historical Society honored past CCVHS President Garry O’Hara in a ceremony at Franktown Fire Department Station 181, on Saturday morning, September 23, 2023 with the dedication of four cemetery reference books to local libraries and archives, award of a pin from the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution, the commitment of markers at each of the “mile houses” along the Smoky Hill Trail, and a plaque from the Cherry Creek Valley Historical Society.
Carole Taylor, President of the Running Creek Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, who organized the event, described O’Hara’s “thoroughness” and commitment to scholarship in describing the books, covering the Franktown Cemetery, the Castle Rock Cedar hill Cemetery, the J.S. Parker Cemetery, and the Bear Canon Cemetery, explaining that copies will be donated to libraries, particularly the Douglas County Archives and Library in Castle Rock, where they will be available for researchers and students. “Garry has been instrumental in leading the research through the cemeteries,” Taylor explained, “and his work is unequalled. It’s an honor to make these copies available for everyone to see.”
Lee Whiteley, who has written extensively on the trails and geography of the Colorado Plains, congratulated O’Hara on his ability to bring many disparate groups together “all in the name and interest of History.”
Denice Kline Dirks, Senior State President, and Jarrett Dirks, State President of the Colorado State Society of the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution (CAR), spoke of O’Hara’s commitment to scholarship and citizenship and awarded him a pin from the organization in recognition of his service. Ms. Dirks then continued to describe a program spearheaded by the CAR marking “the Mile Houses” along the trail to Denver, including the sites where there were no buildings left. She also praised O’Hara for his work in helping establish the “Franktown Museum,” which has been in the fire house for a number of years.
Honoring O’Hara’s “commitment and dedication,” Charles Kastens, CCVHS President, presented a plaque which reads, “Your effort, support, and contributions will be remembered for generations to come.” He thanked O’Hara for the privilege of serving as his vice-president and the opportunity to learn from him. Echoing Lee Whiteley’s words, Kastens spoke of the welcoming and participatory atmosphere that CCVHS always had, largely because of Garry O’Hara.
Those who also attended the celebration: Hannah Bawden, Douglas County Archives and Library; Catherine Traffis, Parker Historical Society; Steve and Suzann Smith, Smoky Hill Trail DAR; Debra Jacobs and Hyla Tryon Jenks, Running Creek DAR; Susie Trumble, Franktown Fire and 17 Mile House Preservation Board; Jane and Lee Whiteley, Smoky Hill Historical Society; Beverly Noe and Danna Hamling, Larkspur Historical Society; and Shirley Miller,
Susan Knapp, Bill Thomas, Christine Kastens, Karen and Kevin Sear, Gary and Sherrie Wolf of the Cherry Creek Valley Historical Society.
“The most wonderful thing, I think,” Susan Knapp remarked after the ceremony, “Is recognition of the many tours of historical sites that Garry organized and spearheaded. This celebration is in appreciation of that.”
Written by William Thomas, CCVHS Co-Secretary
Carole Taylor, President of the Running Creek Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, who organized the event, described O’Hara’s “thoroughness” and commitment to scholarship in describing the books, covering the Franktown Cemetery, the Castle Rock Cedar hill Cemetery, the J.S. Parker Cemetery, and the Bear Canon Cemetery, explaining that copies will be donated to libraries, particularly the Douglas County Archives and Library in Castle Rock, where they will be available for researchers and students. “Garry has been instrumental in leading the research through the cemeteries,” Taylor explained, “and his work is unequalled. It’s an honor to make these copies available for everyone to see.”
Lee Whiteley, who has written extensively on the trails and geography of the Colorado Plains, congratulated O’Hara on his ability to bring many disparate groups together “all in the name and interest of History.”
Denice Kline Dirks, Senior State President, and Jarrett Dirks, State President of the Colorado State Society of the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution (CAR), spoke of O’Hara’s commitment to scholarship and citizenship and awarded him a pin from the organization in recognition of his service. Ms. Dirks then continued to describe a program spearheaded by the CAR marking “the Mile Houses” along the trail to Denver, including the sites where there were no buildings left. She also praised O’Hara for his work in helping establish the “Franktown Museum,” which has been in the fire house for a number of years.
Honoring O’Hara’s “commitment and dedication,” Charles Kastens, CCVHS President, presented a plaque which reads, “Your effort, support, and contributions will be remembered for generations to come.” He thanked O’Hara for the privilege of serving as his vice-president and the opportunity to learn from him. Echoing Lee Whiteley’s words, Kastens spoke of the welcoming and participatory atmosphere that CCVHS always had, largely because of Garry O’Hara.
Those who also attended the celebration: Hannah Bawden, Douglas County Archives and Library; Catherine Traffis, Parker Historical Society; Steve and Suzann Smith, Smoky Hill Trail DAR; Debra Jacobs and Hyla Tryon Jenks, Running Creek DAR; Susie Trumble, Franktown Fire and 17 Mile House Preservation Board; Jane and Lee Whiteley, Smoky Hill Historical Society; Beverly Noe and Danna Hamling, Larkspur Historical Society; and Shirley Miller,
Susan Knapp, Bill Thomas, Christine Kastens, Karen and Kevin Sear, Gary and Sherrie Wolf of the Cherry Creek Valley Historical Society.
“The most wonderful thing, I think,” Susan Knapp remarked after the ceremony, “Is recognition of the many tours of historical sites that Garry organized and spearheaded. This celebration is in appreciation of that.”
Written by William Thomas, CCVHS Co-Secretary
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