By Ulrich,
Isn’t it interesting how some towns seem to take on the personality of their founding fathers? Steamboat Springs is just such a place. Within 5 years of the Crawford family settling here they were joined by other hardy families who settled the Yampa Valley and set the tone of its character for decades to come.
The Ranching way of life brings certain traits that are unique to its lifestyle. Resilience, Independence, Toughness, Simplicity, Innovation; Ranchers must adapt to a variety of challenges such as weather, equipment, crop conditions, diseases, and market conditions. It is easy to place a parallel on farming and the ski industry; after all aren’t ski areas simply snow ranchers?
Just as the Ranchers had to face a myriad of challenges so did Steamboat as a community. Many of these challenges were championed by innovation and our independent spirit. Being so isolated we had to figure out how to facilitate an easier way to attract our tourists, hence the Yampa Valley Regional Airport. We were the community that invented the airline subsidy program as well as kids ski free.
The Steamboat Economy has reinvented itself on several occasions from agriculture to coal mining to health (the hot springs were a huge draw from the handicapped to the rich and famous from 1909, when passenger trains arrive, to 1939 when the famous cabin hotel burned down), various incantations of tourism and even construction.
Even during our most successful economic days we have remained grounded and enjoy living this simple uncomplicated life. Talk to some locals and see how many leave their homes unlocked and the keys in their cars. As you stroll up and down Lincoln Avenue notice the lack of suits and ties. There used to be a saying that only out of town salesmen and out of town attorneys wore suits and ties and we had no use for either. How many other places in the world can a CEO of a major corporation and a cab driver enjoy each other’s company as without pretences? Â
Of course the most important traits that are so attractive and inviting are those of collaboration and welcoming. The early settlers knew all too well that the only way to survive was to help your neighbor, because sure as shootin you would someday need their help. The new families were welcomed and celebrated and assisted to insure their success. These traits are still present and what separates Routt County from so many other places.
It is incumbent upon us who have wondered into this special place and embraced its heritage to foster and maintain this personality for future generations to benefit from.
