A look into the Past, Present and Future of Miramont Castle

Edited by Robin D. Johnston

Reflections of the Past

We have lost many dear friends at the Castle. They were all dedicated to the Castle: its past, present and future.

Belvadine Boyd had been a driving force at the Castle since the inception of the Manitou Springs Historical Society. She was on the Board of Directors and ran the accessions office for many years. Her knowledge of the history of the area was tremendous as was her dedication to the Castle.

Lillian Gregg was also a founding member. As with Belvadine, her dedication to the Castle was tremendous.

Garland Coleman was a experienced and dedicated woodworker and has restored many of the Castle décor you see today. His work during the original restoration in the 1970’s was invaluable

Shirley Copp (as with the above) was also a founding member of the Castle involved in the original restoration in the 1970’s. Shirley authored the Castle history book available in the Castle Gift Shop.

Virgil Pineda may not have been involved with the Castle for as long, but his service and dedication was just a great. Virgil was assistant director, leading many tours as either a gunslinger or as our very own Father Francolon. He was available whenever he was called upon for help.

All are sorely missed for their dedication and just as themselves.

Do you recognize this pretty lady? She is very elusive and hard to pin down in one spot. There are few photographs of her existing today (probably because she was on the move all of the time). She is one of a kind and an endangered species. She is one of the few dedicated volunteers who keeps the Castle going. She is Kathy Thomson, our former Board President. Kathy has resigned to dedicate more time to her family. If you don’t recognize her, don’t feel bad; she was usually behind the scenes.

Kathy was actively involved at Miramont Castle for over 30 years. She had been in charge of the tearoom for over 12 years. She helped in the gift shop, with ordering, inventory and stocking. She helped clean the castle when needed. She was in the kitchen doing the baking when we had special events, dinners, potlucks and banquets. While others were eating, she was making sure there was enough food, that the service looked wonderful and cleaned up afterward. She was one of the first ones there when a problem arose. She helped in the gardens and did whatever needed to be done at the Castle outside or inside, and she led the effort to keep the Castle going in administrative matters. 

We all owe a great big thank you to Kathy for all she has done. It is hard for the dedicated few at the Castle to keep things running with only a few like her left. Want to know the best way to thank Kathy? Next time you see her, just ask “WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP”!

In the Present

Kelly Hunter has been hired as the business director at the Castle. She will handle the business affairs, public relations, advertising and wherever else needed. 

The Gardens continue to be a showplace throughout the spring and summer. 

The Tea Room continues to do a fantastic business serving lovely high teas throughout the year.

The Gift Shop continues to carry unique gift items from the Victorian era.

The old train museum is now part of the Castle proper. It is being renovated and will house our accessions office and Victorian items not currently on display in the Castle.

If you have not been at the Castle in a while, you need to come see the “latest” restorations, such as the priest’s quarters, his smoking room, and of course Marie Francolon’s bedroom.

As you can see, we are coming into the 21st century with a great new website. It was designed by Eric Murphy with 2Doors Design and Photography. Thank you Eric for the great job.

The future of the Manitou Springs Historical Society and Miramont Castle is dependent on you, our members and friends, who have a sincere interest and love of our history.  Without your help, we cannot go on and our history will die.  We need people who are willing to give of themselves and their time to keep the Castle growing, improving and just plain running.  We need volunteers who are willing to help.  Our future of preserving our past is in YOUR hands .