Monthly Historical Presentation: The Works & Life of Pioneer Photographer B. H. Gurnsey by Ed Bathke

B. H. Gurnsey came to the new town of Colorado Springs in 1872, and established the first photograph gallery. He was the premier photographer in the town, and as an article in the Colorado Springs Gazette in 1875 revealed, his business far exceeded that of all the other photographers in town combined – by a wide margin. The images he took provide us today with valuable historical information of life here 140 years ago. The record of his career until his death in 1880 will be accompanied by many examples of the stereoview photos he published.

In 1965 Ed Bathke was supposedly studying for final exams for a master’s degree in Applied Mathematics at the University of Colorado.  The editor of the Denver Westerners Brand Book asked him to write an article for the 1964 edition.  Following this welcome respite from school, he joined the Denver Westerners.  When he moved to Colorado Springs he accompanied the car pool of Denver Westerner members going to the monthly meetings.  Talk of needing a local group resulted in a meeting at his house in Manitou Springs, and in 1977 Ed was the founding sheriff of the Pikes Peak Posse of the Westerners.  Since then he has served as sheriff of the Denver Westerners and has also been active in the Boulder Corral and Colorado Corral of Westerners.  He has presented over a dozen papers to the Pikes Peak Posse.

Program format is in a casual, buffet style dinner setting at a cost of $17. Reservations should be received by Friday prior, 12 Noon.

We welcome visitors who enjoy Western history!