Pikes Peak Region History Lecture: From Utility to Attraction - A History of Mt. Manitou Park

From Utility to Attraction – A History of the Mt. Manitou Park & Incline Railway
Presented by Eric Swab
Most residents of the area know the Manitou Incline as the mega fitness climb beginning in the parking lot of the Cog Railway. This presentation will take you from it’s beginning as an aid to the construction of water pipeline to power the Manitou Hydro-electric plant, through it’s 81 year history as a tourist attraction to it’s present status as the “World’s Greatest Outdoor Stairmaster.”
About the Presenter. Eric Swab was born many years ago to an Architect Father and Interior Decorator Mother. Eric did not figure out what he wanted to do when he “grew up” until 11 years ago, when he retired and started wandering around on Pikes Peak. In the meantime he tried several careers, none of which had anything to do with history. He has been happily married, to the same person, for 55 years and has 2 talented children and 3 grandchildren who will eventually outshine all the rest of the family. As a hiker he shuns 14ers, much prefers exploring Pikes Peak looking for old abandon trails and finding little bits of forgotten history.   RSVP $5 donation, free for Museum Members www.cspm.org