Past Blog | Wedgewood Lodge

Tom's Baby (Room 515)

Julia Anna Moore
6 min read

How to get to Tom's Baby

Tom’s Baby and Tom’s Mom are some of my favorite names of trails in Breck. This run has historical significance because it was named after the biggest gold nugget ever found in history, which I will talk about below. To honor this incredible find, this double black diamond on Peak 9 was named after… well… Tom’s Baby. I recommend that only advanced skiers go to this steep tree run which is accessed by Mercury SuperChair.

Ski resort trail map showing various ski runs in blue, black, and red lines through mountainous terrain with tree symbols, names, and symbols. — *Map of Breckenridge’s Peak 9*

Farncomb Hill and the big baby

On July 23, 1887, Tom Groves and Harry Lytton discovered the largest piece of gold ever found in Colorado, a 13 ½ pound nugget in the Farncomb Hill area near Breckenridge, famously known as “Tom’s Baby” after Groves wrapped it in a blanket and carried it like an infant to avoid theft. Groves paraded the massive gold nugget around Breckenridge, where it quickly became renowned. After being cleaned by an assayer, the nugget was handed to a mine owner, Ward, who sent it to Denver, where it mysteriously vanished. Around 1900, it was sought for exhibitions but remained missing until local historian Mark Fiester rediscovered it in 1972 in a Denver bank vault, mislabeled as dinosaur bones (are you kidding me?). The piece, now 10 ½ pounds, resides at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, still stirring curiosity about the missing three pounds. Three pounds of gold today would be worth a little over $103,000 USD (as of July 2024). What do you think happened to this chunk? I guess we will never know.

Snowy forest path with a horse-drawn cart, surrounded by tall trees and mountains in the background. The scene is serene and wintry. — **View on Farncom hill:** The Great Flume going around the hill opposite Mount Guyot (in background), northeast of Breckenridge, Colorado in autumn of 1895. In the snow, a man stands next to the waist-high wooden flume while a dog sits on top. Title quoted from handwritten caption on card mount: “View on Farncom [sic] hill.” *Original creator: 1895 (Creation); Westerman, Otto. J. Frank Willis Photograph Album. Breckenridge History, Colorado.*

Black and white image of a large mineral rock. The text reads "The Mineral Resources of Summit County." The mood is informative. — **The mineral resources of Summit County:** View of a 156 ounce specimen of crystallized gold, known as “Tom’s Baby,” taken from the Gold Flake Mine on Farncomb Hill, near Breckenridge, Summit County, Colorado. The specimen was named after Tom Groves, one of the miners who discovered it. Formerly F24822. Penciled on back of photographic print: “The largest gold nugget [sic] ever found in Colorado — (156 ounces or 13 lbs Troy). Taken from Gold Flake Mine on Farncomb Hill, Summit Co. July 23, 1887. Known as “Tom’s Baby” for Thomas F. Walsh, owner of mine [sic]. “ [In fact, the crystallized gold specimen was discovered by two miners, Tom Groves and Harry Lytton, and allegedly named after Tom Grove’s.]; Photographic print is of half-tone reproduction. *Original creator: 1899; Jas. F. Callbreath Jr.. Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-60191.*

Snowy forest landscape with tall pine trees and dense woods. Background shows rolling hills covered in snow. Sepia tone adds a vintage look. — **Great Flume in American Gulch on Farncomb Hill near Breckenridge:** View of the Great Flume in American Gulch, located on Farncomb Hill near Breckenridge, Colorado. Circa 1896. The mill, originally built for the Victoria Gold Mining Company in 1887, is in view on the steep hillside. *Original creator: Circa 1896; Unidentified. Summit Historical Society Collection. Image created by Breckenridge History, Colorado.*

A photographed gold nugget on old paper. Handwritten text reads "Actual size of a gold nugget taken from Farncomb Hill." Vintage and historic feel. — **Actual size of a gold nugget, taken from Farncomb hill:** 136-ounce mass of crystalized gold from the Gold Flake vein on Farncomb Hill called “Tom’s Baby”. Found on July 23, 1887 by Harry Lytton and Tom Groves outside of Breckenridge, Colorado. *Original creator: circa 1880s-1903 (Creation); Westerman, Otto. J. Frank Willis Photograph Album. Breckenridge History, Colorado.*

Hillside with cascading water streams for hydraulic mining; rustic cabins and dense forest in the background; sepia tones create a historical feel. — **Wapiti Mining Company’s hydraulic operations in American Gulch near Breckenridge, Colorado:** Wapiti Mining Company’s mining operations in American Gulch below Farncomb Hill, near Breckenridge, Colorado. An hydraulic pipe with high pressure nozzle (called a “Giant”) drives gravel from the tree-cleared hillside. The Victoria Gold Mining Company’s mill, built in 1888, is in view on the left. *Original creator: Circa 1895; Westerman, Otto. Summit Historical Society Collection. Image created by Breckenridge History, Colorado.*

Horse-drawn cart on a narrow mountain path with trees and a distant peak. Sepia tone adds a vintage feel. Rugged landscape. — **Ben Stanley Revett in a horse-drawn carriage coming down Farncomb Hill, Breckenridge:** Ben Stanley Revett and another man in a two-horse drawn carriage coming down a steep dirt road on the French Gulch side of Farncomb Hill, near Breckenridge, Colorado. Mount Guyot in the background. *Original creator: Circa early 1900s; Unidentified. Summit Historical Society Collection. Image created by Breckenridge History, Colorado.*

A modern touch

At Wedgewood Lodge, we want to give you a distinctive look into the past history of Breckenridge. Each photo in your historical gallery is unique to your stay and took countless hours to curate. There are stories to tell about Breckenridge and Summit County today as well, and the following photos have been shot by Julia Anna Moore.

Winter 2010

From aerial imagery, you can see the vast expanse of the White River National Forest. Can you point out Breckenridge and Copper Mountain?

Aerial black-and-white image of a mountainous landscape with valleys and ridges. Snowy peaks are visible, creating a dramatic contrast. — From aerial imagery, you can see the vast expanse of the White River National Forest. Can you point out Breckenridge and Copper Mountain?

Summer 2020

In the midst of the pandemic, historic wildfires hit the state of Colorado. Most of my photos during my short walk on Boreas Pass had a hazy red undertone, representative of how my lungs felt even just going a short distance. The air quality was terrible, I’m surprised you could even see these mountains at all.

Tall evergreen trees frame a distant mountain range under a hazy sky, creating a tranquil and serene natural landscape. — Duo of the Colorado Rockies framed by Evergreens. You can see the haziness as these photos were taken during the historic 2020 wildfires.

Tall evergreen trees frame a distant mountain under a clear sky. The scene conveys a tranquil, natural atmosphere. No text visible. — Duo of the Colorado Rockies framed by Evergreens. You can see the haziness as these photos were taken during the historic 2020 wildfires.

Distant mountains against a hazy, pinkish sky with dark pine trees in the foreground, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. — More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.

Purple flowers with yellow centers bloom in a garden. Green leaves and more blurred flowers are in the background, creating a serene mood. — More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.

Bird perched on evergreen branch against a cloudy sky. The scene is serene, with muted greens and soft light, creating a peaceful mood. — More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.

Chipmunk perched on a fallen log, nibbling something in a sunlit forest. Background is blurred with green and yellow foliage. — More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.

Hazy mountain view with a forest of tall, slender trees in the foreground under a soft, muted sky, evoking a serene mood. — More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.

Summer 2022

Storms in Summit County roll in like clock work during the summertime, so you better do all your fun outdoor activities before lunch. Sometimes the rain blows over quickly, sometimes it lasts until sunset, creating a beautiful pattern in the sky.

Mountain peak bathed in orange sunset light under dramatic clouds. Dark foreground contrasts with vibrant sky, creating a serene mood. — The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.

Orange and gray clouds fill the sky during sunset, creating a dramatic and serene atmosphere. No text visible. — The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.

Moon in a twilight sky with dark clouds and hints of pink and blue, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. — The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.

The mountains below are some of the same mountains you saw in some of my above photos from the 2020 wildfires. Notice the clarity in the air as the sun sets, lighting the mountains up with alpenglow. 2022 was a very wet year, a large contrast from the year of COVID-19.

Mountain landscape at sunset with snow-dusted peaks and pine trees in the foreground. Dramatic orange and pink clouds fill the sky. — A panoramic view of the White River National Forest.

Autumn 2022

A small snowstorm turned the peaks white in September, and I ran out of my front door to get the clouds leaving the mountains as the sky cleared. The excitement of ski season set in.

Snow-capped mountain under a cloudy sky, surrounded by dense green forests. Yellow foliage in the foreground adds a touch of autumn. — The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.

Snowy mountain peak behind lush, autumn-colored forest with yellow and green trees. Overcast sky adds a serene, tranquil mood. — The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.

Snow-capped mountain under cloudy sky, surrounded by autumn-colored hills with scattered trees. A tranquil, scenic landscape. — The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.

Winter 2022

The picturesque Hoosier Pass in dark greens and grays as snow falls, creating yet another perfect powder day for Summit County.

Snowy cabin surrounded by tall pines, with a parked SUV in front. Overcast skies create a serene, wintry mood. — A hazy snowstorm blows over the mountains, creating the atmosphere of cozying up at home with a cup of tea.

Foggy forest landscape with tall evergreen trees. The background is misty, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. No visible text. — A hazy snowstorm blows over the mountains, creating the atmosphere of cozying up at home with a cup of tea.

Winter 2023

A fluffy snow had fallen all day, and as the sky cleared up in time for sunset. The alpenglow lit up the mountains before the sun sank behind the mountains creating a hazy blanket of darkness over White River National Forest.

Loveland Pass is the perfect place to take in the view, just be sure that you have 4WD if it’s been snowing and park off the road in the parking lot.

Snowy mountain range at sunrise with purple and pink clouds, highlighting the peak. Forested lower slopes add contrast. Serene mood. — A hazy sunset paints over Loveland Pass

Snow-covered mountain with evergreen trees, a ski lift, and a small building at the peak. The sky is clear, creating a serene atmosphere. — Strings of alpenglow touch the Pali Lift at Arapahoe Basin

Snow-covered mountain peak with a forest below, bathed in warm sunset light. Clear blue sky above, creating a tranquil and majestic scene. — Strings of alpenglow touch the Continental Divide

Snowy mountains with a sign reading "White River National Forest" in the foreground. Overcast sky and serene, wintry landscape. — The alpenglow disappears and the blanket of darkness settles.

During the storm you see below in Summit, conditions were windy, rough, and cold. While most people chose to stay in, I ran up the mountain with my camera.

Want to take a piece of Summit County home with you? We will ship any of the prints from Julia’s gallery straight to your house. We offer different sizes and framing options. Reach out here.

Grits (Room 519)

Julia Anna Moore
5 min read

How to get to Grits

Grits doesn’t have a specific connection to history but grits and flapjacks were common campfire foods for prospectors, and I just think the names are full of humor. This run is a black diamond in Peak 10 that juts out from Crystal. It’s a short tree run that lands on Upper Lehman and is worth a visit. I recommend only advanced riders attempt Peak 10.

Gibson Hill

This area in Breck was home to Gold Run Placer over 100 years ago. Gibson Hill had valuable gold, like many of the mines in the area. A lot of the photographic evidence we have of this area is from the J. Frank Willis Collection, which makes sense because they owned property on Gibson Hill, but information is fragmented. You can read more about Breckenridge’s general mining history here.

Mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks in the background, forest and a fence in the foreground. Faint handwritten text below the image. — **View from the Willis property on Gibson hill, 1000 ft above town, showing Breckenridge in the distance:** View of Breckenridge and the snow-covered peaks of the Tenmile Range looking southwest from Gibson Hill. The location of the Willis family property is indicated by a pink color tint on the building’s roof. *Original creator: circa 1880s-1903 (Creation); Westerman, Otto. J. Frank Willis Photograph Album. Breckenridge History, Colorado.*

Sepia-toned image of Willis Property from Breckenridge, featuring rustic houses, a fence, and a mountain backdrop. Handwritten text below. — **View of the Willis Property, as seen from Breckenridge:** North end of Breckenridge, Colorado with the Willis property above on Gibson Hill. The property is indicated with a pink color tint. *Original creator: circa 1880s-1903 (Creation); Westerman, Otto. J. Frank Willis Photograph Album. Breckenridge History, Colorado.*

Vintage photo of a small town nestled in a forested valley with distant hills. Sepia tones create a historical feel, no visible text. — **View of Breckenridge with Gibson Hill in the background:** View of Breckenridge, Colorado, looking northeast with Gibson Hill in the background. On the right is the 1882-built frame schoolhouse on Harris Street. Other false front and frame buildings are in view, including the Breckenridge Masonic Lodge on Washington Avenue and Main Street, and Barney Ford’s home on the opposite corner. A tall lodgepole tree stands in the left foreground. *Original creator: Circa 1896–1900; Unidentified . Summit Historical Society Collection. Image created by Breckenridge History, Colorado.*

Workers with hoses perform hydraulic mining in a rocky landscape, with water spraying against a hillside. Trees visible in the background. — **Hydraulic mining crew at Gold Run Placer on Gibson Hill near Breckenridge, Colorado:** Hydraulic mining at Gold Run Placer on Gibson Hill, near Breckenridge, Colorado. Circa early 1900s. Men from the pit crew stand by while a “Giant” (a high pressure nozzle fitted on a hydraulic pipe) directs a powerful jet of water towards the base of a gravel bank. *Original creator: Circa early 1900s; Unidentified . Summit Historical Society Collection. Image created by Breckenridge History, Colorado.*

Mountain landscape with snowy peaks, forested hills, and a small town in the valley. Text reads "Views of Breckenridge, Colo., and Vicinity." — **Breckenridge, Colo, from Gibson Hill:** View of Breckenridge, Colorado, looking southwest shows dwellings and commercial buildings of the town. Landmarks include two churches, false fronted structures and, in the foothills, numerous mining facilities. A frame, gable roofed structure is in the left in the foreground, and in the background, snow covers the peaks of the Ten Mile Range. *Original creator: [1890–1899?]; Westerman, Otto. Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-1951.*

Man pushing a bike on a dirt path in front of a rustic cabin surrounded by trees. Another bike leans nearby. Sepia-toned, serene forest scene. — **J. Frank Willis with his bicycle outside his house on Gibson Hill, east of Breckenridge:** J. Frank Willis’ one and half story front gable frame house on Gibson Hill, east of Breckenridge, Colorado. Outside, Willis holds his bicycle by the handle as he props his left foot on the bike pedal. A second bike leans against a tree by a dirt path. He wears a cap, coat, and knickers with stockings. *Original creator: Circa 1880s-1903; Unidentified . Summit Historical Society Collection. Image created by Breckenridge History, Colorado.*