Snowbirds (Room 524)

Julia Anna Moore
Jan 1
6 min read

How to get to Little Johnny

To get to Little Johnny on Peak 8, you have to get take Peak 8 SuperConnect or Colorado SuperChair and take the Columbine catwalk, or take Rocky Mountain SuperChair to get a straight shot. Speaking of shots, this run was named after a “fiery, party-loving, height-challenged lifty” who lived in Fairplay and worked in Breck during the 1960s. No one knows where Little Johnny went, but his name lives on.

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 7 and 8*

Shots at the saloon

This unit highlights the long standing buildings such as the Gold Pan, which is a bar in town. Saloons were always around; besides, prospectors had to spend their money from finding gold on something. Maybe we don’t go to these places in suits any longer, but the aprés is something that the past people of Breck would love to join in on.

Vintage bar scene with ten men in suits and hats gathered around a wooden counter. Mirrors and shelves adorn the wall; numbers mark each person. — **Owner John Dewers and bar patrons inside the Corner Saloon on Main Street, Breckenridge:** The bar inside the Corner Saloon on Main Street, Breckenridge, Colorado. Circa 1894. The owner, John “Johnny or Johnnie” Dewers, is the second man from the left. The men (numbered, from left to right): 1. Hiram Johnson; 2. Johnnie Dewers; 3. W.B. Manring; 4. John Allen; 5. Henry Allen; 6. Bob Lott; 7. Howard Hill; 8. John Williams; 9. L.C. Whipple; 10. William McManus. A sign advertising “Cherry Bounce” hangs on the mirror and a cash register flanked by two figurines/statues is centered on the bar back. “Jos. Schlitz Brewing Co. Milwaukee Lager Beer” signs are displayed on top of the large wooden icebox next to the bar. *Original creator: Circa 1894; Unidentifed. Summit Historical Society Collection. Image created by Breckenridge History, Colorado.*

Historic wooden building with multiple windows, a front porch, and a streetlamp. Mountains and trees are visible in the background. Black and white. — **Gold Pan Bar 1981:** The slope roofed, two-story frame building at 105 North Main, in Breckenridge, Colorado, has an open balcony with pedimented sash windows on the second floor, and a bracketed, wooden cornice. Built in the 1870’s, it has diamond pattern glass panes in doors and windows on the street level, and a sign over them reads “Gold Pan,” as does a round wooden sign hanging from a projecting beam on the second floor. A cast iron street lamp is in the foreground, and mountains are in the background. *Original creator: 1981; Noel, Thomas J. (Thomas Jacob). Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-952.*

Faded sepia photo of a deserted street with old wooden buildings. Few indistinct figures visible. Mood is nostalgic and historic. — **Corner Saloon on North Main Street in Breckenridge:** The west side of North Main Street, Breckenridge, Colorado, circa 1890s-early 1900s. Men stand on the wooden sidewalk outside the Corner Saloon owned by Johnny Dewers. Next door is a two-story flat roof building with awnings that advertise “W.P. Condon — Hardware — Dry Goods”. More false front and wood frame buildings line the dirt packed street. *Original creator: Circa 1880s-1890s; Unidentifed. Summit Historical Society Collection. Image created by Breckenridge History, Colorado.*

Bar scene with four men leaning on the counter, one in a hat. Bartender behind, vintage decor, ornate wallpaper, clock, and cigar sign. — **Weaver Brothers Saloon:** Men lean on the bar in a saloon in Breckenridge (Summit County) Colorado. Decor includes spittoons, chintz wallpaper, signs, framed photos, a clock, and mirror cigar advertisments. Electric ceiling lamps with ruffled glass bell globes borne on curling rods are overhead, and a cash register is by the backbar. The bartender eyes a black Labrador Retriever dog on the counter. *Original creator: [1890–1900?]; Unidentified. Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-953.*

Two vintage trucks, red and white, parked in front of a brown wooden building with yellow trim on a sunny day. Quiet, nostalgic street scene. — **North Main Street, Breckenridge, west side:** No description. *Original creator: 1975 (Creation); Breckenridge Community Development. Town of Breckenridge Main Street Photographic Survey, 1975. Breckenridge History, Colorado.*

Two men in vintage clothing sit on a bar counter in an old tavern with ornate woodwork. The sepia tone adds a historical mood. — **L.C. Whipple and William McManus sit on the bar in the Corner Saloon, Main Street, Breckenridge:** L.C. Whipple (left) and William McManus (right) sit on the bar inside the Corner Saloon, owned by John Dewers, on Main Street in Breckenridge, Colorado. Circa 1894. A sign advertising “Cherry Bounce” hangs on the mirror-backed bar and a cash register is centered on the bar back. *Original creator: Circa 1894; 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.