Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - Circa 1920 - Palisade Mountain

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the trapper of idlewild

1860s

The Big Thompson's earliest known trapper, Frank Marvin, settles in the region, likely becoming the first to venture through Idlewild.

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1990s

1870s

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - 1882-02-25 - National Police Gazette - Frank Marvin Mugshot - Red Background

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the murderer of idlewild

1870s

Frank Marvin builds a rustic shelter at present day Idlewild becoming its first resident. In the late 1870s Frank commits murder, leading to a manhunt at his Idlewild home.

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1860s

1890s

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - 2021 - Knapp Tree Stumps at Idlewild - Photo by Nathaniel Dauth

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the loggers of Idlewild

1890s

A toll road is built through the Big Thompson and the canyon's first logging camp is setup at Idlewild.

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1870s

1900s

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - 1910-08-09 - Idlewild Subdivion Blueprint

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Idlewild Resort

1900s

Businesswoman Ella Van Bramer applies for a homestead at present day Idlewild. She builds a tourist retreat with tents, cabins, and officially names the region IDLE WILD. Idlewild Lodge is built .

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1890s

1910s

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - Circa 1910 - Idlewild in Big Thompson Canyon - Fort Collins History

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Idlewild Stockranch

1910s

Harvey Witwer, son of Elizabeth Studebaker, buys the Idlewild homestead. The property is redeveloped into a stock ranch and Idlewild Lodge is turned into a guest house.

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1900s

1920s

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - Circa 1930s - George Dauth sitting in front of the hearth of Idlewi

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Idlewild Lodge

1920s

George Dauth buys Idlewild Lodge and redevelops the property into a private summer home.

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1910s

1930s

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - Circa 1929 - Idlewild Lodge - Looking down at Idlewild from the slo

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Idlewild Lodge

1930s

Florence Dauth turns Idlewild Lodge into a seasonal resort with rooms for rent during the summer months.

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1920s

1940s

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New Management

1940s

Leslie and Anna Dauth takes over management of Idlewild Lodge from George and Florence Dauth. Hubert Appleby builds the Appleby Motel and Cafe at Idlewild.

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1930s

1950s

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - Circa 1950 - Idlewild Lodge guest showing off the days catch

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Food & Fish Fries

1950s

The Covered Wagon Restaurant becomes one of the most popular restaurants in the canyon. Idlewild Lodge and the Appleby Motel begin hosting fish fries for the numerous fisherman touring the canyon.

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1940s

1960s

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Golden Decade

1960s

Its the golden age for tourism in the canyon, and at Idlewild.

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1950s

1970s