Before Idlewild was officially platted as a subdivision and parceled into recordable land plots, a number of individuals, aside from Ella Van Bramer, were living here. The 1910 sub division plat shows two cabins, one owned by Turkington and another owned by Stewart.
The cabins owned by Stewart and Turkington.
Turkington Cabin
Closeup of the Turkington cabin located on the edge of Lots 1 & 2 at the end of the campground road.
The Turkington cabin, located between lots 1 and 2, was likely owned by Edward Clyde Turkington. In 1905 Turkington was a co-owner of the W&T Pharmacy in Loveland.1Loveland Register, 3 May. 1905. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
Advertisement for the W&T Pharmacy shortly after it was acquired by Turkington and Williams in 1905.2Loveland Register, 3 May. 1905. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
Turkington and Williams were renting the building from Frank Bartholf who owned the block.3Loveland Register, 3 May. 1905. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
The “W. & T. Pharmacy” Williams and Turkington, (formerly Skelley’s) is now “at home” to Loveland folk and customers in the Bartholf Opera house block, corner of Fourth street and Cleveland avenue. The new management has shown the Loveland spirit of push and progress, in the handsome way they have arranged the interior of this store. It is a place that sort of rests the eyes – just to see.4Loveland Register, 3 May. 1905. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
The Loveland Register – May 3, 1905
Turkington’s business relationship with Bartholf likely introduced him to Ella Van Bramer, Bartholf’s daughter, which in turn led him to Idlewild. The first mention of Turkington being at Idlewild was in June of 1906, just one month after Ella Van Bramer began building there and just one week after Idlewild was first named.5Loveland Reporter, 30 Sep. 1918. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Clay, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Luff, Mr. Clyde Turkington and Mr. Geo. Dolan, spent Sunday at Idylwilde.61906-06-21 – The Loveland Register – Clyde Turkington at Idylwilde
Loveland Register – June 21, 1906
Turkington spent several weekends fishing at Idlewild that opening summer.71906-07-12 – Loveland Reporter – 1906 Big Thompson Flood
A fishing party composed of E. C. Turkington, A. Becker, C. W. Luff and wife, W. J. Galligan, H. Kelley and sons, and C. L Wanamaker and wife were at Van Bramer’s resort and they pronounce the storm a mighty heavy rain to say the least. The rain seemed to come down with such terrific force that a slicker rain coat was no protection.81906-07-12 – Loveland Reporter – 1906 Big Thompson Flood
Loveland Reporter – July 12, 1906
Further evidence of Turkington’s association with Idlewild is found in a article from 1918 mentioning he was acquainted with Louis Papa, who at the time lived just a few miles east of Idlewild at present day Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park.9Loveland Reporter, 30 Sep. 1918. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
Frank Bartholf, E. C. Turkington, Everett Walker, Miss Amelia Anderson and Mrs. Amelia Nolte motored to Louis Papa’s cabin Sunday for a short visit with him.10Loveland Reporter, 30 Sep. 1918. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
Loveland Reporter – September 30, 1918
Below are the clearest known images of the Turkington cabin. It appears to have been a single room one story building.
Cropped photo of the Turkington cabin from the earliest known photo of Idlewild.11“Idlewild.” Fort Collins History Connection: An Online Collaboration of the Fort Collins Museum and the Poudre River Public Library District. 2021. 01 Feb 2021.
Cropped photo of the Turkington cabin taken shortly after being purchased by George Dauth c. 1920. Photo shows a porch was added to the cabins northern side.
Another photo of the Turkington cabin taken c. 1920.
Stewart Cabin
Closeup of the Stewart cabin located on Lots 3.
The Stewart cabin is situated on Lot 3 at the present day location of the Idlewild Lodge. Unlike the surname Turkington, Stewart was a very common last name, and so identifying the owner of the Stewart cabin involves a little more guesswork. While investigating Clyde Turkington it was discovered that he was in the business of buying and selling of livestock. From 1908 to 1918 he was mentioned in the local papers making dozens of cattles sales. Interestingly many of these sales were done with a business partner by the name of Dr. Magnus Stewart.12Denver Post, 28 Apr. 1908. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Rocky Mountain News, 21 Mar. 1909. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Rocky Mountain News, 16 Apr. 1909. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Rocky Mountain News, 6 May. 1911. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post, 16 Nov. 1911. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post, 2 Jan. 1912. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post, 11 Mar. 1912. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Rocky Mountain News, 12 Mar. 1912. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post, 29 Jan. 1913. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Rocky Mountain News, 21 Feb. 1913. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Rocky Mountain News, 14 May. 1913. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post, 22 Jan. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post, 6 Apr. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Rocky Mountain News, 9 Apr. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post, 20 Apr. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Rocky Mountain News, 23 Apr. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post, 27 Apr. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post, 4 May. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Rocky Mountain News, 7 May. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post, 13 May. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post, 29 May. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Rocky Mountain News, 4 Jun. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Rocky Mountain News. 18 Jun. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post, 1 Jan. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Loveland Daily Herald, 7 Jan. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Rocky Mountain News, 7 Jan. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post, 26 Jan. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Rocky Mountain News, 28 Jan. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post, 14 Jun. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Rocky Mountain News, 17 Jun. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Rocky Mountain News, 9 Sep. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Loveland Reporter, 10 Sep. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Loveland Daily Herald, 20 Sep. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Rocky Mountain News, 5 May. 1916. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Rocky Mountain News, 25 May. 1916. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post, 19 Jun. 1916. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post. 6 Jul. 1916. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post. 12 Jul. 1916. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Rocky Mountain News, 25 Jan. 1917. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Pueblo Chieftain, 16 May. 1917. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Rocky Mountain News, 22 May. 1917. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post, 3 May. 1917. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Denver Post, 21 Jan. 1918. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
Dr. Stewart was a medical doctor from West Virginia who moved to Loveland in 1903.13Loveland Register, 1 Oct. 1903. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
New Medical Firm
Dr. M. F. Stewart, of Weston, West Virginia, has formed a partnership with Dr. W. W. Robinson, one of Loveland’s local doctors, whose large and growing practice necessitated this move. Dr. Stewart comes to our city highly recommended and it is a matter of congratulation to Robinson to secure such a competent assistant. On the other hand Dr. Stewart may consider himself lucky to secure a partnership with a doctor of Dr. Robinson’s ability and reputation.14Loveland Register, 1 Oct. 1903. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
Loveland Register – October 1, 1903
Newspaper advertisement for Dr. M. F. Stewart.15Loveland Register, 3 Feb. 1903. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
At some point before 1908 Dr. Magnus Stewart became acquainted with Clyde Turkington, perhaps through their shared medical backgrounds, and the two began investing in the cattle business together. This business relationship led to the creation of the “Loveland Stockholder’s Exchange” club which met weekly at Clyde Turkington’s W&T Pharmacy.
STOCKHOLDER’S EXCHANGE IS NOW A THING OF THE PAST
Loveland’s stockholders’ exchange is a thing of the past and Al. Cox, W. T. Bransom, I. J. Henderson, M. F. Stewart, J. M. Graham and a score of other brokers are without a home in which to regulate the price of calves, heifers, old cows and white elephants. The new proprietor of the W. & T. Pharmacy served notice of “Nothing Doing” this morning as the above gentlemen came into the store preparatory to settling the price of livestock for the week in their usual manner, by smoking up a few of “Turk’s” 3 for 5-cent stoggies around the eleven-inch heater which has adorned that sanctum for years.
In years past when anyone of the above gentlemen came up missing, the usual inquiry was sprung: “Have you looked in the back of Turks-” And if the inquirer followed the advice he usually found the gentleman he was looking for, deep in the question on how much Al, Stewart would get for the last bunch of steers.
Just where the old crowd will congregate is a weighty question, as the only available place is the space around the stove in the store of J. W. Jones, and as that is already spoken for by those who control the destiny of the nation, congress, senate and president, we can see only a breaking up of old ties as well as the stockholder’s exchange.16The Loveland Herald, 5 Feb. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
The Loveland Herald – February 5th, 1915
Dr Stewart’s strong social ties to Clyde Turkington is not direct evidence of him being the Stewart of Idlewild, but it does make a case for it.
However there is another candidate for the Stewart cabin, who unlike Dr. Stewart, actually spent time at Idlewild. Mr. Ray Stewart another acquaintance of Clyde Turkington, accompanied him on a trip to Idlewild shortly after Ella Van Bramer opened the resort.17Loveland Register, 26 Jul. 1906. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
Misses Florence Lett and Nettie Blair, of Columbus Junction, Iowa, and Messrs. Clyde Turkington and Ray Stewart were guests at Mrs. Van Bramer’s ranch Sunday.18Loveland Register, 26 Jul. 1906. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
Loveland Reporter – July 26, 1906
Ray Stewart was a shop owner in Loveland who co-owned Stewart’s 20th Century Confectionery with his father Frank Stewart.19Loveland Register, 23 Apr. 1903. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. In 1906 they sold the business and opened a bookstore called F. P. Stewart & Son.20Loveland Register, 17 May. 1906. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Being a business owner placed Ray Stewart and Clyde Turkington in the same social circle. Both attended meetings with the Loveland Chamber of Commerce and were on the same sub-committee organizing events for the city.21Loveland Register, 9 Aug. 1906. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
Newspaper advertisement for Ray Stewart’s 20th Century Ice Cream Parlor.22Loveland Reporter, 7 Jul. 1904. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
Newspaper advertisement for F. P. Stewart & Son Bookstore.23Loveland Reporter, 17 May. 1906. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
Furthermore Ray Stewart would again be documented visiting Idlewild, this time in 1910 to celebrate his wedding to Miss Stella Keller.24Weekly Courier, 14 Apr. 1903. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Stewart made an auto trip to Idylwild on Sunday afternoon.25Weekly Courier, 14 Apr. 1903. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
The Weekly Courier – April 14, 1910
Ray Stewart being a close acquaintance of Clyde Turkington and having multiple documented visits to Idlewild, make him a good candidate. But until more conclusive evidence can be found, it just cannot be said with certainty who exactly was the “Stewart” of Idlewild Lodge.
Earliest photo of Idlewild Lodge aka Stewarts cabin, taken c. 1910. Historical evidence found within Idlewild Lodge place its second floor construction date to c. 1906 indicating that this photo represents an accurate portrayal of Stewart’s cabin. 26“Idlewild.” Fort Collins History Connection: An Online Collaboration of the Fort Collins Museum and the Poudre River Public Library District. 2021. 01 Feb 2021.
Photo from the Fort Collins History Connection dated c. 1910.
- Loveland Register, 3 May. 1905. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Loveland Register, 21 Jun. 1906. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Loveland Reporter, 12 Jul. 1906. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Loveland Reporter, 30 Sep. 1918. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- "Idlewild." Fort Collins History Connection: An Online Collaboration of the Fort Collins Museum and the Poudre River Public Library District. 2021. 01 Feb 2021.
- Denver Post, 28 Apr. 1908. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Rocky Mountain News, 21 Mar. 1909. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Rocky Mountain News, 16 Apr. 1909. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Rocky Mountain News, 6 May. 1911. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post, 16 Nov. 1911. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post, 2 Jan. 1912. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post, 11 Mar. 1912. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Rocky Mountain News, 12 Mar. 1912. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post, 29 Jan. 1913. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Rocky Mountain News, 21 Feb. 1913. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Rocky Mountain News, 14 May. 1913. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post, 22 Jan. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post, 6 Apr. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Rocky Mountain News, 9 Apr. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post, 20 Apr. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Rocky Mountain News, 23 Apr. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post, 27 Apr. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post, 4 May. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Rocky Mountain News, 7 May. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post, 13 May. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post, 29 May. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Rocky Mountain News, 4 Jun. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Rocky Mountain News. 18 Jun. 1914. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post, 1 Jan. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Loveland Daily Herald, 7 Jan. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Rocky Mountain News, 7 Jan. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post, 26 Jan. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Rocky Mountain News, 28 Jan. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post, 14 Jun. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Rocky Mountain News, 17 Jun. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Rocky Mountain News, 9 Sep. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Loveland Reporter, 10 Sep. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Loveland Daily Herald, 20 Sep. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Rocky Mountain News, 5 May. 1916. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Rocky Mountain News, 25 May. 1916. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post, 19 Jun. 1916. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post. 6 Jul. 1916. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post. 12 Jul. 1916. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Rocky Mountain News, 25 Jan. 1917. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Pueblo Chieftain, 16 May. 1917. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Rocky Mountain News, 22 May. 1917. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post, 3 May. 1917. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Denver Post, 21 Jan. 1918. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Loveland Register, 3 Feb. 1903. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- The Loveland Herald, 5 Feb. 1915. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Loveland Register, 26 Jul. 1906. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Loveland Register, 23 Apr. 1903. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Loveland Register, 17 May. 1906. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Loveland Register, 9 Aug. 1906. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
- Weekly Courier, 14 Apr. 1903. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.