The 2025 Midland Days Symposium – "Cripple Creek Adventures" Saturday, September 13 John Wesley Ranch, Divide
The 2025 Midland Days Symposium – “Cripple Creek Adventures” There’s only one Cripple Creek, and there will never be another. That goes for all the railroads serving the gold district, as well—namely the Midland Terminal, the Florence and Cripple Creek and the Colorado Springs and Cripple Creek District (the “Short Line”) lines.
During the 2025 symposium, coming up on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the John Wesley Ranch and Retreat just south of Divide, a comprehensive history of each of those three railroads will be revealed. In addition, while we’re talking about history, there’ll be a presentation on the legacy of John Wesley Ranch and it’s beginnings as a roadhouse, and maybe something else. And certainly a highlight of the day will be a presentation about the Midland station in Leadville.
You see, there’s an interesting aspect about that depot in Leadville that has been a mystery to the present day. There are no readily available records or photos of the “other side” of that building, except for one photo showing only one face. Until now, that is. Railroad historian, Art Hundhousen, will finally reveal what the entire depot looked like back in the day, through a remarkable adventure of deductive reasoning and sleuthing. Not to be missed. Midland Days at Divide, Inc., along with its partners, the Teller Historic and Environmental Coalition (T.H.E. Coalition) and the Divide Chamber of Commerce, and its sponsors, proudly announce the 15th annual gathering of the Midland Days symposium, to be held again at the historic John Wesley Ranch south of Divide on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The event will begin, as usual, with a social gathering at 9:00 a.m. followed by introductions and announcements.
The agenda will include presentations (including numerous historical photographs) and conversations with railroad author and historian, Mel McFarland, historian Art Crawford, Zack Waller, David Martinek, president of Midland Days at Divide, Inc., as presenter and moderator, and historian and special guest, Art Hundhausen.
Refreshments will be available throughout the day and a light breakfast and lunch will be served. Walk-in attendees are welcome for the same attendance fee, but seating and lunch cannot be guaranteed. According to the tradition established at the first symposium, all those with reservations will receive a limited-edition railroad print (ink on parchment) especially drawn and provided courtesy of Mel McFarland, the 15th in a series. Additional copies of the print, and prints from past symposiums, and other special items and memorabilia, will also be available for purchase.
The John Wesley Ranch, is operated by the First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs who once again have graciously opened their historic lodge facilities to host the symposium. The ranch is located south of Divide at 21285 Highway 67 just before the entrance to Mueller State Park. There is ample parking. Directions from Colorado Springs: Take U.S. 24 west up Ute Pass for 25 miles, through Woodland Park, to Divide. Turn left on Highway 67 South. The entrance to the John Wesley Ranch is 3 miles on the right (look for the Midland Days sign).
Midland Days at Divide, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Colorado corporation formed in 2013 (EIN 46-4067659). Midland Days devotes its assets and operations to the protection of the historic legacy of the Colorado Midland Railway and the Midland Terminal Railroad, as well as other related railroads, and those cultural and natural resources affecting the continued preservation of such history. Midland Days at Divide, Inc. also owns the Midland Depot at Divide property and complex.
The Teller Historic and Environmental Coalition, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Colorado corporation formed in 2000 (EIN 84-1552939). T.H.E. Coalition’s mission is to facilitate preservation of the historic, environmental, recreational and scenic resources in and around Teller County, and to broaden public understanding regarding the significance of those resources. T.H.E. Coalition is actively working to preserve the Midland Depot at Divide.
The Divide Chamber of Commerce, a partner of T.H.E. Coalition and Midland Days at Divide, Inc., is a 501(c)6 non-profit corporation supporting local businesses in the Divide community.
All proceeds, sponsorships and contributions (less meal costs) from the “2025 Midland Days” symposium will help support Midland Days at Divide, Inc., future symposiums and the Midland Depot at Divide Preservation Project, and its partnering organizations.
Contact: David Martinek – Pres., Midland Days at Divide, Inc. Tel: 719.213.9335 (cell) Email: [email protected]
