Longmont Ledger Aug 10, 1900
A City Girls Opinion of a Country Village After Her First Visit

I left Denver on the excursion train Sunday morning July 8th. As it was my first visit in the country, and the people were entire strangers to me with the exception of the little girl who accompanied me to visit her brother, I was naturally anxious and nervous concerning my destination.

At last we arrived at Highland Switch, the first station north of Longmont and were met by Mr. W. G. Gateley, who escorted us in a buggy drawn by a very spirited driving team three and one half miles across a prairie to Highland Lake, which is a very pretty lake, surrounded by trees. Then I met my hostess for the first time and we both decided to become good friends at once. Then on Sunday afternoon I had the pleasure of riding a pony that had made several trips to the top of Pike's Peak. We went to church in the evening. The church is just as pretty as a city church. On Monday forenoon I rode a horse and looked over the farm, all of which was new to me and very interesting. Monday afternoon a party of six drove to Longmont and enjoyed the Gentry's Pony and Dog show. We all had complimentary tickets. I enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon with my old friend Roy Feltus, of Denver, but at that time business manger for Mr. Gentry. The say was cool and I enjoyed the ten-mile drive very much.

Tuesday I went fishing in Highland Lake early in the morning and caught a small black bass, my first fish. In the evening I enjoyed a ride of eight miles over country roads, I doing the driving. Wednesday morning I went fishing again, and this time caught a bass that weighed three pounds. IN the evening we drove to Mt. Zion neighborhood and passed a very pretty fall in the Highland Ditch, the distance from my boarding place being about three miles. Thursday we drove to Berthoud, a distance of seven miles, and that evening I enjoyed a horse back ride with a gallant young farmer. Friday morning we drove to Longmont and did some shopping and called on some old friends. Friday evening we attended a C. E lawn social at the residence of L. C. Mead, on or close to the banks of the lake. The lawn was very beautifully decorated with Chinese lanterns. There were several tables on the lawn and all who wished played games, and we enjoyed a boat ride by moonlight. Then Saturday afternoon we gave a party in honor of Ralph and Hazel Powers, who were also guests, like myself at Fairview. There were thirty-five children and one lady at our party. We all played games on the lawn and then dainty refreshments were served, and all the children went home happy.

In the evening we again enjoyed another eight-mile ride.

Sunday morning to church, home to dinner, and then my time of vacation had ended, all too quickly.

I did not think that I would like it in the country, but I can say that I enjoyed that one week very much. It was with regret that I left my kind host and hostess, but I expect to go back next summer for a longer vacation. I am a clerk in the Colorado Dry Goods store in Denver; have charge of the glove department, and have been employed there six years. I hope all girls who clerk and wish a vacation can have s pleasant a time as I did.

Rose Proskauer

The Beautiful Highlandlake Country
Longmont Ledger Special edition Sept 4, 1903

George Ritchey, Post Master

As an example of what push and energy will do for a man in the West, we refer the reader to the career of Mr. Richey, our worthy post master, and old time merchant.
     He was born and raised in Ohio, where he received a liberal business education. In 1878, he located in Charleston, W. Va., and later in Pittsburg, where he was agent for sewing machines. In 1882 he engaged in the grocery business in Cincinnati, and met with success. Here his health failed, and he sold out and came to Denver. After one year, having exhausted his funds, and still in poor health, he started a peddling wagon with but $10 capital. This had the desired effect, and his health was regained. In 1897 he built his present store, and located in business at Highlandlake. Since then he has enlarged the building and stock to meet the demands of the trade. The business has been a success, although some predicted that the place could not support a store. In March, 1898 he was commissioned post master, and was re-appointed last year.
     The stock embraces a general line of merchandise, drygoods, notions, groceries, farm produce, etc. Good stock and low prices seem to prevail here and Mr. Richey says he can and does sell the same goods cheaper than they are sold in larger places. Three years ago he built a neat cottage on the lot near the store and about that date was married to Miss Lucy Strong, sister of Rev. Strong who is pastor of the Congregational church. That these two events should occur simultaneously is but natural and proper.

B. L. Mills

            If there is one thing that a man enjoys more than an easy pair of slippers is an easy shave. This may be had at the neat and up to date barber shop of Mr. Mills. When you have refreshed yourself with a stylish hair cut, clean shave and shampoo, you can further add to your comfort by buying a cool summer drink, and a good cigar. Then you can buy a pound of choice candy for your sister.
     Mr. Mills is agent for the City Steam laundry at Longmont. He is a young man of experience and skill, which fact is known by the neighbors who give him a liberal patronage.
     Mr. & Mrs. Mills came here from Nebraska and have made many friends.

E. H. Knott.

Mr. Knott is a prosperous farmer with that push and energy that characterizes the successful western farmer and stockman. His well kept hoe in Highlandlake stands on a fine seventy acre tract that will make some of the most desirable building lots in the village. This place he farms, and has a fine crop of wheat, estimated 45 bushels per acre, barley 60 bushels and potatoes that would make an Irishman and independent fortune.
     He operates another ranch west of the lake, all in alfalfa, which will make him about 400 tons of hay. His herd of 165 cattle are kept on his hill ranch in the summer, but wintered here at the lake.
     Mr. Knott was born in Iowa, spent his boyhood days at Berthoud, after attending school there and at Greeley, he fed sheep with his father and for himself until purchasing his present home two years ago.