ROWLEY HOMESTEAD, GRANBY, COLORADO

The Rowleys came to the Grand County area in 1919. Fred and Martha and three children homesteaded 160 acres which are now part of the YMCA property

Fred Rowley picked his location well. On most winter days the sun would be shining down on the entrance to his house and barn. Fred did not have water rights but his neighbors the Just's were good to share their Pole Creek rights with him.

Logging Cabin

Like most homesteaders, Fred Rowley could not make a living on his homestead so he worked part time at the railroad round house in Tabernash and also did some timbering.

Martha returned to the Denver area and would not stay at the homestead but after the first year Fred lived there year round. The children would spend summers there with him.

Corn Shucking Machine

Old Printing Press

Collection of Branding Irons

Barn
Fred had a team of horses, a few cows, some goats and chickens. Because all water had to be carried from Pole Creek it was impossible to keep a large number of livestock

Inside of Barn

Real Hay Stacker

Model of Hay Stacker for children to use

Cow barn-- had stalls for 5 cows and each cow knew it's place.

Entrance to Root Cellar

Smoke House

Cabin

Butter Churn and Mold

Active Wasp Nest built between shutters and window.

Bedroom of Cabin

Kitchen of Cabin

I mentioned this to several history buffs in Grand Lake and none of them had heard about it. The YMCA doesn't publicize it but it is open to everyone.