The Poudre: A Photo History by Stanley R. Case

In his “Reflections” chapter Stan Case refers to this book as “an intriguing adventure.” So it was for him during the three years he devoted to studying the Poudre Canyon’s past, and so it will be for anyone interested in local history.

Stan researched and wrote this book while struggling with significant health problems, and the courage he showed in this was that of his pioneer ancestors. His death a few weeks prior to the publication was devastating to those who knew the extent of his labors. He deserved to hear the accolades for his accomplishment. Yet those who loved him can take solace in knowing that the memories compiled in this volume are now available - not because Stan wanted praised but because he believed the canyon’s history is unique and that coming generations must never lose sight of the struggles others went through in making it, and Northern Colorado in general, a pleasant place to live.

Writing about history is too frequently one-dimensional. Even when pictures accompany texts, the photographic images can be isolated from the imagery of the written word. Yet to comprehend the mosaic of the past fully, one must be able to integrate ideas and visual images.

One could easily do that with this book. In it there are roads under construction. Mail is being delivered and hotels being built. Irrigation projects are being planned, implemented, and in some instances abandoned. With the establishment of the U.S. Forest Service, ranchers are suddenly adjusting to federal administration of grazing lands they have long used. Small communities of minors, foresters, homesteaders, inn keepers, stage drivers and entrepreneurs are seen struggling to survive. And pictures of them are well connected with written accounts of their activities.

For those who want to see and feel how this part of this state developed, this book is a rich source of information, and it carries the mark of a man who loved every minute of his detective work. It is genealogy. It is the accumulated data of real estate title chains. It is new appreciation of horsepower and the multi-skilled talents of pioneers. But above all, it is a testimony to the endeavors of ordinary men and women who defied stereotypes and provided us with a link to the past and true perspective on western history.

Enjoy reading this book. You will come away from the odyssey touched by the author's commitment to detail, including his careful handling of more than 800 pictures (almost all of them never before published) from collections treasured by descendants of early settlers. And you will share in a marvelous adventure. – Daniel Tyler, Professor of History