Manitou Springs Post Office

Manitou Springs Post Office. Windemere, Jerome Wheeler Estate. , Manitou Springs Post Office , Dedicated in 1940, this was the last building in town constructed of Manitou greenstone. Local citizens lobbied the federal government for its distinctive stone construction, even though this increased building costs. Greenstone was quarried around Manitou Springs from approximately 1890 to 1940 and is found only in this area. The marble for the interior came from the Yule Quarry near Aspen, once owned by Jerome Wheeler. , The exterior remains almost as originally built with only a weathervane removed from the cupola at some point and an access ramp added in 1997. Prominent local artist Archie Musick created the 1942 mural inside over the Postmaster's door. Entitled ""The Legend of Bubbling Spring. it depicts the region's pioneer history. , The Manitou Springs Pest Office was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986., Windemere Jerome Wheeler Estate , On this site, in 1882, M.M Pomeroy built a nine-room cottage. In 1885, Jerome Wheeler purchased the cottage and, after extensive improvements, called his summer mansion "Windemere". Wheeler was a Vice President of New York's Macy's Department Store and made his fortune in banking and mining. He was a generous benefactor of many civic projects in Manitou Springs., By 1893, the estate grew to include the buildings still existing at 36 Park Avenue and 42 Park Avenue where there were guest rooms, a billiard room, an indoor bowling alley, a carriage house and stables. Windmere had an elaborate greenhouse complex plus extensive landscaping. , Wheeler owned Windemere until his death in 1918, In 1920, his son-in-law drilled Wheeler Spring on the south end of the property. It is now a City park. In 1921, the house was torn down to make way for a hotel and amusement park complex that never materialized. , Captoins , (far left) , Wheeler bought the small Pomeroy cottage in 1885 and transformed it into a rambling Victorian summer home. The rolling creek in the street is the aftermath of the 1893 flood. Courtesy of Colorado Springs Pioneer's Museum. , (center left) , This distinctive structure housed, in part, the bowling alley and other recreational facilities for the Windemere estate. It still stands today, but without the stone tower. Courtesy of Colorado Springs Pioneer's Museum , (center right) , This view shows just part of Jerome Wheeler's greenhouse complex and beautiful, landscaped garden. The photographer's home is in the background Courtesy of Colorado Springs Pioneer's Museum , (far right) , Instead of red brick, this classic federal style building was interpreted in local Manitou Greenstone. The retaining wall is the only remnant of the Windemere estate on this site. Courtesy of Historic Manitou Springs, Inc.