Last fall, I attended a weekend gathering of writers, activists, educators and others working on behalf of the natural world. Among the many ideas discussed was the value of a collection of short essays by several writers that, compiled in a simple chapbook, became a valuable tool in the efforts to protect Utah’s wild places.

This chapbook idea struck a chord with me. Why not compile a collection of essays, I thought, about the Horseshoe Lodge? Our plans for the building are all about protecting the Lodge from the dangers of disuse and obsolescence. I know there are many people in our area who have stories about the Lodge. The building’s history of how it came to be is itself a great story.

So, I first ran the idea of a Horseshoe Lodge chapbook by Mary Jean Porter. As I expected, she loved the idea. I asked Mary to serve as editor of the essays, as well as contribute an essay herself, as I knew she had a story or two about the Lodge. Her response was affirmative to all requests. Mary wound up working with me through the whole process to bring the chapbook into reality. Thank you, Mary. We immediately set to work finding stories. I also arranged for pro-bono book layout by our terrific graphic artist, Shawna Shoaf. And Jeff Schuster at Schuster’s Printing gave us a good deal on printing costs. Thank you Shawna and Jeff.

I am happy to announce that Horseshoe Lodge: Memories, Stories, Vision has been published. The book contains 17 essays that represent a diverse cross-section of personal stories, reflections and thoughts about the Lodge. One writer attended the very first camp held in Pueblo Mountain Park as a ninth grader in 1938, “We were told that ours was the first camp there, and I remember distinctly that we slept on cots in the old CCC barracks that first year. We saw the buildings to house camps and other meetings being built.”

Another remembers how the Lodge was central to a most memorable summer, “One of my favorite years is 1966. ‘Nowhere man,’ ‘Paperback Writer,’ ‘Sunshine Superman,’ ‘Cherish,’ and ‘Summer in the City’ all rode the pop charts that year….During the high summer of 1966, I had the opportunity to attend my church’s summer youth retreat at Pueblo Mountain Park….We were quartered in Horseshoe Lodge and assigned one berth of a metal bunk….We hiked throughout the mountain park and explored the hills and valleys….we walked in the woods, rock-climbed and swam in the nearby pond. It was an idyllic setting and we took full advantage of it.”

An educator writes of how the Lodge can “provide opportunities for teachers and students to see their part in the big picture we call Earth. We need capable stewards for our world of tomorrow and have to grow them from seedlings for the best results.”

Horseshoe Lodge captures a community speaking out on behalf of a part of their community which is abundantly steeped in rich stories from the past and bold dreams for the future. The book contains several historic photos, courtesy of the Pueblo Historical Society, and an overview of the MPEC’s plans for the Lodge. Margaret Wheatley says, “There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” Horseshoe Lodge: Memories, Stories, Vision clearly illustrates the Pueblo community caring about Horseshoe Lodge. And we at the MPEC believe that the power inherent in this caring will make our dreams for the Horseshoe Lodge come true.

Horseshoe Lodge is available here at our Nature Shop, so the next time you are at the MPEC, please pick one up. All revenue raised through sales of the book will support our Horseshoe Lodge project. We can mail you a copy as well; books are $5 plus $2 shipping. Mail, call or e-mail an order and we’ll be happy to get a copy to you right away.