First-Ever Rendezvous Gala Celebrates 160 Years of Historic Four Mile House

How much fun is it to meet up with a new old friend? On Saturday, June 8, an inaugural fundraiser at Denver’s oldest dwelling celebrated 160 years of the past while looking ahead to the future. Four Mile Historic Park’s new Rendezvous Gala showcased the property, introduced a new logo and reminded guests that 160-year-old Four Mile House is still standing and thriving—along with the museum and its pretty surroundings, plus amiable farm animals and fun, experiential pioneer demos and activities.

2019 Four Mile Legacy Award recipients Karin and Charlie Woolley

The evening at Denver’s urban oasis began with an indoor-outdoor reception and silent auction at the Grant Family Education Center, with music by Richie Law and The Southern Routes Band. Guests also had the opportunity to tour the Four Mile House and meet park mascot Pearl, the Angora goat, before adjourning to the tented dinner area for a sit-down meal created and served by Relish Catering in the park’s beautiful meadow. Emcee Edgar Johansson, of the University of Colorado’s Laboratory of Atmospheric and Space Physics, kicked things off with a short welcome before dinner service. The program began when Executive Director Jennifer LaGraff called Elsa Woolley to the podium to introduce her parents and this year’s Four Mile Legacy Award recipients Karin and Charlie Woolley. Karin worked at Four Mile beginning in 1984 and deferred to her husband for acceptance remarks. Charlie entertained the audience with stories about his years at the venue, beginning as a young director/curator in 1978 and going on to become executive director until 1985.

Aaron Wiseman, with the Four Mile wish list tractor.

LaGraff talked about Four Mile’s new logo and website, its branding and marketing, and plans for the future before guests were treated to an informative and entertaining video produced by All Digital Photo & Video. A paddle raise run by auctioneer Jennifer Clifford, of Beyond the Call Auctions, started off with a bang when the $10,000 call was answered by Aaron Johnson, son of the late Edgar Johnson, such a staunch Four Mile supporter that Aaron has established the Edgar A. Johnson Memorial Fund to keep the park as it once was. A live auction ended the program, and guests went back to the education center for desserts and dancing.

Four Mile House, still standing proudly since 1859.

Four Mile Historic Park transports visitors to the region’s early days. Through events and interactive programming, guests are able to draw parallels between their contemporary lives and the people, events, ideas and stories that helped shape the region. Located along Cherry Creek and open to the public since 1978, the Four Mile House, both a Denver landmark and National Historic Place, serves as the centerpiece for the 12-acre property. At Four Mile, you can explore the oldest standing structure in Denver and feel history come alive with every step you take. Tour the museum, stroll the gardens and grounds, pan for “gold,” and visit the farm animals. Exhibits, demonstrations, and special programming complement cultural and natural history to enrich visitors’ park experience.

Four Mile’s mission is to educate a diverse community through experiences that promote the preservation, responsible interpretation, and enjoyment of Denver’s storied western heritage.The venue strives to be Denver’s premier destination for Western storytelling and educational experiences. For more information, please visit FourMilePark.org, and follow Pearl and her farm-animal family on Twitter @pearltheangoragoat.