The Upper Side of the Pie Crust

First published in 1978, Margaret V. Bentley spent an abundance of time researching her book, including many oral interviews. This book has become the history "go to" book for anyone wanting to know the early history of Conifer, Aspen Park, Pine, Buffalo Creek, and some parts of Evergreen, Colorado. This piece on the early history of southwestern Jefferson County, was first published in 1978 and last printed in 1985 by Margaret V. Bentley, who was a member of the Jefferson County Historical Society, and again in 2024, by the new copyright holder, the Conifer Historical Society and Museum. The book has information concerning some 24 families living near what is now known as Aspen Park, Conifer, South Turkey Creek, Pleasant Park, Pine Grove, Buffalo Creek and various ranches in these areas, and parts of Evergreen, dating back to the mid-1800s. The chapters are organized by family or ranch name. This wonderful history book has an extensive notes section and index, which is a wonderful addition to any reader or researcher. An excerpt from a chapter on the Meyer's ranch is this exciting quote, "The earliest history of the ranch which Meyers' possess is a hand written note from the past: 'Sioux Indians attacked McIntyre's neighbors, burned the cabins and scalped the people...'"