By Sharon Danhauer
Berthoud and Loveland historical societies

The Oregon-California Trails Association 2009 convention was held in Loveland August 18-22, at The Ranch, Larimer County Fairgrounds. It was the first time an OCTA convention was held at a location not on the Oregon Trail. Many trail aficionados, called “Rut Nuts,” were unaware of the part the Colorado trails played in the development of the West.

The Berthoud and Loveland Historical Societies collaborated in creating an all-day bus tour of the trails’ corridor across the Little and Big Thompson Valleys for the OCTA group. The end product, the bus tour, will be offered in the future with BHS and LHS splitting the expenses and the profits. 

Along with marking a previously unknown pioneer grave located on private property north of the Overland crossing of the Little Thompson River, a dedication was held at a pioneer grave originally located near the Trails’ crossing of the Big Thompson River. Recent research added more information to an adjoining early trail grave, resulting in plans for a similar dedication with a plaque at the relocated memorial to Mexican Joe, friend of Mariano Medina.

The Loveland and Berthoud Historical Societies invite you to become a member of your respective towns’ organization and join in the quest! Visit www.OCTA-Colorado.org to view photos and text of the tour. For more information: www.BerthoudHistoricalSociety.org.

LHS and BHS can only say a heartfelt thank-you to all our indispensable volunteers.