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The Engel House Project is an historic preservation project currently proposed to The Rico Center and The Rico Historical Society of Colorado as a plan to secure historical physical property and promote public awareness in Rico, Colorado. CAN YOU HELP US PRESERVE THIS HISTORIC HOME? CAN YOU HELP US PROVIDE PUBLIC ACCESS, AWARENESS AND EDUCATION? CAN YOU HELP US PROVIDE A HOME FOR RICO’S FAMILY MINING STORIES? THIS is what we are trying to do! It is recognized that this historic mining family property in Rico, Engel House, poses’ significant integrity within its Rico location and has finely preserved original “Mining Town Queen Anne Victorian” design and architecture. The current property owners, Engle Family members, are found with a personal responsibility for presenting the historically significant association of this home with the lives of Albert P. Lofquist, the Quine Family, Charles M. and Freda Engel. Built by Albert Peter Lofquist in 1892, an Atlantic Cable Mine Co. career man and local politician the home was sold to the Quine Family in 1927 and deeded to the Engel Family in 1938, during the Great Depression. My Great Uncle Charles M. and his wife Freda Engel remained in the home until their deaths. Engel family members have been caretaker since 1993. Charlie and Freda’s legacy resounds as second generation Rico historians who resided in and preserved this home for nearly 55 years while collecting, contributing and documenting Rico’s living history. Charlie was “recognized for his vast knowledge of the pioneers and history of the area-particularly in Rico’s Pioneer Mining District.” Charlie was a prolific photographer. His writings are innumerable. His historic articles easily number in the hundreds. Charlie’s expertise is recognized by the State of Colorado in their quoting him at the Atlantic Cable Head Frame Historical Marker in Rico at Silver Creek. We want to preserve his home and this body of work. The Engle House Project Committee was formed in the Spring of 2007. In order to pursue the home’s designation as historic landmark in hopes of establishing regulatory guidelines that will aid in the home’s preservation. To provide public awareness and education of the home’s architectural significance to the history of the American west through public access. To provide a central focus on local mining families’ stories of the historic Rico Pioneering District. We believe that there is not a better purpose for this home. There is not a better personal investment. Engel House is one of the most important remnants of the miner’s legacy in the Rico area. While the Engel Family has enthusiastically preserved and protected the home, the burden has become too great to manage alone. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! The committee’s first goal is local, public acquisition of the home. Currently we are preparing a grant application for submission to Colorado State for the necessary funds. We need your help! Our initial expected project cost is greater than $300,000.00. Our goal of $100,000.00 must be met in either cash or pledges to complete the application for the Colorado State grant by early April, 2008. We believe that with your support this goal will be reached! YOU CAN HELP! DONATE! ANY DOLLAR AMOUNT WILL HELP! NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL!! OR TOO BIG! VIA CHECK. Mail to ENGEL HOUSE PROJECT, PO BOX 82, RICO, CO 81332. VIA CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS. Mail information to the above address OR CALL Rachel at 915.355.3754 or Barb at 970.967.7777. DONATIONS QUALIFY FOR TAX DEDUCTION. Let us recognize you publicly through our mailings and on this Engel House Website as we build this community project together! HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! The future of Rico‘s past cannot thank you enough for your support.