Speck -- The Life and Times of Spencer Penrose

by Robert C. Olson

The amazing story of one of Colorado s most intriguing and successful characters has never been told in its entirety . . . until now. On the pages of Speck the Life and Times of Spencer Penrose, author and artist Robert C. Olson uses words like brush strokes and captures the larger-than-life personality of Speck Penrose and the brilliant color and flavor of a time when giants rose from the mountains of America s West. During his seventy-four years on Earth, Speck went from a rich and shiftless son of the privileged class to a self-made prince of industry, society, and philanthropy. He made millions in real estate and mining during the boom days of Cripple Creek; literally moved mountains as the person most responsible for Utah s gigantic Bingham copper mine; and drew the world s well-heeled to Colorado with the creation of The Broadmoor, the premier resort still located on the side of Cheyenne Mountain just south of Colorado Springs. Readers will find that Speck not only features the life and times of a Colorado giant, but provides detailed glimpses into the lives of his many prominent associates.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2008

Reviews

[Millie Picker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live in the Colorado Springs area and the name Penrose is very prevalent, so when this biography was available in our library I felt I just had to know more about this man whose name graces streets, buildings and a hospital.
Penrose is truly a self made man, who although born in wealth struck out on his own to make a fortune that was unheard of! He also was a philanthropist of great magnitude; we can thank him for the roads up Pikes Peak and Cheyenne mountain, the Broadmoor, the Will Rogers shrine of the Sun among a host of other things he personally financed for the benefit of all citizens.
He was a hard drinking, life loving character, conservative in political ideals unless it was prohibition and a man who loved people.
If you live in Colorado you need to read this biography, it’s not long, but very interesting. If you don’t live here and have never heard of the name Penrose, you will still benefit from a glimpse as to what our nation was like in the gold rush and early 20th century.

[Caterina Alvarez Fagelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful biography, inspiring subject. Thank you to Olson.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not usually a biography person, but learned so much about Cripple Creek and Colorado Springs. Spencer Penrose was quite a dynamic man. Enjoyed the pictures, as well.

[Tammie Gunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. Learned some new things about his life and Colorado Where I live now.

[Julie]

Reading about Spencer Penrose who left a big impact on the Colorado Springs area. He made most of his money from land rents and a gold mine in Cripple Creek. He and his wife Julie left their money to the El Pomar Foundation which is still benefitting Colorado Springs today.