Women on a mission: The early history of the Elizabeth Guild
From bake sales and style shows to Holiday Houses and blood drives, the women who founded and ran the nonprofit Elizabeth Guild in support of Estes Park’s “new” hospital back in 1975 were an incredibly robust group of volunteers who extensively documented their early efforts.
One of the Elizabeth Guild’s first projects was the establishment of a “Nearly New Shop” in Estes Park, both as “a money raising project for the hospital, and as a service to the people of the town.”
Recently, Estes Park Health came into possession of an old “historian’s notebook” from the original years of The Elizabeth Guild. It covers 1972 to 1986.
The idea for a hospital in Estes Park was first brought up at a Chamber of Commerce meeting way back in 1967.
In 1968, the Park Hospital District – a special taxing district of Larimer County – was formally established. It didn’t take long for the women of Estes Park to establish their own organization in support of the much-needed healthcare facility.
The group was named The Elizabeth Guild in honor of a woman whose husband was a major donor of the Hospital District.
The organizational meeting of a group of local women took place on Oct. 16, 1972. Forty-six women gathered at the Lake Estes Motor Inn. People paid $6 a year to become a member.
In a newspaper article about the event, Jeannette Denny is quoted as saying, “We’d better get something done if we want a hospital!”
Thrift Shop idea is born
The Guild grew quickly to more than 150 members. One of their first projects was the establishment of a “Nearly New Shop” in Estes Park, both as “a money raising project for the hospital, and as a service to the people of the town.” The Guild used a newspaper article to try and find a suitable space.
At that same time, the Quota Club threw its support behind the project, voting that each member of that club donate at least one item for the Guild to sell.
In December of 1972, the Guild launched a drive to collect “usable household goods, outgrown but good clothing, toys, etc.”
In early 1973, the group announced the thrift shop would open in the old Imprinter Shop in the Park Center Mall.
An article from January 19, 1973, announced the grand opening for a shop with the name “The Discard Depot.” The quote from the group said, “On sale will be many fine things previously donated.”
Having a better idea for a name, the group opened “The Elizabeth Guild Nearly New Shop.” In March of 1973, the shop moved to the Loveland Savings and Loan Building.
Later that same hear, the Nearly New Shop moved locations once again to the Highlander Motel under the name “The Elizabeth Guild Shop.”
In February 1975, the shop moved to its new location in West Park Center. It remains in West Park Center today. The Elizabeth Guild Thrift Shop is Estes Park’s oldest thrift store.
Getting the word out and fundraising
As early as 1972, Guild members went on radio and television to explain the plans for the organization.
In 1973, the group voted to place a sign on the hospital property designating the future home of Elizabeth Knuttson Memorial Hospital.
An announcement of the January 1973 meeting said, “members are reminded to bring recipes with specific instructions on making, cooking, or baking for the cookbook The Guild is planning to publish.” In April of that year, a call went out for proof-readers and volunteers to put the cookbook together. That book, entitled “From Our Kitchens to Yours” went on sale in July of 1974.
In the early 70s, the Bloodmobile was to come to Estes Park twice a year from the Bonfils Memorial Blood Bank in Denver.
In March of that same year, the membership voted to sponsor a Bloodmobile program. The Bloodmobile was to come to Estes Park twice a year from the Bonfils Memorial Blood Bank in Denver.
Back when newspaper writing was more embellished and poetic, the article said, “Giving blood is giving of yourself so that another might live. It is the knowledge that you can help your fellow man in time of need.”
The first blood drive took place on June 11, 1973. Estes Park Health still hosts quarterly blood drives today in support of the UCHealth Garth Englund Blood center.
Groundbreaking for the new hospital also took place in 1973 on November 24.
In 1974, the Elizabeth Guild really branched out its fundraising activities, sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Day Dance at the Holiday Inn. In advertising the event, the Guild noted that the ‘Good Time Gang” would play music.
In 1974, The Elizabeth Guild really branched out its fundraising activities, sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Day Dance at the Holiday Inn. In advertising the event, The Guild noted that the ‘Good Time Gang” would play music and there would be a drawing for a door prize. The donations went to create a fund for a Cardiac Monitoring System for the new hospital. The St. Patrick’s Day dance occurred for several years.
Around that same time, Beta Kappa held benefit bridge parties to raise money and The Elizabeth Guild held bake sales.
In July 1974, The Guild accepted their first check for $100 in support of the emergency room fund.
In making the donation, Madame Kathryn said, “When the Lord created the earth he said as long as the earth remains there will be seed time and harvest. I feel I must give to receive love and luck. Love is the greatest gift. He who understand love understand God, for God is love.”
Jack’s Cottage Inn set up a Wishing Well in its dining facility in the fall of 1974, donating proceeds to the Elizabeth Guild.
Jack’s Cottage Inn set up a Wishing Well in its dining facility in the fall of 1974, donating proceeds to The Elizabeth Guild.
In one of its longest-lasting traditions, The Guild initiated a “Christmas Idea House” in the mid-70s. The event was put on for several years with different themes like Holly Days, Calico Christmas, and Christmas Bells.
In April 1978, Bernadette Ferrell who attended the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley and planned to become a nurse was awarded the first scholarship awarded by The Elizabeth Guild.
In May of that year, The Guild recognized volunteers who gave their time and talents to the hospital. They received special pins based on the number of hours of time they donated.
Fast forward to 1984. The Channel 9 Health Fair in Estes Park offered basic medical tests at a small fee or no charge.
In 1985, The Guild raised money for showing spring and summer fashions at a style show.
In 1985, The Guild raised money for showing spring and summer fashions at a style show.
Hospital serves Estes Park and the town’s many visitors
The Elizabeth Knuttson Memorial Hospital was dedicated, and the doors opened to the community on April 15, 1975. In 1986, the name of the hospital was changed to Estes Park Medical Center. In 2018, the name changed again to Estes Park Health to reflect the many different services provided to area residents and visitors.
Times have changed, and so have fundraising efforts. But the rich history of The Elizabeth Guild and the determination of energetic hospital supporters deserves recognition.
Over the years, The Elizabeth Guild has raised more than $4 million for Estes Park Health. The group is a vital supporter of the Estes Valley’s hospital.