Spencer Penrose graduated last in his class at Harvard, and was the black sheep of a prominent Philadelphia family. He left the East to seek his fortune in the West, specifically, the gold fields of Cripple Creek, Colorado. Together with his friend, Charles Tutt, he invested in a series of gold mines which struck paydirt. However, after only a few years, they sold their gold mines and invested in ore processing in Colorado Springs. Ore processing was very lucrative. Penrose coming 'down the mountain' to Colorado Springs was the most fortuitous occurence for both the man and the town. Penrose became a multi-millionaire and turned his attention to making Colorado Springs the tourist destination it is today. He and his wife, Julie, became the premier philanthropists of the city.
The biggest footprint in Colorado Springs the Penrose's left behind is the Broadmoor Resort. Penrose decided if he was going to attract visitors to the 'Springs', he needed first class accommodations for them. The hotel and resort opened in 1918, and it's still there today. The Penrose Heritage Museum which is part of the Broadmoor complex today houses Spencer Penrose's carriage collection as well as his memorabilia of the Pike's Peak Race to the Clouds. He founded and sponsored the timed automobile race up Pike's Peak. It's still being run today.Spencer died in 1939, but Julie lived until 1957. Julie was very interested in the arts and she was the founder of the Broadmoor Art Academy, which institution was the beginning of the Colorado Fine Arts Museum. She was also instrumental in getting the first performance hall in Colorado Springs built. After Spencer's death, she continued his philanthropic foundation. Today, The Pomar Foundation, serves as the biggest funder and booster of Colorado Springs.
For pictures of the carriages, the race cars, as well as Penrose's Oglala Souix costume presented to him by Iron Horse, Chief of the Souix, click on the link
https://goo.gl/photos/3u2LUCyS5Y9b7wxS9
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