Book Description

Joyce B. Lohse¿s seventh Colorado biography covers the larger-than-life story of Spencer Penrose¿mining magnate, developer, philanthropist, and so much more. Born in Philadelphia in 1865 to a patrician family, he was the fourth of seven sons. Following a lackluster career at Harvard, he started a business in New Mexico and eventually joined the Colorado real estate business of Charley Tutt, a childhood acquaintance. The business owned the C.O.D. Mine in Cripple Creek. It was the beginning of a successful partnership that eventually included copper mines in Utah, the source of much of Penrose¿s wealth. With his wealth, Penrose dreamed and built and enjoyed life with his wife, Julie. Among his projects was an automobile road to the summit of Pikes Peak, a rodeo arena, polo grounds, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, and The Broadmoor Hotel. From his wealth came the El Pomar Foundation that for almost eighty years, has benefitted non-profit organizations and individuals in Colorado. The El Pomar Foundation¿s mission¿to enhance, encourage, and promote the well-being of the people of Colorado¿reflects the values and intentions of Spencer and Julie Penrose. Penrose¿s legacy is seen in buildings and institutions throughout El Paso County and his generosity is felt today throughout Colorado. Penrose¿s life story is compelling, and Joyce Lohse has told it well.