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Mr. Stanley of Estes Park
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 3, 2024
Our recent vacation in Estes Park, Colorado created an interest in the amazing life of F. O. Stanley.
F. O Stanley and his identical twin brother, F. E. Stanley, were remarkable inventors and entrepreneurs. They developed the Stanley Dry Plate for photography eventually selling it to George Eastman of Eastman Kodak. They invented the Stanley Steamer automobile which operated by steam power.
Because of continued health problems caused by tuberculosis, F. O Stanley and wife, Flora, came to Colorado for the clean mountain air spending summers there. He became a pioneer in the community of Estes Park and in the founding of Rocky Mountain National Park.
In addition to the Stanley Steamer, he made cross bows, made violins, and developed real estate.
One of these developments was the Stanley Hotel opening in 1909 and still stands and is in operation today in Estes Park.
We took the Haunted Tour of the Stanley and learned many fascinating facts about the hotel and F. O. Stanley. However, we did not see any ghosts that reportedly haunt the hotel.
This book is an informative account of the life of F. O. Stanley and how he arrived as a tourist, but became a cornerstone in the development of the area.
F. O Stanley and his identical twin brother, F. E. Stanley, were remarkable inventors and entrepreneurs. They developed the Stanley Dry Plate for photography eventually selling it to George Eastman of Eastman Kodak. They invented the Stanley Steamer automobile which operated by steam power.
Because of continued health problems caused by tuberculosis, F. O Stanley and wife, Flora, came to Colorado for the clean mountain air spending summers there. He became a pioneer in the community of Estes Park and in the founding of Rocky Mountain National Park.
In addition to the Stanley Steamer, he made cross bows, made violins, and developed real estate.
One of these developments was the Stanley Hotel opening in 1909 and still stands and is in operation today in Estes Park.
We took the Haunted Tour of the Stanley and learned many fascinating facts about the hotel and F. O. Stanley. However, we did not see any ghosts that reportedly haunt the hotel.
This book is an informative account of the life of F. O. Stanley and how he arrived as a tourist, but became a cornerstone in the development of the area.
January 25, 2023
Every once in a while, you read about someone who accomplished so much in life, it makes you wonder what the rest of us are even doing. Freelan Oscar (F.O.) Stanley was such a man. In his life, he had his hand in so many business ventures, invented so many products, and participated in so many projects, it's true marvel of history. From photography to automobiles to a famous hotel, he certainly left his mark on history.
James Pickering's book is the most complete biography I've yet found of Mr. Stanley and provides a true wealth of information for anyone interested in his life and accomplishments. Indeed, the claim that Mr. Stanley almost single-handedly built the city of Estes Park, Colorado is barely an exaggeration, and this book provides a complete account of his activities both during his early life on the East Coast and his later years in the Colorado mountains.
Not only is it informative for those interested in history (either of Stanley himself, of photography, of automobiles, or of the Stanley Hotel), but it's written in such a way that it's a true delight to read, filled with fascinating historic photographs, and well-enough documented that you could spend years digging even deeper if you wanted to. But the fact of the matter is, Pickering has so expertly extracted the key information from those sources that this book alone provides the complete story for just about anyone (except, perhaps, an academic looking for primary sources).
It may be thought of as a local interest book for those living in or near Estes Park, but the fact of the matter is, Stanley's life was so fascinating, I think anyone would consider it a treat to read this biography.
James Pickering's book is the most complete biography I've yet found of Mr. Stanley and provides a true wealth of information for anyone interested in his life and accomplishments. Indeed, the claim that Mr. Stanley almost single-handedly built the city of Estes Park, Colorado is barely an exaggeration, and this book provides a complete account of his activities both during his early life on the East Coast and his later years in the Colorado mountains.
Not only is it informative for those interested in history (either of Stanley himself, of photography, of automobiles, or of the Stanley Hotel), but it's written in such a way that it's a true delight to read, filled with fascinating historic photographs, and well-enough documented that you could spend years digging even deeper if you wanted to. But the fact of the matter is, Pickering has so expertly extracted the key information from those sources that this book alone provides the complete story for just about anyone (except, perhaps, an academic looking for primary sources).
It may be thought of as a local interest book for those living in or near Estes Park, but the fact of the matter is, Stanley's life was so fascinating, I think anyone would consider it a treat to read this biography.
August 1, 2021
Wow! What a life F. O. Stanley led. When he began to visit Estes Park Colorado each summer for health reasons, he was in his early 50s. Already successful having made his fortune in dry plates used in photography, F. O. And his twin brother went on to develop the Stanley Steamer automobile. Impressive accomplishment in themselves, the amazing part of Mr Stanley’s successes in Estes Park included a transportation company, a Bank, a power plant, a water company, and a hotel. And he financed and mentored the travels of Enos Mills to convince the federal government to make the area near Estes Park into a National park.
“ …Incapable of resisting opportunity,…Stanley had the foresight and courage to seize the moment.”
If you are traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park, this is a must read.
“ …Incapable of resisting opportunity,…Stanley had the foresight and courage to seize the moment.”
If you are traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park, this is a must read.
September 10, 2022
A fascinating look into the talented life of Freel Oscar Stanley. It is amazing how many accomplishments in his lifetime he had from photography, cars, and a hotel. He was involved in the construction of roads, power plant and bringing electricity to Estes Park, just to name a few. A great friend of the city as well as a kind, loving member of society.
April 6, 2025
A great read about an interesting man. A good insight into Mr Stanley’s lifer and times. Also a good history of Estes Park, a place I’ve visited many times. Love reading about places I’ve been.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews