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The History of the Hart House in Evergreen, Colorado

Origins: Built for Music & Spiritual Renewal (1920)

The Hart House was constructed from 1920-1924 as part of the Evergreen Conference District, conceived to support summer retreats, music camps, and spiritual gatherings for the Episcopal Church. Master builder Jock Spence, recognized for his rustic craftsmanship using native stone and lumber, designed the structure in Western Shingle style, pairing pitched gabled roofs with log porches and stone foundations.

A Place for Learning, Worship & Community

The building debuted as a dormitory and dining hall for clergy, choir students, and laypersons attending the Evergreen Music Conference. It was one of three central 1920s campus constructions (alongside Williams House and the Meeting House) forming the upper campus on Bear Creek. These retreats—initiated by Mrs. Williams in 1893 and later enriched by Canon Charles Winfred Douglas, a plainsong-mass scholar—offered clergy summer worship, musical instruction, and winter-time clergy enrichment. Canon Douglas served over forty years there, editing the 1918 New Hymnal and 1940 Episcopal Hymnal, while his sister Julia Douglas founded Evergreen’s public library on campus.

Architect & Community Pillars

Jock Spence, a renowned carpenter and stonemason, shaped much of Evergreen’s rustic architecture—his timberwork and native rock details still stand in the Hiwan Homestead and elsewhere. Rev. Thornton Rennell (vicar 1904–1924), a former engineer, introduced Evergreen’s early plumbing, a small dam on Bear Creek, and electrical infrastructure. Dr. Josepha “Dr. Jo” Williams Douglas, Canon Douglas’ wife, was instrumental in education and library development; she funded stone library buildings and walkways in 1918 and donated land in 1919.

The Hart House’s Modern Evolution

The building served conference participants through mid‑20th century; after church retreats wound down, it passed through various owners. In 2013, Anders and Debbie Ruikka, Evergreen residents and entrepreneurs purchased Hart House living there with their family before transforming it into Lariat Lodge Brewing, Evergreen’s first brewpub which opened on Halloween 2015. Anders (a mechanical engineer with brewing experience) and Debbie (a former real estate agent) aimed to preserve the structure by repurposing it into a lively community gathering space. Today, Lariat Lodge offers 12 craft beers on tap, scratch-made pub fare and sweeping views of Bear Creek from its three-story, dog-friendly deck. The building remains listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Evergreen Conference District (added in 1979).

Why It Matters to Evergreen Today

Cultural Heritage: The Hart House is one of Evergreen’s enduring links to its roots as a religious and musical retreat destination.

Community Continuity: Its adaptive reuse as a brewery–and not luxury condos—keeps its historic spirit alive and accessible.

Local Pride & Landmark Status: Perched over Bear Creek, the lodge is a beloved venue for family outings, seasonal celebrations, and craft-beer lovers.

Fun Tidbits for the Curious Reader

Haunted Legacy: Local lore connects Hart House with the town’s ghost tours, spotlighting it as one of Evergreen’s historic “haunted” landmarks.

Architecture & Aesthetic: With its Western Shingle style, open log porches, and panoramic creekside position, the building exudes the charm of classic mountain lodges.

Naming: The “Lariat” reflects Evergreen’s connection to the 40-mile Lariat Loop scenic byway—a nod to regional pride.

Seasonal Events: Since 2015, Lariat Lodge has become a seasonally stylish gathering spot—from summer patios to winter Rendezvous events.

In Sum

From its origins as a spiritual sanctuary and center for choral excellence, through decades of community service, to its rebirth as a popular brewpub, Hart House encapsulates the evolving identity of Evergreen. Its walls echo stories of canonized melodies, community bonding, architecture by craft masters, and now, cheerful clink of beer steins—and that rich tapestry is yours to experience each time you walk through that rustic lodge door.

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