Hallam Lake History

ACES’ real beginnings came in a moment of inspiration. That moment was influenced by one person's lifelong love of nature. Over 50 years ago Elizabeth Paepcke parted the bushes behind her newly acquired Aspen home and saw Hallam Lake for the first time. On the spot, she and her husband, Walter, determined to buy and preserve the spring-fed jewel set in a wild tangle of green.

Hallam Lake was initially enjoyed by the family as a quiet retreat. Soon though, Elizabeth's generous community spirit moved her to establish ACES in 1968 with the help and encouragement of Bettie Willard, Dick Beidleman, Stuart Mace, Bob Lewis, John McBride, Caroline Mitchell, Jim Hume, and a few others.

Between the last glaciers and the first miners (a very long time), the native Utes and their predecessors would have frequented the springs, ponds, and river-edge forests here for the abundance of wildlife and edible plants. Miners dammed the springs after 1879 and built a dance pavilion and an icehouse, mixing recreation and refrigeration. In the post-mining "quiet years" the site supported the milk cows and horses of the DRC Brown family. Then came the Paepckes, inspiration, and ACES!

Today ACES educators, naturalists, and professors continue the tradition initiated by Bob Lewis and Stuart Mace in the 1960s, opening hearts and minds to the wonder and importance of nature.