Pitkin Historical And Community Association

Pitkin Historical and Community Association is the local organization whose mission is the preservation of Pitkin history and promotion of community activities to enhance the enjoyment of those who call this pine-surrounded community their home, summer home or vacation spot.

PHCA fundraising events such as the pancake breakfasts provide for the support and maintenance of the Pitkin Historical Museum in the old schoolhouse and the Newcomb Community Center.
PHCA activities include a monthly potluck-business meeting that brings together the community and conducts the business of the organization. The PHCA sponsors the annual Pitkin Day celebration with a full day of events. All the Quartz Creek Valley folks come together as well as friends and family who are visiting.

2023-2024 Officers:

  • Gary Danhof, President
  • Bob Pope – Treasurer
  • Carolyn Kinsey – Secretary
  • Jody Miller – V.P. for Newcomb Community Center
  • Margaret Wilcox – V.P. for social activies
  • Jan Smith – V.P. for Historical/Museum
  • Becka Jahelka – Marketing and Promotions
The Pitkin Schoolhouse / Museum on Main Street has been the recipient of many artifacts related to Pitkin's history. The schoolhouse was used for the first through eighth grades until the early 1960’s. Sections highlight the overall town history, mining, logging, and the railroad in addition to items from when the school was closed. The Pitkin Historical and Community Association's members volunteer to keep the museum open to the public many days of the summer. Look for the open sign out by the street. There is no charge to visit the museum though donations are greatly appreciated.
The popular playground next to the museum is sponsored by the city rather than the PHCA. Its location next to the PHCA pavilion makes it a convenient place for family gatherings.
Two of the town's original buildings have been moved to the schoolhouse grounds. The building on the right is an old town hall complete with voting results written on the walls. The building on the left was an old home donated by Charlie Goldberg. Many historical pieces of furniture have been placed in the cabin.
The Newcomb Community Center at 801 State Street, now 20 years old, was started with a gift by Gale Richardson in memory of her parents. With the donations of interested persons adding to the gift, the building and its facilities were completed and are the venue for many community events. In conjunction with the outside pavilion located between the Community Center and the Museum, this gives Pitkin spaces for family reunions, area meetings, celebrations and other activities that need space and cover in case of inclement weather.
The annual Pitkin Day celebration is always on the last Saturday in July. The events usually include:
  • The Alpine Fun Run/Walk to start the day.
  • Morning activities including the Children's Fishing Contest, Basketball Free Throw Contest followed by other games like the Cornhole, Seed Spitting, and Plunger Toss Contests.
  • Noon meal at the Newcomb Center followed by the raffle.
  • The afternoon features the egg toss and balloon toss followed by ice cream at the pavilion.
    The Melodrama at the Town Hall in the evening (also presented on Thursday and Friday evenings)

Each year’s specific schedule is posted on the town bulletin boards and on the PHCA Facebook page.

The annual melodrama is performed Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings of the Pitkin Day weekend in the historical Town Hall. Local thespians enjoy acting the roles of the beautiful heroine, hero, and other lusty and rusty characters.

The crowd gets into the act with their booing and throwing popcorn at the villain, oohing, ahhing, and letting the actors know they are enjoying the evening.