I was born and raised in Aspen, Colorado. I am a member of the 5th generation of my family to live in the valley and of the 3rd generation to be born there. Our family did not come to Aspen as miners as many did back then. We established a grocery business that remained in business until 1968, having opened its doors in 1882. Members of our family still live in Aspen or in the Roaring Fork Valley. I live in Lakewood, Colorado with my wife and children. We travel back to Aspen or over to Colorado’s Western Slope as often as possible, with plans on moving back there someday.
I began writing these stories to preserve them for my children and in the process soon gained a following of readers, many of whom I grew up with in the Aspen valley.
Happy reading and thanks for taking the time! I hope the adventures are worth the journey.
Note: You may want to read “Small Town Blues! Or are they?” first
Dooger's Blog 
Doug,
I have just read all of your blog entries. Those are great stories. Although I was only in Aspen for 12 years, your memories about the Grottos, the Devil’s Punchbowl, hippies and snomobiling in the parking lot of the Music tent brought back a lot of memories. I even remember going to the Glenwood Hot Springs with you and the family in the Winnebago. The Aspen of those days is long gone but these stories are a great legacy for your kids. Evans
I hate to admit it that I had forgotten about all the things we did together (I remember some of them so don’t despair). Thanks for reminding me. Keep checking back as I will be adding more stories in the next few weeks. If you remember anything specific let me know as it will most likely jog my memory. Keep in touch!
Hi, my name is Janis Billingsly. I met you at an Aspen book signing last fall. I was just there looking at books and talking to authors. I am an artist and im working on a coloring book. I was wondering if you know anything about how to publish a small coloring book at a low cost in this Aspen area….or to find an investor of some kind.
At the time you said you were working on a childrens book and looking for an illustrator. I am not a professional illustrator..more of a watercolor artist…but trying my hand at a coloring book!
my phone is 970-456-6200
my email is luvdbeach703@yahoo.com
I live in Aspen during the winter as a ski instructor and most summers in Florida with my parents who are in their 80s.
thanks you for any advice on the publishing..
Janis Billingsly
left a message on other page…
Janis back…..working on a book….would like to talk…
use my email luvdbeach703@yahoo.com
I could use advice on publishing…..i could give you advice on illustrating!
Hi my name is Cheryl… I’m doing some research on my family history… I know my grandparents lived in that area mabe from the late 50s and know that they frequented trader Ed’s.. I am trying to find anyone who may have known them and might be able to tell me about the time they spent there… They would have been very well known.. I posted a message to Mary Brannan with my phone number but I don’t know if this site will post my number.. I am hoping I can talk to anyone who might remember them… I would be so grateful for your reply … Thanks! Cheryl
Hello, sir.
While looking through some storage containers in the garage today I came across an old photograph that my god father had Franz Berko take as a gift to my mother, while I was visiting him in Aspen in 1985. This really brought up some brief but cherished memories of him…his very unique house built into the side of a mountain next to a waterfall…our daily drives into town around 4 pm in his beautiful silver Rolls…how we couldn’t walk 20 feet without someone saying “hey DV”.
Regretfully, that was the last time I spoke with or saw him. I wish I could turn back time and change that. Would it be possible to chat some time? I would love to hear of any stories or memories you may have of him.
Thanks!
Jason Daniel (DV’s namesake)