Montrose, CO – In an effort to preserve a unique piece of Montrose history, the City of Montrose Parks Division, along with local firm Alpine Archaeological Consultants LLC, secured and moved the remaining wall portions of the Kallstrom Jacal homestead off of the Cerise Park site on March 1. 

The homestead, which dates back to the 1880s, has been the subject of extensive research and analysis, both to assess its historical significance and to determine the best and most practical means of preserving its essential historical elements while also addressing aesthetics of the site, potential future uses of the property and public safety. Prior to the move, the homestead was surveyed in depth by Alpine Archaeological Consultants and a comprehensive report was presented to the city.

Most notable among the homestead’s features is its walls, which were constructed by placing logs vertically rather than the common horizontal placement. The walls’ unique construction led to the decision to preserve this portion of the structure. 

The Montrose Botanical Society has plans to install the wall as part of a historical interpretive site at the Botanic Gardens. Along with preservation of the wall, members of the Botanic Society have taken cuttings from apricot trees on the site and plan to propagate the trees as part of a "pioneer garden” displaying heirloom vegetables and basic artifacts of the era. Additionally, the Parks Division secured many valuable farm implements from the site for use in future park developments.

Starting next week, the Parks Division will be cleaning up the site in preparation for restoration with native shrubs and grass species. An interpretive sign relating the story of the homestead will be placed at the site.

# # #