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Both Roberta (Bobby) and Ron Saalfeld were born and have lived in Columbus, Nebraska. They met initially in kindergarten, but attended different grade schools. They were married in their mid-twenties and had three children (2 girls and 1 boy). Bobby worked in business at various times, but spent the majority of her married life raising their children. Ron initially worked at a Chevrolet dealership, and then went into real estate. In that arena, he developed and managed residential, commercial and agricultural real estate. They have a variety of interests which include bridge, music and travel.
Both Bobby and Ron have always been active in their community. Bobby has been involved with the usual parent organizations, Red Cross, church, hospital auxiliary, Columbus Area Art Council and Friends of Music. Ron has worked with the United Way, church, Friends of Music, County Supervisor Board (similar to a county commissioner) the State Supervisory Board, and the State Pension Fund (as a Governor appointee).
The first time Bobby came to Estes Park it was 1935 and her parents came for a vacation. Ron came out about 15 years later. After they were married, they were here for at least one week of the summer. They visited other places, but liked Estes because of its size, its family centered activities and the healthy climate. Originally, they lived in homes and cottages around the valley, but bought a home on High Drive in 1967. It was one of the Rookland Cottages which is still there. After 12 years, they moved to Peak View and about six years later, they moved to their current home (1983). Bobby still summers there following Ron's death in 2006.
The Saalfelds joined SRA in 1968. They had been to the Hick's home (she was the first woman SRA president) for coffee and were then taken to two breakfasts and a dinner where they were introduced to various members. After that, they were asked if they would like to join the organization. At that time, many members were teachers, musicians and other college graduates. There were a lot of people from Nebraska. It was more of a family organization than one for couples; hence, the Saalfeld children loved attending the breakfasts and dinners. Programs were all member generated, with an emphasis on participation by all family members. Typically, there was a competition with prizes for the winners. Bobby remembers one program by Mr. Ralph Gunn where the prizes were Icelandic blankets—there was heavy competition for those!
Dinners were held in a variety of places such as the Elkhorn Lodge, High School, American Legion, Meeker Lodge and Masonic Lodge. One dinner was a picnic where one couple brought their station wagon, put the tailgate down and served fried chicken from it. Folks then had a picnic supper and sang around the campfire. At least one-third of the dinners had a western theme. One of the picnic suppers was particularly memorable—it snowed! Decorations were often complex. The Schroeder's did a nature program and used moss, lichen and sulfur flowers in an intricate arrangement. The arrangement fit the program beautifully!
The main theme of SRA was fellowship. It was a cohesive group which focused on getting together at breakfasts and dinners. While most of the members hiked, golfed and attended local events, that was done on their own initiative. At breakfasts and dinners, the people attending would be purposely mixed up or rotated on committees so everyone got to know one another.
Breakfasts were held outdoors at member's homes. The 4th of July time was usually at the Stutz ranch. All people were served at 8:15. Approximately 150 members would be served, but the committees were smaller than now. All members served an "apprenticeship" with someone experienced in doing that job. It was usually 3-6 years before anyone was given a board position of any kind.
For many years prior to their membership (1968), the SRA donated books to the library as memorials to its members. Mrs. Hicks had started it and then turned it over to Bobby, who then did it for a number of decades. Members originally had their own rodeo and a rodeo queen. The group also held musical performances in late August and into September at the Stanley. Tickets would be sold and the money was used to pay for the soloists/performers who came in from out of town. After Central artists no longer gave concerts at the Stanley, Rocky Ridge performed annually and a donation was given to the Center. Some years, when there was a surplus in the treasury, money would be donated to the hospital or fire department. Members were also quite active in various charitable activities around the community.
Some of the memorable people in SRA remembered by the Saalfelds were the Truman Redfields, and Gardner Moore. Elmer Moger was on the national YMCA board and Moore provided all the coffee and snacks to his church for the entire summer. Ruth Moore (Jean Moore's in-laws) had an old coal and woodfire stove to cook on. She baked all her own baked goods and was noted for them. Truman and Gardner had a competitive one-upsmanship--verbally and in charitable giving.
In SRA, Bobby has held a number of positions and Ron has helped her in all of them. However, Bobby's most memorable position was the title given her by Ed Bos ( current member Sally Van Wert's uncle): the baconeer for Estes Park". She cooked bacon at the breakfasts for over 32 years! They both note that the size of the organization has altered some things in SRA. There is more emphasis on efficiency as opposed to "visiting". Outside activities have also been added such as golf, hiking and bridge.
The Saalfelds remember when there was a landing strip for airplanes at what is now part of the "back 9" of the golf course. In the general community, businesses seem to be turning over more frequently, possibly because of less experienced ownerships. The emphasis on tourism has increased, with much more advertising of the city. There is more density in housing; former ranches have been turned into developments and these include places where SRA once went for breakfasts!