RPO Musicians Rock On

The curiosity with Redstone and Marble, Colo. began with Sidney and Dick Killmer’s visit to the area many years ago when Dick was performing and teaching in Aspen. Since the RPO residency in Vail, Sidney and Polly Hunsberger have made almost yearly pilgrimages to the area.

Redstone has an interesting history. It was founded by John C. Osgood toward the end of the 19th century. He purchased a large vein of coal. Quoting the N.Y. Times in 1902: The most impressive aspect of Mr. Osgood was his desire to provide the working conditions and opportunities for his workers and their families.

His beautiful Redstone Inn, built to house the single men, many cottages for families and his magnificent home “Cleveholm” still remain in the town. The peak of his coal business lasted for only four years (1899-1903).

\Marble, Colorado mountains contain the finest pure white marble in the world. The marble for the Lincoln Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown soldier came from this quarry. The block of marble shown in the picture will be used to replace the current monument at the Tomb of the Unknown, which is cracked. It is still possible to drive to Redstone and Marble, but the quarry is quite a hike from town.

--Polly Hunsberger, Cello (with RPO since 1959) and
Sidney Killmer, Viola (with RPO since 1988)