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GARFIELD
COUNTY, COGENWEB PROJECT
OSCAR V COULTER
The O.V (Oscar) Coulter family was one of the first
pioneering families to settle in the Rifle area in the
1890’s. The original Coulter Ranch and Orchard was located
north of Rifle along the “Government Road.” When Highway 13
was built it was moved a short distance to the west through
the ranch. Today this area is located between Doaks Lane and
the bowling alley.
The Coulter Family back row Left to Right: Harold,
Otto, Ray and Guy; middle row: O.V. (Oscar), Teddy and
Carolyn (Mrs. O.V. Coulter); front row: Rose, Claude and
Orra.
A brief bio for O. V. Coulter
Oscar Vilroy Coulter was born
December 5, 1851 in Iowa. He was married to Caroline Elizabeth Smith October 31,
1877 in Missouri. They initially homesteaded in Nebraska.
They came to Rifle
in 1897 where he and his sons built Coulter Lake, a "dude" ranch near the head
of East Rifle Creek. The Adolph Coors Family were frequent guests at the ranch.
There was a sign at the entrance to the ranch that said established in 1903.
His biography shows 12 children in 23 years, looks like 10 were born before he
came to Rifle. His son, Harold Ben Coulter, was born on Rifle Creek October 7,
1898.
In the year 1900, O.V. moved to a ranch 2 miles north of Rifle along
Government Creek. His youngest son, Ted, was born in Rifle.
He served on the
school board and the Reveille says he was the contractor who added the heat
plant for 4th street elementary.
He was also a bee keeper and was the Bee
Inspector for Garfield county.
Have read that the CCC camp built the Rifle
Community House on Rifle Creek partly on his property. As compensation, the CCC
then improved Coulter Lake. And, several of the first cabins at the guest ranch
were CCC constructed, or moved there by the CCC.
He died January 19, 1943 in
Rifle at the age of 91.
Here is a collection of photos and documents.
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