In 1883 Milo A. Smith visited the Deer Creek Valley for a fishing trip. Soon after his visit, in May of 1883, Milo purchased land in the area.

On February 1, 1888, Milo and two other investors formed "The Deer Creek Fishing and Boating Association." The association was established to "provide and maintain such conveniences and comforts as may be required for the health or pleasure of the members of the Association, their families and guests."

The first annual meeting of the association was held on July 2, 1889. At that time the name of the association was changed to "The Deer Valley Park Association."

Original officers of the Boating Association Deer Creek Fishing: Horace F. Boardman, President, Milo A. Smith Vice President, Edwin C. Webster, Secretary/Treasurer, George W. Ballantine, James B. Heartwell. Currently, there are ten members or investors in the Deer Valley Park Association. Two of these members are family of the early members.

The Deer Valley Park Association was awarded this certificate of recognition in 1986. The Centennial Farm Certificate honors ranches and farms that have been in the same family for more than 100 years.

The cattle have been rounded up in this scene to prepare for branding.

This brand, used by the Deer Valley Park Association Ranch, was registered with the state of Colorado in March of 1906. However, the brand was used long before it was registered.

The wheels of a locomotive are represented in this brand. It is called "Governor" or "Circle Open A Circle."

As we take a closer look at the original ranch's landscape we see the ranch house along with several sheds.

In addition to recreation, land was rented to individuals for agricultural purposes, such as ranching. This photograph shows the original location of the Deer Valley Park Association Ranch. It's original location is in the area of the new building, Deer Creek Corners, and the Bailey area Park County Library. Notice that the landscape has several buildings, such as the ranch house and barn, as well as corrals.

The Deer Valley Park Association Ranch is now located just after the cemetery on the right side of Highway 285 as you travel toward Denver. You can see that the landscape contains the same types of buildings, such as barns and sheds. However, these structures are constructed of different materials, such as metal.

After leasing the ranch to a number of individuals between 1951 and 1981, John Woodward began operating the ranch in January of 1981. John Woodward is the great-great-grandson of Milo A. Smith. John raises cattle for beef and has produced abundant crops of hay.

Between 1924 and 1945 Fred Day operated the ranch as foreman or leased the land. Over 3300 acres of ranch land were owned by the Deer Valley Park Association Ranch in 1947.

The operation was hard to run, since ranch help was difficult to find. Approximately 2600 acres were sold in January of 1948. The sale included land northwest of the current Highway 285, which contain the stage barn and the ranch house.

Machines assist the rancher today with work. John Woodward uses his truck to haul hay to the cattle during winter and spring feeding.

At harvest time the swather is the first piece of machinery on the field. This machine cuts the grass like a lawn mower.

The hay dries for two days before it is baled with either the square baler or the round baler.

Tractors pull the haying equipment during the fall harvest.
After the hay is cut it is raked into rows.