The Upper Side of the Pie Crust An Early History of Southwestern Jefferson County

First published in 1985, Margaret V. Bentley spent an abundance of time researching her book, including many oral interviews. This book has become the history "go to" book for anyone wanting to know the early history of Conifer, Aspen Park, Pine, Buffalo Creek, and some parts of Evergreen, Colorado.

This piece on the early history of southwestern Jefferson County, was first published in 1978 and reprinted in 1985 by Margaret V. Bentley, who was a member of the Jefferson County Historical Society, and again in 2024, by the new copyright holder, the Conifer Historical Society and Museum. The book has information concerning some 24 families living near what is now known as Aspen Park, Conifer, South Turkey Creek, Pleasant Park, Pine Grove, Buffalo Creek and various ranches in these areas, and parts of Evergreen, dating back to the mid-1800s. The chapters are organized by family or ranch name. This wonderful history book has an extensive notes section and index, which is a wonderful addition to any reader or researcher.

An excerpt from a chapter on the Meyer's ranch is this exciting quote, "The earliest history of the ranch which Meyers' possess is a hand written note from the past: 'Sioux Indians attacked McIntyre's neighbors, burned the cabins and scalped the people...'"

Mrs. Bentley was born June 6, 1920 in Missouri. In 1966, she moved to the mountains of Conifer in Colorado, and then on to Canon City, Colorado in 1987. While a member of the Jefferson County Historical Society she wrote this book, "The Upper Side of the Piecrust: An Early History of Southwestern Jefferson County: Conifer, Pine, and Buffalo Creek, Colorado", which was first published in 1978. She was a Girl Scout and Girl Scout leader and volunteer for over 50 years. She was married to Lloyd E. Bentley in 1946 in Iowa. Ms. Bentley passed away in 2012 in Washington.