Existing comment:
Goerke & Son Photography:
A privately-owned balanced rock: In the 1890s, photographer Paul Goerke shrewdly purchased the land around Balanced Rock. Goerke and his son, Curt, snapped photos of tourists for 25 cents each. The Goerkes then developed the plates i their shop at Steamboat Rock.
Thousands have their photos taken: Originally, the Goerkes let people view Balanced Rock for free. They made money by charging for portraits in later years selling photographic supplies. They even furnished trusty burros as props.
From private business to public park: Once personal cameras became more available, people started taking their own photos. To generate income, Curt Goerke built a wooden fence around Balanced Rock and charged 25 cents admission. When the City of Colorado Springs purchased the Goerke property in 1932, a large crowd cheered the dismantling of the wall.
As early as 1909, the City of Manitou Springs disputed the Goerke Family's control over public access on the road leading to and from Balanced Rock. |