Unpacking the Colorado Springs Lore of Spencer and Julie Penrose
Think you know the story of Colorado Springs? Think again. In this episode of Springs and Things, hosts Carly and Lauren sit down with Sarah Woods, VP of Collections for the El Pomar Foundation, to separate myth from fact about Spencer and Julie Penrose — the visionary couple whose fingerprints are all over the city. From a monkey bite at the Broadmoor to trainloads of liquor stashed before Prohibition, a car that flew off Pikes Peak, and the 100th anniversary of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, this is local history you've never heard told quite this way.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
Why the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo really started (it wasn't the monkey bite)
The truth behind Spencer Penrose's wildest legends
How the Pikes Peak Hill Climb became the second-oldest auto race in America
The story behind the 2012 crash car on display at the museum
Why the Penroses are interred at the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
How Glockner Hospital became Penrose Hospital
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Why did the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo get started? While Spencer Penrose did keep exotic animals along the Broadmoor golf course — and a monkey really did bite a child, leading to a lawsuit and settlement — that incident is not what moved the animals. In 1926, the Broadmoor was selected to host the 1927 Trans-Mississippi Golf Tournament, and the board worried about caged wild animals lining a course where spectators need quiet. Penrose had already built pens along the Cheyenne Mountain highway (completed 1925) to show tourists Rocky Mountain wildlife. The golf tournament prompted him to relocate the rest of his exotic collection, creating the zoo. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Who was Spencer Penrose? Spencer Penrose (born 1865) made his fortune mining gold in Cripple Creek, Colorado, and copper in Utah. He built the Broadmoor hotel (opened 1918), the Pikes Peak Highway, founded the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, created the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and shaped much of modern Colorado Springs. He died of throat cancer in the 1930s.
Who was Julie Penrose? Julie Penrose (born 1870 in Detroit) was the philanthropic force of the couple. She founded the El Pomar Carriage Museum in 1941, led the El Pomar Foundation for 17 years after Spencer's death, and made one of the largest philanthropic gifts in Colorado history to expand Glockner Hospital. She died in 1956.
Why is it called the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun? Spencer Penrose began construction on the monument in 1934 as a tomb for himself, Julie, and two close friends. It was named the "Shrine of the Sun" for its sunlight-catching perch on Cheyenne Mountain. When beloved American entertainer and aviator Will Rogers died in a 1935 plane crash, the nation went into mourning, and communities everywhere renamed things in his honor. The Penroses followed suit — and as a master promoter, Penrose likely knew Rogers' name would draw visitors.
Episode Highlights & Timestamps
The Monkey Bite & the Real Origin of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo The famous monkey-bite story is 100% true, but it's a myth that it caused the zoo's creation. Learn how the 1927 Trans-Mississippi Golf Tournament and Penrose's earlier roadside animal pens (1925) actually launched what is now a century-old institution.
Inside the El Pomar Archives: A Hidden Box of Treasures While preparing the Heritage Gallery's 80th-anniversary exhibits in 2021, staff discovered a long-forgotten box packed with 1940s–50s newspaper — and inside, hats, a horseback rain slicker, and clothing worn by the Penroses, matching iconic historic photographs. A Denver Art Museum textile conservator restored them for display.
Spencer Penrose's Harvard Thesis On the question of what most influences national development — stock, climate, or great men — a 21-year-old Penrose concluded that "one great man opens and prepares the way for many others." It's a quote El Pomar Foundation still returns to when seeking the "multiplier effect" in its grantmaking.
The Liquor Stockpile, the Glass Eye & the Legends Sarah explains how the museum balances admiration with rigorous research — telling the legends visitors love (Penrose riding his horse into the Antlers lobby) while clearly separating "what we know" from "what we don't."
The El Pomar Carriage Museum & a Robbery Stagecoach Julie Penrose founded the carriage museum in 1941 to preserve the coaching tradition as automobiles took over. The collection spans roughly 30 carriages from the 1840s to the 1910s — including a stagecoach said to bear bullet holes from a robbery (Sarah admits she's never actually spotted them).
The Pikes Peak Hill Climb: America's Second-Oldest Auto Race Built as a route to the summit rather than purely to rival the Cog Railway, the Pikes Peak Highway debuted its race in August 1916 over three days. It's now second only to the Indianapolis 500 in age, drawing global manufacturers competing for bragging rights. Reach the summit and you're a champion; do it fastest and you're "King of the Mountain."
The 2012 Crash Car ("The Crash Pit") One of the museum's most riveting — and polarizing — exhibits displays a car that drove off the mountain during the 2012 race, shown alongside actual onboard footage. Both driver and navigator climbed out and walked away, thanks to a reinforced roll cage required at safety inspection. The exhibit opens conversations about safety, thin-air conditions, and the physical and psychological demands of the climb.
Michèle Mouton: King of the Mountain French rally driver Michèle Mouton set the overall course record in 1985 and remains the only woman to earn the title — which she prefers to keep as "King of the Mountain." She returned to Colorado Springs last year for the 40th anniversary of her record, alongside a record number of women competitors. The museum recently added a full-size banner honoring her.
The Broadmoor Special Spencer Penrose converted his personal 1918 Pierce-Arrow into a race car nicknamed the "Broadmoor Special," which competed in the Hill Climb eight times. He built the highway, created the race, and entered his own car — a man who was, as Sarah puts it, always "all in."
Penrose Philanthropy: From Glockner to Penrose Hospital Facing throat cancer, Penrose founded the Penrose Cancer Center at what was then Glockner Hospital, bringing his Paris- and Chicago-based oncologists to Colorado Springs. At one point, one-third of all practicing U.S. radiologists had trained there. Julie's major 1950s gift led to the hospital's renaming in the Penroses' honor.
About Penrose Heritage Museum
Located right next to the Broadmoor, Penrose Heritage Museum is a free, world-class "hidden gem" operated by the El Pomar Foundation. The Broadmoor validates parking, and a public bus stop sits right across the street. The museum features the Heritage Gallery, the carriage collection, and the Pikes Peak Hill Climb experience, plus the annual Family Exploration Day held the first Saturday in June.
Learn more: Google "Penrose Heritage Museum" or visit elpomar.org for hours and community programs. El Pomar's historic properties include Penrose Heritage Museum, the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, and Penrose House.
Picks of the Week
Sarah's pick: The United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum — experiential, inspiring, and featuring new exhibits.
Carly's pick: The Pikes Peak Library District Summer Adventure Program 2026 (June 1 – July 31). Read, create, and explore for 30 days to win prizes — all ages welcome. Sign up at ppld.org/summer or visit any library location starting June 1.
This Episode Is Brought to You By
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Connect With Springs and Things
Springs and Things is hosted by Colorado Springs locals Carly and Lauren, your insider's guide to hidden gems, local flavor, arts, eats, and the stories that make The Springs one of a kind. New episodes weekly.
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