Dates

• Existence: 1891 - 1973

Biography

The following information, listed on a piece of yellow paper by an unknown person, has been slightly edited. Harold Dunning was born on May 28, 1891 and passed away on March 19, 1973. He was a historian, businessman, and ski buff. He founded the Loveland Museum which began as the "Pioneer Museum." He ran a shoe shop at 126 S. Lincoln Avenue in Loveland, Colorado. He attended the State Agricultural College (now Colorado State University). He recorded area history acquired during his 50+ years in 6 voluminous works, the most prominent being the 3-part Over Hill & Vale. This 1500 page effort focused on North Colorado history, particularly that of Loveland, the Big Thompson Valley, Estes Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. It is often regarded as "the most complete history of the region ever compiled."(1) and 2500 libraries in the region hold copies. He published five historical booklets, collected old pictures and items related to local history, and contributed greatly to the existence of the periodic "Stone Age Fair." He was called one of Loveland's "greatest natural resources," in possession of a "great store of personal knowledge" about nature, Indian lore and "old times he had known and known about" (2). Dunning was honored by Loveland Mayor Jean Gaines naming Thursday, March 2, 1972 "Harold Dunning Day." He wrote The Rainbow by Moonlight, another historical book. He made money during the Depression by selling 25,000 pinecone owls to Yellowstone National Park. Over Hill & Vale is a collection of reprinted articles Dunning wrote for "The Weekly Roundup."

Citation:

Sources consulted by the unknown person who compiled the original biographical notes: (1). Loveland Daily Reporter-Herald, March 19, 1973. (2). Thompson Valley Sun, March 21, 1973.