Log Hill History.com Flowers Family

Log Hill Mesa History

Ouray County, Colorado

by Jack and Barbara Rairden

The Flowers Family History

As told by Wayne and Nellie Flowers

Now available at the Ridgway Public library

Wayne and Nellie Flowers and their family members are well known and highly respected, not just on Log Hill Mesa, but throughout Montrose and Ouray Counties. Their history as distinguished members of the Log Hill Mesa community goes back to pre-World War II days and continues to the present. The Flowers now live on the Chief Ouray place owned by the Thomas Family in the Riverside District south of Montrose.

Wayne’s parents, Abner Flowers and Anna Berry Flowers, began married life in Montrose in 1918 and lived there for the rest of their lives. Nellie’s parents, William Asa Humphreys and Flossie Ellen Jones, moved from Stonington, CO, to Montrose in 1936. Wayne and Nellie were married in Montrose in 1938, to start an exciting adventure which continues to this day.

The interview that serves as the basis for their story was conducted by Barbara and Jack Rairden at the Flowers' residence in Montrose, CO on February 6, 2004. The approach taken was to tape record the interview, after which, it was transcribed word-for-word insofar as possible. The transcriptions were given to the Flowers’ for editing, and, where appropriate, modified and corrected. This process was continued until they were completely satisfied that the transcripts accurately reflected their remembrances.

We are certain that many people in this region, including many who have known Wayne and Nellie well, will find their remembrances riveting, humorous, and at times almost unbelievable.

In addition, non-recorded interviews in person and by phone were made with the Flowers’ from 2004 until present.

The oral histories along with other supplemental historical records including photographs, newspaper articles and written recollections are included in this historical presentation. Also included are typed transcripts of the interviews, a CD copy of the interviews, and a DVD video of the interviewees.

Wayne and Nellie Flowers at the Thomas Ranch, 2006.