2022 Officers

President: Josh Robinson

Josh was born in Pennsylvania. His passion for the West, and Ghost Towns specifically can be pinpointed to an American Heritage article he read as a child. Josh studied architecture, urban planning and architectural archeology in Italy and gained a deep passion for the study of the built environment while there.

Josh is a Senior Designer at KEPHART Architects, President of Docomomo Colorado, and is known for his talks and activities relating to Preservation, and Modernist architecture across the city and state.

Josh holds a Bachelor of Architecture from The Pennsylvania State University.

Vice President: Jason Messing

Jason was born in Denver, and is a 3rd generation Colorado native. He is a registered Architect in Colorado, and has a deep appreciation for Colorado history. A childhood trip to Mesa Verde (Colorado’s original Ghost Town) inspired him to become an architect and also began for him a lifelong interest in history and preservation.

Jason is also an experienced, and accomplished woodcrafter, and has been a member of the Ghost Town Club since 2018.

Jason holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design from The University of Colorado.

Vice President: Dennis Kristensen

Dennis was born in Colorado, and is a 3rd generation Colorado native. He is passionate about history, science, travel, and art.

For 35 years, Dennis taught 6th grade art class. He’s also worked at the Denver Center for Performing Arts, and was Head Manager of Events at the Governor’s Mansion for 20 years.

Dennis holds an AA, BA, and MA (and soon PHD) in Education, Theater, and Performing Arts.

Corresponding Secretary: Virginia Fett

Virginia was born a 4th generation Kansan from Thomas County, where her great grandparents homesteaded in 1885. After graduating, she re-located to Colorado where she attended Barnes School of Commerce and DU’s Business College for Women.

She hired out with the Colorado and Southern Railway in 1969. Through mergers, she worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad and later the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway for 37.5 years. Specifically in the Regional Engineering Department for the Chief Engineer and Signal Engineer.

Virginia, and former husband Carl, were invited by former GTC members Bob and Nancy Smith to attend a meeting in 1984, and were instantly hooked! After three years on the waiting list, they became official members.

Virginia enjoys reading, classical music, opera, playing piano, and has a passion for all the Ghost Town Club members and activities!

Recording Secretary: Roger Callender

Roger was born a 4th generation Kansan in Wichita. Soon after, he and his family relocated to University Park, Colorado where he grew up. While there, Roger developed a strong interest and appreciation for historic architecture.

Roger’s other interests include railroad history and travel, and Colorado history including mining and ghost towns. He began exploring ghost towns in the late 1960’s and has been a GTC member since 1984. He has served as vice-president twice, as well as served on numerous committees.

Roger holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Denver University.

Treasurer: Pegi Emmett

Pegi is a 3rd generation Colorado native. Her grandparents knew Buffalo Bill and her grandfather opened a mercantile on 16th and Larimer in 1906. Pegi’s love of Colorado originates from her many years of snow skiing and her four summers as an overnight counselor at a camp in the Mount Evans valley.

Pegi’s career as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist included 45 years managing clinical and clinical research laboratories. In retirement, she teaches part time on-line for Colorado Community colleges.

2022 Board of Directors

2019-2022 Chandra Chuvarsky, Merrill Emmett, and Ethan Knightchilde
2022-2024 Sally Alt, Shannon Kanan and Shirley Miller

2022 Committee Chairs

Archivist/Historian: Merrill Emmett
Audio Visual: Ethan Knightchilde
Book Sales: Gary Wallden
Calling: Ed Bathke
Gazette: Joanie Fields
Greeters: (Position Vacant)
House: Dennis Kristensen
Preservation: Jason Messing
Refreshments: Jane Elliot
Social Media: Josh Robinson
Steering: (rotating chair, open to all members)
Website: Jason Messing

We are grateful for the efforts of the above club members!