Colorado Springs Then and Now
Celebrating 150 Years
COS 150 Then and Now Exhibit
The photos from the exhibit faded drastically while on display at Library 21c because dye-based inks were used to produce the prints without my knowledge by the City of Colorado Springs' Office Services department. It will now cost about $70 per photo for reprinting, mounting and laminating. My original plan was to have the photos on display somewhere until next summer, and I would like them to have a permanent home. I requested a refund of $521, which was denied by the mayor and his staff. I'm now faced with the task of raising more money if I want the exhibit to continue. I hope to find some sponsors who believe that this collection is important to the history of Colorado Springs. If you care to make a donation, please contact me at mike@3peaksphoto.com or at 719-260-6637.
Hardcover, coffee table book, 195 pages, including 75 pairs of "then and now" photos
Photographer's notes section with comments on all photos.
Introduction by Mike Pach
Forewords by Mayor John Suthers, Matt Maberrry (Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum) and John Spears/Brett Lobello (Pikes Peak Library District)
What People are Saying about Colorado Springs Then and Now
This book is Mike Pach’s labor of love, an homage to his adopted hometown. What began as a casual idea in 2016 blossomed into a nearly two-year undertaking that demanded so much of his talent and perseverance. Not only has Mike chronicled the past 150 years in Colorado Springs, he’s encapsulated life as it looked in 2020 and 2021, which will give our descendants an enlightening glimpse into life during the coronavirus pandemic. Whether you’ve lived in Colorado Springs a year, a decade or your entire life, you’ll learn something fascinating about this city and the people who built it — and the people who make it special today. Thanks to Mike’s dogged determination to tell these stories through images and words, you’ll never again look at Colorado Springs the same way. Enjoy! ~ Rhonda Van Pelt, editor
Colorado Springs Then and Now is a fascinating update to the “Then and Now” genre of photo books. The project Mike Pach took on to help celebrate the Sesquicentennial of Colorado Springs lead him to a realization that just seeking out geographic points of view to compare then and now was a tired trope. He created a new vision of how the story of the Colorado Springs’ Sesquicentennial could be told and it struck gold. Matching historic photographs with content that included not just places but people and their stories was his genius. The book has connected the past to the present by photographing today’s Colorado Springs citizens in those places and people he could identify from historic photographs. Then he researched the historical context of the individuals identified in the old photographs and matched them up with their current twenty-first century counterparts. It quite beautifully brings history to life and the narrative is essential to understanding the history of that moment captured one hundred and fifty years ago and in one case connects multiple generations of a family to the present as in the case of the Stroud family history. This is a unique photographic project created for a special historical event. It is beautifully photographed and the accompanying text is wonderful reading. The book has received many accolades including an award for Excellence in Historic Photographic Documentation during the Historic Preservation Alliance’s 2021 Annual Preservation Awards. ~ Tim Boddington, president, Historic Preservation Alliance of Colorado Springs
Mike Pach's Colorado Springs, Then and Now has enough treasures of the past to satisfy the history buffs, but with the comparison of today to quench the thirst of sociologists and urban developers. A 2022 CAL Awards finalist, Pach's book is a true keepsake for when today becomes tomorrow. ~ Jodi Bowersox, Award-winning author and president of the Colorado Authors League
As Colorado Springs entered their sesquicentennial, one thing was absolutely necessary, documentation. Mike Pach's book, is the quintessential answer to that herculean task. His Then & Now book is informative, easy to read and quite inspirational. After our youth finish reading this excellent publication, who may become the next Fannie Mae Duncan or Nikola Tesla? ~ Roger P. Hadix, Author of Baseball in Colorado Springs
I just want to let you know that your book is AWESOME! I browsed through it last night and saw that this was a true labor of love and an unabashed celebration of Colorado Springs. It’s also a loving gift not just to the city but to all of us who live here! I confess to having had a visceral, almost tearful, reaction looking at the photos and reading the history behind them. It really was eye opening to see some of the stark differences between then and now, and some of the similarities, as well. Thank you, Mike. THANK YOU. ~ Linda Kittiel
I’m super glad to get my copy into my hands! The book looks awesome and you have a lot to be proud of! The photos are stunning, the accompanying narration is informative, and notes for each photo at the back of the book give some insight into how hard you had to work to get this project done. Great job. ~ Bob Falcone
This book is absolutely one of the best gifts I've ever received!! ~ Barbara Adams
I have spent the last two weeks viewing and re-viewing each page of your magnificent book "Colorado Springs Then and Now.” I particularly enjoyed your notations in the back of how each photo came about. I want to say how happy I am you've received recognition for your fine work over the years and wish you continued success in all you do. ~ Karen Fallahi, DBSA Colorado Springs
Purchase Your Copy Today!
COS 150 Then and Now Book ($75) plus sales tax for pickup
$81.19
COS 150 Then and Now Book ($75) plus sales tax and shipping inside the US
$90.00
Books Signings, Artist Talks and Events
Learn more about the project and purchase a copy of the book at these events
There aren't any book signings scheduled at this time, but contact me if you would like to set up a presentation about my project for your organization.
Watch Jamey Hasting's incredible documentary film that captures the essence of my work.
