Review by Marcia Darnell
Media – May 2004 – Colorado Central Magazine
THE UNIQUE TOWN of Creede has a mere 377 year-round residents, but its rich mixture of colorful history, creative arts, and beautiful scenery makes it vital enough to inspire a new periodical.
Creede Magazine
P.O. Box 840
Creede, CO 81130
719-658-2624
Creede was founded as a mining town in 1892, and quickly became a rip-roarin’, red-lighted mixture of high danger and high living. It successfully morphed into a summer town where part-time residents and tourists enjoy museums, mountains, and quality productions at the Creede Repertory Theatre.
Creede Magazine is the brainchild of David Basler, a transplant from Ohio by way of Richmond, Virginia. The bimonthly publication has only been around since last summer, but already reaches 48 states and five countries. Not an improbable reach for a town which quadruples its population in the summer.
The artwork in Creede Magazine is impressive, with four-color photos and advertisements on glossy paper. The graphics and design are eye catching, too.
“I kinda come from a journalism background that pictures tell the story,” says Basler, a graduate of Kent State University.
The magazine reads like a happy small-town newspaper. It offers news releases, a sports department, and classified ads. There’s also a calendar of events that’s quite detailed.
Editor Basler said he researched his new project thoroughly, asking local residents, visitors and businesses what they’d like to see. Local news in a magazine format was it, they said, and Basler delivers. Recent headlines include “City Raises Sewer Fees for Residents,” “Winter Alternatives for Staying Healthy and Fit,” and “Boys Basketball Ready for Season.”
It’s not all news blurbs, though. The magazine’s features have included a history of medical care in the tiny town, an overview of hunting in the area, and a detailed piece, with maps, on outdoor recreation in Mineral County. The magazine recently added book and movie review columns.
“Creede Treasures,” a regular feature, is especially interesting, profiling a longtime Creede resident or institution. The portraits are rich with memories, anecdotes, and archive photographs, providing a historical view of Creede from a personal perspective.
And beginning this year, Willow Creek Journal will be included in Creede Magazine. The publication of the Creede Arts Council will merge with the new magazine to exhibit the creative talent in Mineral County.
Creede Magazine boasts an impressive amount of display advertising, including virtually every business in the county. The real estate ad photos will make even Ed Quillen consider relocating.
For now, Basler is writing most of the issues, but freelance writers, artists and photographers are welcome to submit their work and ideas to the editor. Preference is given to those with ties to Creede.
Creede Magazine is available in 12 retail stores in Creede, two in South Fork, and the Narrow Gauge Newsstand in Alamosa. Back issues are available from the publisher for $5. Subscriptions are $15 a year.
–Marcia Darnell
