Joanie Price listened intently as Winfield Scott Stratton told about his days as a carpenter living in boarding houses in Colorado Springs before he struck gold in the late 1800s.

“And what year was that?” Price would ask the historical impersonator after he explained each personal achievement.

Price and others delved into the history of Colorado Springs at the McAllister House Museum’s 50th anniversary celebration Saturday. The event at the home nestled on Cascade Avenue near its intersection with Boulder Street transported attendees to the booming days of late 19th century in Colorado Springs.

“If people haven’t been here they need to come see it. It’s our history,” said Price, a longtime fan of the historical home.

On the front lawn, visitors indulged in five cent ice cream cones, free cupcakes and hot dogs. Crowds hovered around tables offering used books and jewelry, while a flute quintet charmed listeners.

Inside the cottage, museum docents in each room told visitors about artifacts unique to the home, which was originally owned and built by Maj. Henry McAllister in 1874.

McAllister served in the Civil War under Union Army Gen. William Jackson Palmer, who later invited him to Colorado Springs to carry out his vision of developing the city. Until his death in 1921, McAllister was a civic leader, instrumental in establishing Colorado College and many streets. He was also involved in the Colorado women’s suffrage movement.

In 1961, the home was turned into the museum, offering the city’s history from the perspective of one family.

“It’s amazing what they could do with the sewing machines they had then,” said Diana Rhine as she admired a quilt and dresses that belonged to the McAllister daughters.

Rhine, who was visiting from Iowa, appreciates older, Victorian homes, but said the knowledgeable volunteers in each room set this tour apart from others.

“You’re not just looking at it, but you’re learning,” she said.

Children enjoyed the event, too.

“My daughter, she likes the history,” said Barbara Artman, sitting at a picnic table with her two children whose faces were smeared with ice cream. “She’s only five and she enjoys it. She’s all about history.”

All discovered a bit of the Pikes Peak region’s history.

“We have a lot of people that come in and say, ‘I’ve lived here all my life and I have never been to the house,’” said museum curator Owanah Wick. “We try to make it come alive to people so they will feel a little closer to the history of Colorado Springs.”

Incoming 2011 Colorado College freshman defenseman Aaron Harstad (2), pictured playing in the USHL playoffs with Green Bay, was the 187th pick (seventh round, Winnipeg) of the 2011 NHL Draft Photo by COURTESY OF USHL