"We call it a mountain gem," Gary Jackson with the Beckwourth Mountain Club said.

With a grant from the Colorado Historical Society, Beckwourth purchased a mountain lodge 55 miles west of Denver in Coal Creek Canyon. Wink's Lodge was first opened in 1928 by businessman Winks Hamlet. It was a recreational facility that, unlike many others at the time, welcomed African Americans.

Hamlet and a business partner bought hundreds of acres of land and named the development the Lincoln Hills Country Club. They advertised nationally in Jet and Ebony magazines. They sold lots to African Americans to build cabins on for $50. They also built Wink's Lodge, other guest cabins, and a tavern.

"It was an oasis. It was a shelter from harsh times. It was part of our American dream," Jackson said.

At one time Wink's Lodge drew up to 5,000 visitors each summer. It closed in the 1960s when Hamlet died, but his legacy and his lodge are not forgotten.

"He was a special person," Jackson said. "We want (the lodge) to be part of Colorado history."

Beckwourth Mountain Club is raising money to restore the lodge. It will be used for youth program retreats and other leadership retreats. For more information, visit http://www.beckwourthmountainclub.org/.