The Rock Rest Lodge in Golden, Colorado, is a place steeped in history, folklore, and more than a few oddities. From a beer-dispensing rhinoceros head named Murray to cannons adorning the exterior, the lodge boasts a collection of peculiar artifacts. But one particular item, rumored to be a human foot encased in a wall, has recently vanished, leaving behind a mystery as intriguing as the lodge itself. This unusual story begins with a late-night whisper at the bar.
A Strange Discovery at Rock Rest
The tale began with a hushed conversation overheard at the Rock Rest bar. Patrons claimed a human foot was concealed behind a window pane, a relic purportedly stolen from Harvard Medical School as part of a secret society initiation. Intrigued, further investigation revealed a foot-shaped object behind the glass, complete with toes and a portion of the fibula. Was it a real human foot, a meticulously crafted replica, or something else entirely?
The Search for Answers
The mystery deepened. Inquiries to the Rock Rest’s management yielded conflicting responses, ranging from dismissing the story as a drunken fabrication to suggesting the object was a wax replica. Harvard Medical School, when contacted, had no record of a missing foot but promised to investigate. Determined to uncover the truth, a forensic anthropologist, Dr. Diane France, was consulted. Upon examining photographs, Dr. France deemed the object worthy of further investigation, noting the realistic appearance of the skin and bone. She even entertained the Harvard connection, explaining that medical schools don’t always maintain comprehensive inventories of anatomical specimens.
The Foot Vanishes
A visit to the Rock Rest was arranged with Dr. France to examine the object firsthand. Permission was requested to open the window for closer inspection, assuring the management that possessing human remains isn’t necessarily illegal. However, upon arrival, the foot was gone. The Rock Rest manager claimed to have no knowledge of its whereabouts, stating it had disappeared just days prior. He offered alternative theories, suggesting it could be a ghost’s foot (the lodge has its own ghost story) or a movie prop from a former movie lot owned by the previous owner’s father.
Unanswered Questions and Lingering Intrigue
The disappearance of the foot only amplifies the mystery. Was its removal connected to the inquiries? Where is it now? Is it a genuine human remain, a meticulously crafted fake, or something else entirely? Dr. France, reflecting on the situation, speculated that the object could be a realistic prop or an embalmed limb. If embalmed, extracting DNA would be nearly impossible, leaving the original owner’s identity a perpetual secret. While the mystery of the missing foot remains unsolved, the Rock Rest Lodge continues to attract visitors with its unique ambiance and intriguing history. The lodge itself, with its eclectic collection of artifacts and stories, serves as a testament to the enduring allure of the unusual. Even without the foot, the Rock Rest experience offers a glimpse into a world where history, legend, and the unexplained intertwine.
