A Short History of
Robbers Roost Books & Beverages
and The Entrada Institute

     Ward Roylance, who built the unique, five-sided structure that is now home to Robber’s Roost Books and the Entrada Institute, once explained that the design was inspired by Egyptian and American Indian architecture. It was also, he said, his attempt to interpret the area’s magnificent stone pillars which were sculpted by the forces of time, wind and nature.
      Ward, a veteran employee of the Utah Travel Council, and his wife Gloria moved to Torrey in the mid-1970s, roughing it for the first few years as they toiled to construct their home from logs cut on local mountains and other materials salvaged from decrepit buildings in the area. What they couldn’t find they improvised or designed themselves. It was, in the truest sense of the word, a pioneer project.

     For the next 15 years, the Roylances delighted in welcoming visitors, opening up their sunny guestroom to dozens of guests. The couple generously shared their knowledge of the area’s human and natural history, and talked often of creating a “school of the earth,” where appreciative students could come and learn about the region’s geology, geography, botany and human history.
     Gloria Roylance died in 1992 and Ward, who grieved deeply over her loss, passed on the following year, but not before a group of his friends began planning his long-discussed school of the earth. After much discussion, it was named Entrada, in honor of a local sandstone formation. For Ward, the name was particularly appropriate, as the word also means “gateway” in Spanish, and he envisioned the newly formed institute as a passage to greater knowledge and understanding of the Capitol Reef region.

 

     Much of Entrada’s success today is due to the perseverance of its inaugural board members, including local outfitter Pat Kearney, innkeeper Karen Kesler, English Professor Franáois Camoin, photographer Scott T. Smith, and Ward’s former sister-in-law, Victoria Roylance. In the intervening years, as the organization has gained its footing, many other board members and volunteers have generously donated their time, energy and expertise.

    Today, Entrada offers a full slate of classes, workshops, and Saturday night events. Past instructors include botanist Ty Harrison, geologist Rob Fillmore, and naturalist authors Ed Lueders, Ellen Meloy and Teresa Jordan, as well as Utah Poet Laureate David Lee. Performers and lecturers have included Celtic fiddler William Barclay, classical guitarist Stan Funicelli, concert cellist Kevin Shumway, veteran backcountry guide Kent Frost, and renowned photographer Tom Till --to name just a few! For more information on the current schedule, visit the Entrada web site, www.entradainstitute.org. For information on how to join Entrada, call Brenda Winawer, Entrada coordinator, at (435) 425-3141.

     We look forward to having you join us at our next event!


     In 1995, after Entrada’s first two seasons of activities, it became apparent that Ward’s former home, now housing the organization’s headquarters, was in need of upgrades and repair. The same unique architecture and unconventional approach to construction that gave the building its one-of-a-kind appeal also made it hard to heat and difficult to maintain. The roof leaked; the plumbing was decrepit; the wiring was notoriously cranky and sometimes lights flickered out, or came on, for no apparent reason. Unfortunately, the young organization had no funds to cover the costs of necessary repairs.

     In 1997, Robber’s Roost Books and Beverages (home of the Entrada Institute) opened its doors. Offering literature, guidebooks and maps devoted to the region, as well as gourmet coffee drinks and handmade gifts, Robber’s Roost has quickly developed a reputation as the area’s premier relaxation spot. The bookstore has been covered in a variety of publications, including Sunset magazine, The Salt Lake Tribune, the New York Times and the guidebook Utah Underground, which effused, “[This] is an unlikely place to find here in the middle of the high desert. The bookstore-café combo offers a kickback, quiet place to read or sip espresso. -- The book selection reflects a sophisticated, western taste.--A special place.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
     Robber’s Roost, named after one of local outlaw Butch Cassidy’s favorite hideouts, offers a helpful staff of readers, fresh coffee and other beverages, baked goods, and a handpicked variety of diverse books - both classics and future favorites. We also welcome special orders. Check out our selection of handmade gifts, art, ceramics, jewelry and other items.