About Us
We are the original Cathedral Wind Chimes® specializing in handcrafted Made in Colorado wind chimes one at a time. Started around 1980 because we like to see people smile with gifts that have long lasting meaning. We are a family owned business located in Colorado Springs at the foot of Pikes Peak for over 25 years. If you like dealing with small but very efficient companies that like to keep things simple we'll get along fine - feel free to call us toll free with any questions for fast answers on the contact us page. Below is a brief story of who we are and how we got there -
Thank you, Doug & Denice Cathedral Wind Chimes®
What is it about the wind that fascinates people ?
If you're driving in the country and almost lose control to see a windmill or wind turbine - you're probably one of us . This condition now scientifically identified as " windaholism " can be serious if left untreated - however we have a safe, simple, cost effective answer to this condition -
MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE WIND !
Now we're not talking the big bullies like hurricanes and tornadoes but how about that element of nature nudging us constantly . Why not shake hands with nature and convert it to gentle music or even electricity ! If you agree you may need to come out of the closet as so many others have and admit you're a " Windaholic"
Since the wind is probably going to be here for a while why not make a good thing out of a bad ? You can either complain all day about nature's way of moving air or you can enjoy the music it can create like so many others have.
Here's a quick rundown of how Cathedral Wind Chimes® came about -
We began making our wind chimes in 1980 out of frustration in finding quality wedding gifts and so on . Since most gifts are forgotten about in a week or so we thought it nice if people could remember us for years with soft organ tones daily to help calm the stress of everyday life and we were right. When we learned to personalize the chimes it made a good thing even better - being one of the first to do it . If you're like us you believe handcrafted gifts have a better " feel " to them than the usual " stamped out cheap " look will . We still get a thrill creating the "perfect gift" for someone that is hard to please .
Doug Mellberg creator of "Cathedral Wind Chimes®"
Among other things Doug started out as an aircraft mechanic, is a welder, a pilot, an auto mechanic owning several shops in Colo.Springs, studied and loves psychology and small business, and at 19 built his own car to race in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb where he learned much about competition ( and aerodynamics ) and how it's made our country so great. He actually made the center of Hot Rod magazine in this car he built - just click on picture to enlarge.
Living in the fast lane was wearing on him so decided to slow things down. Began driving a VW bus with a canoe on top and was enjoying the simple life for awhile - He was always fascinated with the wind and admired positive thinkers that seemed to always make good things out of bad. Began experimenting with wind chime designs and liking to keep things simple he created a strong yet elegant looking wind chime and with some real professional help - Sam McFaddin and Flash Cadillac - arrived at a sound still used today on all three sizes . Has been making small improvements along the way to get that handcrafted quality feel to them.
Hippie Bus project
Here's a photo of a VW bus he and his family restored and jazzed up for Bill Carle a close friend. Click on photo to enlarge. Yes he was a " Kinda Hippie " for a short time - until Denice came along and made him cut his long hair and clean things up a bit .
How many times have you heard : That will never work! Well guess what - after 28 years Cathedral Wind Chimes® are still going strong ! The fact is most people love good wind chimes - Marvel, Doug's mom was a very strong supporter of small business and backed "almost" everything they did. She was a real inspiration to many and believed " If you believe it - you can achieve it " She passed away just recently but still lives in our hearts.
Denice his wife since 1985 has helped a lot in the business side of the chimes. She has been in the gift shop and restaurant arena for many years working with the Carle family of Colorado Springs. She and her two daughters Marci -20 and Sarah - 15 have been "part of the woodwork" at Echo Lake Lodge near Mt. Evans, Colorado for many years assisting Barb Day in giving customers a unique experience ( Colorado at it's best ) in an old fashioned setting. Many of our ideas are tested there thanks to the wonderful people from all over the world that visit the lodge and inspire us. If you happen to make it up there please say hello ! Here's a shot of the dining room at lodge where you may have been enjoying their famous homemade pie - or just trying to get used to the altitude ! ( 11, 000 feet ) click on pic to enlarge.
Doug and Denice really wanted to be close to their kids growing up and they found the cottage industry and Echo Lake lodge allowed that to happen.
They strongly believe in right and wrong and keeping things simple -
Here's a few links of lately you might relate to -
Doug's latest yard light - Been thinking about this for awhile - works okay but needs better prop.
Wind generator - This was a test model that sort of worked -
Wind sail generator - This was pretty to watch but blew apart !
Windmill yard - This is a beautiful sight just east of Colorado Springs near Meadowlake airport - a real windaholic paradise - these are just some of the windmills ! You can see actually see Pikes Peak in lower left corner.
The Lodge - Here's a great Colorado getaway !
Echo Lake Lodge - Here's a shot of old fashioned dining room - yep that's us !
Dining entertainment - These guys put on a constant show while you're enjoying old fashioned french fries!
Barbie - Here's a shot of Barb Carle Day the owner being happy -
Denice & girls - This is from dining room at lodge - Sarah left, Marci right, Denice middle
Doug's other job - It's hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way !
Bubba da Bear - This guy frequents the lodge - not really a project
Custom mailbox - Here's a cold shot of Doug's metal art
Stubby - This dog can catch anything in any weather ! That's not gray fur it's ice !
Sadie - Just a good dog !
We like kids - Had to take this teeter totter down from too many injuries
Go kart racing - This is a great stress reliever ! Kids love it too - much safer than teeter totter !
Unwelcome guest - Prairie rattler looking for a feast - don't worry this one got away !
Our Latest hobby - Pot bellied stoves, antique stoves - something about these guys we love.
