In honor of June and my birthday month, I am giving away a new copy of the book "Cripple Creek: City of Influence" in a random drawing to one commenter on this post on Wednesday June 7, 2017.
( http://amzn.to/2rxdreg )
 |
| Open pit mine slag near Cripple Creek- photo (c) author |
For those who don't know, I live on the east side of Pikes Peak and a short drive up Ute Pass to the west side of that mountain and you are in Cripple Creek. My elevation 6,032 feet, Cripple Creek 9,494 feet. The day was sunny and the drive up relaxing. For me great think time for the above story.
However there were some interesting pieces of history not to mention people from the 1893 directory.
Mrs. Sarah F Harp, who resided west of Bennett Ave in what was known as the Freeman Placer, advertised herself as a clairvoyant. I did not find any mention of a husband.
Also in 1893, Hiram Wilson was the town marshal of Cripple Creek, with a spelling of marshall.
In the town of Anaconda, Dr. A.A. Smith was the mayor and they had a weekly newspaper called the Mining Standard. Its editor and business manager was W.A. Bray.
The ones that really tickled me were in Mound City. J.C. Outhouse had a store that provided groceries and provisions. And one of the saloons was called 'Uncle John's Sample Room'. The proprietor were Kelly, Narfelt and Richardson.
In Arequa, Caroline Lark ran the 'Miner's Home Boarding House'.
Cripple Creek proper had a restaurant called the 'Mush and Milk House' on Third between Bennett and Myers Avenue. While in Victor, Sarah Hayes ran the 'Free Coinage Restaurant'.
 |
Sign on the Old Homestead House museum the one remaining parlor house from Cripple Creek's heyday. Photo (c) author |
The greatest or most unique for me was the following:
The Woman's Gold Mining Company
(incorporated under the laws of the state of Colorado)
Officers and Directors
Mrs. A. Gremes,– Pres., Colorado Springs
Mrs. A. Reynolds -VP, Cripple Creek
Miss Mary E Gover – Treas.. Cripple Creek
Mrs. Lucy G Pierce – 36 Abon Street, Peabody Massachusetts
Mrs. Joan Hanford, 336 First St., San Bernardino, CA
Capital stock $800,000, divided into 800,000 shares
certificate, full paid and non-assessable $.10 per share
Upon the principle mind of the company known as "she", work completed up to the present time has been done upon the vein by sinking a shaft which is 7 1/2' x 3 1/2' in the clear and well timbered with a shaft house erected over it. The shaft is sunk in ore mineral bearing rock from the surface. The width of the vein is 5 1/2 feet in or, of a value averaging $14 and running as high as $75. Stock in this company can be purchased through the treasurer. Cripple Creek Colorado Miss Mary E Gover
There is so much more. I can't wait until I can dig up additional stories on the people I found, not only in this directory but the others also.
Doris Gardner-McCraw writing as Angela Raines
Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History
Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History
For a list of Angela Raines Books: Here
Photo and Poem: Click Here
Angela Raines FaceBook: Click Here
How fascinating. I would have loved being a gold miner. Hurrah for them
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
It was tough work, but the mines in the Cripple Creek/Victor area gave a lot of men jobs when the economy what struggling. The prospectors, now they were a different breed altogether.
DeleteThanks for stopping by. Doris
Cool information! I simply love Colorado. On our visit to Leadville, we visited the mining museum and were reminded of the damage caused by mining, much of it permanent. Enjoy your researching!
DeleteTanya, Colorado has so much history that I just love. When I think of the type of people it took to populate this state in the early days, I'm humbled. I think that's why I love the research so much. So many stories!
DeleteMining did do so much damage. Now, any mining company must put up a bond to cover the cost of reclaiming the land when they finish.
Thanks for stopping by, and I love Leadville also. Doris
It's wonderful that you have this source. I would love to spend a day there
DeleteThat sounds like a great adventure.
ReplyDeleteLinda, it was. I enjoy that area whenever I can get some time off and take a trip up the pass. And oh, the history! Just can't get enough.
DeleteThat sounds like a great adventure.
ReplyDeleteOnce again great facts to mull over! I will see about going there when we take vacation next year to go to Deadwood book signing. Thanks
ReplyDeleteOnce again great facts to mull over! I will see about going there when we take vacation next year to go to Deadwood book signing. Thanks
ReplyDeleteMargie, Make sure to stop at the museum. They also have a jail museum along with the casinos. And if time allows stop by Victor, just 7 miles away. A quaint almost ghost town with bullet holes from the Miner's Strikes in the late 1890's and early 1900's. Doris
DeleteI love research! I went to Pike's Peak several years ago. Got altitude sick and had to sit in the car while my husband traipsed around. The ranger wanted me to go back down before I got to the top. No Way!!!! I had waited 60 years to go there. I'm glad I went to the top at that time because I now have pulmonary hypertension and cannot tolerate the altitude. I live at 4000 ft. in the mountains of NC and sometimes that gets the best of me.
ReplyDeleteAlice, I'm glad you got to the top also. A lot of people get altitude sickness up there.
DeleteI am so sorry you have health issues. Take care and be safe. Thank you for stopping by and telling your 'mountain' story.
PS I've been up to the top of the mountain 8 times, but then I live here. *Smile* Doris
I'd like to read your book. My father-in-law, William J Bradbury, was born there. His mother was a nurse. His father died young. The 2 of them moved to Colorado Boys Home near Bailey, I think. I have never been there, even though I have lived in Grand Junction part of my life and in Denver for 45 years.Your photograph is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteCarol,
DeleteThe book was written for and published my the City of Cripple Creek in 1994. Although it is an older book, the photos and history are fascinating. I also think it's fascinating that your father in law was born there. I'll keep an eye out for anything I find on them when I go back up there.
Thank you for the kind words on my photographs. It is a hobby of mine. It helps relax me when I'm stressed. *LOL* Doris
This was a awesome read, can't wait to found out what eles you learn up there
ReplyDeleteThank you Tina. I love digging into history, and this region has such a rich vein. The people who created the story of the "World's Greatest Gold Camp" (their words) are so fascinating. I'll probably be sharing more as I do further research. Doris
DeleteHow interesting and how fun. I especially like the announcement about the women's mining company. Best wishes on your research.
ReplyDeleteThat find was the biggest most priceless nugget of the day. I read that in the back of the directory and almost shouted for joy, but didn't for I was in the museum offices. Still, it was a great day.
DeleteGlad you enjoyed it, Robyn. Doris
Okay, I have to say the Mush And Milk House sounds most unpleasant. Ick!
ReplyDeleteIsn't there a country group named Cripple Creek, or maybe the title of a song?
Happy Birthday, Doris!
The name wasn't on my favorite either, Sarah, not sure I'd eat there. It was located between the business and red light district.
DeleteThere is a song called 'Up on Cripple Creek', performed by "The Band". https://youtu.be/RDnlU6rPfwY
Thanks for the birthday wishes.It's at the end of the month, but I have always believed in long celebrations. *Grin* Doris
Doris,
ReplyDeleteThe aspect of the settling of the West that appeals to me the most is that it was "the land of opportunity" for all who had the determination of spirit to go after their dreams. That there was a Woman's Gold Mining Company reminds me, once again, that women could, and did, do well in the business world back then.
Kaye, by the late 1890's Mollie O'Brian had become the first woman in the United States to be a member of the Mining Exchange. It was in Cripple Creek. She is buried in Mt. Pisgah cemetery. Her story is a fascinating one, that is for sure. Even though I didn't see Woman's Gold Mining Company in subsequent directories, it may have changed names. That is one of the things I will be researching further on future trips. None the less, woman could and did do well in this district. Doris
DeleteMy apologies. My computer crashed. I will pick the winner tomorrow when I get on my computer at work.
ReplyDeleteAlice, you are my winner. Please contact me at angelarainesauthor @ gmail dot com with a mailing address. Also please note, this book was published in 1994. In addition you may also pick one of my PRP books from my author page as an added 'my birthday present' to you. doris
ReplyDelete