Post by Doris McCraw
writing as Angela Raines
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| Photo Property of the Author |
June, the month of weddings, people getting together, socializing, and traveling. I began to wonder how that would have played out in the early days of the Rocky Mountain West. The one constant newspaper during that time was the Rocky Mountain News, so I went to see what they had to offer. Below are some of the 'articles' from June 4, 1861. Denver City was approximately two years old, and the area was still part of the Kansas Territory.
What I found fascinating in the marriage notice was how they 'gushed' about the groom and his accomplishments, with little said about the bride, other than her name. I do give them credit for waxing poetic with the quote. What do you think?
Denver City - June 4, 1861
Courtesy of The Rocky Mountain News (Daily)
Now we come to travel. Since this was a time of Westward Expansion, the paper is quick to note that while families were traveling to begin anew, their 'rival' paper was sending false reports about the troubles with the Indians. The Indian reports may or may not have been true, but the powers that be were aiming for Denver and surrounding areas to break off from Kansas Territory and have their own government closer to home.
Of course, we have to talk about getting together and socializing. As the snows were melting, some miners were planning to return to their claims. Others may have come out of the mountains and their claims, to restock their supplies. What better way than to take in a show. Entertainment was not only a great way to socialize it helped cut into the boredom and sameness of just trying to survive. Below is a 'review' of a recent show. Oh, to be a fly on the wall during the performance.
As you prepare for your summer, think about what you might have been doing on June 4, 1861. For me, I know I would have been part of the theatre group.
Until next month, take care, enjoy the summer, and happy writing.
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Doris McCraw
Fascinating articles. You are so right about them waxing lyrical about the groom, but I don't suppose they thought women achieved anything much. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteI was enthralled as I read them. As someone who digs into women's history, these old articles drive me crazy.(Sigh). Glad you enjoyed them. Doris
DeleteThanks for the fascinating and fun post. Old newspapers are such a valuable source of not only the news of the time, but also of the perspective that influenced their readers. Have a great summer.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Ann.If I'm ever stuck, or just want something interesting to read, I head to the old newspapers. I find them enlightening. Doris
DeleteDoris, I'm sure they thought the women were just "lucky" to land a catch and have a soft place to land to live their lives (and have kids, etc.) so why should they be gushed over? After all, it was the man who was the catch, not the woman! LOL This is really interesting.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, you may be correct. Even with the paucity of women, it seemed that men thought they were the catch.LOL. If they only knew. (GRIN). I had fun putting this post together. Doris
DeleteI suppose in those days men were meant to be protectors and providers so they needed to toot their own horns? The idea of womenfolk being seen but not heard is sadly a very old one.
ReplyDeleteFascinating as ever, Doris.
I believe that's what they wanted to think, so they wrote it that way, but my instincts are that women didn't really buy into it that much, they just didn't have a universal forum.
DeleteI'm glad you liked the post. I do love digging up these pieces of history and try to put them in perspective. Doris