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
