Heritage Colorado

Charles Fish moved to Colorado in 1937 and worked in Blackhawk and Central City at the Bobtail tunnel on the Mammoth vein and at mines in Idaho Springs. Fish reflects on his career as a gold miner and recalls working conditions, pay, and the dangers of mining. Discusses his involvement in the Boy Scouts, his time serving in World War II, and his move to Colorado Springs.

Olietta Moore, born and raised in Colorado, reminisces on her childhood growing up in the Barnum neighborhood, opening of the Colfax Viaduct, and riding the Barnum streetcar. Discusses writing music, attending the University of Denver at the Lamont School of Music, and entertaining soldiers after World War I. Moore reflects on the creation of the Cosmopolitan Club, fighting against segregation, and the Klu Klux Klan in Denver. Briefly mentions her work as a hard rock miner.

Jasper Butero was born at the Sopris Mining town owned by CF&I. His father moved there in 1901 after living three years in Louisiana. Butero was one of five brothers and graduated high school in 1936. He went to junior college for two years while working in the coal mines in the summer.In total he worked in the coal mines from 1941-1960, even making up to $4,800.00 one year. Butero was married in 1939.