Auraria Library

Abstract

Brad Bowles, professor of theater at the University of Colorado at Denver, discusses his work with senior citizens to collect biographical stories in order to create plays based on these stories. Reflects on a play he wrote with a student, "The Red Wheelbarrow," and how it led to the creation of what Bowles calls senior theater after a performance at a senior citizen community center. Reflects on his process which includes collecting stories and transforming them into performances.

Abstract

Mary Kirke Wilson reflects on her memories of Canyon City, Hugo, Hardin, and Denver, Colorado. Wilson recalls memories of her father's laundry business and general store, the fashions of the 1920s, music on the radio in the 1910s and 1920s. Wilson attended Colorado Women's College and reflects on her experience in college. Finally, Mary Kirke Wilson discusses her career as a school teacher.

Abstract Robert (Bob) Brown, a retired history teacher and author, discusses the ghost towns of Colorado and his research for his books. Brown reflects on his change from teaching at the University of Denver to teaching at public schools. Brown discusses the formation and dissolution of towns in the Rocky Mountains, usually based around mining, beginning around the 1850s. Brown discusses what criteria a town must meet to be called a ghost town, and mentions Mesa Verde, Georgetown, Leadville, Cripple...

Abstract Robert (Bob) Brown, retired teacher and author, discusses how Pike's Peak got its name. Explains what Colorado looked like before it became a territory or state and the formation of different towns and cities in Colorado. Brown discusses the how the Gold Rush, which brought people out West to Colorado, was precipitated by the "Panic of 1857," an economic depression. Discusses how people traveled out west, mostly by stagecoaches, by the Santa Fe Trail, the Oregon Trail, or the Smoky Hill...