Mears, Otto, 1840-1931

Scope and Contents Copies of articles on Otto Mears include: one copy of "Otto Mears, Pathfinder of the San Juan" and two photocopies of the second page of the article by Courtney Randolph, one photocopy of Michael Kaplan's Colorado's Little Big Man", One copy of "Jewish Cowboys and Indians" by William Kramer published in the London Jewish Chronicle Magazine on September 28, 1979. A visitors guide brochure to the Colorado State Capitol and a photo copy of the first floor of the capitol is also included from...

Abstract (1) mounted Rocky Mountain Empire Magazine page, 1948; (1) sheet music ''The Ballad of Otto Mears'' (1) letter from Kankakee Federal Savings regarding ballad and (1) supplemental handout about ballad; (1) file folder with photocopies of ''Western States Jewish Historical Quarterly'', clippings from London Jewish Chronicle 1979, photocopy of "Colorado's Littler Big Man: The Early Career of Otto Mears, 1840-1881", and a copy of the Visitors Guide to Colorado's Capitol and a map of the first...

Abstract Otto Mears (1840-1931) was an entrepreneurial businessman who built railroads and was essential to the development of Southwestern Colorado. The son of an English father and Russian mother, he immigrated to the United States after being orphaned at an early age. After making it all the way to California he was placed in a boardinghouse at eleven years old when relatives could not be found to care for him. After serving in the Civil War he moved to Colorado where he began to build his empire....

Abstract

Otto Mears sterling silver souvenir spoon. The spoon was commemorative for the Silverton Railroad. The spoon features a two-sided bust of Otto Mears at its top. The bowl of the spoon has a scene of railroad tracks running through the mountains and trees with the words "Rainbow Route" at the top. Ornate railways lead from the upper-middle to lower-middle on the front and back of the spoon.

Abstract

Otto Mears, Rio Grande Southern Railroad - Silverton Railroad Pass, silver filligree pass, issued 1892. Pass No. 85, issued to George Ross-Lewin, Vice President of the First National Bank of Denver, as well as Vice-President of The Bi-Metallic Bank of Cripple Creek, Colorado. 1888 was the first year Otto Mears decided to issue a special railroad pass. The silver filigree pass was issued in 1892.

Scope and Contents

Folder contains a copy of the sheet music "The Ballad of Otto Mears: Pathfinder of the San Juan Mountains" by James G. Schneider, a supplement to the ballad and a letter from James Schneider to Belle Marcus that accompanied the ballad and supplement upon sending. The "Ballad" is a limited edition with a run of 900 copies; this is copy No. 585. The back cover of the sheet music gives some biographical information on Mears and explains the inspiration for the cover art.