Gold mines and mining

Abstract

Arline Moehrke reflects on her life in Rocky Ford and Cripple Creek and growing up on a farm. Father was known as a machine man in the gold mines, using a jackhammer to drill holes for dynamite to blast. Moehrke discussed the impact of World War I on mining towns. Moehrke discusses the Cripple Creek fire department, mining history of the town, the flu epidemic of 1918, and the Tramway strike in Denver in 1920.

Abstract

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.

Abstract

Charlie H. Johnson, historian and author, describes the history of the Central City Opera House. Built in 1878, the Central City Opera House was funded by the community and provided a place for entertainment for miners, pioneers, homesteading families, businessmen, and citizens of Central City. Johnson relays the history of the building and the key people involved with the origination, restoration, and preservation of the opera house.

Abstract Jeanne Williams, author of historical novels, reflects on her childhood growing up in Kansas and Oklahoma. Williams discusses her books, "Valiant Woman," "Harvest of Fury," and many others which are based on the history of the West. Promoting her newest novel "Valiant Woman," Williams discusses westward expansion after the Mexican American War and Civil War and the industries present including mining, trapping, trade, farming, and more. Discusses her research for her novels, particularly the...

Abstract Lewis J. Carter, a former judge in Central City, reflects on his life in Central City and Blackhawk and the history of the area. Discusses the start of Central City as a mining camp, the large immigrant population, and working in the mines. Reflects on his first political position on the City Council and his political career from there including his time in the state legislature and then as a judge in Central City. Discusses the impact of World War I on the mining industry and Central City's...

Abstract The Grimes family came to the United States from Russia Poland in the 1880s and settled in Denver and in Salt Lake City. The Pizer family were early settlers in Nebraska, where Jacob Pizer was a successful merchant. Annette Frances Pizer was born in Hastings, Nebraska. After she married Julian Lewis, she kept a scrapbook with wedding and anniversary cards. Sam Grimes worked in both Utah and Colorado before starting a junkyard in Denver. His son Max Grimes joined him in the junkyard business,...

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...