Post (C) Doris McCraw
aka Angela Raines
 |
| Image (C) Doris McCraw |
“The minor events of history are valuable, although not always showy and picturesque.” Mark Twain
I find this quote by Mark Twain particularly applicable. It is the little things that add up to a rather amazing whole.
Dr. Susan Anderson
If Dr. Susan Anderson’s father had not moved to Cripple Creek in the 1890s, she would not have returned there after medical school. When establishing a practice in that town did not work out, she eventually went to Fraser, where she met the woman who would later write her story, Doc Susie.
Winfield Scott Stratton
Winfield Scott Stratton, Cripple Creek’s first millionaire, rose from the ranks of prospectors. Through his influence and financial support, many miners and mine owners owed their livelihoods to him. The labor strike of 1893–94 ended with miners securing an eight-hour workday and $3.00 per day pay. After he died in 1902, the miners’ union lost the 1903–04 strike. Were the two events connected? Again, Twain’s idea of “minor events” holds weight.
My Father
In 1930, my father was born at home, three months premature. He weighed 2 pounds, 9 ounces. To keep him warm and alive, they placed him in a shoebox on the oven door. They also gave him a shot of whiskey every hour. Those actions likely saved his life. Something as minor as a shoebox, a bottle of whiskey, and a warm oven made all the difference.
Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell
When Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman in the United States to graduate from medical school, was accepted into Geneva College in New York, it was considered a joke. She chose not to see it that way and graduated in 1849.
The next time you look at history, whether personal or national, consider the minor events. See where their story leads you. You might be surprised.
Until next time,
Stay safe and keep reading and writing.
Doris
No comments:
Post a Comment