LOVE HISTORY?

 Post by Doris McCraw

writing as Angela Raines

Photo property of the author

This year is the sesquicentennial for the city of Colorado Springs. There are numerous events and goings-on, but if you don't live here being a part of or learning that history would normally be out of the question. To the rescue, Zoom, Internet, and Mobile Apps.

During this past year, I have taken part in numerous history zoom lectures and looked at links provided by various museums and other organizations. In this post, I will be sharing some of them with you.

On the subject of women's suffrage: https://youtu.be/v-ZYylkvrJY

Bloomer Girl Costume: https://youtu.be/7VH76T3VtKg

The one I found fascinating- When the Civil War Came West: https://youtu.be/8T-z9PuBgHc

COS@150: https://www.cspm.org/exhibits/cos150/

History on the go: https://www.cspm.org/articles/a-new-way-to-explore-history-on-the-go/

Photo property of the author

If you are like me, adding the historic details helps me bring my story and characters to life. In the novel "The Outlaw's Letter" I used events and knowledge of the land to help me tell the story of Hetty and Grant. Below is a short excerpt:

Pulling up about a hundred yards away from the prison wall, Hetty climbed down from the wagon, walking slowly forward. She took in the wall, built by the inmates she had been told, the three-story stone building where the prisoners were housed. There were men in the yard, their striped clothing marking them as criminals, along with armed guards watching them.

How did Grant survive? Hetty thought. To be confined, having to live by someone else’s schedule. All these thoughts tumbled through Hetty's mind. She wasn't sure she’d ever understand. At the same time, she was thankful Grant had kept that concern for others. Where would she be now if he’d become hardened, jaded with the world, from having spent time behind these walls? What of Maude's husband? How would his time here change him?

Turning away, Hetty returned to the wagon where Maude and Clover waited.

"Thank you," Hetty began, "I know —"

"Don't ya let it bother ya," Maude interrupted. "My husband only a few more months. Moved here ta be close jest in case —" Maude pause, then smiled. "In the meantime I’ ve my memories."

Hetty watched Maude as her eyes became unfocused, a smile on her face. Would she ever have that kind of joy with Grant? For that matter would she ever see him again?

"Maude," Hetty whispered, "I hope you can make even better memories soon."

"If’n you an’ Grant ‘ave half as much feelin’ fer each other as we did, ya'll be mighty lucky."

Hetty couldn't let herself believe that, but given a chance, she would love to try. Instead of words, Hetty grinned. Then realizing how much time had passed she said, “I think we'd better head to the station. As much as I'd love to remain here, I've got things to get done."

Amazon

Doris Gardner-McCraw -

Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History

Angela Raines - author: Telling Stories Where Love & History Meet

Books: Angela Raines Books

Post (c) Doris McCraw 2021

Legacy - Giving - Part 2

 Post by Doris McCraw writing as Angela Raines

Photo property of the author

As this year 2020 winds to an end my mind reflects on endings. The long-running show 'Supernatural' came to an end in November. Now you may ask what a television show has to do with endings, with legacies. There was a line in one of the early shows in which the writer, Chuck, says "No doubt endings are hard, but then again, nothing ever really ends." after which the character disappears from the screen.

The end of that line "...nothing ever really ends." is what brought the thought of legacies to the forefront.

For the earlier post in this series: 

Legacy - the beginning

Legacy - Giving

Perhaps you wonder how the legacy of giving never ends if the person who does the giving passes on? It is a valid thought, but I would suggest that the act itself, the observation of those around the giver allow the story to live on. In part 2 I look at another 'giver's' legacy.

William Jackson Palmer
en.wikipedia.org

Most have heard of William Jackson Palmer, the founder of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. If you would like to know more the following books and links can add to your knowledge. "Legends, Labors & Loves", "General William Palmer- Railroad Pioneer" Brief Overview Article

The Palmer giving is a much smaller act than helping to create a city, give land to parks and churches, etc. The act I want to speak about bringing students from early school age to those in college to his large home. He provided transportation and entertainment. He also bought gifts for the children of the town of Christmas and held a celebration in his home. 

Glen Eyrie- Home of Wm. Jackson Palmer
en.wikipedia.org

Palmer was a man who'd spent his life building for the future. By sharing his good fortune with those around him he left a legacy of giving that is a role model for any who believe their gifts should be shared.

In my novella, "Home for his Heart" Fred is the Palmer for the small town of Agate Gulch. Below is a short excerpt: Clara has been humming to herself as she cooks the meal she serves the people of Agate Gulch each year for their continued support. Her friend Sally walks in ...

     Sensing someone behind her, as she turned her friend Sally was standing in the door.

     “You know you should sing in the church choir,” said Sally.

     “Oh I couldn't sing in public. The idea of all those people looking at me and judging, I

couldn't stand it,” replied Clara with a shudder.

     Sally's millinery shop was next to the restaurant. They both lived in homes behind their

businesses. During the past winter, she and Sally developed a strong friendship. Still, how

could Sally, who was petite and pretty, understand Clara's fear of being laughed at. Music was

her special place and any criticism would destroy that. Something most people didn't understand.

     “Clara, they would love you. Just as they love your cooking and your kind heart.”

     “I feel pretty lucky. To have so many customers who are friends, and of course you.”

     “Thank you for including me in that list,” replied Sally with a smirk.

     “You know what I mean. This meal is just my way of saying thank you for all the

kindnesses everyone has shown since I arrived, especially Fred.”

     Fred Mills, after eating her cooking in Pueblo, had talked Clara into starting a

restaurant in Agate Gulch. He loaned her the money to get started, and she finished paying him

back last month. It was something she was pleased and proud of.

Amazon

Doris Gardner-McCraw -

Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History

Angela Raines - author: Telling Stories Where Love & History Meet

Books: Angela Raines Books

A D CHAMBERLAIN - WOMAN DENTIST

Kristin Holt's recent post on her new book, "Isabella's Calico Groom" brought back such great memories of my research on Colorado's woman doctors. In that research, I also located a woman dentist who had graduated dental school. I decided use this post to let you know about her. Of course, you must read Kristin's post, Kristin's Post: Click Here to understand why I loved what she wrote and why it inspired me. Perhaps Anna's story will remind you how important dreams are.

Anna D (Shaw) Chamberlain and her husband Frank C. Chamberlain, according to the city directory, had dental offices in Colorado Springs in 1896. They lived at 1451 N Nevada Ave with offices in one of the bank building in the center part of town. Frank, in addition to being a dentist, also could add M.D. to his name.

Anna was born in 1866 to John and Helen B. Shaw in Harlan, Page County, Iowa. Her father was from Ireland and her mother from Ohio. She married Frank in 1887 and lived in Colorado from that time. The couple had three children by 1900. 

View of Colorado Springs in 1885 

She deserves admiration, not only for being a professional woman, but raising three children while doing so. She and her husband were associated with dentistry from at least 1888, having an office in the Pikes Peak region from that date. She was also the first woman to graduate from the University in Denver with a degree in dentistry. 

By 1911, the couple had moved to 2016 N Cascade Ave., still in Colorado Springs. They celebrated their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary at this address. It was interesting, despite her credentials as a dentist, the paper listed the event as Dr. F.C. and Mrs. Chamberlain. 

In addition to all her other duties, Anna was also active in the church and the Women's Christian Temperance Union. In the late 1890s was the president of the local chapter of the WCTU. Anna and her husband, with Wm. H Dewey and Oscar J. Fullerton created the Fullerton Consumption Cure Company. The initial investment for the company was $30,000.

As an interesting side note, Frank's brother Fred, who was also a dentist in the Cripple Creek mining district, married a woman by the name of Anna also. The difference, Fred's wife had the middle initial B.

Anna's headstone in Evergreen Cemetery (photo by Ron West)

Anna died in 1914 at the age of forty-eight. According to the death records the cause of death was pernicious anemia. After her death her husband Frank moved to California and remarried. Records show his second wife had worked in his office there. Upon his death, this second wife returned his body to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he was buried next to Anna in Evergreen Cemetery.

In the book "Josie's Dream", part of the Grandma's Wedding Quilt series, Josie has the dream of being a doctor in a small town in Colorado. She pursues this dream and get more than she expected.

Since corresponding with Dr. Harriett Leonard, a past student of her medical school and dear friend, despite the difference in age, Josie had been dreaming of coming to Colorado. Dr. Leonard had offered to let her work at the Spa in Manitou Springs where Harriett was the proprietor, but Josie wanted to create a practice in a smaller town, where people really needed her.

Now here she was in Kiowa Wells, on the eastern plains of Colorado just a few miles from the railhead at Kit Carson. Her biggest obstacle now was finding a place to set up her medical practice.

Despite his reservations, her father gave her a medical bag, equipped with the basics. “Something to remind you of this commitment, your Hippocratic oath,” were his parting words.

Her parents, though still in Iowa, were in her heart. Still, she knew it had been time to leave. While others of her friends were getting married, she had gone to medical school, her path clear to her.

“Can I help you?” The voice behind her asked, a hand reaching around to grab her bags.

Turning to face the speaker, Josie took in the disheveled appearance, the look of cunning in the eyes.

“I can manage, thank you,” Josie replied, taking a firmer hold on her belongings.

“Now, there is no need to be rude. I was just tryin’ to be helpful,” the man said as he tugged at her bag.

Stiffening, Josie sternly repeated, “I can manage.”

With a hard yank, the man managed to pull her doctor bag loose and without a thought, Josie swung her large bag at the man, striking him on the legs as he turned to run off. Instead, he found himself flat on the ground.

Calmly, Josie bent, retrieved her property, and knowing he was just stunned, started down the street. She had only gone a few steps when she heard a bellow behind her.

“Let me get to the point quickly,” she said as she turned to her tormentor, who stopped so quickly he almost fell. “I have nothing of value you could use. So, unless you are in need of medical care, I suggest you stop while you are ahead.” Now, standing close, she could smell the liquor on him. Her eye took in his inability to stand upright without swaying. But to be fair, his fall might have had something do to with that.

“Doctorin’?” he questioned, “you’re lying.”

The two of them were drawing a crowd. Not the best way to start, Josie thought, but not a bad one either.

“Yes, as you say doctorin’, I am a Doctor.”

Purchase a Copy Here

Doris Gardner-McCraw -

Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History

Member of National League of American Pen Women,

Women Writing the West,

Pikes Peak Posse of the Westerners

Angela Raines - author: Where Love & History Meet

For a list of Angela Raines Books: Here 

Photo and Poem: Click Here 

Angela Raines FaceBook: Click Here

A First and A First

Post (c) Angel Raines/Doris McCraw

Headstone of Julia E Lomis,
Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs, CO

On February 24, 1870, six women graduated from the Cleveland Woman’s Homeopathic College in Cleveland, Ohio. One of the early if not the first class to graduate from this institution. These six went through the program to earn their M.D., to follow their dream to help alleviate the suffering of their fellow man. Below are the names of the graduating class and where they were living at the time of admission.

Ursla L Higgins- Elyria

Elizabeth Avery, Connecticut

Louisa M Butts, Michigan

Ada L Adams, Springfield, Ohio

Julia E Loomis, Tennessee

S. Elizabeth Morrell, Kent, Ohio

The same notice also stated the there were one hundred thirty-five cases that were successfully treated during the session. The Valedictorian of this group of women was Mrs. Dr. Higgins.

Julia E Loomis is of particular interest to me. She is the first documented female M.D. in Colorado Springs, having arrived between 1876? and 1878.  Below is her address to her fellow students.

My friends: I asked your kind indulgence while I occupy a few moments of your time. I should regret to leave this place without saying a few words to this class of ladies with whom I have been so long and so pleasantly associated.

My dear friends, we came to this college strangers to each other. We left our widely scattered homes, surmounting all opposing obstacles, with a single purpose in view, our minds all centered on this one great object, that object to prepare ourselves by study for the alleviation of suffering and the elevation of woman. And as we have mingled together with in these walls day after day and month after month, studiously following the same pursuit. Time has endeared you to my heart, and as the period is drawing nigh for separation, and we shall perhaps, no more see each other’s faces until we meet in the better world, my heart is filled with mingled emotions, while I am filled with joy and the greatest delight at the prospect of so soon meeting the dear loved ones at home. A sadness comes over me – a parting sadness.

And to these were the professors I wish to say, that why you have so nobly and faithfully discharge your duty in giving instruction to this class, I think I express the feelings of each individual when I say we highly appreciate your kind instructions, and the very able manner in which they were given. And now, speaking only for myself, I can say that while I sat on the seats before you from day to day a silent listener, I can assure you, your instructions have not been in vain even to this unworthy student. No, your words have been treasured up in the storehouse of memory for future use. Long having had a desire to acquire a knowledge of the practice of medicine, and the door being opened, I entered this college nearly ignorant of all leading branches connected with the science, in one sense like a child, yet with more than a child’s desire to learn. But now as I go out from among you, may I not hope to go prepared to some extent, at least to relieve the suffering of my own sex, and also to bear the responsibility pertaining to our position. Reference having been made to the trifling value of a diploma allow me to think otherwise. As I go out into this new field of action, I can take this roll in my hand, as I come in contact with opposition can use it as a shield of defense. It may therefore be considered as a token of great value to everyone who shall fill this useful and honorable profession.

Although the President of this college has been called by a wise Providence to rest from her toils, allow me to say to the trustees and coworkers that your labors have been productive of great good. You are doing a noble work, and we hope and trust you will not cease your efforts until you see this college resting upon a firm foundation, against which the storms of adversity may beat in vain. As it is now in its infancy and laboring under pecuniary embarrassments, may the future witness its great prosperity. God grant its success in raising up friends and means in abundance to elevated to the high standard that a woman’s college is worthy to attain.
To my sister students, to the trustees who have labored so unselfishly, into this faculty who have so efficiently performed their duty, permit me to bid each and all of you a grateful and affectionate farewell.

Julia's story is even more impressive when you realize she was born in 1816. When she graduated from medical school she was fifty-four years of age. An amazing woman, whose story I am in the process of telling. 

Doris Gardner-McCraw writing as Angela Raines
Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in Colorado and Women's History

For a list of Angela Raines Books: Here 

Photo and Poem: Click Here 

Angela Raines FaceBook: Click Here