Special offer

Plains Conservation site a tribute to Colorado homesteaders

By
Real Estate Agent with The Berkshire Group

On friday, I participated in a DAR field trip to the Plains Conservation site in Aurora. Colorado history has always fascinated me, especially since my husband's family homesteaded here back in the mid 1800's. As a former member of "The Shady Ladies of Central City" I have spent many hours studying the roles of women in the settling of the West...from soiled doves to wives of military men...all trying to survive in a harsh environment. So visiting this preserved rendition of an old homestead had special meaning to me.

Touring the small home built of sod and mud, to sitting on the stiff, wooden bench in the one room school house, I could imagine the hardships our families endured as they set down roots in Colorado.  Even as the suburban developments creep towards this beautiful park, you can look towards the horizon and transport yourself back in time.

All photos are copyrighted by Emelyn Morris-Sayre, 2009.

Mary Douglas
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO
REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Hi Emelyn, it's amazing to think how they survived!  Very nice photos...now what is a Shady Lady of Central City ? You probably should clarify that! LOL!

Oct 25, 2009 03:36 PM
Emelyn Morris-Sayre
The Berkshire Group - Lakewood, CO
CRS, REALTOR, Lakewood/Denver 303-517-5116

Hi Mary - the Shady Ladies of Central City is a volunteer group founded by Joan Hemm to educate and promote the history of the mining town of Central City. The Shady Ladies (soiled doves, prostitutes, and many other names) were an integral part of the community. The miners left their wives and families to come to the mountains to find their fortune. These ladies were nurses, cooks, laundresses....every role imaginable. During the epidemic, these women saved many lives.

The group also expanded its presentations to include Women of the West including Nellie Bly, Martha Maxwell and others.  It was great fun being a part of the group, but I went inactive a few years back as my role in CRS demanded more time and energy.

 

Oct 26, 2009 05:51 AM
Debi Boucher
Real Estate Showcase Photography - Woodland Park, CO
"Realtor Showcase" - Real Estate Photography/Virtual Tours

Hi Emelyn - This is a terrific example of a Photo Blog! I too am very interested in local history, all history for that matter - but I especially love knowing all about where I live, and who was here before me. Your photos are terrific! I love the school room.

Debi

Oct 26, 2009 08:47 AM
Mary Douglas
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO
REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Thank you for the explanation, Emelyn.  It is through organizations like the Shady Ladies, and up here the Red Feather Lakes Historical Society and the Livermore Historical Society that we learn about those wonderful pioneers who settled here!

Oct 26, 2009 01:44 PM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

Hi Emelyn,

I wrote you a very long comment yesterday and somhow it just disappeared before it even posted. Sorry about that. This post is a good example of a photo blog and the discription makes it a welcome part of our new group. Though I haven't officially launched the group I am delighted to welcome you.

The guidlines will be  finished soon and our group will even have its own new logo. Be sure when tha appears, you take a look. Once I registered the name of the group, it went live so there was little I could about the fact that the current guidelines were simply a draft. No worries though. Welcome!

 

Looking forward to seeing many posts of your good works.

Oct 27, 2009 05:23 AM
Emelyn Morris-Sayre
The Berkshire Group - Lakewood, CO
CRS, REALTOR, Lakewood/Denver 303-517-5116

Hi Debi - sorry I have been rather quiet for some time and haven't posted as many photos as I am used to doing. But I always have my camera with me.  Thanks for your comments...coming from you if especially meaningful.  We really do need to get together sometime...we have so very much in common.  With the snow, stay warm!

Oct 27, 2009 11:09 AM
Emelyn Morris-Sayre
The Berkshire Group - Lakewood, CO
CRS, REALTOR, Lakewood/Denver 303-517-5116

William - thank you so much for your warm welcome and I look forward to being a part of your group. I'll watch for your guidelines and am excited that I am one of the first to join.  Thank you and your comments are always welcome.

Oct 27, 2009 11:11 AM
Mike Hendren
Mike Hendren Photography - Cloudcroft, NM

Very interesting shots, Emelyn!  That first one has an unusual perspecitve - those rafters almost look like teeth at first glance!

Mike

Oct 29, 2009 07:30 AM