A Victorian Funeral

  Folks might think it a little strange that I would voluntarily spend a springtime Saturday enjoying a funeral. We drove down to Colorado Springs to watch a Victorian funeral procession, escorted across town by police cars, as it entered Evergreen Cemetery. A hearse and carriages were hitched to draft horses, with antique cars at the end of the parade. Local history experts portrayed General William Palmer’s family and friends 100 years after the fact.…

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Celebrating General Palmer

Pikes Peak Library District has published a new book, entitled “Legends, Labors, and Loves: William J. Palmer, 1836-1909”. This book is a compilation of essays from several authors about various aspects of Palmer’s life, including my chapter about young Palmer’s travels abroad. This is a wonderful resource for anybody with an interest in the fascinating life of this important Colorado railroad pioneer. I’ve been devouring it, considering my special interest in the subject with a…

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Spring Forward in Colorado

As we spring forward deep into March, daylight savings time looms. In spite of this change, with its annoying psychological adjustments, spring brings hope and optimism, and a full history calendar. The highlight of this spring has been the arrival of a small but mighty little baby named Cutler. All difficulties dim and recede with the arrival of a grandchild. A birth of a different sort will take place next month with the publication of…

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