Late winter is a great time to touch history in Colorado. I recently rode up to the mining community of Fairplay with my research pal, Christie. It was a little cold and windy that day, but the sun was out, and so were we. The road took us up Buckskin Gulch, to the Alma Cemetery, for some righteous walking and tromping through the snow, and a good photo shoot.
This cemetery is special for its rich mining history and sense of individualism expressed through the various monuments, many homemade, among trees on a rugged, rocky mountainside. My article, “The Place Where Silverheels Danced” in last summer’s issue of “Women Out West” magazine tells the story of a local legend, a dance hall girl named Silverheels, who helped members of the community endure a smallpox epidemic. Her spirit lingers in the cemetery where she greets us with the jingle of nearby wind chimes. The air is crisp and fresh, a blast of vibrant life in the final resting place of pioneers.
Coming soon: On April 21, I will do a presentation about “Researching Cemeteries” at the Columbine Genealogical and Historical Society meeting at 1 p.m. in Centennial.
Joyce B. Lohse – 2/25/09
www.lohseworks.com