Western history

News from Pikes Peak Country

This past weekend, Pikes Peak Library District presented their 6th Annual History Symposium, Rush to the Rockies! The 1859 Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush. It was their usual interesting, informative, entertaining, and classy affair, attended by about 200 regional history enthusiasts. I attended this time as a guest instead of as a presenter. My friend, Gayle Gresham, was one of the presenters this year. Another friend from Women Writing the West, Cynthia Becker, sat with me in the audience. PPLD brings together the best researchers in the region to preserve and share their brand of history, which is then compiled for publication. My work was included in a compilation about General William Palmer, published in March. Next year, I hope my essay about Dr. Justina Ford will achieve the same honor with inclusion in the compilation about Doctors, Disease and Dying in the Pikes Peak Region.

Again this week, I drove the 60 miles south to my former home, Colorado Springs, to speak to the Pikes Peak Genealogical Society. I enjoyed visiting with members and felt an instant rapport due to our shared enthusiasm for genealogy. Last week, I presented a history talk to the Colorado Women Flyfishers. It was a great time in an unusual venue. I managed to find a couple of links between Women of the West and flyfishing. It was a fun stretch.

Next week, I will present Colorado History to the Highlands Ranch History Society. After that, I have a small break before a presentation in Boulder in July, and at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, also in July. In August, I will be at Parker Days, and at Boom Days in Leadville, and a presentation for the Longmont genies. Then off to UCLA in September for Women Writing the West. Phew! Busy times. Summer is a great time to get out and enjoy history.

Joyce Lohse, 6/11/09
For more information and presentation schedules
go to: www.lohseworks.com