Blog

A Cautionary Tale ~ Part 1

Apr 22, 2020

As the coronavirus pandemic continues in its unrelenting strangle-hold on people’s lives, from the confines and comforts of home, I recalled a program I researched and presented years ago about the Spanish influenza epidemic in Greeley and Weld County.

Homeward Bound – Lyrical Lessons in Keeping Distance, Keeping Faith and Stayin’ Alive

Apr 15, 2020

The spread of the novel coronavirus has created a global crisis that requires courage, creativity, and compassion. Greeley’s 21st century citizens are “pandemic pioneers” as everyone adapts to restrictions, survives hardships, and like Nathan Meeker 150 years ago, patronize home.

Social Distancing Brings Memories of ‘Pest House’

Apr 1, 2020

As we find our way through this global pandemic, it is a good time to reflect on medical care in Greeley’s history.

Hibbs Clothing Store: An Early Successful Business

Mar 1, 2020

Harry Hibbs arrived in Greeley with a dream to own the finest and largest men’s apparel store in Northern Colorado.

Buckskin Bill’s Imaginary Love Affair with Rattlesnake Kate

Feb 1, 2020

One might feel like they are intruding while reading the personal correspondence between Colonel Charles D. Randolph, who called himself “Buckskin Bill” the “Poet of the Plains”, and Kate Slaughterback, a.k.a. Rattlesnake Kate. The reality is that the poems are a reflection of the story-spinning abilities of this “Poet of the Plains.”

Traditions of New Year’s Past

Jan 1, 2020

New Year’s gifts were popular during the 1870-90 era in Greeley, and some were elaborate or unusual.

Things I Learned while Looking Up Something Else

Dec 2, 2019

Historian Carol Rein Shwayder began researching her family genealogy in the 1970s. She was “dismayed, and shocked” to find there was no book written for Weld County history. In 1983, Shwayder self-published Weld County Old & New: History of Weld County, Colorado, Vol. I, Chronology 1836-1983. It is described by the author as “A chronological compendium of interesting, useful, and hard-to-find facts and information about the history and development of Weld County, Colorado. Herein follows a sampling of excerpted entries.

Out of the Cold

Nov 1, 2019

Keeping warm was a priority in the winter months of Greeley’s early days. During the 1870s, The Greeley Tribune reported many incidents of people who had frozen their feet and hands while working on the plains in severe weather conditions.

Fort Jackson and the Fur Trade

Oct 1, 2019

Fort Jackson was established in 1837 on the South Platte River. It was well-stocked with trade goods and quickly shut down the local small operations in the region.

Oasis on the Plains: Mapping Through Weld County’s Water Rights

Sep 18, 2019

Cartography, or mapmaking, has been an important part of human history, even since ancient civilizations. Whether you use them to explain and navigate the world, or to make decisions about where to go, maps are critical tools that have endless capabilities.