Delve Denver Podcast

In today's episode, Jeff explores the life and career of Ralph Carr - Colorado's 29th Governor. He stood up for the rights of Japanese-Americans at the height of World War II and paid a political price. Listen in to find out more about this Denver Peacemaker.

If the name Emily Griffith rings a bell, it's probably because you've driven by a building with her name on it in Denver. Griffith was a Denver peacemaker who contributed to our city's flourishing because she acted on her core belief that anyone should have access to education. Listen in on this episode of the Delve Denver Podcast as Jeff explores the life of Emily Griffith.

In this episode, we explore the life and career of Judge Ben Lindsey. He was a innovator in the juvenile justice system and along the way made some fierce enemies within the Ku Klux Klan. Listen in as Jeff tells the story of this amazing peacemaker.

Have you ever been driving into Denver from the mountains and noticed the large white, marble statue to the North of I-70, just after passing Evergreen? That statue of Jesus stands on the grounds of the Mother Cabrini Shrine. Mother Cabrini is a venerated saint in the Catholic Church who spent time here in Denver. Listen to her story today on the Delve Denver Podcast.

On today’s episode, we explore the curious character Francis Schlatter. Schlatter was born in the village of Ebersheim, Bas-Rhin, near Sélestat, in Alsace on April 29, 1856. In 1884 he emigrated to the United States, where he worked at his trade in various cities, arriving in Denver, Colorado, in 1892. There, a few months later, he experienced a vision at his cobbler's bench in which he heard the voice of the Father commanding him to sell his business, give the money to the poor, and devote his life to healing the sick. He then undertook a two-year, 3,000-mile walking pilgrimage around the American West which took him across eastern Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma, and then to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he was arrested and jailed for vagrancy. In early 1894 he escaped and headed west, walking across Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona and into southern California, where he began his first efforts at healing with the Indians of the San Jacinto Valley. After two months, he again took up his pilgrimage and traveled east across the Mohave Desert, living on nothing but flour and water. In July 1895 he emerged as a Christlike healer in the Rio Grande villages south of Albuquerque. There, while treating hundreds of sick, suffering, and disabled people who flocked to Albuquerque's Old Town, he became famous. Crowds gathered about him daily, hoping to be cured of their diseases simply by clasping his hands. The following month he returned to Denver, but did not resume his healings until mid-September. During the next few weeks, his ministry drew tens of thousands of pilgrims to a small home in North Denver. Schlatter is said to have refused all rewards for his services. His manner of living was of the simplest, and he taught no new doctrine. He said only that he obeyed a power which he called Father, and from this power he received his healing virtue.

In this episode of the Delve Denver Podcast, Jeff introduces us to 2 faith leaders who emerged as great voices for the marginalized in Denver during one of Denver's busts. Thomas Uzzell (the Fighting Parson) and Myron Reed both led influential congregations and had a heart for those on the margins. This is Part 1 of a two part episode on faith leaders from this time. Our next episode will focus on a third intriguing faith leader who was in Denver for a short period.

Clara Brown was a freed slave who lived in Central City and Denver. She had an entrepreneurial spirit and used her resources to help others, particularly other African Americans who we relocating to the area. Her life was lived in service of others and, although she accumulated much over her lifetime, she died poor because she had given so much away. 

Jim Goodheart is a very interesting character from Denver history. Like so many others, he came to our city to re-invent himself. He struggled with his own demons, but over the course of his life helped too many others to be counted. His work at the Sunshine Mission (a predecessor to the Denver Rescue Mission), changed our city for the better. He was a Denver peacemaker through and through.

In this episode, Jeff explores the life of Silas Soule. This fascinating figure in Colorado history was a fervent abolitionist and friend of John Brown. He was a leader in the Colorado Volunteers and was present at the Sand Creek Massacre, although he prevented his troops from partaking in the violence of that day. He later testified against John Chivington and lost his life on the streets of Denver, presumably in revenge for that testimony.

In this episode, Jeff tells the story of Chief Left Hand, also known as Niwot. Chief Left Hand worked hard to live peaceably with the white settlers who came West even amidst personal tragedy, but sadly died as a result of the Sand Creek Massacre.