The Ordinary, Extraordinary Cemetery

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In this episode Jennie and Dianne continue their exploration of Colorado cemeteries that will be visited by members of the Association for Gravestone Studies during their week-long conference in Denver, Colorado. First they take members to the tranquil grounds of Evergreen and Fairview Cemeteries in Colorado Springs. Nestled beneath the majestic beauty of Pike's Peak, these hallowed grounds showcase the difference between the wealthy and the working class of Colorado Springs and its surrounding communities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From Colorado springs, they venture back through Denver to head west into the mountains where Colorado's Gold Rush truly began in the communities of Central City and Black Hawk and to visit the many cemeteries in Gilpin county. These cemeteries are full of the love and loyalty of family and tradition even if those buried in them had little material wealth in life, families still found ways to memorialize their loved ones in stone. 

For more information on the Association for Gravestone Studies visit their website at: https://www.gravestonestudies.org/

Resources used to research this episode include:

"Evergreen and Fairview Cemeteries ." https://coloradosprings.gov. coloradosprings.gov/cemeteries. Accessed 11 June 2023.

Binkowski, Karah. "Who Was Charles Aiken?." https://www.aikenaudubon.com. 22 Oct. 2022. www.aikenaudubon.com/about-aiken-audubon-2/who-was-charles-aiken/. Accessed 11 June 2023.

Britton, Tanja. "Charles Aiken." https://www.cspm.org. www.cspm.org/cos-150-story/charles-aiken/. Accessed 11 June 2023.

Mayfield , Dennis. No Wealth for Levinia. Dennis Mayfield , 2013, pp. 1-250.

Leslie, Darlene, et al. Central City: The Richest Square Mile on Earth, edited by William MacKenzie. TB Publishing , 1990, pp. 3-80.

MacKell Collins, Jan. "Laura Bell McDaniel: Queen of the Colorado City Tenderloin ." https://janmackellcollins.wordpress.com. 22 June 2018. janmackellcollins.wordpress.com/2018/06/06/laura-bell-mcdaniel-queen-of-the-colorado-city-tenderloin/. Accessed 11 June 2023.

Schrock, Jaclyn. "The Bald Mountain Cemetery Crawl." https://wrcnews.net. 24 Aug. 2021. wrcnews.net/the-bald-mountain-cemetery-crawl/education/postmaster/209844/. Accessed 11 June 2023.

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This week Jennie and Dianne prepare to welcome members of the Association for Gravestone Studies to colorful Colorado for the annual AGS summer conference. This will be the first time the conference has been hosted in the state of Colorado. The conference will take place June 20-25th, 2023 and members from all over the United States and around the globe will be attending. The conference will focus on all things cemetery related and of course, participants will have the opportunity to visit several of Colorado's historic cemeteries. In this episode Jennie and Dianne focus on the Denver cemeteries that will be visited, Riverside and Fairmount. Next week they will explore cemeteries in Colorado Springs and Central City. If you've never been to Colorado or perhaps you're planning to visit in the future, or maybe you're attending the AGS conference virtually, this episode and the next will be a great way to learn a smidge of Colorado history and plan your visits to some of the state's most Ordinary Extraordinary cemeteries.

For more information on the Association for Gravestone Studies visit their website at: https://www.gravestonestudies.org/

Resources used to research this episode include:

"Executive Biography of Elrey B. Jeppesen ." https://www.boeing.com. www.boeing.com/history/pioneers/elrey-b-jeppesen.page. Accessed 11 June 2023.

Crow, Eric. "Elrey Borge Jeppesen." https://www.findagrave.com. 16 Aug. 2009. www.findagrave.com/memorial/40757793/elrey-borge-jeppesen. Accessed 11 June 2023.

, Digginrellies. "James K Archer." https://www.findagrave.com. 2 Nov. 2003. www.findagrave.com/memorial/8051934/james-k.-archer. Accessed 11 June 2023.

"Clara Brown." https://www.cogreatwomen.org. www.cogreatwomen.org/project/clara-brown/. Accessed 11 June 2023.

"Our Grounds." https://www.fairmountheritagefoundation.org. www.fairmountheritagefoundation.org/our-grounds/our-grounds. Accessed 11 June 2023.

, Jennifer . "The Mausoleums of Fairmount Cemetery ." https://www.masonryofdenver.com. 27 Oct. 2014. www.masonryofdenver.com/2014/10/mausoleums-of-fairmount-cemetery/. Accessed 11 June 2023.

"Fairmount Cemetery ." https://www.fairmountfuneralhome.com. www.fairmountfuneralhome.com/who-we-are/fairmount-cemetery. Accessed 11 June 2023.

Noel, Thomas J. "Fairmount Cemetery ." https://coloradoencyclopedia.org. 21 Jan. 2021. coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/fairmount-cemetery. Accessed 11 June 2023.

Student, Annette L. Denver's Riverside Cemetery Where History Lies. CSN Books, 2006

Company, Fairmount Cemetery. Walk Through: Historical Riverside Cemetery, 1996.

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Jennie and Dianne are joined this week by returning guest, author and historian Pamela McColl, as they unravel the life and death of Ellen Clapsaddle, the remarkable American illustrator and commercial artist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries whose postcards have become highly collectable in recent years. Ellen Clapsaddle's art featuring charming and whimsical children and holiday themes were especially popular prior to WWI. She became so successful she eventually moved to Germany where she invested in her own printing empire, but tragedy loomed on the horizon. Join us as we unveil the heartbreaking chapter in Clapsaddle's life—the unimaginable loss she faced when her Ordinary Extraordinary world was engulfed in flames.

Photo of Ellen Clapsaddle and her artwork are in the public domain and were provided by Pamela McColl. Photos of the Clapsaddle family grave taken by Diane Frohne and posted to www.findagrave.com.

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"I want to play a real man in all my films, and I define manhood simply: men should be tough, fair and courageous, never petty, never looking for a fight, but never backing down from one either." - John Wayne
Jennie and Dianne are joined by Drifter and Gypsie of the Rebel at Large Adventure Podcast to explore the life of the man who became known to the world as John Wayne. For more than 50 years John Wayne appeared on the silver screen in more than 180 movies, most often portraying a cowboy and creating an image of the American West that became familiar to people around the world. Beyond his acting career, Wayne's larger-than-life persona and conservative political views made him a polarizing figure. He was admired by many for his rugged masculinity and strong moral compass, while others criticized him for his political affiliations and views on certain social issues. Even decades after his passing in 1979, John Wayne's popularity remains strong. His films are still beloved by audiences around the world, and his Ordinary Extraordinary legacy continues to be celebrated.

Looking to add the Rebel at Large Adventure podcast to your list ? Visit their website here:
https://rebelatlarge.com/

Resources used to research this episode include:
, CTD. "Some of The Best John Wayne Quotes And Words of Wisdom ." https://www.countrythangdaily.com. 27 Apr. 2023. www.countrythangdaily.com/john-wayne-quotes/. Accessed 21 May 2023.

, Topix Media Lab. "10 of the Best John Wayne Quotes ." https://onnewsstandsnow.com. 13 Mar. 2019. onnewsstandsnow.com/blogs/articles/10-of-the-best-john-wayne-quotes-1. Accessed 21 May 2023.

"JOHN WAYNE’S LIFE ." https://www.johnwayne.com. www.johnwayne.com/about/john-waynes-life/. Accessed 24 May 2023.

"John Wayne's Family Legacy ." https://www.johnwayne.com. www.johnwayne.com/about/john-waynes-family-legacy/. Accessed 21 May 2023.

"John Wayne's Career." https://www.johnwayne.com. www.johnwayne.com/about/john-waynes-career/. Accessed 21 May 2023.

, Biography . "John Wayne." https://www.biography.com. 14 Sep. 2022. www.biography.com/actors/john-wayne. Accessed 21 May 2023.

"Meet All Of John Wayne’s Wives – Including 1 Who Tried To Shoot Him Dead ." https://classiccountrymusic.com. classiccountrymusic.com/meet-all-of-john-waynes-wives-including-1-who-tried-to-shoot-him-dead/. Accessed 21 May 2023.

Quail, Ale And. "Batjac Productions." https://en.m.wikipedia.org. 22 Mar. 2023. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batjac_Productions#:~:text=Batjac%20Productions%20is%20an%20independent,produce%20and%20star%20in%20movies. Accessed 21 May 2023.

Beck, June. "Maureen O'Hara's Tribute to John Wayne." https://www.cowboysindians.com. 1 July 2007. www.cowboysindians.com/2015/10/maureen-oharas-tribute-to-john-wayne/#:~:text=Maureen%20O'Hara%20not%20only,was%20his%20longtime%20close%20friend. Accessed 21 May 2023.

"History ." https://www.dignitymemorial.com. www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/california/corona-del-mar/pacific-view-memorial-park-and-mortuary/4799. Accessed 21 May 2023.

Eyman, Scott. John Wayne: The Life and Legend. New York , Simon & Schuster , 2015, pp. 1-696.

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In this episode Jennie and Dianne journey through the intertwining worlds of music, storytelling, history, and cemeteries. This week the ladies are joined by musicians Patrick Dyer Wolf and Avi Vinocur from folk rock band Goodnight, Texas. Together they explore the connection between music and storytelling, discussing how the melodies and lyrics of many of their songs serve as vessels for untold tales, even those rooted in the history of cemeteries. Listen along on this captivating voyage through the Ordinary Extraordinary world of songwriting, storytelling, history, and of course cemeteries.

For tour dates, band merchandise, and all things Goodnight, Texas visit their website:
https://hiwearegoodnighttexashowareyou.com/

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Jennie and Dianne conclude their series on fraternal organizations in this episode, where they explore a distinctively American fraternity formed with the purpose of assisting veterans of the Union army after the American Civil War. Known as the Grand Army of the Republic, or simply G.A.R., it served as a social and political platform for Union veterans and their families. The GAR passionately advocated for veterans' rights, including benefits such as pensions and healthcare. Additionally, it played a crucial role in establishing Memorial Day as a national holiday, commemorating the sacrifice of fallen soldiers. - "For I ‘listed in this army, Not exactly to my mind; But my country called for helpers, And I couldn’t stay behind."  - Mary Woolsey Howland

To learn more about the Association for Gravestone Studies, please visit their website: https://gravestonestudies.org/

Resources used to research this episode include:

Green, Jocelyn. "Civil War Songs and Poems ." https://www.jocelyngreen.com. 21 June 2012. www.jocelyngreen.com/2012/06/21/civil-war-songs-and-poems. Accessed 7 May 2023.

, Meleager91. "Stephenson Grand Army of the Republic Memorial ." https://en.m.wikipedia.org. 10 Mar. 2023. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephenson_Grand_Army_of_the_Republic_Memorial#Design_and_location. Accessed 7 May 2023.

Wiley Wolf, Jeannie. "Decoding Civil War gravestones." https://thecourier.com. 28 May 2022. thecourier.com/news/389214/decoding-civil-war-gravestones/. Accessed 7 May 2023.

Waskie, Anthony . "The Grand Army of the Republic ." https://www.essentialcivilwarcurriculum.com. www.essentialcivilwarcurriculum.com/the-grand-army-of-the-republic.html. Accessed 7 May 2023.

Smith Jr , Albert E, and Will Elsburry. "Grand Army of the Republic and Kindred Societies: A Guide to Resources in the General Collections of the Library of Congress ." https://guides.loc.gov. edited by Candice Buchanan , 29 Jan. 2021. guides.loc.gov/grand-army-of-the-republic. Accessed 7 May 2023.

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Join Jennie and Dianne as they dive into the origins of the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization founded on the values of Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence. Discover how the story of Damon and Pythias inspired Justus H. Rathbone to create this organization and how it became the first fraternal organization in the United States to be chartered through an Act of Congress. Tune in to hear about the Ordinary Extraordinary history of this organization and the impact it has had on communities across America in the decades after the Civil War.

Resources used to research this episode include:
Newell, Aimee. "Justus H. Rathbone ." https://nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com. 12 Dec. 2013. nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com/library_and_archives/justus-h-rathbone/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

Kennedy , William D. "Justus H. Rathbone ." https://en-academic.com. en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/8896932. Accessed 30 Apr. 2023.

Van Druen, Hans. "Knights of Pythias." http://www.stichtingargus.nl. 6 Jan. 2023. www.stichtingargus.nl/vrijmetselarij/pythias_en.html. Accessed 30 Apr. 2023.

Of American History , National Museum . "Knights of Pythias ." https://americanhistory.si.edu. americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_324730. Accessed 30 Apr. 2023.

Nerney, Sarah. "A Knight Unlike Any Other: John Mitchell Jr. & The Knights Of Pythias ." https://uncommonwealth.virginiamemory.com. 16 Dec. 2015. uncommonwealth.virginiamemory.com/blog/2015/12/16/a-knight-unlike-any-other/. Accessed 30 Apr. 2023.

"Knights of Pythias ." https://en.m.wikipedia.org. 6 Apr. 2023. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_of_Pythias. Accessed 30 Apr. 2023.

Gilbert, William S. "Damon Vs. Pythias ." https://www.poemhunter.com. www.poemhunter.com/poem/damon-vs-pythias/. Accessed 30 Apr. 2023.

The following images are in the Public Domin in the U.S.: Still from the American film Damon and Pythias (1914), Photo of Justus H. Rathbone, Knights of Pythias Membership Certificate (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/public_domain)

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Fraternal organizations have a long and rich history throughout the world and especially in America. This week Jennie and Dianne begin a new series of episodes dedicated to the many fraternal organizations whose symbols often grace headstones and who even have cemeteries of their own. In this episode they discover the secrets and history of one of the world's oldest fraternal organizations, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Join them as they delve into the Ordinary Extraordinary origins, rituals, and values of this unique brotherhood. Don't miss out on this eye-opening journey into the world of Friendship, Love and Truth. 

Resources used to Research this episode include:

Grand Lodge, The Sovereign. "Home." https://odd-fellows.org/. odd-fellows.org/. Accessed 23 Apr. 2023.

Grand Lodge, The Sovereign. "History." https://odd-fellows.org/. odd-fellows.org/history/. Accessed 23 Apr. 2023.

Ross, Theo A. "History of American Odd Fellowship." https://odd-fellows.org. odd-fellows.org/history/wildeys-odd-fellowship/. Accessed 23 Apr. 2023.

Grand Lodge, The Sovereign. "Our Mission." https://odd-fellows.org. odd-fellows.org/about/our-mission/. Accessed 23 Apr. 2023.

Raymond, Chris. "Cemetery Symbols." https://www.funeralhelpcenter.com. 1 Sep. 2020. www.funeralhelpcenter.com/cemetery-headstone-symbols-three-chain-links/#:~:text=The%20three%2Dlink%20chain%20is,represent%20friendship%2C%20love%20and%20truth. Accessed 23 Apr. 2023.

Wolfe, J. Kevin. "Fraternal Societies and the Business of Death ." https://wolfewithane.com. 11 Apr. 2021. wolfewithane.com/secret-societies-and-death. Accessed 23 Apr. 2023.

Miller, George. "America’s Fraternal Brotherhood ." https://postcardhistory.net. 21 Oct. 2021. postcardhistory.net/2021/10/americas-fraternal-brotherhood/. Accessed 23 Apr. 2023.

Kreuger, Bill. "American Fraternalism in the 19th and Early 20th Centuries." https://www.thesquaremagazine.com. 1 June 2022. www.thesquaremagazine.com/mag/article/202211american-fraternalism-in-the-19th-and-early-20th-centuries/. Accessed 23 Apr. 2023.

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Jennie and Dianne are joined this week by special guest, author and historian Doris McCraw, who wrote the book "Under the Stone: Early Women Doctors in Evergreen Cemetery". They discuss the pioneering women doctors from the 1800s who made an impact on the field of medicine despite facing incredible challenges and obstacles. Seven of these Ordinary Extraordinary women are buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs. Tune in to learn more about their legacies and stories that have often been left out of the history books.

Under the Stone: Early Women Doctors in Evergreen Cemetery is available for purchase online as a paperback or eBook on Amazon:
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Under-Stone-Doctors-Evergreen-Cemetery/dp/B0BCZ1JNQ9/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2ARKOO12PV4GE&keywords=under+the+stone+early+women+doctors&qid=1681972087&sprefix=%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1

eBook: https://www.amazon.com/Under-Stone-Doctors-Evergreen-Cemetery-ebook/dp/B0BCX983TS/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=2ARKOO12PV4GE&keywords=under+the+stone+early+women+doctors&qid=1681972087&sprefix=%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-3

Live stream with Generations Found and Colorado Martini about Colorado's Cannibal, Alfred Packer, will be on YouTube Friday, April 21, 2023 at 6pm mountain time: https://fb.me/e/2OVTTmXWQ

Photos provided by the following photographers and shared with permission: Doris McCraw (grave of Dr. Julia E. Loomis, MD), Ron West (grave of Dr. Anna Shaw Chamberlain, DDS), Tammy Loerke Jorgensen (grave of Dr. Hannah Taylor Muir, MD. Also provided portrait of Dr. Hanna Taylor Muir, MD)

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This week Jennie and Dianne stray from the cemetery to explore the gruesome and shocking details of the Burke and Hare murders that gripped Scotland in 1828.
These two notorious murderers are responsible for one of the most infamous killing sprees in history. Learn about how they lured their victims to their deaths, how they sold the bodies to a prominent doctor for dissection, and how they were finally caught and brought to justice. Buckle up for an Ordinary Extraordinary spine-tingling journey through one of history's most chilling murder cases that also had a significant impact on the development of forensic medicine.

Resources used to research this episode include:

Network , Scottish Archive. "Burk and Hare." https://www.scan.org.uk. 1 Jan. 2000. www.scan.org.uk/knowledgebase/topics/burkeandhare_topic.htm. Accessed 9 Apr. 2023.

Johnson, Ben. "The Story of Burke and Hare ." https://www.historic-uk.com. 9 Jan. 2017. www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/Burke-Hare-infamous-murderers-graverobbers/. Accessed 9 Apr. 2023.

Lennox, Suzie. "The Complete History Of The Burke And Hare Murders ." https://mymacabreroadtrip.com. mymacabreroadtrip.com/burke-and-hare-complete-history/. Accessed 9 Apr. 2023.

Scotland , Undiscovered . "BURKE AND HARE ." https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk. www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usbiography/b/burkeandhare.html. Accessed 9 Apr. 2023.

Slade, Paul. "Burke and Hare." http://www.planetslade.com. 1 Jan. 2014. www.planetslade.com/burke-and-hare.html. Accessed 9 Apr. 2023.

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