Josephine Antoine This fair Boulderite was beloved for her incredible rise to fame as a Metropolitan Opera star. After completing her education in Boulder, Antoine went on to earn a Master’s at the Julliard School of Music in NYC. Before her first national appearance, she received a telegram from the mayor of Boulder reading: “Every citizen sends you love and good wishes for your performance tomorrow.” She was a success, and sang the lead in 14 Metropolitan Opera productions. Her singing was featured on national radio stations, and she returned to Boulder to perform at the Colorado... Read More

Sunrise South Boulder Creek, Eldorado Springs Eldorado Springs Cliff Looking forward to climbing a cliff? Lenny Lensworth Frieling Shared Knowledge is Power!  Read More

From Susan B. Anthony to Sacagawea: we can trace these Feminine Icons Through the reflection of their proud history in the shine of coins minted by the Denver’s Mint, and in their honor. The history of U.S. dollar coins since 1990 includes several series designed to improve the utility of dollar coins in commerce, honor American history, and make the coins more distinctive and attractive to the public. Here’s an overview of the key developments and series introduced: 1. The Susan B. Anthony Dollar (1979-1981, 1999) – While the Susan B. Anthony dollar was not introduced after... Read More

Lafayette, Colorado is a city with a rich history in coal mining. The small Colorado town in Eastern Boulder County is literally built on the backs of coal miners, and sits on top of its history.  It holds within its depths the stories and legacies of the brave men who toiled in the mines. As we reflect on the sacrifices and contributions of these miners, we uncover a tapestry of resilience, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of the community. Let’s explore the history that shaped Lafayette, literally built on the coal mines of the early 1900s. These days of coal in Lafayette  define... Read More

Ward, Colorado,  is a small, picturesque town with a rich history that traces back to its days as a bustling mining community. Situated at the Western edge of Boulder County just below the Continental Divide,  Ward has a storied past that includes notable figures including (maybe) Patricia Hearst, Patty Hurst and Hazel Schmoll, and historic sites such as the Switzerland Trail, the Columbia Hotel, and the Brainard Lake chain of three lakes leading to the Divide immediately to the West. Ward was even considered for the prestigious title of Capital of Colorado. At its peak, the population of Ward... Read More

  After my education in the East, I came West to Boulder. In 1975 I was told that the catalog I came in on established seven years as the time needed to call myself a “native” of Boulder. I’ve lived here longer than anywhere else in this lifetime by about 50 years and about three times as long. Perhaps our most famous true Native American Boulder resident is Chief Niwot, known to English speakers as Chief Lefthand. We’ve all seen a variety of sculptures, murals, and more depicting his likeness. But is that reality? NO! In reality, there is no  known picture of our... Read More

  The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, based in Missouri, found that Boulder Colorado had the highest density of start-up companies per capita in the United States. Most of these sprouting businesses are technology-based, and many start and eventually settle in the city. But what is it about Boulder which makes it a breeding ground for new business? First of all, Boulder’s culture spans the distance between nature-loving outdoorsy people and highly-educated tech creators. To the west are the glorious Flatirons and innumerable natural wonders, meanwhile the university is researching... Read More

Every Boulderite knows that Chautauqua is up on 900 Baseline Road in Boulder, but how did it get there? And what is a Chautauqua anyway? The Chautauqua movement of the late 19th century was an effort to educate rural communities who lacked access to the mass culture being developed in cities. The movement lasted from the 1870s all the way into the 1920s. Rural peoples were hungry for entrainment and brain food, but lacked a way to easily travel because automobiles weren’t widely available until 1910. The “Mother Chautauqua” (which sounds a bit like a spaceship name to me) was... Read More

You may hear Boulderites referring to a “greenbelt,” but what is that and why does Boulder have one? There was huge population growth in Boulder between 1950 and 1970. This growth was due to the presence of the University of Colorado, the intellectual diversity surrounding the university, and a strong local economy. At an annual growth rate of about 6%, the population of the city was set to double every 11 years or so. Being all about sustainability and preserving local culture, the citizens of Boulder took action against the human tsunami threatening to wash out the city. In 1967... Read More

Before Thomas Jefferson signed the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and before Colorado became a state in 1876, the area was settled by numerous Native American tribes, predominantly inhabited by the Arapaho. The Arapaho were successful nomadic hunters, expanding their presence through trade, warfare, and alliances with other tribes. They were closely allied with the Cheyenne, which allowed their hunting territory to expand greatly and made them a formidable force. Much of their culture revolved around the idea of a warrior, which included not only skills in combat, but also in keeping peace, and in... Read More