I lived in Colorado Springs many years before I noticed this tiny, neglected cemetery on the southwest corner of 21st Street and Lower Gold Camp Road, just up from Bear Creek Park. No larger than the average two-car garage, it caught my eye a couple of years ago so I had a closer look. I was very intrigued to find that it was a pauper's cemetery. I didn't know we had one here. It's obviously very old and I couldn't find any history or information on it at the time.
A few months ago Pat and I went by there so I could take a few photos of it. I seemed to have misplaced those photos (I'm sure they're somewhere on my hard drive!), so I went back on November 18th to take a few more. I was heartened to see that in the interim some kind soul had made an effort to care for these anonymous graves. They have placed artificial flowers and a solar light in front of each of the seven markers, and garlands on the fencing that surrounds the tiny cemetery. I'm not sure if the flowers are more cheerful than they are depressing, but the thought behind them is so very kind. I wonder if any of these poor people were mourned when they passed. It's nice that someone is taking care of them now.
I am fascinated by Colorado Springs history and so I've been curious to know the story behind the pauper's cemetery. And who is making the effort to upkeep the place? I found this little article about it: http://files.usgwarchives.org/co/elpaso/cemeteries/colosprings/paupers.txt . Apparently most of the seven people buried there died of smallpox and all were residents of the Colorado Springs Poor Farm. And the lovely person who has taken it upon herself to care for this little cemetery can be found here (I believe her name is Connie): http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=mr&GRid=1406&MRid=46512228& Thank you Connie!
A few months ago Pat and I went by there so I could take a few photos of it. I seemed to have misplaced those photos (I'm sure they're somewhere on my hard drive!), so I went back on November 18th to take a few more. I was heartened to see that in the interim some kind soul had made an effort to care for these anonymous graves. They have placed artificial flowers and a solar light in front of each of the seven markers, and garlands on the fencing that surrounds the tiny cemetery. I'm not sure if the flowers are more cheerful than they are depressing, but the thought behind them is so very kind. I wonder if any of these poor people were mourned when they passed. It's nice that someone is taking care of them now.
I am fascinated by Colorado Springs history and so I've been curious to know the story behind the pauper's cemetery. And who is making the effort to upkeep the place? I found this little article about it: http://files.usgwarchives.org/co/elpaso/cemeteries/colosprings/paupers.txt . Apparently most of the seven people buried there died of smallpox and all were residents of the Colorado Springs Poor Farm. And the lovely person who has taken it upon herself to care for this little cemetery can be found here (I believe her name is Connie): http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=mr&GRid=1406&MRid=46512228& Thank you Connie!
6 comments:
That's a nice shot of an interesting location. I really enjoy your work.
I'm enjoying these stories! Keep up the good work! Thank you, Connie, for your kind actions.
What a lovely story. I like this kind of stuff too.
My name is Connie and I cannot take full credit for maintaining this small cemetery. My son, Bruce and my grandsons, Caden and Brian all take turns mowing, raking and adding flowers. We have been doing this for a few years and we enjoy talking to people who stop by to chat. I'm glad my son and grandsons enjoy taking care of those who passed on nearly a century ago.
Connie, thanks for the comment! I think it's great that you guys take such good care of this little cemetery :o)
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