Legendary Ladies (Costumed Interpretation)

Learn about extraordinary women who have made significant contributions to the history of the West.  Hear how each made their own choices and worked through difficult times – empowering themselves and future generations to achieve and lead.

By providing several vignettes during a single performance, audiences learn about a variety of extraordinary ladies and are often inspired to read more about the characters. Featured ladies at this performance are Bertha Spears, Mabel Dodge Luhan, Virginia Reed, Mary Chase, and Lola Montez.  

Featured Ladies

Bertha Spears
1908 – ?, a Harvey Girl

A chance encounter changed the life of farm girl, Bertha Spears. She seized the opportunity and adventure to work at a job that more than 100,000 women would also choose, becoming part of the largest migration of working women in US history. As a Harvey Girl, she waitressed along the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad in Pueblo, CO. Enchanting! 1930s Costume.

Mabel Dodge Luhan
1879 – 1962, Philanthropist/Bohemian Rebel

She was called a Bohemian rebel with too much money and too many husbands, but Mabel Dodge Luhan used her connections to make Taos, New Mexico, a world-famous art colony and was an advocate for the Taos Pueblo Indians. Her Taos home has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Artfully told. 1920s Costume

Virginia Reed
1834 – 1921, Child Pioneer

When Virginia Reed was 12 years old, she and her family left Illinois in covered wagons headed across the plains and mountains on her family’s quest to reach California. As an old woman, Virginia tells a thrilling and informative story of her travels from carefree days to dire circumstances and finally triumph on this cross country trek. Riveting. Edwardian Costume.

Mary Chase
1906 – 1981, Playwright

Journalist, playwright and children’s novelist from Denver, Colorado, Mary Chase received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for her work, “Harvey” in 1945. A prolific playwright, her characters come to life on stage. Inductee in the Colorado Performing Arts Hall of Fame, the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame and Denver Press Club Hall of Fame. 1950s Costume.

Lola Montez
1818 – 1862, Dancer & Actress

Flamboyant dancer and actress, Lola Montez enjoyed worldwide fame while critics alternately praised and railed against her. Wildly adored by the American public, she reached her height of popularity in California during the gold rush years. Lively and entertaining. Inductee in Theater Hall of Fame. Victorian Costume.       

Time and Location

Golden History Museum

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Pricing

$5 for museum members, $12 non-members

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More Golden history

Check out the Golden History Museum & Park blog for the latest behind the scenes videos and stories, personal memoirs, and history tidbits about Golden.