Minnie Ackerman's Oral History

Description

An oral history from October 3, 1988. Lael Fruen interviews Minnie Ackerman about her life in Telluride, Colorado. Here is her transcript: 00: 27 Describes their trip to Telluride and why her family moved here at age 13 from farm in Canyon City. 27- 53 Recalls living and cooking at the Tomboy mine in the summer of 1929 after the mine closed in 1926. Describes the town at the Tomboy mine. 53-77 Describes her life and social activities as a young teenager in Telluride. Talks about playing tennis with sister at Pandora and their activities after graduation from high school. 77-97 Relates different job she held during early married years, waiting tables at the Sheridan and the 26 years she worked at the Post Office. 97-152 Recalls social activities such as card parties, dance and lodge parties as young married couples. Live music at dances held at Finn and Swede-Finn Halls. Describes the different social lodges and the various activities each one held through the years. 152-175The Idarado Mine (Telluride Mines) reopened in 1939. She mentions the method of paying wages and the amounts. Men worked for stock. Compares grocery prices. 175-220 Names different grocery stores and their locations in town. Talks about the type of businesses, & speaks of Irene Wichman. 220- 273 Talks about the red light district. Mentions working at the Sheridan and talks about the different bars in town. 273-295 Describes riding the tram at the mine. Speaks of brother working to reroof the Bridal Veil Power Plant. 295-323 Talks about picnics at South Fork, Alta Lakes and the sands at Society Turn. Speaks of hunting mushrooms in different areas. 323-363 Recalls the different sections of town, such as Finn Town, Swede-Finns and the Italians. The Navajo Indians from Rico worked in the mine and played on the local baseball team. 363-464 Dates the train stopped running and her trips on the Galloping Goose. Speaks of the effect on the town when the highways were paved. Describes out of town trips to dances. dances. 464-510 Speaks of the Depression and how it changed the town and the school enrollment. The Idarado Mine closed in 1976. nrollment. The Idarado Mine closed in 1976. 510-602 Weather conditions and the type of clothing worn, and where they purchased clothes. Tells of the businesses open on Main Street at that time. 602612-Mentions outstanding leaders in town Side B: 00-20 Describes the town characters such as Christmas Tree John, Tony the Wap. And LonRemine. 20-40 Speaks of the schools at Ophir and the Alta Mine. Mentions sports at school, skiing and etc. Speaks of the changes in town after Joe Zoline's announcement for a planned ski development. 40-80 Post Office population now compared to 1970. 80-169 Fourth of July celebrations. Describes the Elks Club Building. People moving out of town because of real estate prices. Discusses politics then and now. 169-204 Sister and brother-in-law bought the S&S saloon, later purchased the Peterson Garage. Minnie worked for sister and brother-in-law at various businesses. 204-237 She speaks of missing friend's church and lodge activities. Story of her wedding. 237-371 Speaks of hospital, births, and school volunteers. Story of son's premature birth at the American Legion Hospital. Story of Dr. Balderston operating on himself. Minnie served on the museum board and volunteered for different causes. Names mentioned: Joe Oberto, Alta Cassitto, Ben Grimes, K. Mulvey, Big Billie, Ruby Snow, Art E Scamp, Perino, Goldsworthy, Pilcher, Swans, F. Wilson, "Georgie Porgie", Pekkarine, K. Reece, I Wichman, Gerts, J. Zoline, Lon Remine, Barbara Martin, Gustafson, Bill Mahoney, Aldasoro, Studebaker, A. Peterson, Mahoney, Liz Bailey, A. Adams, Dr. Parker, Dr. Balderston.