Stories from the Midland: Recent Episodes
Tommy Allen and Trevor Phipps
Teller County and the surrounding areas have so much in the way of stories. We collect these bits of history and share them with you. Look for new episodes every Friday starting January 14, 2022.
He was a drunk that seemed to hate all the world. He tried to be a murderer and became a fugitive who led law enforcement from almost all southern Colorado on a spirited chase. And in the end, the one soul who offered him any kind of absolution, whether he deserved it or not, came from an unexpected place.
References:
Author Unknown. (1912, August 4). BALLEW IN FIST FIGHT. The Rocky Mountain News. 3.
Author Unknown. (1912, August 4). Maniac Mortally Wounds Woman; Shoots 5; Burns Hotel; Holds Town at Bay. The Rocky Mountain News. 1.
Author Unknown. (1913, April 12). WIDOW HERE TO HONOR MEMORY OF BANDIT. The Rocky Mountain News. 5.
Author Unknown. (1912, August 4). Physician Tells Own Story of Thrilling Ride, Posses Cover Wide Field in Search for Man. The Rocky Mountain News. 7.
Author Unknown. (1912, August 4). MANIAC CAUGHT, BREAKS CAPTOR’S BONDS, FLEES; NEW MANHUNT BEGINS. The Rocky Mountain News. 1.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. (n.d.) Mate P Wallbrecht. FamilySearch. https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/G8B5-559.
While we've covered the same story about Catamount Charley in a previous episode, this story goes in depth into the evolution of the mountain men in general.
The St. Nicholas Hospital was one of the very first medical facilities in Cripple Creek to address the high risks associated with mining. This is its story through time as it went from hospital to hotel.
In December 1776, General Washington was about to lose a large portion of the Continental Army. But with the words of Thomas Paine, he helped his troops find the inspiration to continue the fight and win our freedom.
Bob Lee, cousin of outlaw Kid Curry, was a member of the Wild Bunch when they famously robbed the Union Pacific Overland Flyer No.1 near Wilcox, Wyoming. This episode, inspired by the display at the Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum in Cripple Creek, talks about that time frame of his life.
Zebulon Pike was the first American to discover Pikes Peak. Before his much too early death, he led a rich and exciting life as an Army Officer.
This podcast was the toughest one I’ve yet done, both from a technical and from an emotional standpoint. The treatment of Irving, TX Police Officer Hawkins at the hands of the fugitives defies humanity.
I very much want to thank Sheriff Jason Mikesell for being a major and indispensable part of this episode, and I also want to thank Undersheriff Bishop and Lieutenant Walters for taking the time to let me interview them.
I’ve posted a link to the Irving, TX Police Department memorial page for Officer Aubrey Wright Hawkins #830 on the Stories from the Midland Blog page.
I am a staunch supporter of the heroes of Law Enforcement. This story is a great example of my reasons.
Set in a beautiful valley at the merging of two rivers, the town of South Platte sees ugly times.
This remarkable woman persevered through so many setbacks to pioneer westward and find success.
Once very rich and successful, a man follows questionable advice to let go of it all and move west to start a town and strike it rich. Let's see how that worked out for him.
A booming population brought on by the discovery of gold brought in many and varied entertainment options
A quick overview of some of the notable personalities of the Cripple Creek District. This podcast focuses on three specific notables.
A train car full of passengers builds speed down mountain tracks while the passengers try to save each other.
In this, our first podcast, Tommy Allen talks about what you, the listener, can expect.