“Ladies of the Mines” Airs Tonight on PBS
Saguache County’s historic author Anne Ellis will be one of the women highlighted on tonight’s program “Ladies of the Mines” airing on the Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting System channel (PBS) at 7 p.m.
Based on the real-life stories of three women who lived in Colorado mining camps at the end of the 19th century, the 30-minute documentary tells of their challenges with “high altitude, groceries delivered by mule train, pack rats and spoiled Thanksgiving turkeys.”
The short documentary focuses on three women – Harriet Fish Bacus, of Tomboy Bride fame, who lived near Telluride; Mabel Barbee Lee and Anne Ellis. Ellis grew up in poverty near the Bonanza Mine in Saguache County before ending up in Cripple Creek; Lee grew up in Cripple Creek.
For Saguache County residents, Ellis book “The Life of an Ordinary Woman,” published in 1929, is a must-read, highlighting Ellis’ pioneer life in the Colorado mining camps of the San Juan mountains, which includes the Bonanza Mine.
Produced by Rocky Mountain PBS and History Colorado, this series explores the people, events and places that have shaped Colorado. From the colorful characters who built the state to the events that shaped who we are and the places we call home, this series educates and entertains.
The “Ladies of the Mines” was screened In Durango, Colo. earlier this week and was the product of a contest built around PBS’ “Viewer’s Choice.” The public TV station received more than 100 submissions for the Viewers’ Choice contest but it was the topic suggested by Rudy and Andie Davison, who have homes in Durango and Telluride, that won the contest in spring 2015.
Colorado Experience’s “Ladies of the Mines” will take you on a journey to uncover the hardships, innovation and tenacity of the women following Colorado’s mining bug. This episode will premiere tonight January 14 at 7 p.m.
