My Colorado Six Generations Build Colorado Traditions article and photo by Linda Morgan My great, great-grandfather was one of the earliest pioneer settlers in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. He was given a soldier's homestead there as partial payment for his service in the Civil War. My great-grandfather was born on that humble homestead near the tiny town of Villa Grove in 1878. All succeeding generations of our family were born in Colorado. As I grew up, I heard my great-grandmother's stories of the simple, yet happy pioneer life they lived at the base of the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Necessary thriftiness required the planting of large gardens and the canning of everything that could be preserved. My great-grandfather learned to churn butter and to make lye soap, candles, rag rugs and patchwork quilts. Homestead ladies had only two dresses, one for everyday and one for dress-up. A loop of material was sewn into the neck of each dress so the garment could be hung on a peg. My great-grandmother often commented, "Our family always managed to keep just one step behind prosperity." Holiday celebrations were homey and rustic. As there were no turkeys available and the flock of family chickens was to be counted upon for eggs for income, that left venison, roasted in the kitchen's wood stove as the usual fare for Thanksgiving. A freshly cut evergreen tree decorated with bits of colored paper and popcorn was the center of their Christmas decorations. The gift of a piece of fruit or new hair ribbons made a child feel as though they had been "given the whole world." Family trips by wagon into the nearby settlement of Villa Grove "for trad'n" were big events. Frequent fist fights among miners often added to the excitement of the adventure. In February 2003, my grandson, the sixth generation of this pioneer family, was born in Salida, Colorado. This tiny descendant of early settlers has humble roots but the teachings of a rich heritage. Commitments are made and kept. Families work together. Honor is found in hard, honest work. Joy is found in simple pleasures. One is to be thankful for what you have. Do you have a special memory or humorous story about living in Colorado? EnCompass is looking for original essays that capture the uniqueness of our state. Payment is $60 upon publication. Entries must be typed, double-spaced and 200-300 words. Please include a daytime phone number. Entries will not be returned. Mail to EnCompass, Attn: My Colorado, 4100 E. Arkansas Ave., Denver, CO 80222, or e-mail: editor@colorado.aaa.com. A response to a submission may take six to eight weeks. »» Return to Table of Contents

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