DENVER:
Not Your
Momma’s
Cow Town!
Written by GLORIA NEAL
Photo of Gloria Neal by KIT WILLIAMS
The last time the Democrats held their convention in Denver, my mother wasn’t even an embryo, and women (nationwide) couldn’t vote. Even though Colorado was one of the first states to allow women the right to vote (in 1900), it wasn’t until 1920 that women nationwide won the right to vote, following the passage of the 19th amendment.
The year was 1908 — you would think that just as Denver has physically changed in 100 years, so too would the perceptions. Think again. Let’s compare some basic national stats from back then. The average life expectancy was 47 years. Today, it’s about 75 years (add on a few years for women since we live longer ... the gods have spoken).
Back in 1908, only 14 percent of homes had a bathtub, which could mean that the national bird was the gnat. Now, more than 95 percent of homes have bathtubs. Thank goodness. The car back in 1908 was the Model T, which sold for $850 and got 25 miles to the gallon. Today, we’re happy if whatever it is we drive gets 25 miles to the gallon.
A hundred years ago, there were just 8,000 cars in the United States and only 144 miles of paved roads. Now there are more than 2.4 million miles of paved roads. Finally, records show women typically washed their hair once a month, using borax or egg yolks (yuck) as shampoo. Compare that to today, when I know most women would disown any girlfriend who went two days without washing her hair ... or any other part of her anatomy. With all these national differences (and there are many more), it’s easy to chart the progress of the country.
So you would think it would be easy to deduce that as the country goes, so goes Denver. Right? Well, not exactly. So why is the perception of Denver as a “podunk cow town,” where black bears and mountain lions roam the streets and nightly gunfights take place in front of the one house of ill repute, still thriving?
Before I answer that, let me take you back. I can remember the first time I knew I was coming to Colorado — that was more than 20 years ago. Back then, I was more concerned with where I was going to find black hair care products (my hair was much longer in the ‘80s) than I was with the thought that I would be considered an aborigine — Honey Hush! My preconceived notions were few. I knew the majority of people didn’t live among bears. If they did, I would have heard about it in the news. And I would have changed my plans.
I also knew that everyone I spoke with loved the quality of life Denver had to offer. So I felt comfortable sharing my excitement with friends and family who had never lived here before. What I wasn’t prepared for were their preconceived notions. Apparently, no one told them there were going to be other black people living in Denver to keep me company. They must have thought I was going to be lonely or something, not realizing that race is not a comfort zone for me. In my travels, I have found we — people of all races — are more alike than unalike.
I also got the “how do you deal with all the bears in your neighborhood?” question a lot. My response to that was “...unless you’re talking about my neighbors Sam and Amanda Bears, I don’t have a bear problem.”
Even my 70ish-year-old mother (she’s sensitive about her age) reminds me to watch out for mountain lions when I am in downtown Denver. Ya gotta love her! And the one that really takes my breath away, even today, is “I know it’s snowing up there. So how much snow did ya get?” Usually, my answer is “none” since it’s now August.
Back in 1908, during the Democratic National Convention, Denver was referred to as the “Paris on the Platte” by Denver Mayor Robert Speer. But one historian says many who lived outside Denver were amazed to find that residents could read, and women occasionally packed a piece while they shopped.
Fast forward to today, when misperceptions about what it’s like to live in Denver still persist. I wonder if it would help if Hoss from Bonanza, dressed in a tailor-made suit, stood in front of the Pepsi Center and welcomed delegates by singing Where the Columbines Grow using a rap, rock and pop melody? One thing is for sure, it would definitely make the news. With more than 35,000 politicians, delegates and media converging on the city for the better part of a week, Denver had better be ready for this up-close-and-personal close-up. After all, what happens here during the DNC will no doubt influence perceptions about our fair city for the next 100 years.
So why do I think Denver is still thought of as Hickville USA — no pun intended to the current mayor, John Hickenlooper? There are many reasons. First, tourists come here expecting to see one thing, but when they see something else, they are pleasantly surprised. However, instead of sharing their epiphany with others, they keep it to themselves for fear of appearing stereotypical or intolerant. By remaining silent, they allow misinformation and misperceptions to persist.
Nevertheless, I am so excited about the Democratic Party nominating the first black presidential candidate during the Democratic National Convention right here in Denver. I’m sure they didn’t think something like this was possible a hundred years ago — Honey Hush! I wonder what Mary Bradford would say about it? After all, she was a prominent women’s activist during the time that the first convention was held here in Denver. She also was the first of five women delegates attending the convention.
Along those same lines, another prominent woman — Elbra Wedgeworth — is responsible for bringing the convention to Denver this year. When others tried to discourage her, she believed in the dream of Denver serving as the host city once again. It seems Colorado has a way of making dreams come true for those who won’t take “no” for an answer.
This convention will serve as a postcard for natives and visitors alike. And thousands of people will experience the warmth and cosmopolitan charm offered by our great city for the first time in 100 years. So get ready, Denver. The world is about to see you for the first time in 100 years, and I guarantee the secret will be out after that. Until then, enjoy being one of the best-kept secrets in the West.
If you have a question or suggestions you want Gloria to write about in “Talkables,” e-mail her at gloria@denverwoman.com.
