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| The
Molly Brown House Museum We care about your privacy and security on the Web. Click here to read our policies regarding your use of this Web site. |
| 1903-1907 - Social Activism | |||
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Beginning in 1903, Margaret began tackling the tough social issues of her time: juvenile justice; children's, women's and miner's rights; and social equality. All her activities leading to these causes were merely stepping-stones. In 1903, Margaret
met Judge Ben Lindsey through mutual
friends. Judge Lindsey's and Margaret's backgrounds were very similar.
Both were raised in a working class home where education was valued,
and each had given up further education to help support a family.
When Judge Lindsey met Margaret in 1903, he saw a partner that shared
his vision of a juvenile court system and the ability to raise funds
and make connections. Together they created a juvenile justice system
that reformed the way the state and the nation treat juvenile crimes.
Judge Lindsey formed the Juvenile Improvement Association to help wayward boys. Lindsey needed $5,000 per year to keep the Association's facility at Glenmoor Lakes open. Margaret began a tour of Cripple Creek mines to find one that could fund the project. She decided on the Stratton Independence Mine. When she informed the workers that she would make improvements so that they could begin shipping ore the following week, a miner asked if she'd seen the mine owners yet. Margaret responded, ' "I have jumped the claim. No one in Colorado will refuse me a lease when they know it is for the juvenile court. The boys must have money and I must have this claim." …For good luck, Margaret christened the mine the Little Johnny.' In 1902, J.J. Brown and three other prominent Denver Catholics purchased eight lots at Colfax Avenue and Logan Street. The men donated the land to the church to build a cathedral. Although they conducted a groundbreaking ceremony in 1902, the building fund was invested in mines in Cripple Creek that failed. In 1906, Father Hugh McMenamin (Father Mac) and Margaret teamed up to raise funds to finish the cathedral. Margaret suggested a Carnival of Nations and offered to cover many of the expenses herself. Each ethnic group in Denver, including Native Americans, received an invitation to participate. Each group created a small village representative of their native land and showcased native crafts, arts, food and performances. Different cultures were specially highlighted on different nights of the sixteen-day carnival. Margaret created silk banners showing receipts for each booth to create good-natured rivalry. Prizes were donated, including a free round-trip to Europe for one lucky priest. Carnival participants bought tickets at ten cents each to vote for the winner. The Carnival was a huge success despite closing two weeks early due to a legal issue over the land on which it was held. The cathedral was finally finished in the fall of 1912, and Margaret had a permanent seat in pew number 6. Content from Kristen Iversen's book, Molly Brown, Unraveling the Myth. Published by Johnson Books in 1999. |
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