When we lived in Colorado (1971-1976), a neighbor woman, who ran the office, hired me as a temp in the Office of Revisor of Statutes in the Colorado State Capitol building in Denver. Then she hired me full time. Many of the legislators, native Coloradoans, wore boots and Stetsons and shirts with pearl snaps and leather vests every day. One of the attorneys in our office named Bill Pilgrim did as well.
Milton Foe was a jovial retired attorney who got bored with retirement. He became a surrogate grandfather, calling me a flatlander about every day.
Several Coloradoans wore Black Hills Gold jewelry, with its distinctive three shades of gold. You’d think that Black Hills gold is mined within the Black Hills. No, Black Hills Gold jewelry denotes the use of the three colors of gold in the grape leaf and cluster motif. In 1980, a U.S. District Court Judge ruled that Black Hills Gold jewelry must be made in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
I wasn’t much of a fan of the jewelry until we visited Mount Rushmore on my 60th birthday. One style caught my eye in the gift shop, and became one of my favorite birthday souvenirs of that trip.
Our travels that year, 2004, included visiting where Grandma Leora lived as a preschooler. We didn’t know it would also include discovering where Guy’s Great Grandfather Amos Mark Runkle is buried. Here’s the story of that trip, and the other favorite souvenir, a book.
Atty. Milton Foe sounds like a character–and he dressed like one too: wearing boots and Stetsons and shirts with pearl snaps and leather vests every day.
I’m also getting an education about Black Hills Gold here. Thank you, Joy!
Thanks, Marian!
A lovely blend of personal memories, local history and travel discoveries. I especially enjoyed how a piece of Black Hills Gold became more than a souvenir 🙂
Thanks so much, Pat!
The Black Hills Gold looks lovely. Being raised in Alberta, Canada, just about everyne wore cowboy boots, jeans, Stetsons, shirts with pearl snaps, and leather vests. Often even the girls! (not me) My dad had everyday jeans and Sunday jeans!!
Wonderful memories, Darlene! My dad had everyday bib overalls and bibs for company.
Everyday jeans and Sunday jeans – I love that, Darlene.
Black Hills…Mt. Rushmore…That gold. I enjoyed this! Your picture is precious ! One of my treasured rings is similar! 💚
Thank you, Karla!
You’re welcome, Joy!!
Black Hills Gold is a new one for me, Joy. Thanks.
Thank you, John!
Black Hills Gold is new to me. The ring is beautiful!
Thank you, Liz. It’s about the only one I still enjoy wearing.
You’re welcome, Joy.
My wedding ring is a simple Black Hills Gold band, nearly worn smooth.
Lori, I just had a look at their wedding bands. How beautiful!
Wow, that ring is so beautifully crafted. I’ve never heard of Black Hills Gold jewelry before, and I’ve never heard the term “flatlanders” either. But I do remember my grandmother visiting Northern Ohio from Kentucky and saying that she felt like she was in a spaceship when travelling on our highways. 🙂
Spaceship, huh. What a fun comment. When Grandma Leora was a young teen, the whole family moved to the very flat Polk County, Minnesota. When Leora and her siblings were introduced at school, the teacher told the class that the new children had seen hills (Guthrie County, Iowa, does have lovely rolling hills). Leora was puzzled that the local children acted jealous about it.
Oh…love the ring and the story. I’d forgotten you spent some time in Colorado and how funny that you were referred to as a “flatlander”. 😊💝😊
Thank you, Vicki. Son Dan was born in Colorado, nearly 52 years ago!
I’d forgotten that….I still cannot believe the mid 70’s were that long ago. How is that possible??? Sending much love to you and Guy this afternoon! 💝💝💝
I’ve never heard of Black Hills Gold, but it looks lovely.
Thank you, Dan. It’s about the only on I still wear.
I did not know that about Black Hills gold. I did think it was from those mines. Thanks for enlightening me.
I think we all took it for granted, Eilene.
Black Hills Gold is fascinating, Joy! It looks very nice, and it’s great that you got that ring.
Thank you. It’s about the only one I still wear.
You’re welcome, Joy. 😍 It’s really nice you still wear it.
Connie and I stood on that same spot and had our picture taken–20 years after you!
Dennis, share it sometime!