The Cripple Creek Collection---The Cripple Creek Strike by Emma Langdon

History is fortunate that Emma Langdon was working at the Victor Record newspaper during the 1903-04 Labor War. Not only did she have a front row seat to the historic events unfolding, her vocation made it possible for her to record them as well.

To be sure, Mrs. Langdon's leanings are pro-labor and she is unapologetic for that. Combining her perspective with her profession made it possible for her to document the history of the Labor War from the labor viewpoint.

Langdon's book is a chronology of the events as she saw them. Her outrage at some acts is evident and provides the reader with a sense of her passion not only for the labor movement, but also for the rights of the citizenry as a whole.

Emma Langdon

A two-panel fold out depicting the scene at the Standard Mill.

This book has value to collectors as well as historians. Mrs. Langdon begins with an overview of the District that includes brief histories on many major mining properties and figures. The stories of the Independence and Portland mines are offered, among others. Also mentioned and either canonized or rebuked are W.S. Stratton, Jimmy Burns, Judge Colburn and others. This book contains many interesting bits of history.

The Cripple Creek Strike is a must-read for any student of the Labor Wars and their impact on the rest of the nation. This particular volume is in remarkable condition for its age. It is offered at the competitive price of $250.00.