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- Carmichael Chronicles Newsletter - Oct. 2024
Carmichael Chronicles Newsletter - Oct. 2024
Daisy Lytle: Shattered Dreams
A
mong the many burial locations in Brighton, Colorado, none are more shrouded in mystery than that of the Black “Pioneer” Cemetery. This cemetery, located a half mile west of Elmwood, contains the remains of approximately eighteen former Brighton residents. Some of these people were pioneers, others were veterans, but most were average citizens trying to make a living. Still, after they left this world, their lives remain a mystery.
One of these mysteries surrounds the life of Daisy Lytle. Daisy was a schoolteacher from Union, Colorado. The newspapers described her as a “pretty, twenty-year-old, blonde, of medium stature.” It was reported that she attended school in Brighton and high school in Fort Morgan; where she achieved “first honors.”
No one really knows the details which led to her demise. However, on the 5th of November 1904, it was reported that she was extremely ill after trying to perform some “doctoring on herself.”
At the outset, two doctors were called by Mrs. Minnie Byers, Daisy’s landlord. Mrs. Byers was informed that “a married man was responsible for her (Daisy’s) troubles.” No further information was made available regarding the “troubles” that the lady was referring to.
Daisy previously had rented a room, from Mrs. Byers, when she was in Denver to take a teacher’s certification exam. According to Mrs. Byers, at that time, Daisy introduced herself as “Lizzie Williams.” Obviously, Mrs. Byers had no reason to doubt the validity of her name or why she would misrepresent herself.
Initially, Daisy was examined by Dr. E. F. Lake, who thought, in this case, a second opinion was necessary. Dr. Arthur Hamilton was called to assess the young lady’s condition and concurred with Lake’s evaluation. He further concluded that an operation was imminent and necessary to save the young lady’s life.
While Dr. Lake prepared for surgery, Dr. Hamilton administered the anesthesia by using chloroform. In 1904, chloroform was an indispensable and widely used form of anesthetic, which was made popular, during the American Civil War. Unfortunately, because of the anesthesia, Daisy Lytle succumbed to her injuries on Sunday, November 6th, 1904.
It was decided that her funeral arrangements would be managed by Daisy’s sister, Mrs. Belle Lytle Throckmorton. Mrs. Throckmorton also arranged for her remains to be transported to Brighton for internment.
Her father, F. B. Lytle, of Blackfoot, Idaho, along with family and friends, attended the funeral at the Brighton Methodist church. Her funeral was said to be “a very touching and beautiful service.”
The coroner, Mr. Horan, determined that no criminal action would be necessary in the case. It was also noted that unless it can be proven “nothing can be attributed to a criminal operation.”
This young teacher took many secrets to her grave. Who was the “man” that was the reason for her problems? Why did she identify herself as Lizzie Williams when she first met Mrs. Byers? We can only speculate as to why this story is still cloaked in mystery and how a young intelligent woman lost her life in the process.
Seafaring Threads: Cracker Jack's
One of our newest exhibits, which is located on the second floor of the museum, features uniforms from the WWII era. One of the most interesting uniforms is the U.S. Navy jumper.
This “jumper” is part of the service dress blue uniform, which is still worn by sailors today. The uniform is often referred to as the “cracker jack” uniform because it is featured on a box of Cracker Jacks and worn by Sailor Jack. The cracker jack uniform is typically the “go to uniform” when a sailor is unaware of the clothing to wear for a specific occasion.
The jumper is just part of a two-piece set, with the bell-bottomed trousers completing the bottom half of this traditional uniform. The Navy jumper is adorned with piping (white stripes) around the cuffs and on the collar flap. The rating badge and service stripes are worn on the left sleeve of the uniform for those E-2 through E-6. In addition to the adornments on the sleeve, ribbons or medals are also required as part of this uniform.
The enlisted hat or the “Dixie Cup” was initially made from canvas. The hat, according to the United States Navy Uniform Regulations, should be worn “1-1/2 inches above the eyebrows and not crushed bent or rolled.” Historically, in defiance of the uniform regulations, sailors would bend or roll them for easy storage when not in use.
The “neckerchief” as it is called, was designed as a sweatband and colored black to hide the dirt. The neckerchief, worn around the neck and under the jumper collar, is made from a 36-inch square piece of black silk. To properly tie the neckerchief, the silk square is folded, into a triangular shape and then rolled tightly. Once rolled, it is tied in a square knot at the point where the jumper collar begins.
Since the middle of the 19th century, this iconic uniform has been proudly worn by naval enlisted personnel and proudly displayed in many ports around the globe. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower once remarked: “Ike says the sailors use language they wouldn’t want their mothers to hear, wear their uniforms so the spots won’t show, and still manage to be the best-dressed branch in the service.”
Since the middle of the 19th century, this iconic uniform has been proudly worn by the naval enlisted personnel and proudly displayed in many ports around the globe. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower once remarked: “Ike says the sailors use language they wouldn’t want their mothers to hear, wear their uniforms so the spots won’t show, and still manage to be the best-dressed branch in the service.”
Something New At the Museum!
As part of a partnership with Elmwood Cemetery, the Brighton City Museum has been creating a new StoryMaps™ project. The purpose of this project is to tell the stories of former military personnel buried in Elmwood Cemetery.
This project will not only document the locations of those buried at the cemetery but will also provide some insight into their military service as well as their civilian life.
Once completed, this project will not only provide a resource for the locations of the burials but will also provide useful information for those interested in finding out more about our local military heroes.
To access the StoryMaps™ page navigate over to the web address or use the QR code.
A Smoking Good Time at the BBQ
If you were fortunate enough to attend the 2024 Brighton City BBQ, we hope you had an opportunity to stop by the Brighton City Museum booth. In addition to speaking with everyone about current and future museum exhibits and events, we featured an old-style cider press demonstration.
During the event, we managed to squeeze the juice out of twenty pounds of Pink Lady and Granny Smith apples. This process allowed us to turn partially frozen apples into four pitchers of “liquid candy.” As a result, this tasty, freshly squeezed, liquid refreshment, was enjoyed by over three hundred BBQ participants.
Join Us for Future Events:
- Japanese Cultural Event – October 12, 2024 (9:30 am – 5:00 pm)
- Halloween Open House - October 26, 2024 (4:00 pm - 8:30 pm)
- Holiday Season Celebration – December 14, 2024 (3:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
For more information regarding the events happening at the museum, please stop by or give a us a call at: 303-655-2288.
Shining Star of the Quarter
This quarter we would like to highlight the support of a major contributor to our museum. In the Spring of 2023, Barry Hildebrandt started volunteering his time at the Brighton City Museum. From that time, he has been extremely generous in loaning us some of his many personal military artifacts for display.
Since the age of six, Barry has been adding to his collection, and over the years, has amassed more than 200,000 military objects. Some of these items include uniforms, hats, helmets, and accessories. Additionally, Barry is the founder and curator of a 501c nonprofit organization called the “National War Museum of the Rockies.” Information about the museum is located, on Facebook, at: National War Museum of the Rockies
When needed, Barry is always eager to create displays and share his vast knowledge of military history with the patrons at our museum. For that, we are so thankful!
Congratulations Barry! Your dedication and outstanding contributions have earned you the title of "Shining Star of the Quarter.”