Community History Writers
Preserving Our History, One Story at a Time.
The Community History Writers are a group of passionate historians who thrive on delving into the history of Morgan County. Their idea of a ‘good time’ is spending hours in the basement archives, poring over old copies of the Fort Morgan Times, conducting interviews with locals to capture the memories and voices of the town’s past, and having long-winding conversations about ‘way back when.’ They uncover stories that might otherwise be lost to time.
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Driven by a deep commitment to preserving our local heritage, the Community History Writers work to piece together fragments of history, ensuring that the experiences of everyday people are not forgotten. Their collaboration results in a vivid narrative that connects generations, making history accessible and relevant for today and tomorrow.
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With a shared sense of purpose, they strive to celebrate and safeguard Fort Morgan’s past, creating a bridge between yesterday and today, and fostering a deeper appreciation of our community’s heritage.
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The Community History Writers are a special subcommittee of the Fort Morgan Heritage Foundation.
Our Publications
Explore the History of Morgan County
Portraits of the Past
Edited by Jenni Grubbs
A collection of stories written by the Community History Writers, first printed by the Fort Morgan Times.
Buy on Amazon
One Hundred and Eleven Trees, Volume 1
Edited by Wesley Kellogg Rickel
A collection of biographical sketches of the founders and early influential families of Fort Morgan.
Buy at the Fort Morgan Museum
One Hundred and Eleven Trees, Volume III
Edited by Alyse Campbell
A further continuation of biographical stories of the next generation of influential local families.​​
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Who Killed Enid Marriott?
By Timmy Fritzler
A comprehensive look at the 1931 murder of Enid Marriott, a teacher in Wiggins.
Buy at the Fort Morgan Museum
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The Fluid History of Booze in Fort Morgan
By Barbara Keenan
A story of Fort Morgan's history with alcohol, saloons, and those who spent 80 years getting "dryness" removed from the town charter.
Buy at the Fort Morgan Museum
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Mutilation Mayhem
By Timmy Fritzler
This story explores the mysterious cattle mutilations in 1975. In that year, more than 200 mutilations occurred in Colorado, with at least 32 in Morgan County.
Buy at the Fort Morgan Museum
From the Volga to the Platte
By Jo Ann Ostwald
A story of Fred Ostwald, a German immigrant from Russia who immigrated to the United States in 1905.
Buy at the Fort Morgan Museum
Eggs, Flour, Butter, and Cream
By Evelyn Weimer Columbia
A comprehensive book of German-Russian recipes and household hints, which also provides a fascinating background of German Russian culture.
Buy at the Fort Morgan Museum
The One Room School House: Morgan County
Brian Mack. Editor
Thelma Downing, Writer
David L. Robert, Research
Google Earth, Photography
A story of Morgan County's one room schoolhouse based on research and on-site exploration of the site.
Buy at the Fort Morgan Museum
Morgan County: A Land of Immigrants
By The Community History Writers
A story of the rich history of immigration in Morgan County.
Buy at the Fort Morgan Museum
One Hundred and Eleven Trees, Volume II
Edited by Alyse Campbell
A continuation of biographical stories of the next generation of influential local families.
Morgan County's Mischievous Times
By Barb Keenan
A story collection that tells tales of mischief in Morgan County, including drunkenness, roguery, youthful pranks, and downright naughtiness.
Buy at the Fort Morgan Museum
Twenty Feet or Bare Ground
By Linda Midcap
A story of the Blizzard of 1949 in northeastern Colorado, crafted from the recollections of Gayland Coup, a survivor of the blizzard.
Buy at the Fort Morgan Museum
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How Fort Morgan Became the 'City of Lights'
By Jo Ostwald
The story behind why Fort Morgan was called the 'City of Lights' and the early 1900s and how forward thinking electricians got the city some of the cheapest electric rates in the country.
Buy at the Fort Morgan Museum
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Joe Duncan: The Legend of Rock Creek
By Linda Midcap
The haunting story of Joe Duncan, the local boogeyman. Every night, Duncan roamed a 20 mile area, peering into bedroom windows, terrifying local children, and leaving footprints in the mud.
Buy at the Fort Morgan Museum
The Double Life of John Swan
By Barb Keenan
John Swan, a convicted murder, escaped from prison and was never found. This story clears up the mystery, "Whatever happened to John Swan?"
Buy at the Fort Morgan Museum
Images of America, Morgan County
By Brian Mack and Linda Midcap
A black-and-white pictorial history that provides a vivid snapshot of the past.
Buy at the Fort Morgan Museum
Let There Be Light:
By Timmy Fritzler
Stever Fritzler, Photography
A comprehensive explanation of the stained windows at Saint Charles Episcopal Church in Fort Morgan, Colorado.
Buy from the Author