Letter from Beverly Pologar
Local history – January 1997 – Colorado Central Magazine
Editor:
The article, “The Whistle Stops Don’t Stop Here Any More,” (November 1996 issue of Colorado Central) brought to mind President Truman’s whistle stop in Leadville in 1948. I recall going to the depot at Malta with my mother and my grandfather. I was six years old and in the first grade. The prospect of seeing the president was exciting.
Truman and his daughter Margaret (I don’t recall seeing Bess) greeted the people from the platform at the back of the train. I remember that Margaret was wearing a light blue (they called it powder blue then) suit.
President Truman was presented with the symbolic key to the City by the mayor of Leadville. Other dignitaries stepped onto the platform one-by-one to shake his hand including the Rev. Edward L. Horgan, pastor of Annunciation Church.
The whistle stop lasted about 15 minutes after which Truman and Margaret waved to the crowd and walked back into the train.
Seeing the President of the United States was a memorable occasion for me.
Sincerely,
Beverly Pologar
Leadville