The Ballad of Emma Crawford
By Randy Reames
By Randy Reames
Young Emma Crawford, New York born and bread was brought to Colorado by her Mother and her Dad. In the early 1880's they rode across the plains, Hoping she could gain her health again. In the little town of Manitou they made their happy home. Through the rocky hills and valleys Emma often roamed with her Indian spirit guide under Colorado skies, they all thought Emma's body could be whole.
CHORUS: Who'll stop her coffin, sliding down the hill, gliding through the streets of Manitou. Racing through the neighborhoods, waving at the crowds. Maybe you can wave at Emma too!
Well Emma's life was happy and soon she would be wed. To a young and handsome suitor by the name of Hilderbrandt. But the happy plans were not to be consumption laid her low and she knew that to Red Mountain she must go. She said "I must be buried upon that mountain high, underneath the pine tree where I left my kerchief tied. And if you really love me you'll grant my last request and lay me on the mountain top to rest."
REPEAT CHORUS
For twenty years she was at peace upon that granite hill and if not for the wheels of progress she might lie there still, but a railroad Baron came along and said she couldn't stay so they moved her grave to build the right-of-way. Well they dug her up and buried her on the far side of the hill in the shadow of the Mountains in the sandy gravel fill. But a Rocky Mountain thunderstorm washed it all away, And Emma Crawford saw the light of day.
REPEAT CHORUS
Yes, you read the song correctly. Poor Emma and her coffin were washed out of her grave. Her coffin slid down the mountain and ended up in Manitou Springs. I couldn't help but wonder during the coffin races what Emma was thinking about these races from up in heaven...
After the Coffin Races, we went to Fort Carson and took the boys through a Haunted House for young kids. I think the boys liked it. Finn walked right into a tree as soon as got inside, so Papa carried him the rest of the way. Cullen got scared halfway through, so then Grandma carried him. Cullen talked a lot about the science labs in the Haunted House. They left an impression on him.
After the Haunted Houses we hurried home, had dinner, and then went back to Manitou for the Ghost Stories of Old Manitou. We had a spirit guide lead us through the dark streets of Manitou and she told us ghost stories, and other true stories of people who had tragic ends... it was creepy and fun! It reminded me of touring the dark streets of Kingston, Canada with my family 6 years ago. We did a haunted walking tour there too. I was so happy the boys did so well. Thankfully, they couldn't have been better- quiet, happy, listening... Especially after such a
L O N G day!!
After the Coffin Races, we went to Fort Carson and took the boys through a Haunted House for young kids. I think the boys liked it. Finn walked right into a tree as soon as got inside, so Papa carried him the rest of the way. Cullen got scared halfway through, so then Grandma carried him. Cullen talked a lot about the science labs in the Haunted House. They left an impression on him.
After the Haunted Houses we hurried home, had dinner, and then went back to Manitou for the Ghost Stories of Old Manitou. We had a spirit guide lead us through the dark streets of Manitou and she told us ghost stories, and other true stories of people who had tragic ends... it was creepy and fun! It reminded me of touring the dark streets of Kingston, Canada with my family 6 years ago. We did a haunted walking tour there too. I was so happy the boys did so well. Thankfully, they couldn't have been better- quiet, happy, listening... Especially after such a
L O N G day!!
Finn before the ghost tours.
Our ghost tour spirit guide.
Cullen listening to our guide telling one of the stories.
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