R. Todd Laugen - The Gospel of Progressivism

Thomas J. Noel and Stephen J. Leonard, editors

The Beast, Benjamin Barr Lindsey with Harvey J. OHiggins

Colorados Japanese Americans, Bill Hosokawa

Denver: An Archaeological History, Sarah M. Nelson, K. Lynn Berry,
Richard F. Carrillo, Bonnie L. Clark, Lori E. Rhodes, and Dean Saitta

Dr. Charles David Spivak: A Jewish Immigrant and the
American Tuberculosis Movement, Jeanne E. Abrams

The Gospel of Progressivism: Moral Reform and Labor War in Colorado, 19001930,
R. Todd Laugen

Ores to Metals: The Rocky Mountain Smelting Industry, James E. Fell, Jr.

A Tenderfoot in Colorado, R. B. Townshend

The Trail of Gold and Silver: Mining in Colorado, 18592009, Duane A. Smith

Moral Reform and Labor War in Colorado, 19001930

R. TODD LAUGEN

Foreword by
STEPHEN J. LEONARD

UNIVERSITY PRESS OF COLORADO

2010 by the University Press of Colorado

Published by the University Press of Colorado
5589 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite 206C
Boulder, Colorado 80303

All rights reserved
Printed in the United States of America

The University Press of Colorado is a cooperative publishing enterprise supported, in part, by Adams State College, Colorado State University, Fort Lewis College, Mesa State College, Metropolitan State College of Denver, University of Colorado, University of Northern Colorado, and Western State College of Colorado.

The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of the American National Standard for Information SciencesPermanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials. ANSI Z39.48-1992

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Laugen, R. Todd.
The gospel of progressivism : moral reform and labor war in Colorado, 19001930 /
R. Todd Laugen.
p. cm. (Timberline books)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-60732-052-4 (cloth : alk. paper) ISBN 978-1-60732-053-1 (e-book) 1.
ColoradoPolitics and government18761950. 2. Progressivism (United States politics)History20th century. 3. LaborColoradoHistory20th century. 4. Labor laws and legislationColoradoHistory20th century. 5. WomenPolitical activityColoradoHistory20th century. 6. Political corruptionColoradoHistory20th century. I. Title.
F781.L298 2010
978.8031dc22
2010037930
Design by Daniel Pratt

1 9 1 8 1 7 1 6 1 5 1 4 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 0 1 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

For Zo

Writing and researching can be lonely endeavors. For this reason, I dearly appreciate the assistance of so many people and groups along the way.

Financial support from various institutions proved invaluable in sustaining an initial vision of this project while I labored frugally as a graduate student. The graduate Distinguished Research Fellowship and the Gloria and Jackson Main Fellowship at the University of Colorado were a lifeline. So too were the Thomas Edwin Devaney Dissertation Fellowship from the Center for Humanities and Arts and the Emerson Humanities Fellowship from the College of Arts and Sciences. The Boulder Historical Society lent a valuable hand with its Thomas Meier Fellowship. The writing prize from the Center of the American West was deeply appreciated. After many years, I remain very grateful to these institutions.

While conducting research, I incurred debts to archivists, librarians, and activists who offered wonderful guidance and insight about sources. I benefited greatly from the help I received from David Hays in the archives at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The professional and patient staff at the Denver Public Library, Western History and Genealogy Department; the Colorado State Archives; the Colorado Historical Society; the Carnegie Library in Boulder; the Kansas Historical Society; and Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, offered tremendous assistance. A past president of the Colorado Federation of Womens Clubs, Helen Johnson, also opened her Denver office and its historical scrapbooks to me.

I deeply appreciate Darrin Pratts early and consistent encouragement for this project. As director of the University Press of Colorado, he facilitated key revisions that enhanced the big picture and the devilish details. Daniel Pratt, Beth Svinarich, and Caroline Denney have offered able assistance with the production and marketing processes. Laura Furney saved me from some embarrassing errors and enhanced the prose significantly with her careful editing. Maria Montoya, Tom Krainz, and an anonymous reviewer at the University Press of Colorado read the entire manuscript, urging me to refine and clarify my argument. Their careful suggestions and criticisms were of enormous help. Tom also provided steady encouragement throughout the process. As editor of the Journal of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, Alan Lessoff helped me develop an early version of . Elisabeth I. Perry, Karin Shapiro, and T. H. Baughman all read and improved conference papers that informed this manuscript. Robyn Muncy shared her expertise on the life of Josephine Roche. Reading two chapter drafts, Steve Leonard provided great insights into the quirks of Colorado history while sharpening my writing. Of course, I alone bear responsibility for any errors that remain.

Closer to home, other colleagues commented insightfully on portions of this manuscript or helped me confront the challenges of writing while teaching a heavy load. I extend my hearty thanks to a talented and dedicated cohort at Metropolitan State College of Denver: Jim Drake, John Monnett, Kim Klimek, Susan Lanman, Monys Hagen, Tom Altherr, Laura McCall, Tish Richard, Dolph Grundman, Vince C. de Baca, Ellen Slatkin, Tom McInerney, Matt Makley, Andy Muldoon, Paul Sidelko, Brian Weiser, and Justin Stephens. The MUPPETS reading group reviewed a ponderous draft chapter with remarkable forbearance. Members of the Boulder American Studies Reading GroupMark Pittenger, Martha Gimenez, Erika Doss, and Brian DeLayoffered lively debate about how to write engaging history. At the University of Colorado, graduate colleagues Gerry Ronning, John Enyeart, Carol Byerly, Wendy Keefover-Ring, Nancy Vavra, Steve Dike, and Renee Johnson all enriched my early research on this project with wise advice and critiques. Neighborhood raconteurs Dan Baum and Margaret Knox pushed me to work harder at telling a good story. Finally, Julie Greene inspires me with her remarkable dedication as a scholar, teacher, activist, and parent. I have benefited over many years from her keen intelligence, patient counsel, and impressive example.

Family members have long kept the faith and offered their generous support as I completed this project. Robert and Marilyn Laugen, Annie and Michael Murray, Christian and Misrina Laugen, Heather Cochran and David Allen, Garrett and Janet Cochran, Deirdre Cochran, and Dan Couch all helped to keep me focused on the ultimate goal of publication. I know the process appeared confusing at times, but I dearly appreciate their abiding interest in my work. David Allen helped with an initial design of what became a fantastic cover. My grandmother, Audrey Myers Baker, offered encouragement at the start of this project, although she did not live to see it finished. Evan, Trevor, and Sasha deserve great thanks for their patience. Watching them grow wiser along with this book has been a tremendous joy. Last, Zo has endured and still championed this project through great obstacles. Her generous spirit and deep loyalty made this book possible in so many ways. She has always served faithfully as critic and reviewer of the first and last resort. Her friendship has buoyed and sustained me throughout. To her, I dedicate this book, at last.