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Aurora
The Aurora, Colo., Corps participated for the second year in “Homestead City.” Several organizations pitched tents outside the city and showed close to 30,000 people how life was for the Colorado pioneers a century ago.
Leading the Salvation Army exhibit was Major Ed Ringle (R), from Denver Citadel, who with his sister Della Bozman, CSM in Helena, Mont., and Aurora soldier Cyndi Mettler kept things going and worked with groups moving constantly through the encampment. Mrs. Ruth Ann Waldrop found it almost a full-time task as she prepared meals over a little campfire.
Violinist Mrs. Audrey Tinkcom joined Ringle on the antique piano accordion, Bozman with the bass drum, and Mettler with the tambourine to provide appropriate, toe-tapping music. Sometimes Richard Andrews added his harmonica and A/Captain Dan Luschenat whanged away with a washboard and wooden spoon.
Housekeeping took a good deal of effort, as the wind occasionally rocked the tents, spilling exhibit articles and calling for frequent cleanups. Ringle experienced some discomfort as the night watchman while the others retreated gratefully to a nearby motel.
A special pleasure was performing for more than 3,000 school children who came on buses with teachers. Several of them were from the many Russian immigrant families in the area.
During open-air meetings the group gave testimonies to God’s love and saving power, with the pointed comment that in doing so they were not play-acting nor giving a memorized script.
Surely, The Salvation Army made many friends on this occasion, as the presentation was well received and reached people who did not know that it is a church.
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