Doc Susie bag

Doc Susie & Book Giveaway

You never know who you might meet in Cripple Creek, Colorado!

Mona with Hedy Boyce as Doc Susie

While I was in Cripple Creek in August to participate in the Gold Camp Days and Western Literature Festival, I made Wyatt Earp’s acquaintance through a program presented by his grandson, Wyatt Earp.

Then during a book signing at the Cripple Creek District Museum, I met Doc Susie, played by Hedy Boyce.

One thing is for certain, there’s never a dull moment in Cripple Creek. Even if after a full day of museum hopping and historical exploration, you’ve tuck yourself into your peaceful room at Carr Manor. The historic Cripple Creek High School repurposed as a lovely Bed & Breakfast is far too rich in history to be dull.

The Bride Wore Blue (2)What fun it was to meet Hedy and chat with her about Doc Susie, the real life woman I feature as a fictional secondary character in The Bride Wore Blue, Book 3 in my Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series.

I was excited when Hedy agreed to an interview, to share a bit about one of her favorite historical Cripple Creek characters–Dr. Susan Anderson.

MONA: Welcome, Hedy! I’m delighted you’re with us today. And I’m excited to let my readers know more about Cripple Creek, its history and all the fun going’s-on there.

HEDY: Cripple Creek is such a neat town, steeped in history and there’s so much to learn. One thng I can say is that there’s always something going on in town.

MONA: What are some of the places and occasions where you slip into the role of Doc Susie?

HEDY: The annual graveyard tour–Mount Pisgah Speaks, the weekend ambiance “walk arounds” in town where I have the opportunity to speak to visitors from all over t he world, and talks to grade school children at local schools.

MONA: What led you to choose Doc Susie (Dr. Susan Anderson)?

HEDY: I have this connection with her. I can relate with her up-hill battle to be accepted as a female doctor in a man’s world.  I compare it to my battle  to get equal treatment for fight attendants in the late 60s. I was the first fight attendant who was able to get pregnant, have a child, and still keep my  job.

Cripple Creek Research BooksMONA:  What resources did you use in researching Doc Susie’s life and work for your role?

HEDY: There are a variety of books about Cripple Creek and Doc Susie, including Doc Susie: The True Story of a Country Physician in the Colorado Rockies by Virginia Cornell, Cripple Creek Days by Mabel Barbee Lee, Money Mountain: The Story of Cripple Creek Gold by Marshall Sprague, and The Doctor Wore Petticoats: Women Physicians of the Old West by Chris Enss. In Cripple Creek, there are several photos of her and a variety of information sources.

Hedy Boyce, Gold Camp Victorian Society, in her Doc Susie Costume

Hedy Boyce, Gold Camp Victorian Society, in her Doc Susie Costume

MONA: How did you choose your Doc Susie costume?

HEDY: There are several photos of her available in books, in Cripple Creek, and on the Internet, but I chose her gradualtion photo from medical school in Ann Arbor, Michigan as my model. I think that is how I see her in my mind’s eye.

MONA: What was one of the most surprising things you learned about Susan Anderson?

HEDY: There are several surprising things about Doc Susie. All had to do with her overcoming adversity. She wandered around in a dangerous world out west, however, she was an excellent marksman and  always had a revolver in her doctor’s bag. If she came upon wild animals or ill-intentioned men, she was capable of dealing with it. But, above all else, she accomplished a lot, including beating TB and living to the ripe old age of  ninety.

MONA: Is there a Doc Susie fact that especially endeared her to you?

HEDY: Her love for her brother and best friend, John.

Hedy, thank you for taking the time to sit with us a spell, and talk about Dr. Susan Anderson, a renowned woman, part of Cripple Creek history and one of my favorite real life women to write about.

Learn more about The Bride Wore Blue

Learn more about Cripple Creek

Check out the Cripple Creek District Museum

Learn more about the Gold Camp Victorian Society

Congratulations to Susan F, Jackie M, Renee J, Nicole L, and Tina T, who each won a signed copy of THE BRIDE WORE BLUE.

Comments 53

  1. What a delightful interview with Hedy and her role as Doc Susie! I love the pictures you included; her costume is fantastic! I have been to Colorado, but not to Cripple Creek. I do hope to visit one day. When I do, I will think of you, Doc Susie, and this wonderful book series!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  2. Doc Susie was one of the first women I learned about in my quest to understand women in the west, most especially Colorado. My sister turned me on to her. I have alot of books about women now. She was a real pioneer who accomplished alot in medicine an for the miners too. It must have been really great to meet “her”!

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  3. I loved hearing about Cripple Creek, a beautiful area, and Doc Susie. I would love to win a copy of The Bride Wore Blue.

    melback at cebridge dot net

    Reply

  4. Mona, What a wonderful article about Cripple Creek and all the people you had an opportunity to meet! You make it all feel like we have a chance to see it through your visit. Love these types of places how blessed you are to be able to go thanks for sharing.
    I really love reading your books. Usually can’t put them down.
    mcnuttjem0(at)g mail(dot)com

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author
    2. Post
      Author
  5. Post
    Author
    1. Post
      Author

  7. What a great time it must have been to “meet” the person you wrote about. I love traveling and getting to know people through reading books.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author
    2. Post
      Author
    2. Post
      Author

    1. Hi Karen, Thanks for joining me here. Yes, in each of my Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek book, I feature a real life woman from the time and place as a secondary character. Happy Reading!

      Reply
    2. Post
      Author

  17. What a lovely interview! I really would love to read The Bride Wore Blue.
    Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
    campbellamyd at gmail dot com

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author
    1. Post
      Author
    1. Post
      Author
    2. Post
      Author
    1. Post
      Author
    1. Post
      Author
    1. Post
      Author

  24. Mona, I loved this series. I read books 1 – 3, but not book 4. I’ve recently become disabled because of a medical error, so I’m saving my money to buy book 4 and/or hoping my library may get a copy. I tell my Mom it’s frustrating when I can’t buy my books like I could when I was working. I love history and I truly enjoyed this posting. Great books! Mona, you’re a wonderful author! Thank you for sharing with us.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author
    2. Post
      Author
  25. Post
    Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *