The Story

New Dawn Cinema is proud to present Whispers of the Mountain, a moving documentary that captures the untold story of early homesteaders in the high country of Colorado. Through the lens of history, this film brings to life the struggles and sacrifices made by Alan Mingus and his wife, Elva, as they sought to carve out a life in the rugged Wet Mountains of the Colorado Rockies in 1908.

The Homestead Act of 1862 had long offered opportunities for Americans to claim and cultivate land, but it wasn’t until the Forest Homestead Act of 1906 that individuals could settle on forested public lands. Drawn by the promise of land and a fresh start, Alan Mingus ventured deep into the heart of Colorado’s wilderness, where he established a homestead in 1908. His wife, Elva Myrtle Conner, joined him two years later, bringing with her their two young children: Helen and Maurine.

But life in the high country was far from easy. Isolated from friends, family, and even neighbors, Elva faced the immense challenge of raising her children in an unforgiving environment. The documentary highlights the harsh realities of their daily existence—an existence marked by brutal winters, primitive living conditions, and a profound sense of isolation.

The hardships took a toll on Elva, and after years of enduring the relentless struggles, she faced a heartbreaking decision. Pregnant with her fourth child, Elva, overwhelmed by the thought of bringing another baby into such difficult circumstances, attempted a self-abortion. Tragically, she did not survive the ordeal. On January 28, 1922, Elva passed away, leaving her husband and three young daughters behind.

Elva Mingus

The story doesn’t end with her death, though. According to local legend, Alan was unable to move Elva’s body due to heavy snow, forcing him to keep her body upstairs in their cabin for two weeks before he could transport her to Wetmore in a wagon. The documentary doesn’t shy away from this stark reality, instead using it to underscore the intense hardships faced by those who dared to homestead in such remote and inhospitable terrain.

Whispers of the Mountain is not just a tale of tragedy; it’s also one of resilience and survival. After Elva’s passing, Alan, unable to care for three-year-old Grace, entrusted her to family friends, Ed and Emma Coker, in Wetmore. Despite the unimaginable grief and loss, life continued on the homestead, a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who chose to make their home in the wilderness.

This documentary is more than a historical account; it is a poignant reminder of the strength, courage, and tenacity of early homesteaders. It sheds light on the often overlooked stories of those who paved the way for future generations, offering a glimpse into the sacrifices they made and the legacies they left behind.

New Dawn Cinema invites you to experience Whispers of the Mountain and to honor the memory of Alan and Elva Mingus, whose lives were both a tragedy and a triumph in the untamed Colorado wilderness. Their story is a powerful tribute to the human spirit and its enduring quest for a better life, no matter the cost.