Mary Elitch Long
Mary Elitch Long (May 1, 1850 – July 16, 1936) was one of the original owners of Elitch Gardens in Denver, CO. She was the first woman to own and manage a zoo, one that happened to be the first West of Chicago. Mary was also the author of two children's books.
Opened in 1890, Elitch Zoological Gardens offered a unique cultural experience in the west. Her first husband, John Elitch was a restaurateur who shared a dream with her for a cultural resort in the city of Denver. Bringing wild animals, flowers, plants, theatre, music, dancing, food, amusements, and families together, Elitch also made many friends in the entertainment community that she wanted to have perform on the Elitch Theatre. After her husband’s death, Mary assumed management and successfully ran the park. In 1897 she began the Elitch Garden Stock Company. In 1916, she was forced to sell Elitch Gardens to John Mulvihill, but in the agreement the park would keep the Elitch name. Mary lived in the gardens until she died on July 16, 1936 at 86yrs old.
Source: "The Lady of the Gardens," Caroline Dier, 1936
Opened in 1890, Elitch Zoological Gardens offered a unique cultural experience in the west. Her first husband, John Elitch was a restaurateur who shared a dream with her for a cultural resort in the city of Denver. Bringing wild animals, flowers, plants, theatre, music, dancing, food, amusements, and families together, Elitch also made many friends in the entertainment community that she wanted to have perform on the Elitch Theatre. After her husband’s death, Mary assumed management and successfully ran the park. In 1897 she began the Elitch Garden Stock Company. In 1916, she was forced to sell Elitch Gardens to John Mulvihill, but in the agreement the park would keep the Elitch name. Mary lived in the gardens until she died on July 16, 1936 at 86yrs old.
Source: "The Lady of the Gardens," Caroline Dier, 1936