Mary Elitch Long
Mary Elitch Long 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. Elitch 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 restauranteur who shared a dream with her of a cultural resort in the city of Denver. Bringing wild animals, flowers, plants, theater, music, dancing, food, amusements, and families together, Elitch also made many friends in the entertainment community that she wanted to perform at the Elitch Theater. After her husband’s death, Elitch 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 it was agreed that the park would keep the Elitch name. Elitch lived in the gardens until she died on July 16, 1936 at the age of 86.
Opened in 1890, Elitch Zoological Gardens offered a unique cultural experience in the West. Her first husband, John Elitch, was a restauranteur who shared a dream with her of a cultural resort in the city of Denver. Bringing wild animals, flowers, plants, theater, music, dancing, food, amusements, and families together, Elitch also made many friends in the entertainment community that she wanted to perform at the Elitch Theater. After her husband’s death, Elitch 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 it was agreed that the park would keep the Elitch name. Elitch lived in the gardens until she died on July 16, 1936 at the age of 86.