Fine, Eben G., 1865-1957.

Eben Fine, known by some as "Mr. Boulder," gave more than 5,000 speeches around the U.S., showing his slides of Colorado and promoting the region as a tourist's paradise. He estimated that over 1 million people in 31 states had heard his presentations. His audiences ranged from a handful of people to 3,000; most of his talks were to service groups and schools. He began promoting Colorado after 2 employees of the Burlington railroad heard him address the National Druggist Assn.

From the description of Some interesting experiences of my lecture tours [between 1955 and 1957]. 1955-1957. (Boulder Public Library). WorldCat record id: 427277096

Eben Fine claimed to be the first person to climb to Arapaho Glacier and recognize that it was a glacier and not merely a snow field. Herbert Wheeler also claimed that he was the first to recognize the glacier as such in 1897 (see call #s 513-2-12 and 799-1-1 pg. 13A).

From the description of Arapaho Glacier photographs, 1900. (Boulder Public Library). WorldCat record id: 427359082

The Boys' Hotel was a hotel for self-supporting working boys between the ages of 14 and 18, who otherwise would have been homeless.

From the description of Boy's Hotel (Kansas City, MO.) booklet and correspondence 1928-1933. (Boulder Public Library). WorldCat record id: 427277164

Though not a Boulder pioneer--he came in 1886--Eben Fine was personally acquainted with many of the pioneers, including some of the first group to arrive in 1858.

From the description of Pioneer Boulder and modern Boulder undated. (Boulder Public Library). WorldCat record id: 427277141

A note on the back of the photographs states: "One square mile of ice - the largest living glacier in Colorado, moving at the rate of 111 feet per year at outer edges and 127 feet per year in center. Discovered by Eben G. Fine July 14th 1900 while climbing. Photographed and reported in 1900 and again in 1901."

From the description of Arapaho Glacier photographs 1920s. [1920-1929] (Boulder Public Library). WorldCat record id: 427276033

For over fifty years, Eben G. Fine presented lectures advertising the scenic wonders of Boulder and Colorado to colleges, business clubs, churches, and other organizations throughout the country. In 1922, Fine began his lectures when he went on a two-month tour under the sponsorship of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce and the Burlington Railway Company.

Fine's most repeated lecture appearance was at the Colorado Chautauqua Association auditorium in Boulder, where he entertained audiences for over forty consecutive years. By 1952, Eben Fine had appeared before nearly 5,000 groups in thirty-one states, showing a million persons his photographs and hand-colored slides.

Born 8 Nov. 1865 on a Missouri farm, Eben Fine came to Boulder in 1886 to start work at George C. Fonda's Pioneer Drug Store. He later bought Temple Drug from Gilbert Brothers. Fine was secretary of the Boulder Commercial Association, forerunner of the Chamber of Commerce, and was active in the Colorado Pharmacal Association and the Boulder County Historical Society, the Boulder Archaeology Society and the Rocky Mountain Climbers Club. He was dubbed "Mr. Boulder."

From the description of Eben G. Fine papers 1889-1957 (bulk 1930-1957). 1889-1957. (Boulder Public Library). WorldCat record id: 427265261