Marshall Sprague ’30

MARSHALL SPRAGUE, "historian laureate of Colorado," died in Colorado Springs Sept. 9, 1994. Born in Newark, Ohio, he entered Princeton from Lawrenceville. He played terrific jazz piano with the Banjo Club and the Triangle Club. A member of Cloister Inn, he graduated cum laude in history. He spent a year as a reporter in Tsientsin, China, and two years on the staff of the PARIS HERALD.

In the midst of a long bout with tuberculosis, he moved in 1941 to Colorado Springs. Since that time, he had written over 18 books on Colorado and western history, including MONEY MOUNTAIN, about Cripple Creek; NEWPORT IN THE ROCKIES, a history of Colorado Springs; and SO VAST & BEAUTIFUL A LAND, about the Louisiana Purchase. Marsh's autobiography will be published in December. He has been awarded honorary degrees and many other awards.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Eda Jane Ailes, an active and charming associate member of our class, two sons, a daughter, a nephew, and two granddaughters. He was one of the most beloved members of our class, and we shall-like the citizens of Colorado-miss his talents and his varied contributions. To his family, the class extends heartfelt sympathy.