If you like reading about woman during these times, I recommend "The Shirley Letters." The writing is outstanding.
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Back in the 50's or early 60's there was a TV Western that portrayed the story of Charley, which followed this obit to a T. It may have been on "Death Valley Days". It wasn't until the very end of the episode, when he died, that a doctor revealed Charley's secret.
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March 13, 1958 "Death Valley Days" episode: "Cockeyed Charlie Parkhurst". (Before Ronald Reagan took over from "the Old Ranger".)
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The harsh reality of being poor and a woman many times means your only choice is prostitution, especially during that time period. She made the choice to live as a man, provide for herself and keep herself safe. She was a wise woman.
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There once was a “Whip” they called Charlie
This “mud wagon” jockey was gnarly
But don’t give him no lip
Or expect him to strip
‘cause if riled he could get downright snarly
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Wow, she was tough! And to think of dying alone, with cancer eating your mouth... It sounds horrible!
The price of shame, secrecy and prejudice...
Thank you for telling us about Charley!
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You can also learn some interesting information about this individual in Stagecoach West by Ralph Moody. Charley Parkhurst was one of the great "myths" arising from that great American myth machine - the American West.
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This calls to mind the 1993 movie "The Ballad of Little Jo," starring Suzy Amis, written & directed by Maggie Greenwald
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Wouldn't it be fascinating to be able to read a first hand account of Charley's life? What a tale that would be. It makes you wonder whether there were notes or a journal of sorts left behind in that cabin that weren't considered worth of saving then, maybe even to "spare" Charley's reputation.
What a life. It seems inevitable that she was alone during much of it. But it doesn't follow that she was lonely if she was able to do what she wanted.
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@Nancy
I agree, it makes for a good story. Though it is unlikely she would risk leaving notes about her identity if she worked so hard to conceal it even after she left the workforce.
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