Irene Aloha Wright: Traveler, Researcher, International Writer of Ouray, Colorado

by Julie McDonald

Irene Aloha Wright was the adored, only child of Ed and Letitia Wright. With the money Ed and his brother George made from the Wheel of Fortune Mine, they built the Wright Opera House in Ouray, Colorado. In 1895, at age 15, Irene was on her way to an elite boarding school for young women in Virginia. Irene thought Mexico sounded more interesting, so she changed trains and went there instead. In this VERY short, but very interesting, 10 minute read, you will find Whatever happened to Irene Aloha Wright?

17 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2020

About the author

Julie McDonald is a lifelong resident of Flagstaff, Arizona and has become the local authority on Southwest Pioneer history, and gardening in the challenging terrain of the Inner-Mountain West. Julie’s growing collection of books on the stories, struggles and triumphs of pioneer women (and some men too) have captivated readers throughout the world! Her books contain short stories on these unsung heroes, scandalous villains, and noble adventurers of the 1800’s and early 1900’s, as they overcome the many trials and obstacles that went along with daily life in that era. Although their lives were challenging, Julie adds humor and optimism to each story, a reflection of her own personality. Julie’s highly successful gardening and her thriving “Farm Stand” in which she sells the abundance of her produce, has brought her celebrity status in the community and have made her a pioneer in her own right! Julie shares her ideas and methods for successful gardening in this region in her first book, “Farm Your Front Yard”. Her “Adventures” series reflects her deep faith in Jesus as she guides readers on their own faith journeys through topics such as forgiveness, giving and prayer. She has four adult children and six grandchildren, by far her most expensive hobby!

For more information and new books check out funhistorystories.com

Reviews

[Grace Grose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apparently she really didn't want to go to boarding school! Running away to Mexico might seem a bit extreme to some, but not to Irene. She had plenty of gumption, which led to a goodly amount of adventure around the world. I liked her comments on archival material being better than fiction in many cases, giving credence to the statement "Truth is stranger than fiction!" Enjoyed This interesting story!

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irene was the descendant of Irish immigrants.

Ed and George Wright, two brothers who came over from Ireland and made it big in the gold rush. The equivalent of millionaires today, the men sold their claims and decided to ‘obtain’ some wives.

How they obtained these two women is not known.

Enter Lenora and Letitia.

Since George and Lenora couldn’t have children, Irene was everyone’s favorite.

Events at the Wright Opera House, even as a child.

Sent to boarding school in Virginia by her mother. Ditched that plan, and absconded to Mexico City instead. Worked as a governess.

Return to Virginia. Graduated from Stanford University in California.

Writer, journalist, and publisher in Cuba. Popular with expats. Brought her mom along.

Lived in Seville, Spain for 22 years. Also with her mother.

Studied and wrote about the history of the Caribbean.

Adopted daughter Flor, eight weeks old, at age 54.

Moved back to the US in 1936, due to the Spanish Civil War. Worked in the State Department as a Foreign Affairs Specialist.