Eagle Creek Resident Bio: Maude Westbrook

Interview conducted March 27, 1910, by Sarah Conrad

(Maude Westbrook is a family friend of the Conrads.)

1. Name: Maude Dale Burbank Westbrook

2. Date of Birth: August 29, 1883

3. Place of Birth: Cheyenne, Wyoming

4. Parents: Unknown and Tristina Burbank

5. Siblings:

6. Describe your childhood. I grew up in an orphanage in Cheyenne. My mother was a prostitute who died of Syphilis a month after I was born.

7. What did you enjoy doing as a child? Hiding from the nuns.

8. What is your earliest memory? Receiving a gumdrop for reciting a prayer.

9. How old were you when you went on your first date and where did you go? 15. Independence Day Dance with a boy named Dennis.

10. Married? I married Arnold on June 1, 1906. He graduated the next day.

11. How did you meet your spouse? We met at a campus fundraiser.

12. Children:

13. Grandchildren:

14. Pets? I had several cats in college whom I looked after. They are a dear source of affection when I am ill at ease.

15. Education: Certificate in Nursing from Howell Glenn University, Cheyenne, Wyoming

16. What brought you to Eagle Creek? I followed my husband.

17. Current friends: Dixie Kennedy, Lucille Grant, Jean Clementine.

18. Occupation: Nurse, unofficial confidant and marriage counselor.

19. What was your first job? Washing floors when I was 9.

20. How much did you make? Twenty-five cents per day.

21. What did you like to do in your free time? Pretending that I had a family and I did not live in Cheyenne.

22. What are you doing now? Wondering why Pete Jackson put a pine cone in his mouth.

23. Do you admire a famous person? Thomas Bramwell Welch.

24. What makes them admirable? His high ideals and belief in preventative medicine.

25. What is your favorite food? Grape liquorice.

26. What is your favorite color? Purple

27. What is your favorite song? Jehovah, To My Prayer Give Ear

28. Hobbies: Playing the harp.

29. Name of the last book you read? Tenting on the Plains by Elizabeth Custer. Paula told me there's a steamy novel about....
Romero the Pirate, A Tale of Forbidden Passions is making the rounds around town. -SC

30. Tell me about a memorable moment in your life; a time you will never forget. Last year, Arnold and I went for a weekend trip to a ranch near Plentywood. One day we went horseback riding and got caught in a sudden storm.

We took shelter in a cave. We watched as a massive tornado ripped through the prairie. The torrent and fury of the atmosphere gave me great pause.

31. What things do you find yourself doing that you said you'd never do? Losing my temper.

32. What are the goals you are still working toward? I want every girl in town of marrying age to have a basic understanding of the male ego and their own intimate needs.
Are you joking? -SC
100% serious. There is a fundamental lack of communication in this town concerning hygiene.
Wow! I... I have a friend who could use some help. I'll call her... Amelia. Anyway, she lives over a bakery and she thinks about boys all day long. -SC

33. When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered? As a tireless advocate of human happiness.

34. What is your favorite outdoor activity? Walking in the woods.

35. Do you attend church or religious services? Eagle Creek Memorial Church.

36. What is your favorite Bible verse? Psalm 23

37. What makes you happy? Courage

38. What makes you sad? Cowardice

39. What frightens you? The thought of someone ignoring my medical advice and coming to harm.

40. What is there about you that would surprise people if they found out? When I first arrived, I hated this town. I called it "Crummy Creek." But, over time, my resentment faded. It was replaced by the glory of so many new friends.