William Korn was born in NYC, 1947 and attended the University of Michigan BA (Psychology, Education), 1969 and the  University of Colorado MBA (Finance, Real Estate), 1977. He has been Lecturer in Real Estate, Finance Dept., School of Business, University of Colorado, 1977-82. William has  resided in Colorado since 1970 and Leadville since 1989.

He is founder and president of the Temple Israel Foundation, 1987. William organized the restoration of Leadville’s Hebrew Cemetery, the restoration of the Temple Israel building and its conversion into an operating museum, and helped research and create the Temple Israel website www.jewishleadville.org.

“Pioneers Jews of Leadville, Colorado, 1878-1914” (Weds-106), 7:30 – 8:45 A.M.

This presentation begins with a review of Leadville’s history as a frontier mining town transforming into an industrial center. It then examines the experiences of several pioneer Jews – their families, businesses, social and civic organizations, and their interactions with the broader community.

Prominent names include David May (May Corp., department stores) and the Guggenheims; but, the emphasis is placed on more “normal” people who were stereotypically small Main Street merchants. The history of the cemetery and the synagogue is recalled and there is some discussion of their restoration and current uses.

The talk is accompanied by a PowerPoint exhibition and the audience is encouraged to ask questions.

Topics: Cemetery research, Jewish history and culture, Pioneer Jews in the Rocky Mountains