Gold-Fated Family: J.J. Brown Husband of Unsinkable Margaret “Molly” Brown

Five years and thousands of documents later, Jody Pritzl has written the newest retelling of J.J. Brown and his wife Margaret "Molly” Brown. The husband, who discovered the largest gold strike in Colorado in 1892, was overshadowed by one of the most famous Coloradans of all time for her heroic actions when the Titanic sank.

Absent the contributions of J.J. and Margaret, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Denver would not have been erected and later blessed by Pope John Paul, elevating it to the status of a basilica. The Browns work ensured the evolution of Saint Joseph’s Hospital, orphans were clothed, and, as arts patrons, helped Denver evolve in the early 20th century.

Jody will share examples of telegrams, photos, and checks and how they were interpreted into her book, Gold-Fated Family, featuring Colorado gold history and a famous family with their share of joy and drama.

Jody is a member of the Colorado Author’s League who, in 2020, awarded a first prize for her nonfiction book, Immigrants, Ornaments, and Legacies: A Story of American-Made Glass Christmas Ornaments. In 2021, Jody’s book, That Championship Year, was a finalist for nonfiction.