Health and Medicine | Page 20

“Nothing Will Matter,” 1930.

Originally published in March of 1930, “Nothing Will Matter” displays Peterson’s frequent themes of lost love and melancholy. Moe, Lawrence. “The Poetry of Colorado Pete.” Shevlin, MN: Clearwater County Historical Society, 2008.

“Mother’s Memory Quilt,” 1929

Peterson wrote this poem from a hospital in Arizona for his mother while she was gravely ill in Minnesota in hopes that she would see it in the Chicago Tribune. She didn’t live to see “Memory Quilt;” it was coincidentally published on the day of her funeral. Moe, Lawrence. “The Poetry of Colorado Pete.” Shevlin, MN: Clearwater County Historical Society, 2008.

“The Mesa Wind Blows Soft,” 1926

Originally published December 8, 1926. Moe, Lawrence. “The Poetry of Colorado Pete.” Shevlin, MN: Clearwater County Historical Society, 2008.

“I am a Weaver,” 1925

Moe, Lawrence. “The Poetry of Colorado Pete.” Shevlin, MN: Clearwater County Historical Society, 2008.

“I Want a Pal,” 1924

One of Peterson’s most popular poems with readers, “I Want a Pal” displayed the western motifs inspired by his stay at a Colorado sanitarium which became his signature style. His sentimental style earned him hundreds of fan letters from women around the Midwest. Moe, Lawrence. “The Poetry of Colorado Pete.” Shevlin, MN: Clearwater County Historical Society, 2008.

Arthur Peterson and Andrew Peterson

Arthur Peterson (right) with his brother Andrew, 1919.

Peterson, Arthur O. “Colorado Pete” (1896‒1932)

Though his life was tragically short, Colorado Pete made his mark on the history of Clearwater County, Minnesota, through both his civic activities and his poetry.

Southwest view of the Kline Sanatorium, ca. 1978

Southwest view of the Kline Sanatorium, 1978

Southwest view of the Kline Sanatorium, April 6, 1978. Photograph by Robert Kirchner. Anoka County Historical Society, object ID #2057.2.16. Used with the permission of the Anoka County Historical Society.

James F. Kline registration certificate

A certificate of registration in the basic sciences issued to James F. Kline, son of Kline Sanatorium Dr. James Kline, on July 30, 1927. James F. Kline took over the practice after his father’s death in 1932. Anoka County Historical Society, object ID #648.M. Used with the permission of the Anoka County Historical Society.

Mississippi River Bridge and Kline Sanatorium

The old Mississippi River bridge, with the Kline Sanatorium in the background at right, with a view looking north from Champlin into Anoka. Photographer unknown; captured between 1902 and 1928. Anoka County Historical Society, object ID #0003.2.59. Used with the permission of the Anoka County Historical Society.

Gale Family Library