Cora Ransom Strain

Cora Ransom Strain was educated in public schools and worked in a stone quarry and as a railroad construction worker before moving to Colorado in 1895. His uncle Morton then took him into the business of Strain and Strain, which in 1901 became known as Strain Brothers, handling a complete line of seeds, grain, and coal. In 1908 he and his brother Charles Raymond Strain became the owners of the Union Ice and Cold Storage Company (established in 1896) which they expanded in 1910 to include the La Junta Ice and Cold Storage Company. In 1909 they opened Lamar's first swimming pool at Second and Maple. Cora was also associated with the Lamar Alf Milling Company. Valley State Bank was chartered March 4, 1920, and Cora was Vice President and a Board Director. That bank was originally located in teh North Side of the T. J. Sayler building (now Five E. Liquor store) but was moved in 1930 to 201 S. Main. In 1930, Strain Brothers acquired the franchise to bottle Coca-Cola in Lamar. Cora had extensive farming interests in Prowers County and was active in civil and political affairs. He was a director of the Lamar Gas and Electric company when incorporated Oct. 6, 1908. He helped develop Lamar's and Prowers' county highways. Cora was a member of the National Ice Industries, national Beverage Bottlers, National Carbonated Beverages, and was on the City Council for 6 years. In 1931, he replaced I. E. Kaiser as alderman to the Mayors office. He was President of the Lamar Chamber of Commerce from 1931-32. He was a member of the board of directors of the Lamar Savings and Loan Association and active in its management from 1913 till he retired. He served as secretary and president during the eighteen years on the local board of education of Union High School District No. 2. During this term grade, junior and high schools were built along with manual training and gymnasium buildings. He helped organize the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and served as the first Exalted Ruler in 1915, later being a trustee from 1918 and was made an honorary member in 1940. He served as a trustee on the Presbyterian church. He was also associated with the A. F and A. M. Lodge No. 90 Finally he served as a representative in the 34th, 35th, and 36th general assemblies of Colorado from 1943-1949.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65327524/cora-ransom-strain

http://politicalstrangenames.blogspot.com/2020/01/cora-ransom-strai...