tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49187012388416831922024-03-06T00:44:36.884-07:00Denver History Tours BlogDenver History Tours presents... the Denver History "Nugget"Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-9502857139771949512011-01-09T21:37:00.002-07:002011-01-09T22:06:37.919-07:00DenverUrbanism!For my regular readers over the past three years or so, I am still posting periodic blogs but have joined up with the best of Denver's urban bloggers over at DenverUrbanism.com<br /><br />Check out all of the great information at that site on urban planning, historic preservation, urban renewal, infrastructure development and associated topics: all with a focus on Denver and environs.<br /><br />I may still post a longer blog or two here but most of my shorter posts will be over at that site and cover topics on Denver's past, just like here.<br /><br />However, please continue to email me all of your great questions to <a href="mailto:denverhistorytours@gmail.com">denverhistorytours@gmail.com</a><br /><br />Otherwise, see you at <a href="http://denverurbanism.com/">denverurbanism.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Denvers-Whittier-Neighborhoods-Images-America/dp/0738571911/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1294634717&sr=8-2">Shawn Snow</a>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-43969401332392488432010-09-08T00:30:00.013-06:002010-09-29T21:13:23.453-06:00Early Denver Homes: 2222 Champa<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhnHDeDvAy1RbylKoiDv2-cFshOtrcGfbUbseF7Lw3myUKeC6U9ocnfrVk7GAWfCccvZhUgOU-dZC_leR4Rwr7ACJkh8MNMQISCwYEqWNgZMRdZUA42_mb-sBf8sewyy3hqZ7xUVNTLDc/s1600/2010-09-06+Londoner+House+1890.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 199px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514426556732524514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhnHDeDvAy1RbylKoiDv2-cFshOtrcGfbUbseF7Lw3myUKeC6U9ocnfrVk7GAWfCccvZhUgOU-dZC_leR4Rwr7ACJkh8MNMQISCwYEqWNgZMRdZUA42_mb-sBf8sewyy3hqZ7xUVNTLDc/s200/2010-09-06+Londoner+House+1890.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br />One of my hobbies is collecting early Denver related ephemera such as post cards and pictorial tour booklets. A few years back, I purchased a circa 1890 booklet entitled "Souvenir Album of Denver, Colorado". In it are drawings of numerous buildings around town, including the houses of the prominent citizens of Denver. Most of these houses were in downtown proper or close by. Doing the research on even one house takes a while but here's what I found out about 2222 Champa, the home shown above.<br /></div><div><br />This lovely Second Empire house was the residence of Wolfe Londoner, Mayor of Denver. He was elected in 1889. His detractors immediately accused him of ballot stuffing and corruption. The <em>Rocky Mountain News</em> stated the election to be "the most disgraceful in the history of Denver politics, corrupt as they have been before." This seems to imply that although previous elections were corrupt, this one took the cake. Saloon owners and other unsavory proprietors such as Ed Chase, Soapy Smith and Bat Masterson were said to have perpetuated and encouraged this corrupt behavior. Subsequent investigations led to Mr. Londoner's removal from office in 1891 just before he was to finish his term as mayor. He has been the only mayor to be removed from office.<br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXis-6O9Dg0535llAv9Un2lqkfzEIzLKUHoIZLNeJaqZaolAtwdUnrhkOiqxDwSHobv2tFh0YcogvplQ8fgUMKWJXZwlMPvZA7rUYi8DyaVHXIyAtlrRyWWwdPEdAtgTdW65rDBOxK3HDp/s1600/2010-09-06-Londoner.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 129px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514773529547527714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXis-6O9Dg0535llAv9Un2lqkfzEIzLKUHoIZLNeJaqZaolAtwdUnrhkOiqxDwSHobv2tFh0YcogvplQ8fgUMKWJXZwlMPvZA7rUYi8DyaVHXIyAtlrRyWWwdPEdAtgTdW65rDBOxK3HDp/s200/2010-09-06-Londoner.jpg" /></a><br />Wolfe Londoner</p><div><br /><br /></div><div>One can imagine the mayor riding his carriage over to City Hall at 14th and Larimer. Or perhaps he took the Curtis or Stout streetcar into downtown. His home at 2222 Champa was among many nice homes in the southern reaches of what we now call the "greater" Curtis Park neighborhood. At the turn of the last century, the thought of this area succumbing to the ravages of growing urbanism would have been unthinkable.<br /><br />But the march of the 20th century radically changed this part of downtown. Today, the lots where the house once stood sit within the city of Denver's planning area known as Arapahoe Square. The area has among the highest concentrations of parking lots in the city. The homes that once stood here were demolished for business uses or parking lots. Only a few original houses remain in this Arapahoe Square area, mostly along adjacent Stout Street...and they are in very sorry shape. For the mayor's lot, Nate's Import Service and the adjacent parking lot now occupy the space, with an address of 2218 Champa. Investigation of the Sanborn Insurance Maps of 1890 indicate that Mayor Londoner had a double lot with the house sitting mostly upon today's parking lot with Nate's Import Service now occupying what was once part of the yard.<br /><br /></div><div>Mayor Londoner's home was demolished in 1940. Records and newspaper evidence indicate the home was constructed in 1878. The area near the home had begun a long decline after the Broadway road extension was put through in 1909. This endeavor sliced through the whole neighborhood and resulted in numerous demolitions. Even prior to that, the area's residential character was called into question as the house on the corner was replaced in 1904 by the Moratto Block (a building which remains).</div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PyhXDriKQx9omeYi4IhTFfYQtu2haD1OmKiyrBqYgCq6ckuYkgz1epKWPWX3rCs00oOW8_AdrIitPx-2nkyv8byBxn-N_hYY_a2HlX-Tt_mCxgE_AU8qwecbw2aFAQEKIx4bdX-iU9AF/s1600/2010-09-06-WLondoner-DRep-0.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 108px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522538753867653618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PyhXDriKQx9omeYi4IhTFfYQtu2haD1OmKiyrBqYgCq6ckuYkgz1epKWPWX3rCs00oOW8_AdrIitPx-2nkyv8byBxn-N_hYY_a2HlX-Tt_mCxgE_AU8qwecbw2aFAQEKIx4bdX-iU9AF/s200/2010-09-06-WLondoner-DRep-0.jpg" /></a><br />The Londoner Home May 1, 1909<br />From the <em>Denver Republican</em> p. 12. The article talked about the declining property values caused by the extension of Broadway through the neighborhood, less than a block from Londoner's home.</p><div><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OaesmssUDSH4HVGjOY8NE-8rUGZuBLIgRQ0JOh7Ncvv3entRyEC2wuLjLf4w40cDT3cZK9JLUF0omFYKmDhO_idz-mLtFK54yGBAvYFiY8WUHJz2XL6GmAPRAe9NGJktciN4lgnjPq6v/s1600/2010-09-06-Londoner-DP040240a.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 176px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516265206223644562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OaesmssUDSH4HVGjOY8NE-8rUGZuBLIgRQ0JOh7Ncvv3entRyEC2wuLjLf4w40cDT3cZK9JLUF0omFYKmDhO_idz-mLtFK54yGBAvYFiY8WUHJz2XL6GmAPRAe9NGJktciN4lgnjPq6v/s200/2010-09-06-Londoner-DP040240a.jpg" /></a><br /></p><div><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02PmZG4RUXAwSz2ID8brKhzme6er7yFH7JhCrCXBYh-tdvCn9jWiIsqSQbrDfKIbBvu-pCiztD_rZBDOX3JwPYYo2aHCAwisYrVbtt_RIy8gITZ5JvTtJbLe4ewWy4ScR9rQ-2cfjMb0n/s1600/2010-09-06-Londoner-DP040240b.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 38px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516265876656019634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02PmZG4RUXAwSz2ID8brKhzme6er7yFH7JhCrCXBYh-tdvCn9jWiIsqSQbrDfKIbBvu-pCiztD_rZBDOX3JwPYYo2aHCAwisYrVbtt_RIy8gITZ5JvTtJbLe4ewWy4ScR9rQ-2cfjMb0n/s200/2010-09-06-Londoner-DP040240b.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="center">These two clips come from the <em>Denver Post</em>, April 2, 1940</p><div><br /><br /></div><p align="center"></p><div>Pictures from the modern era in the 2200 block of Champa follow below:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXww-Jqk4CMOG-WQBYOu0nruiWcer2vyRBazvbxP7JpEo9LdIoeAJ0Ofod0445KBCFRGRd99QF5I9b-OkgN68nHBQqdidi04cLH4fxoneSoI9ITtrm8FGL1WJE5NT9Lr1ewMmTrGl3nOIc/s1600/2010-09-06-2222-Champa-4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514750101938646786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXww-Jqk4CMOG-WQBYOu0nruiWcer2vyRBazvbxP7JpEo9LdIoeAJ0Ofod0445KBCFRGRd99QF5I9b-OkgN68nHBQqdidi04cLH4fxoneSoI9ITtrm8FGL1WJE5NT9Lr1ewMmTrGl3nOIc/s200/2010-09-06-2222-Champa-4.jpg" /></a><br />The Moratto Block is the building that sits on the corner. For many years during the middle 20th century to circa 2000, various bohemian coffee shops occupied its walls, including Muddy's Java Cafe. Nate's Import Service is the building north of the Moratto Block.<br /></p><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7WL214PPYNKPymCzo_FZdPjhp7kykLsQ5NnUSX86XaFCnUQ2Pnbh69aIJuZtKNHAL96Oex-E5P_zmbdprpv3EP04mf8lqG201vsdoSU2xR_EjAT-kF2l4oVTaxUaZfXFtQqQH0WWLDzC/s1600/2010-09-06-2222-Champa-5.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514750108206946658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7WL214PPYNKPymCzo_FZdPjhp7kykLsQ5NnUSX86XaFCnUQ2Pnbh69aIJuZtKNHAL96Oex-E5P_zmbdprpv3EP04mf8lqG201vsdoSU2xR_EjAT-kF2l4oVTaxUaZfXFtQqQH0WWLDzC/s200/2010-09-06-2222-Champa-5.jpg" /></a><br />This parking lot and Nate's Import Service, 2218 Champa, sit on the site of the former Londoner Mansion and yard. In the rear of the photo, you can view the back of one of the few remnant homes on this area south of Park Avenue. That home faces Stout Street.<br /></p><div><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JwnWNSuSur9dzljeFfIXWprY90um6xFeqiDw4SIhiEjPcYuqwAabW8XnGTIUJR9GwOF595-fojA4O7Z8Qqn3txZmZCyQp8F2xm_4QXXMwOGVPT_QjruuXmk5JjKS1a1QM_5_uq1z9mU8/s1600/2010-09-06-2222-Champa-3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514750094910644338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JwnWNSuSur9dzljeFfIXWprY90um6xFeqiDw4SIhiEjPcYuqwAabW8XnGTIUJR9GwOF595-fojA4O7Z8Qqn3txZmZCyQp8F2xm_4QXXMwOGVPT_QjruuXmk5JjKS1a1QM_5_uq1z9mU8/s200/2010-09-06-2222-Champa-3.jpg" /></a><br />Nate's was built in 1935 as an auto service garage. Its footprint encroached well into the yard of the former Londoner Mansion, leading to the home's demolition in 1940 as the residential character of this portion of Denver began to change more dramatically.<br /><br /></p><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtUn_u4lcjLdM2PQ90BgSTJwrmRsTZPls_LKMPFZ8WUGZJr4nXFuKSy7a9IXXCXuXnpbsVG8jFWhskN75zQ7kMHS8SrxFq5p-hwb8PyXoquT4TxWNXKeP5-dXCHHxmTkrASxq0mZU7lbI/s1600/2010-09-06-2222-Champa-2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514750093934309986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtUn_u4lcjLdM2PQ90BgSTJwrmRsTZPls_LKMPFZ8WUGZJr4nXFuKSy7a9IXXCXuXnpbsVG8jFWhskN75zQ7kMHS8SrxFq5p-hwb8PyXoquT4TxWNXKeP5-dXCHHxmTkrASxq0mZU7lbI/s200/2010-09-06-2222-Champa-2.jpg" /></a><br />A front view of Nate's, 2218 Champa.<br /><br /></p><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1t70mCkad1oKv7cmkWfbGT9bzrx7Fz1FsF8_acnnVJo8o2zkQefCsyfz2Ugwbm0_pErgD7hKMaKdseRftWnKZYEU5SDgwhf5cP4rRgS19INGMU04CX1ziEhNcr7u6wZW7rxWkNDIb6TyF/s1600/2010-09-06-2222-Champa-1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514750085304992802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1t70mCkad1oKv7cmkWfbGT9bzrx7Fz1FsF8_acnnVJo8o2zkQefCsyfz2Ugwbm0_pErgD7hKMaKdseRftWnKZYEU5SDgwhf5cP4rRgS19INGMU04CX1ziEhNcr7u6wZW7rxWkNDIb6TyF/s200/2010-09-06-2222-Champa-1.jpg" /></a><br />A close-up of Nate's with the Moratto Block in the rear.</p><div><br /></div><div><br />Seeing this type of urban change over time is but one example of the amazing diversity and plethora of housing that once existed all the way from 1st Street up to 44th Street in what we now call downtown Denver. All of the housing in the current Central Business District is long gone except for the Curry-Chucovich-Gerash House at 1439 Court Place. Between 20th and 23rd Streets (Park Ave), very little housing remains. This is what makes all of the homes that make up the Curtis Park Historic District so miraculous. These old homes survived to the present day. Places like the Londoner home though are not among the survivors. Many other amazing architectural wonders were also lost. This bit of research on one such home offers a window into this lost past.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /><div></div>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-25291058612045062342010-07-21T22:50:00.007-06:002010-07-22T00:08:45.242-06:00Historic Denver BrandsA summer of research has turned up some interesting advertisements from Denver's past. Taking a bit of a diversion from my normal building related posts, here are some ads from a <a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?00115271+H-271">Broadway Theater </a>program dated January 22, 1906. <div><div><div><br /><br /></div><div>The beautiful <a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?00070006+MCC-6">Broadway The</a><a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?00070006+MCC-6">ater </a>used to be located at 1756 Broadway across from the Brown Palace Hotel. It was demolished in 1955. This showplace featured numerous acts over the years.</div><div><br />While we lament the awful destruction of the Broadway, we can live it again (sort of) by looking at these fun ads:</div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXolu-b6ZvWQGlLWX1Bwzl3C9-FrhT1EwFC-JWpkgfHNMt0KAWEGZDoUR42z8p0LuSztLdOd_tjOKECO6Qu1mvNXSKbh7u-5SuT02vbOTMJd91OL783cvPoVE_0_BDlXkIFHTa1F0E8Jr/s1600/2010-07-D-&-F.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 158px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496598524423643218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXolu-b6ZvWQGlLWX1Bwzl3C9-FrhT1EwFC-JWpkgfHNMt0KAWEGZDoUR42z8p0LuSztLdOd_tjOKECO6Qu1mvNXSKbh7u-5SuT02vbOTMJd91OL783cvPoVE_0_BDlXkIFHTa1F0E8Jr/s200/2010-07-D-&-F.jpg" /></a><br />This ad came out before the Daniels and Fisher Company had built its signature clock tower and flagship department store at 16th and Arapahoe. <a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?10022861+X-22861">Daniels and Fisher </a>used to be located nearby at 16th and Curtis.<br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYRWHiiFUTChI8myrzNg8gmkhnJvetOtyTm2WiB5SmOFgeQ1hYq3zcXLkaEmUrbLzHMkPHej_HLhhgUPAmEXXmOXScnuB_fJDhyphenhyphenyBvG8ek1HN2jMqJ9SfDNLePAVU9taqDXRLCNttsjue/s1600/2010-07-DU-Music.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 130px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496599232747505010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYRWHiiFUTChI8myrzNg8gmkhnJvetOtyTm2WiB5SmOFgeQ1hYq3zcXLkaEmUrbLzHMkPHej_HLhhgUPAmEXXmOXScnuB_fJDhyphenhyphenyBvG8ek1HN2jMqJ9SfDNLePAVU9taqDXRLCNttsjue/s200/2010-07-DU-Music.jpg" /></a><br />The University of Denver started out its life as the Colorado Seminary in 1864. It was founded by our second territorial governor, John Evans. <a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?10022113+X-22113">Dr. Evans' house </a>stood across the street from DU until 1910 when it was demolished to make way for the Denver Tramway headquarters (today's Hotel Teatro).</p><div><br /><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESaHm8J2FM394y5ubIOMgETpout1L56nBPAyYTigQIo5yeZHbJaa_324bVRVd2wq404w-81VYBmxxZYCap9WomlBWPa3ufVfddjSR8Iyr2gEP1AaTh4rbqRrO2jl2vbLQyqq0EqLEWaUM/s1600/2010-07-Oxford.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496598794890611202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESaHm8J2FM394y5ubIOMgETpout1L56nBPAyYTigQIo5yeZHbJaa_324bVRVd2wq404w-81VYBmxxZYCap9WomlBWPa3ufVfddjSR8Iyr2gEP1AaTh4rbqRrO2jl2vbLQyqq0EqLEWaUM/s200/2010-07-Oxford.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.theoxfordhotel.com/history-of-our-hotel.html">The Oxford </a>is one of two downtown hotels still in public use from Denver's early years. The other is the Brown Palace. The other 48 or so privatly run hotels have mostly been demolished over the years although a few of the buildings remain standing even though their uses have changed.</p><div><br /><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4WSESPti1yFWJFDCLK6Ve4fSy2CK39VdWVQ17ma5R00yqdZhCfjZtBzmz3_WIChYrUqx_c4hRFA97clqxbhH1VIBh_07i5sWRuy_nwEPbIxFLpEcFGWh1Nh5ajVY7Lo8H1z7yO6SFgpg/s1600/2010-07-Morey-Solitaire.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 152px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496598548456367026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4WSESPti1yFWJFDCLK6Ve4fSy2CK39VdWVQ17ma5R00yqdZhCfjZtBzmz3_WIChYrUqx_c4hRFA97clqxbhH1VIBh_07i5sWRuy_nwEPbIxFLpEcFGWh1Nh5ajVY7Lo8H1z7yO6SFgpg/s200/2010-07-Morey-Solitaire.jpg" /></a><br />If you have been to <a href="http://www.dixonsrestaurant.com/">Dixon's Downtown Grill </a>at 1610 16th Street, you may have noticed the Solitaire name in the windows. This grocery brand was sold and produced by the Morey Mercantile Company which used both the <a href="http://denverhistorytours.blogspot.com/2010_01_01_archive.html">Henry Lee building </a>where Dixon's is now located as well as the adjacent <a href="http://www.tatteredcover.com/">Tattered Cover Bookstore</a>, built originally for the Morey Mercantile Company.<br /></p><div><br /></div><div></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsuR1__o7PBPKu36FFtqb8TtLR0FnGyZdu5NCX6BWF6BJpzp5s0JmDMITR-ayuX2L48YAROX_ytWWh_KCtjPtW5oW53KyEWqSvB3kfEoj2vNq94ebw7UJvxRTwUkPMhTczLmrMiXP_zhU/s1600/2010-07-Baur's.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 136px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496598516595797202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsuR1__o7PBPKu36FFtqb8TtLR0FnGyZdu5NCX6BWF6BJpzp5s0JmDMITR-ayuX2L48YAROX_ytWWh_KCtjPtW5oW53KyEWqSvB3kfEoj2vNq94ebw7UJvxRTwUkPMhTczLmrMiXP_zhU/s200/2010-07-Baur's.jpg" /></a><br />Ah, Baur's. This Denver institution of candy and ice cream started in 1872 and nearly lasted one century before caving into urban renewal downtown. With much of its 20th century business related to the theater crowd located on Curtis Street, the continual closure and removal of these theaters after WWII led to Baur's demise. It relocated to the Cherry Creek Shopping Center around 1955 and was closed down completely by 1970. Today however, the name and sign live on in the same building at 1512 Curtis with <a href="http://www.baursdenver.com/about">Baur's Ristorante</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhhIdP4EDdZfD_gfUDZ9XP-ElVSVlNgQh22bb-Y3dQymLuaxFLD08xdd-tqPKig3lczowA4-4sYXE4B64yq6mxgNSqNa3jWfC8TX60pBvLAP6xStZs6VrjaEpmWpj8qWo91nKmvMCoTZ_/s1600/2010-07-Deep-Rock.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 84px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496598530559890386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhhIdP4EDdZfD_gfUDZ9XP-ElVSVlNgQh22bb-Y3dQymLuaxFLD08xdd-tqPKig3lczowA4-4sYXE4B64yq6mxgNSqNa3jWfC8TX60pBvLAP6xStZs6VrjaEpmWpj8qWo91nKmvMCoTZ_/s200/2010-07-Deep-Rock.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.deeprockwater.com/our-history">Deep Rock </a>still delivers water and is still located in the Five Points neighborhood after all this time. Of course, it helps that the underground aquifer the company uses is still serving outstanding water for over a century!<br /><br /></p><p align="left">Enjoy this look into Denver's past through these fun ads. More to come in the future.</p></div></div>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-32050913010850246252010-05-25T23:08:00.011-06:002010-06-02T23:44:06.056-06:00Post Office Terminal Annex and EPA Building<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_7XP0uP1Qscq-xxMZTrclNzlLq130KIOt1SkOX3dyFzaRW9q5VTd7B93KSy89woNK4qP37eFaaOHPiVNPp8BQlkMir8p9c3uVlTTR-yO-STJY15KzihKTT8gQdpiMqJ3inkHjakM6MCP/s1600/X-23640-1992.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475443771574435058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_7XP0uP1Qscq-xxMZTrclNzlLq130KIOt1SkOX3dyFzaRW9q5VTd7B93KSy89woNK4qP37eFaaOHPiVNPp8BQlkMir8p9c3uVlTTR-yO-STJY15KzihKTT8gQdpiMqJ3inkHjakM6MCP/s200/X-23640-1992.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">This photo, circe 1992, shows the massive Post Office Terminal Annex rising to the left, behind the bridge over 15th Street. The old Moffat Train station is on the far left (photo from Denver Public Library Western History Collection X-23640)<br /><br /></p><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW629HHedIDDAlDRV825rImxgI-Ak0YHfu1WTUjDEL8ds861rLVfMS1nYvkeSonsDrwXmdb6ean3y5zD7cRtMA-QHk4tkqPW-mcTtbd4H6ggYfoA4yUO5scBP9BxzxEPFGkRXGHtIBw0k/s1600/05-25-10-EPA-Denver.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477218557927328162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW629HHedIDDAlDRV825rImxgI-Ak0YHfu1WTUjDEL8ds861rLVfMS1nYvkeSonsDrwXmdb6ean3y5zD7cRtMA-QHk4tkqPW-mcTtbd4H6ggYfoA4yUO5scBP9BxzxEPFGkRXGHtIBw0k/s200/05-25-10-EPA-Denver.jpg" /></a><br />The EPA building is shown from the 16th and Wynkoop corner (photo courtesty of EPA).<br /><br /></div>It wasn't too long ago when one of the more convenient post offices downtown was located at 16th and Wynkoop. The old Post Office Terminal Annex disappeared however to make way for the EPA Region 8 Headquarters and the adjacent 1515 Wynkoop office building. The building's use as the main sorter facility for mail had been taken over by a larger facility at 56th and Quebec so the majority of the building was no longer in use. <a href="http://denverinfill.com/block_pages/lower_downtown/block_013.htm">Visit DenverInfill.com to learn more about the transformation of this site.</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhpD8C-CfBhAcz7OPOJrreHjjiednQTbsm5ZvMukjc8R-XQVMSam7B5J4wmnf2nG9d_bU7EHhbCTYeLM2Du_QCeRy-LWLYMwuGNhtNjQ1jI4jQC3yMzGdYds-iNEVMwk2OzmJGBtMM3-7/s1600/10-15-2000-CPV.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475780610157864194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhpD8C-CfBhAcz7OPOJrreHjjiednQTbsm5ZvMukjc8R-XQVMSam7B5J4wmnf2nG9d_bU7EHhbCTYeLM2Du_QCeRy-LWLYMwuGNhtNjQ1jI4jQC3yMzGdYds-iNEVMwk2OzmJGBtMM3-7/s200/10-15-2000-CPV.jpg" /></a></p>Here I am in 2000 with the initial development of the Central Platte Valley in full swing. Standing atop the new hill created when Commons Park rose out of the former railroad yards, the Post Office is clearly visible. What a difference ten years makes! And there's more to come.<br /><br /><br /><br />The new buildings on the Post Office site are particularly intriguing, especially the EPA.<br /><p></p><br /><br /><p>Upon entering the building, your eye is drawn upward. Is the building without a roof? No, it's up there, just way WAY up there! And the light is so bright, the illusion is harder to dispel, but that comes from bright sails near the ceiling, sails that transmit the natural sunlight down into the atrium, further enhancing the thought that you are outside. In front of you are stairs ascending, some large, some small and the sound of water is nearby. Elevators glide smoothly on their paths and people may be seen through the numerous windows that are in the interoir of the building. A vertical column of light and connectivity forms the interior of the building, a secret hidden to those on the outside, gloriously revealed upon entering.</p><p>One of the building's more intriguing features is not as impressive in scope in many ways, but more so on consideration. The living roof, covered with plants, looks like a gardener's pallette, but it does so much more than simply provde space for plants. The breathing things planted around the crown of the building absorb heat, reducing the costs to cool the building, and calm the flow of water from our tempetuous rains. Even if the intricate dance of management and growth of the roof fails to move you, the view is spectacular!</p><p>This green roof can serve as an inspiration for continuing this trend across the roofs of Denver. This movement has been very successful already in Chicago. The EPA building's innovative environmental design can only have a postive effect on the future built environment of Denver as it influences the next generation. </p><p>The EPA has expanded its offerings to the public, to help folks get to know the building and see its remarkable designs first hand. Normally, a full tour of the building requires advanced reservations. However, the public may do a shortened version of the tour on their own and without such reservations.</p><p><br />To learn more about the green features of this building, self-guided tour possibilities, or to schedule a full tour, <a href="http://epa.gov/region8/building/tours.html">click here</a> or call Patty Provencher at 303-312-6836.</p>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-41245105922813148192010-04-14T20:23:00.016-06:002010-04-14T22:47:31.559-06:00Colorado History Museum<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiGaxpasJK4YHHg2LJ-o-SL9MvkOSBkofQfMZhQ6LP66W4i2tU3ST-tmZ6b6I1ZkVxE7CeM31meIsB4HjcJxt-2LN7ruJ_RY4YAC_e8Hk4qYDtb0yW1Gz2ey6QIbiirG4qEhm1qOAeSpz/s1600/DSCN5351.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460188261888055330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiGaxpasJK4YHHg2LJ-o-SL9MvkOSBkofQfMZhQ6LP66W4i2tU3ST-tmZ6b6I1ZkVxE7CeM31meIsB4HjcJxt-2LN7ruJ_RY4YAC_e8Hk4qYDtb0yW1Gz2ey6QIbiirG4qEhm1qOAeSpz/s200/DSCN5351.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br />Over the past five months, I have been working on packing and preparing to vacate my workplace: the Colorado History Museum. When I'm not giving tours, researching and writing...I have to find time to actually work! Anyway, it's been a bittersweet time, so this overdue blog covers a brief history of the Colorado Historical Society's buildings and history since 1879.<br /><br /><br />The Historical and Natural History Society, the State Historical Society of Colorado, the Colorado History Museum, the Colorado Heritage Center, the Colorado Historical Society, and now <em>History Colorado</em>....all of these names and more have graced our state's "history museum" over the years since its founding in 1879 with Dr. Frederick Bancroft as the first president.<br /><br /><br /><em>History Colorado</em> (the newest name for everything associated with the Colorado Historical Society) as an entity has manifested itself most recognizably in its various museums and collections brought together over the years since its founding. Today, along with numerous regional museums across the state such as the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose or the Healy House and Dexter Cabin in Leadville, the state's main repository for past history has been various buildings in Denver since 1879.<br /><br /><br />The old Glenarm Hotel, old Chamber of Commerce, old Mercantile Library, and the old <a href="http://denverhistorytours.blogspot.com/2007/08/arapahoe-county-courthouse.html">Arapahoe County Courthouse </a>gave space to the museum over the years. By 1895, the museum had moved to permanent quarters in the basement level of the still-under-construction state capitol. Included in the museum's collection at this point was the large cache of archaeological wonders from Mesa Verde which had been purchased from the Weatherill brothers in 1889 for $3000. All the eclectic collection fit into 13,000 square feet and it soon became apparent that more space was needed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8PBVyBLTHmqLteoWn0SQyqXsHL7zrpp8Cs8J11WLswBngJ1eGB5k45vZE4HO5W6Dpj1bx2xLG8C4Dx6YgcIfKAllEdbQlk6SLvBHRJD_jrNxcpCrZuP3tz8wnPxnBjq0nxJMnYoPURkk/s1600/old-state-museum.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 142px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460215700657894002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8PBVyBLTHmqLteoWn0SQyqXsHL7zrpp8Cs8J11WLswBngJ1eGB5k45vZE4HO5W6Dpj1bx2xLG8C4Dx6YgcIfKAllEdbQlk6SLvBHRJD_jrNxcpCrZuP3tz8wnPxnBjq0nxJMnYoPURkk/s200/old-state-museum.jpg" /></a></p>One of the last buildings designed by architect Frank Edbrooke, the new state museum opened to much fanfare in 1915 with 59,000 square feet of space. This was the museum's longest-lived home where it stayed for 62 years. The building still stands at 200 14th Avenue.<br /><br /><br />By the early 1970s, pressure grew for expanded space once again. Enter the Colorado Heritage Center which joined the new State Judicial Building in one big modernist complex. The museum now had over 135,000 square feet for various uses, including space to house its growing collection. A competition was held to design the new buildings and the winner was none other than Rogers-Nagel-Langhart Architecture Company, better known by its initials of RNL today. The project definitely proved to be a challenge both architecturally and monetarily. Even before the competition, RNL said that the project was for two very incompatible uses. While it was felt the Judicial Building should be quiet and restrained, the Heritage Center should be inviting to people, particularly large numbers of children.<br /><br /><br />Upon its completion, the reviews were decidedly mixed in how to regard this new modernist structure and if it indeed was "inviting to people". While the Colorado Historical Society was certainly pleased to have a new building, negative feelings still found there way into print. Said W.E. Marshall, the Historical Society Executive Director, "In a state of mountains and plains, it is psychologically inapporpriate....for the history of Colorado to be relegated to a basement." Most of the museum's exhibit space was indeed located on the underground level. He also felt that the revised layout and structure "diminishes the structure to a level inconsistent with the functions, purposes and repsonsibilities of the Historical Society." "The exterior looks like a subway station," he continued.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmiqNnfJ1mmL6zNdJeqYnc52q0S4w7chOjgDghh1XwCvItGXscnrxKr7kRyHpgEUt8OZowd01RAywDAzt1GesH4nwcWlkBOHd9U8hNGtetF1vWXb6ujvaL6ZZ7p4Ac82GgUknXyNvwkTo/s1600/Museum-2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 138px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460208145978652818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmiqNnfJ1mmL6zNdJeqYnc52q0S4w7chOjgDghh1XwCvItGXscnrxKr7kRyHpgEUt8OZowd01RAywDAzt1GesH4nwcWlkBOHd9U8hNGtetF1vWXb6ujvaL6ZZ7p4Ac82GgUknXyNvwkTo/s200/Museum-2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></p>Indeed, the overall reputation of the building has suffered over the years as few could recognize that the building housed a museum. Signage and exterior design elements were modified over the ensuing years to make the function of the building more apparent. The relatively recent addition of the handsome signature history panel certainly helped (see below). Still, a 1982 local pamphlet called the<em> Capitol Hill Guidebook</em> featured this building on its list of 'Archiectural Crimes Against Denver: a Few Cand<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwLXW-0vcz4t40ZY5Xrm2UCEgJubC_d8nCqwN8irOvMSIfd6FCI1TGRqvJO2ezCGLXb6rQj6c57PQo0qP7YuhHx0RF1m0_2AqCWm6ZU93sq2ztKJ54qiJaD_W6JSEWQF93ZP-q1ezvOTL/s1600/Museum-2.jpg"></a>idates for Demolition'. The caption for the Colorado Heritage Center gave the following description: "the physical embodiment of the word 'hostile'".<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrclb4tA7dqEbTrLrKfCWTM8tKNrugLA4Snh-PeQGCq2CCWabOXpF9j6hKUDX4-Pcyghf33czMGZKRSDJvSS17JZJTEm-lMB-J58FWZud7sB4XVlt0bG89j9Xz-w3aF09BN8GepnnBuV37/s1600/Museum-1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 92px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460186527147269106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrclb4tA7dqEbTrLrKfCWTM8tKNrugLA4Snh-PeQGCq2CCWabOXpF9j6hKUDX4-Pcyghf33czMGZKRSDJvSS17JZJTEm-lMB-J58FWZud7sB4XVlt0bG89j9Xz-w3aF09BN8GepnnBuV37/s200/Museum-1.jpg" /></a><br /></p><br /><br /><br />And with its age not even yet 35, this publication gets its wish. Another example of our 1970s architectural heritage will be lost. Demolition of this building is set for May 2010. The museum gets its wish for a larger facility although this reality is really being pushed by the state judicial system--it wants more space as well. That institution will build a new expanded facility on the entire block, demolishing its current structure along the way. <a href="http://denverinfill.com/blog/2010/03/commemorating-justice-through-the-ages.html">Click this link to learn more at DenverInfill.com</a>.<br /><br /><br />The Colorado Historical Society has a new 200,000 square foot museum under construction at 1200 Broadway. While its design is certainly more dramatic than the current facility, it certainly is not going to turn any heads. Hopefully though, people will recognize it as a museum! As for the now "old" facility, soon to be razed......will we regret the loss of yet another 20th century building? Our built environment of the 1960s and 1970s is disappearing. Although these buildings themselves often replaced wonderful Victorain structures, showing no mercy themselves when constructed, are we not just repeating the same mistakes of the past. While the Colorado History Museum at 1300 Broadway has had its detractors, it definitely was a unique building that I have been proud to both work in and be involved with through volunteer work since 1999. I'm sorry to see it go.<br /><br /><br />Look for the new History Colorado Center to open in 2012 with the Colorado Historical Society, Colorado History Museum, State Historical Fund and Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation all under one roof .<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9RX9LvyWgVcgy7KWb967LBrVLvNCrxywYfxAp7kLjtHQUTGI1CEpyM3X2SDNzzwscLn7lS8-EdP5z6013krc9SpL43zFk_8zSgSwFp3vOqb5eJ8kv_09iaQ7LzGQqW4VTerYbapzFZwS/s1600/2009-10-12_chc1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 128px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460216877477282802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9RX9LvyWgVcgy7KWb967LBrVLvNCrxywYfxAp7kLjtHQUTGI1CEpyM3X2SDNzzwscLn7lS8-EdP5z6013krc9SpL43zFk_8zSgSwFp3vOqb5eJ8kv_09iaQ7LzGQqW4VTerYbapzFZwS/s200/2009-10-12_chc1.jpg" /></a></p>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-43058177615788129982010-03-04T22:30:00.005-07:002010-03-04T22:58:47.419-07:00Colorado Casket Company<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6X-IerxdnEQ_YApkNpmFv23vXx456Sl6gX7XSzxsUrTsNUEQubrOZTATUgXrPk4jmV1NTdqTzVxSkJf1sF8FdNSCHQ3CY-gKr2d3uNTZFNu9S2O3jAWY42cB9-mWe1PKBgZJHZCtROWbz/s1600-h/2010-03-04-X-23934.1935.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445023562662134642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6X-IerxdnEQ_YApkNpmFv23vXx456Sl6gX7XSzxsUrTsNUEQubrOZTATUgXrPk4jmV1NTdqTzVxSkJf1sF8FdNSCHQ3CY-gKr2d3uNTZFNu9S2O3jAWY42cB9-mWe1PKBgZJHZCtROWbz/s200/2010-03-04-X-23934.1935.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /><br /><br /><br />Oftentimes when I am doing research I come across random photos and think to myself, "Surely this building must have been demolished long ago." Such is the case with the Colorado Casket Company photo.<br /><br />The picture caught my eye because of the name on the building of course! Its straightforwardness is refreshing in light of many of today's bewildering company names.<br /><br />The Colorado Casket Company was located at 1213 Wazee Street and this picture dates from 1935. In my mind I was thinking the building would have been demolished during the destruction of old Auraria or perhaps as part of the widening of Speer Boulevard.<br /><br />However, after consulting old maps, I found that Wazee Street corresponds partly with the current path of Auraria Parkway. In fact, when Auraria Parkway went in, part of Wazee went out! I thought of Kacey Fine Furniture at 1201 Auraria and realized that this casket building might actually still be in place.<br /><br />An lo and behold, although its address is now listed as 1221 Auraria, the building in question remains! For a current view of this building, <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=39.748617,-105.004309&num=1&t=h&sll=39.748535,-105.004331&sspn=0.006295,0.006295&ie=UTF8&ll=39.748457,-105.003364&spn=0,359.998263&z=20&layer=c&cbll=39.748361,-105.00363&panoid=nJjpU7gemzUByMbLIMRzuQ&cbp=12,292.21,,0,-14.46">click here to go to Google maps</a>. </p><p>Oh, by the way, the business currently listed at this address is 47 LTD LLC. Do you suppose they manufacture caskets?</p>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-17159461318966325852010-01-31T15:04:00.004-07:002010-01-31T16:27:48.419-07:0016th and Wazee<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIU0PhHmSrb9c0fK7wUrqfGRJZiNLG89hDQj84lwYgUs2UKLAz1x7hLoNm1Fpnr-o7kJR7-Ym4GnB3e5sAiYIKqnOOexa_zswYWdlfpnYrQYAahJunMRFdhpcAl4maDoATWU91OFCJefuA/s1600-h/2010-01-29-X-20729-Henry-Le.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 162px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433029121453570546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIU0PhHmSrb9c0fK7wUrqfGRJZiNLG89hDQj84lwYgUs2UKLAz1x7hLoNm1Fpnr-o7kJR7-Ym4GnB3e5sAiYIKqnOOexa_zswYWdlfpnYrQYAahJunMRFdhpcAl4maDoATWU91OFCJefuA/s200/2010-01-29-X-20729-Henry-Le.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br />The first floor of the Henry Lee Building at 16th and Wazee is better known as Dixon's Restaurant in the modern day. But while doing research on Wazee Street, I stumbled across some old pictures showing the evolution of this building over time.<br /><br />There is a <a href="http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=6673">Lower Downtown Walking Tour plaque </a>stating that the building's origins date back to 1870 which would make it one of the oldest buildings in all of downtown Denver. However, Babs Gibson, in her book <em>The Lower Downtown Historic District</em>, gives the date of construction as 1886. Both sources agree that in 1907, the building was joined with the adjacent Chester S. Morey Mercantile Building via an elevated corridor that is still in use in 2010 (see below). Mr. Morey needed more space for his growing grocery business. Henry Lee's name remains associated with this building however since he had it constructed to house his farming implement business.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8es4Osut20hL-v2FFa_59Xu4M8ST8y8jkRRq1EXF3qJWv-C6L0ZxYAQQ0yNjCdgWyq-bWyLBSw38rIydBJKszmCEWMFp9Yql8rPtyegat6A0b_N-3LRnoWTV5qS-RAZR3HKtqXAibkCdj/s1600-h/2010-01-29-X-20729.1935.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 124px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433029114713503538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8es4Osut20hL-v2FFa_59Xu4M8ST8y8jkRRq1EXF3qJWv-C6L0ZxYAQQ0yNjCdgWyq-bWyLBSw38rIydBJKszmCEWMFp9Yql8rPtyegat6A0b_N-3LRnoWTV5qS-RAZR3HKtqXAibkCdj/s200/2010-01-29-X-20729.1935.jpg" /></a></p><br />This picture shows the Henry Lee Building on the left, circa 1935. Also apparent is the 16th Street Viaduct rising past the main Morey Mercantile Building (where the Tattered Cover Bookstore is located today). The corridor is also visible as is the old elevated doorway into the Morey Building. Now you know why there is an elevated door at the Tattered Cover. It was not part of the original building but was installed after the viaduct was built!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHoau2Hw0G4oFRdMqmmekAWrKa2SVlvZhg_WHM-X4xIcZNRWF_D40jfbjdj340sdAkttdZqgTpQq74AALADFFyX9V6qTjOp5jngf8n3Qhhd2SzvWjOgkIzLw1MSdA281RS1rACc56xaU5/s1600-h/2010-01-29-X-23161.1954.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 136px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433029133432767746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHoau2Hw0G4oFRdMqmmekAWrKa2SVlvZhg_WHM-X4xIcZNRWF_D40jfbjdj340sdAkttdZqgTpQq74AALADFFyX9V6qTjOp5jngf8n3Qhhd2SzvWjOgkIzLw1MSdA281RS1rACc56xaU5/s200/2010-01-29-X-23161.1954.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga00rmnKF6hEJiMsvBU13DMI88l2R_zJ90sXHzRntdKtv9MJxTdHj82_UzrtwQcE5nDSCwBd86gOq9ShLGZI6Nt5Ry0g0S9MVoWIC7WVy4Hdh9jT0sTURZrMxva2fCYuhZSnlFAgOtM8h1/s1600-h/2010-01-29-X-23158.1954.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 134px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433029126732639058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga00rmnKF6hEJiMsvBU13DMI88l2R_zJ90sXHzRntdKtv9MJxTdHj82_UzrtwQcE5nDSCwBd86gOq9ShLGZI6Nt5Ry0g0S9MVoWIC7WVy4Hdh9jT0sTURZrMxva2fCYuhZSnlFAgOtM8h1/s200/2010-01-29-X-23158.1954.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br />In 1954, the Morey Mercantile Company went to considerable expense to reface the Wazee Street facade of its building. They replaced it with a modern metal covering. Research indicates that the building was in need of reinforcement on that side and it is assumed that the company felt 'modern' was the way to go. I am almost certain that their changes removed the window frames and brick work and completely replaced it with metal. So there is no chance just to remove the metal to reveal the old building underneath.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIsOx6_wwuD1W0AmfMWanmMt2ClNlk4n1hN-7sexS1wA4HNohA8D5KJUsNcKs9IaYG8EsGbFjX65nB29k_Qds8kUkMhmySDavIu4wVey0afhdrEuxdNO_m2Pi1VantsF7q8zuIrsQ8F-6/s1600-h/2010-01-29-X-23167.1954.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 135px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433029136255268754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIsOx6_wwuD1W0AmfMWanmMt2ClNlk4n1hN-7sexS1wA4HNohA8D5KJUsNcKs9IaYG8EsGbFjX65nB29k_Qds8kUkMhmySDavIu4wVey0afhdrEuxdNO_m2Pi1VantsF7q8zuIrsQ8F-6/s200/2010-01-29-X-23167.1954.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br />Even during this renovation, the Morey Company was under growing competition from the likes of Lloyd King's King Soopers and from Safeway. By 1956, Morey Mercantile was no more. Luckily, if that word can be used in this case, the Morey Mercantile Company left the 16th Street facade alone. Although it was painted white, the picture above shows the modern facade with the old. Today, the building's 16th Street facade has been restored to its original brick color. And the only other hint of the building's association with the Morey company is the decals in the windows of Dixon's advertising Morey's Solitaire grocery line. <a href="http://denverinfill.com/images/elevation/lower_downtown/016/block_016_ne.jpg">Click here to see part of the building today!</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://denverinfill.com/block_pages/lower_downtown/block_016.htm">For more information on Block 16, home of the Henry Lee Building, click here to be taken to DenverInfill.com</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />All black and white historic photos are from the <a href="http://history.denverlibrary.org/images/index.html">Denver Public Library's Western History Collection.</a>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-11707886725829872982009-12-16T22:58:00.006-07:002009-12-16T23:26:39.576-07:00Wynken, Blynken and Nod<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XDmFlkxrr7Ach5tkmBmlZcCtew0Vr4CfPAMUBTJRxLVd5HDMltULwuxErDvOF1EwcEVaYuDyytIJZc3Ncib6AG94iQUlt6AsWP7znpKpdDUTm6XWEnISDWnJdJXVwT30xvUXbzb2VVFz/s1600-h/Modified-WBNod2.gif"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416087214669068018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XDmFlkxrr7Ach5tkmBmlZcCtew0Vr4CfPAMUBTJRxLVd5HDMltULwuxErDvOF1EwcEVaYuDyytIJZc3Ncib6AG94iQUlt6AsWP7znpKpdDUTm6XWEnISDWnJdJXVwT30xvUXbzb2VVFz/s200/Modified-WBNod2.gif" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br />While I normally write about subjects in or near downtown Denver, I couldn't help but be struck by finding Denver's wonderful Wynken, Blynken and Nod statue in Pennsylvania!! While I was on vacation this summer in the northeast, I stumbled upon the unmistakable statue we know so well...in Wellsboro, PA!<br /><br /><br />So, how did this happen? I found it an interesting connection of two seemingly unrelated places.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JXUKt9rHgZm_2rwxr7dLGTte1vTfsrWWM4Yjtpf36rC82Cxe9lXhRYpNa6G6jP4PJGMIQDcxNVkpp-ZLoBYmCyc-_aHJ2DLyaM-gFG9Emy4FS23kSZrl2hrUiB0fKcpleL29mcchvOa3/s1600-h/Modified-WBNod.gif"><img style="WIDTH: 157px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416083059538536498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JXUKt9rHgZm_2rwxr7dLGTte1vTfsrWWM4Yjtpf36rC82Cxe9lXhRYpNa6G6jP4PJGMIQDcxNVkpp-ZLoBYmCyc-_aHJ2DLyaM-gFG9Emy4FS23kSZrl2hrUiB0fKcpleL29mcchvOa3/s200/Modified-WBNod.gif" /></a></p><p><br /> </p><p><br /><br /><strong><em>Creation of the Original Wynken, Blynken and Nod statue<br /><br /></em></strong>Mabel Landrum Torrey was born in a sod house in Colorado. She taught school in Sterling where her father was a judge. She left to attend the Art of Institute of Chicago and majored in sculpture. Her original Wynken, Blynken and Nod sculpture received praise from art critics when it was on exhibit in Chicago. Mrs. Torrey presented Denver Mayor Robert Speer with her original piece of work. He was reportedly so delighted with it that he commissioned her to sculpt one in marble. In 1918, it was placed in the children’s fountain of Washington Park. The statue was later restored and moved to a different area of the park near <a href="http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM1ZWP_Wynken_Blyken_and_Nod">Exposition and Franklin </a>next to Eugene Field’s house. He was the creator of over 500 poems and stories for children, including Wynken, Blynken and Nod. When his modest home was threatened with demolition along West Colfax, Molly Brown had it preserved by moving it to the park.<br /><br /><br /><strong><em>How the Statue Also Appears in Pennsylvania</em></strong><br /><br />Elizabeth Cameron married Fred Bailey on June 16th, 1892. Both were natives of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. They spent their married life in Denver, where Mr. Bailey became a state senator, a major stockholder in Cripple Creek gold mines as well as the Brown Palace Hotel. Following the death of his wife, Mr. Bailey honored her with a bronze statue/replica of Wynken, Blynken and Nod, placed on the Green in Wellsboro, where it has remained since its dedication on Friday, Sept. 23rd, 1938. Mabel Landrum Torrey was in attendance during the dedication.<br /><br />So goes the story of how Denver’s iconic Wynken, Blynken and Nod statue is also found in Pennsylvania. </p>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-33134057049048937002009-11-17T00:04:00.005-07:002009-11-18T00:16:51.425-07:00Denver's City Park and Whittier NeighborhoodsWell, at long last, my super long days of research and work have culminated in a book on these two areas of Denver. I have made reference in some of my other blogs to the fact that I've been busy researching and writing. I've also been scanning our city for pictures. Some of you have suggested I write a book. Well, I've finally found a way to make that dream a reality. I have worked with the Arcadia Publishing Company to produce this book. I hope you'll stop by the Tattered Cover or Barnes and Noble and pick up a copy. I know you'll enjoy it. I found some AMAZING pictures and I'm pretty excited about it.<br /><br /><br />A presentation and book signing will be held on the following occasions. More may be in the works too:<br /><br /><br />Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at the LoDo Tattered Cover (1628 16th) and on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 12:15 p.m. at the Colorado History Museum (1300 Broadway).<br /><br /><br />A book signing only will occur on Saturday, December 5 between 10 and 2 at the Colorado History Museum as part of the museum's open house festival.<br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks again for reading and for all your questions!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7M0DhW_ySZBNFy-TnET8C4mCGd9QwYM7bxMAJ_2L640zw85wUYHf0-Q5T6mhMCsEWI6E6n4_ZqimFaI7qw6cV-87Eg-Rk4hxd8lnhe74zChbH1DHEbiyjVHkN6wtfMlj1nJTxbxzNjLJF/s1600/Denver+City+Park%5B1%5D.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVJ28thIIQNihwVLhJeEVrdkTrtKH43MRSvz356vgxai5nSwUHn04c_QZp2ilWbb9R5PAAOJHOHETLUZQTpYIeOKvbCQk6eiSFstZhiaJpg7bTLWvrYvYxIQbRDrl7S6puhFRTyfxrbu3/s1600/Denver+City+Park%5B1%5D.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 86px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404967955056361890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVJ28thIIQNihwVLhJeEVrdkTrtKH43MRSvz356vgxai5nSwUHn04c_QZp2ilWbb9R5PAAOJHOHETLUZQTpYIeOKvbCQk6eiSFstZhiaJpg7bTLWvrYvYxIQbRDrl7S6puhFRTyfxrbu3/s200/Denver+City+Park%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-14411577627914805492009-10-10T19:38:00.004-06:002009-10-10T20:17:15.558-06:00The History of the Naming of Market StreetI have been working on a HUGE project all year of which I will make an announcement shortly. But it also relates to my being away from this blog. Too many obligations and too few Shawns. <br /><br />Last time however, I said I would follow up with the street histories of Lower Downtown Denver. But since the history of Market Street is the most complex, I'll write that below and follow up with the rest of the streets soon. Enjoy!<br /><br />Following Larimer Street, we come to Market Street.<br /><br />Market and Walnut: This street has the most interesting history of any downtown. Originally known as McGaa Street, it was changed in 1866 to Holladay Street. In 1858, William McGaa had been entrusted by Charles Nichols to safeguard the town claim for Saint Charles while he went back to eastern Kansas territory to officially file the town claim. No sooner had Nichols left, then William Larimer arrived on the scene. McGaa ignored the Saint Charles interests and helped Larimer name the early streets of the city. Because he was living with the Arapahoe Indians, he insisted on naming one street for himself (and others for his wife (s)). Along with Larimer, he is most responsible for the street naming system of downtown Denver. Unfortunately for McGaa, small town politics got in the way of his legacy. When he became known as the town drunk, city fathers voted to remove his name from the street in favor of Benjamin Holladay. He was the savior of Denver in the 1860s for choosing the city as the terminus for the stage coach over rival Auraria. So popular was he that the city felt justified in naming the street in his honor. The oldest building remaining in downtown Denver in fact was the stage headquarters at the southwest corner of 15th and Market (Holladay!). This building dates from 1868-72. Anyhow, by the 1880s, Denver was booming and dear Holladay Street had become the center of the city's red light district. The shocked Holladay family petitioned the city to remove their name from this street and the city complied, renaming it Market. While there were legitimate wholesale markets along the street, the more interesting flesh market was known all throughout the west, remaining a legitimate business until reform moved it underground around 1915. Furthermore, residents who lived wholesome lives north of 23rd Street (Park Avenue) and south of Cherry Creek in Auraria (west Denver) were offended to be associated with such a bawdy street as Market. They petitioned the city between 1899 and 1903 to have their sections renamed Walnut Street, a name that remains in place today. This is one of the only places in Denver where adjacent streets have two different names.Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-77941049079820569112009-08-25T19:31:00.004-06:002009-08-25T20:35:21.921-06:00Downtown Streets<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIXsbhhyF9v-gcGuUOg0SuqrZJ04TaDBWa76EOrchfy9mBa7EidFN-YziHE53DPzh1Ssj3X9cm-eBwCF60t4Be8qez6spww1S30JGaa8KYCbLybrevYhbigQw-xBdbmT2QDujswf3ivqZ/s1600-h/DHT+31.jpg"></a> </p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIXsbhhyF9v-gcGuUOg0SuqrZJ04TaDBWa76EOrchfy9mBa7EidFN-YziHE53DPzh1Ssj3X9cm-eBwCF60t4Be8qez6spww1S30JGaa8KYCbLybrevYhbigQw-xBdbmT2QDujswf3ivqZ/s1600-h/DHT+31.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 381px; HEIGHT: 110px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374080161633742018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIXsbhhyF9v-gcGuUOg0SuqrZJ04TaDBWa76EOrchfy9mBa7EidFN-YziHE53DPzh1Ssj3X9cm-eBwCF60t4Be8qez6spww1S30JGaa8KYCbLybrevYhbigQw-xBdbmT2QDujswf3ivqZ/s200/DHT+31.jpg" /></a> </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="left">In my <a href="http://denverhistorytours.blogspot.com/2007/09/street-name-histories.html#links">September 2007 </a>blog, I wrote about the origins of Wynkoop Street. Since that time, I've been meaning to write about the origins of Downtown's other named streets. I find the whole subject rather interesting as the streets and their names and orientation are just about the only thing that still ties us back to the origins of Denver. The built environment of 1858-59 is gone. The street names of old Auraria are gone. Even the numbered streets we use Downtown today were originally letters of the alphabet. Sixteenth Street for example was known as "G" Street. At the time, Auraria and Denver had their own names. By 1873, long after the two towns had joined forces, the city of Denver began enacting a long series of street naming reforms which has resulted in the street naming system we enjoy today. At that time, the city designated First Street as being the first street northeast of the Platte River and Colfax. </p><p align="left">Sixteenth Street is therefore 16 blocks from where Colfax intersects the Platte River. In 1873, Auraria's streets were also renamed to match the other named streets of Denver proper. Even though Auraria's streets were laid out parallel to Cherry Creek, they line up pretty well with Denver's streets. Denver's main streets were named after early founders of the city and those who had signed on as members of the Denver City Town Company. They can be thought of as friends of William Larimer, Denver's founder. They tell a story of how our city was founded, which was basically by jumping an already "filed" claim for the city of Saint Charles. Larimer's group arrived in November of 1858 after another claim was on its way to being filed in Kansas to make it official. Larimer would have none of that and essentially jumped the claim and named the city after the territorial governor of Kansas at that time: James W. Denver. William Larimer built his cabin at the southeast corner of what is today 15th and Larimer. He of course named the main street in Denver after himself. Adjacent streets took on other names, including Indian names and tribes. At the time, no one could have imagined that the city would grow into the metropolis it is today. We are lucky Larimer chose to give the town some unique names other than the more common streets named after trees such as Elm, Maple and Pine.</p><p align="left">But what are these other names and for whom are they named? Well, here are a few to get us started (beginning at Colfax and Broadway):</p><p align="left">Cheyenne Place: Cheyenne Indians</p><p align="left">Cleveland Place: changed to honor Grover Cleveland in 1889; it was originally named for J. T. Parkinson who had been the very surveyor who had laid out the streets of early Denver and Auraria.</p><p align="left">Court Place: named to honor the location of the stunning <a href="http://denverhistorytours.blogspot.com/2007/08/arapahoe-county-courthouse.html#links">Arapahoe County Courthouse</a>; originally known as Wapoola or Wasoola Street (a name of unknown origin).</p><p align="left">Tremont Place: orignally known as Clancy Street until 1874; possibly renamed Fremont Place to honor explorer John Fremont; Tremont stuck however with the possibility that it also honored an early Auraria hotel known as the Tremont which welcomed and housed such notables as second territorial governor John Evans.</p><p align="left">Glenarm Place: named by early Denverite William McGaa for his supposed ancestral home in Scotland</p><p align="left">Welton Street: N.W. Welton, an early founder of Denver City with William Larimer</p><p align="left">California Street: honoring the '49ers of an earlier gold rush, hoping to bring the same luck to the new '59ers</p><p align="left">Stout Street: Elisha P. Stout was the first president of the Denver Town Company as well as a town founder with William Larimer.</p><p align="left">Champa Street: No one is sure of the origins of this street name; some have surmised that it is one of William McGaa's many Indian wives; others feel it is a corruption of the Sioux word "chapa" which means 'beaver' or that it is a corruption of a Ute word "yampa", thought to mean 'bear'. Still others relate the word back to the Chama Indians of New Mexico.</p><p align="left">Curtis Street: Samuel S. Curtis was a founder of Denver City with William Larimer.</p><p align="left">Arapahoe Street: named for the Arapahoe Indians who inhabited Denver and Boulder upon the arrival of settlers</p><p align="left">Lawrence Street: Charles A. Lawrence was a founder of Denver City with William Larimer</p><p align="left">Larimer Street: William Larimer was Denver's official founder who came up with the idea to name Denver after the territorial governor of Kansas.</p><p align="left"> </p><p align="left">Tune in next time to learn about the streets of Lower Downtown.</p><p align="left"><br />Information compiled in this blog can be further explored by reading <em>Denver Streets: Names, Numbers, Locations and Logic</em> by Philip Goldstein</p><p align="left"> </p>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-60498319430589046282009-07-19T23:44:00.004-06:002009-07-20T22:30:34.819-06:00Indian Memories at Colorado National Bank<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdcfwxD2JNNzIR1mCMvEbX0ka_iJzNObZ9tRJ0naszR-_KyoIV64JWAw3MN22NH9Gv4hNie0OFfDHRqiHhDm0ixWD8Izbo7eCOgpLxclpnx7kVMz8jigD4EG3Iy2eBYTEeHahmTkHVVAN/s1600-h/2009-07-18-CNB-6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360415054889072242" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 138px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdcfwxD2JNNzIR1mCMvEbX0ka_iJzNObZ9tRJ0naszR-_KyoIV64JWAw3MN22NH9Gv4hNie0OFfDHRqiHhDm0ixWD8Izbo7eCOgpLxclpnx7kVMz8jigD4EG3Iy2eBYTEeHahmTkHVVAN/s200/2009-07-18-CNB-6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></p>Painted by Denver muralist Allen True, whose works also grace the walls of the Denver and Cheyenne capitols, the expanded Colorado National Bank interior opened to the public in December 1926. Mr. True worked on the series of fourteen murals for over three years. Reflecting the changing attitudes toward the American Indians in the 1920s, Mr. True sought to portray the Plains Indians "before his contact with the white race--days when he roamed the beautiful untouched reaches of our West in deep but unconscious sympathy with the loveliness of primeval nature--days when his dignity and cruelty, his joy of living, stoic endurance and primitive integrity, as well as beauty and superstition and religious belief, made the cycle of his life an epic which has never been properly sensed or understood by the white race."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDh_qyqYllb4ZYQJKA-cXWndHuB0R7Mu3oFgs1QVqWnJq2kJhBVxz8xc598IyrehNEfzXfZQM6xDrzgWhlmNPTRWBnyDp8blrWEsT_hTm6vs4zPzEuVOzNkQX9Uo8E-jxbhXHIKGuR8L4/s1600-h/2009-07-18-CNB-5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414631379566034" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDh_qyqYllb4ZYQJKA-cXWndHuB0R7Mu3oFgs1QVqWnJq2kJhBVxz8xc598IyrehNEfzXfZQM6xDrzgWhlmNPTRWBnyDp8blrWEsT_hTm6vs4zPzEuVOzNkQX9Uo8E-jxbhXHIKGuR8L4/s200/2009-07-18-CNB-5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This mural is entitled "Happy Hunting Ground".<br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RT5WT8qaAbZUJegqBfdQxb3pD-rb69mkAkP5pbDVn68NljQ5WMC-e8cSuPN61BG8iTcwBA9yGcRXVbbm8S2b_8nkD-3ILdaB3td1DNhqfqMPafzpO0LAVPAcGTIfWZrT2WZxfu6ZpIjE/s1600-h/2009-07-18-CNB-4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414625258273970" style="WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RT5WT8qaAbZUJegqBfdQxb3pD-rb69mkAkP5pbDVn68NljQ5WMC-e8cSuPN61BG8iTcwBA9yGcRXVbbm8S2b_8nkD-3ILdaB3td1DNhqfqMPafzpO0LAVPAcGTIfWZrT2WZxfu6ZpIjE/s200/2009-07-18-CNB-4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />"...an old leather-dry squaw sits by the edge of a waterfall, leaning eagerly and intently forward, for there in the iridescent spray she fancies that shes sees her own girlhood beckoning to her. She imagines herself young again and splashing through the water with other laughing, dancing maidens. In the morning air a mist hangs over the water and from the mist, and the shadows of the quaking aspens, appear the figures of still other girls and young mothers smiling contentedly at the happy dancers in the water."</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoi-ny7cwzg8FC1b9NWZDo4TR5scUo1vXgd_H7Dby95aoJCZgLpd3crF8MM6F9nH3iUenwQBClD2l4j0-uuT_KJ-CLTc1M3ijdjkovrvh-ETbKtGGyJR2uF27Dpi55uw42KGvrTjDL2Iv/s1600-h/2009-07-18-CNB-3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414621612784882" style="WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoi-ny7cwzg8FC1b9NWZDo4TR5scUo1vXgd_H7Dby95aoJCZgLpd3crF8MM6F9nH3iUenwQBClD2l4j0-uuT_KJ-CLTc1M3ijdjkovrvh-ETbKtGGyJR2uF27Dpi55uw42KGvrTjDL2Iv/s200/2009-07-18-CNB-3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />"The once mighty chief of a warlike tribe besats the rhythm of his war chant whle the witer snows whirl past him...."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ouEu0yoygaxei-u1uuij2irjGmcm7blsA1TS9tUDHfB_S6xDpgUSLHLfsHOe_Io5-rp1S8so702n-1b5BFyCe8L2gP8E9LlOXeIIt7Hh7teVJ3K7crTreaHWecbFOduw9-1UfOsbycZO/s1600-h/2009-07-18-CNB-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414616768333810" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 127px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ouEu0yoygaxei-u1uuij2irjGmcm7blsA1TS9tUDHfB_S6xDpgUSLHLfsHOe_Io5-rp1S8so702n-1b5BFyCe8L2gP8E9LlOXeIIt7Hh7teVJ3K7crTreaHWecbFOduw9-1UfOsbycZO/s200/2009-07-18-CNB-2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />"An old buck sits in front of his chip fire and dreams..."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8vdffP555HE_GIxsO-vhaLikTjE4nOSIiCRm56pVoNdCJMLGzegWA_Otv2Jp9ZhtudSMn3TTgMdZKP5PcMgIHun42naH5263v_Hixj0WZO63dekTIKz0fFxtqQwvjeJP4VjYol3yXt68/s1600-h/2009-07-18-CNB-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360414612409962626" style="WIDTH: 92px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8vdffP555HE_GIxsO-vhaLikTjE4nOSIiCRm56pVoNdCJMLGzegWA_Otv2Jp9ZhtudSMn3TTgMdZKP5PcMgIHun42naH5263v_Hixj0WZO63dekTIKz0fFxtqQwvjeJP4VjYol3yXt68/s200/2009-07-18-CNB-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This series is entitled "Youth".<br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p align="left">All of these photos were taken by Roger Whitacre and appear in the book <em>Growing Through History with Colorado: The Colorado National Banks</em> by Tom Noel. The quotes are from the artist himself.</p><p align="left">As I have not heard any differently, these murals remain in the now shuttered Colorado National Bank building (most recently known as US Bank) at <a href="http://denverinfill.com/images/elevation/central_downtown/108/block_108_ne.jpg">17th and Champa</a>. These treasures must be saved and it is hoped that they will again grace the walls of this building in one of its future uses. Some of Allen True's other paintings and murals appear in Civic Center Park and at the Brown Palace Hotel. He graduated from Manual High School in 1899.</p>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-53928701107660632122009-06-23T20:17:00.005-06:002009-06-24T15:00:51.031-06:00Colorado National Bank<p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQMh1AErK2zcZd6Y-vQjtFAhSt1D2M_RZK2NK6x2j6rWpY85_YNlErNB-s7HFgwgsRPFXQ3hvw3GfHNdjR5uVeRvdZaApfE05fVIvgC8sWLLgUSWZetB01LpwpAal-k1MF7a65dmfQihu/s1600-h/2009-06-23-CNB-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350778487226820274" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 144px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQMh1AErK2zcZd6Y-vQjtFAhSt1D2M_RZK2NK6x2j6rWpY85_YNlErNB-s7HFgwgsRPFXQ3hvw3GfHNdjR5uVeRvdZaApfE05fVIvgC8sWLLgUSWZetB01LpwpAal-k1MF7a65dmfQihu/s200/2009-06-23-CNB-1.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br />The <a href="http://denverinfill.com/images/elevation/central_downtown/108/block_108_ne.jpg">Colorado National Bank building </a>sits forlornly, yet proudly, at the southwest corner of 17th and Champa. The building is empty and its fate remains unknown. The photo above shows what the site looked like prior to the construction of the bank in 1915. The original home on the site belonged to Joseph P. Cofield and was erected in 1873. <br /><br />Colorado National Bank was one of the last locally owned banks in Colorado, having been founded in 1866. When US Bank took over this venerable institution after 1998, the prominent building downtown was to become just another piece of excess bank real estate lining 17th Street. Unfortunately, the Champa side of the bank has been a notorious drug-dealing location since US Bank closed the building earlier this decade. And although the building is included in the <a href="http://denverinfill.com/subpages_special_topics/downtown_denver_historic_district.htm">Downtown Denver Historic District</a>, no new tenant has been found to take over the building.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJmUZcQRQljcd4y6iiG3TNKrca69djCZbL1vtrXsC6FUu-FqdvEsdnbvOyULEurC_hvRNbuHN2LLto0k0RX2RQNZconZjXTc-8l4dqk0eNR5GFk2JNteyotRsT-HDvBoW41y_J_vgPMa9/s1600-h/2009-06-23-CNB-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350778490540896114" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 129px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJmUZcQRQljcd4y6iiG3TNKrca69djCZbL1vtrXsC6FUu-FqdvEsdnbvOyULEurC_hvRNbuHN2LLto0k0RX2RQNZconZjXTc-8l4dqk0eNR5GFk2JNteyotRsT-HDvBoW41y_J_vgPMa9/s200/2009-06-23-CNB-2.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br />The third home of Colorado National Bank was opened in 1915. Designed by prominent Denver arcitects William and Arthur Fisher, the bank with the neoclassical columns was coined "the bank that looks like a bank." In 1925, Merrill and Burnham Hoyt added a seamless addition.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnl4oAQDbz7ETv03xmpSHUUlXC4cQYN1Lsb2Ox_cMxUp_ANWR-B2GBbZ29U38_ZuyJaH01A-rgjzhx-wIHxLhAuNTAlMfXA1q0msKNONFFAMCfIxlsOkvx5aDyF_d84zkHzHHE51a-XRQg/s1600-h/2009-06-23-CNB-3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350778497236779074" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 120px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnl4oAQDbz7ETv03xmpSHUUlXC4cQYN1Lsb2Ox_cMxUp_ANWR-B2GBbZ29U38_ZuyJaH01A-rgjzhx-wIHxLhAuNTAlMfXA1q0msKNONFFAMCfIxlsOkvx5aDyF_d84zkHzHHE51a-XRQg/s200/2009-06-23-CNB-3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dyZwnzf4F_Av1pD0kre4VNWF_H3MfFl6tL_OpPtkUfHtJRhZkBt1B1FkC2XdkfL0kZ4GFqXmrDkLAbwl4DhtalGSHD_GPoyIdFSgInefWdBDNkW6MlaYbpED_DZUV9iZfmdhmr-puenv/s1600-h/2009-06-23-CNB-4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350778502046931170" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 122px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dyZwnzf4F_Av1pD0kre4VNWF_H3MfFl6tL_OpPtkUfHtJRhZkBt1B1FkC2XdkfL0kZ4GFqXmrDkLAbwl4DhtalGSHD_GPoyIdFSgInefWdBDNkW6MlaYbpED_DZUV9iZfmdhmr-puenv/s200/2009-06-23-CNB-4.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br />The 1960s were a difficult time downtown as urban renewal began to take hold of the central portions of downtown. The Skyline Urban Renewal Project eventually erased much of old Denver. Colorado National Bank determined to remain downtown however and added a modern addition to their building in 1963. In the process, they demolished the Frank Edbrooke designed <a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?10024907+X-24907">Ernest and Cranmer </a>building (1890, also above) at 17th and Curtis, the old May Department Store at 16th and Champa and other smaller structures. In their place was put a "six window drive-in banking facility and spacious parking lots." The suburbs and truly come downtown!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-AaGKP0Tn34i9Qy3wB4iPJ0oHWXUyud7eQQsywxYW2z_m2U5_-D7AqmlRCITLLAtqhptfbQ0ksZiGNuLwy964SJYcrMbhweH1Z_O61Xs60v6QdIs_P-H0duQSsQGqnhqCnWm8auEfbj3/s1600-h/2009-06-23-CNB-5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350778499884644242" style="WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-AaGKP0Tn34i9Qy3wB4iPJ0oHWXUyud7eQQsywxYW2z_m2U5_-D7AqmlRCITLLAtqhptfbQ0ksZiGNuLwy964SJYcrMbhweH1Z_O61Xs60v6QdIs_P-H0duQSsQGqnhqCnWm8auEfbj3/s200/2009-06-23-CNB-5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />(photo by Ted Trainor )</p><p align="left">The site was not empty for long however. By 1972, the Colorado National Bank tower was under construction. The 26-story tower was designed by Minoru Yamasaki who was the architect of New York City's World Trade Center. Denver's tower exhibits the idea of Formalism in modern architecture. Its vertical orientation and use of a blue-smoky glass, gives this building a dominance at the corner of 17th and Curtis. It is considered one of Yamasaki's masterpieces and is a real stand-out at the national level of Formalism in architecture. </p><br />(FYI, Formalism is a type of modern architecture that can be distinguished from the better known International Style. While International Style was very prominent in American architecture after World War II and stresses a horizonality in a building's form, Formalism, which was especially popular during the 1960s and 1970s, stresses the vertical form, among other things. )<br /><br />Tune in next time to learn about the interior wonders of the Colorado National Bank building.<br /><br />Information and photographs shown above have come from the following title, <em>Growing Through History With Colorado: The Colorado National Banks</em> by Tom Noel.<br /><br /><a href="http://denverinfill.com/block_pages/central_downtown/block_108.htm">For additional information on Block 108, home of the Colorado National Bank buildings, click here to be taken to DenverInfill.com</a>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-26892648614878157352009-03-29T22:42:00.003-06:002009-03-29T22:54:01.972-06:00More D & F<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvJ4B9DEKXLmd8jTZAJ4W6wSEXExBPuM11KyymvcGqOG2VWgKXCtvZXDkH0OSOZ2Jd_ldGKBArSg5ApG5UCqETO7rUWaVfRgyyqBwIIpDmfc6cxOcO1o32PLo-4-Tl6xVGb2s1qyf00LL/s1600-h/2009-03-29-D&F-1910.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 141px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvJ4B9DEKXLmd8jTZAJ4W6wSEXExBPuM11KyymvcGqOG2VWgKXCtvZXDkH0OSOZ2Jd_ldGKBArSg5ApG5UCqETO7rUWaVfRgyyqBwIIpDmfc6cxOcO1o32PLo-4-Tl6xVGb2s1qyf00LL/s200/2009-03-29-D&F-1910.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318836722214500722" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Back in November, I blogged about the upcoming Centennial of the Daniels and Fisher Tower. You can link back to that blog <a href="http://denverhistorytours.blogspot.com/2008/11/daniels-and-fisher-tower.html#links">here</a>. While doing other research however on another project, I came across this fun advertisement from the December 10th, 1910 edition of Denver Municipal Facts. The caption for the above advertisement reads, "The New Store and Tower of the Daniels and Fisher Stores Company at Sixteenth and Arapahoe Streets as It Will Appear When Completed." I especially like the drawing of so many transportation choices in 1910: walking, bicycle, horse, horse and carriage, street car....and that new thing called an automobile.<br /><br />Hopefully you'll be able to read the type script when you click on the picture. I couldn't get it any larger without sacrificing some of the image itself.Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-69148382959416785692009-03-09T20:07:00.005-06:002009-03-11T13:20:46.002-06:00A Glorious Day for Denver: June 24, 1872<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvW9-9guffkmUsuDqxTo4tF7TaF7EE2xXswpoTdKVrTWuIoy6oePnmjvAFdBdEO9CkVLh9exM5rz5bJoy5_GMnUgcsIGAReBR0xKheNb7yOPelR_PHTGzKzAgeMRJY3ywdi3pYksMt2qb/s1600-h/0001-Arapahoe-School--X-283.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311375857401437122" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 135px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvW9-9guffkmUsuDqxTo4tF7TaF7EE2xXswpoTdKVrTWuIoy6oePnmjvAFdBdEO9CkVLh9exM5rz5bJoy5_GMnUgcsIGAReBR0xKheNb7yOPelR_PHTGzKzAgeMRJY3ywdi3pYksMt2qb/s200/0001-Arapahoe-School--X-283.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><p><br /><br /><br />I recently had the honor to speak at the Denver 150 Symposium, "Denver Indside and Out". Numerous subjects were discussed concerning early Denver and its growth over the past 150 years. I spoke about the struggle to <em>build</em> the city's first school building which was eventually known as the Arapahoe School. The picture above shows the cornerstone laying ceremony from June 24, 1872 when most of the whole town turned out for a huge celebration. The picture gives me chills when I imagine all of those people, horses and carriages gathering to celebrate the establishment of our modern school system in Denver. The fights and struggles over how the building would be funded contributed greatly to its delay in actually being built (arguments that sound just like the FasTracks discussion in Denver today). But the party atmosphere shown above was captured in this passage from the Rocky Mountain News, June 25, 1872: </p><p>…the procession probably contained not less than two thousand persons while the number of spectators who thronged the streets could not have been less than six thousand. Windows, sidewalks and every available spot on the line of the march, especially through F [15th] Street, were occupied…..an immense throng of spectators filled the space about the school building. A crowd of men and women roosted themselves upon the observatory of Tritch’s elegant mansion, where beneath the blazing sun, they endeavored…to be jolly, but were really very miserable.</p><p></p><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5LJXV4iefO4BLaid8oq6_dZ2XBUhici4vwbL6-LIkJEirwOrUpK-6XH-PvxmuDGwQVoMGmPi9ZyajlVsgHBuDyN6k8233xgW_FUOxceuK7Syg4IAwFF17RAmSD_c-LgaW52tSfFE9VE3/s1600-h/0002-Denver-Skyline-1873.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311375862475074882" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 149px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5LJXV4iefO4BLaid8oq6_dZ2XBUhici4vwbL6-LIkJEirwOrUpK-6XH-PvxmuDGwQVoMGmPi9ZyajlVsgHBuDyN6k8233xgW_FUOxceuK7Syg4IAwFF17RAmSD_c-LgaW52tSfFE9VE3/s200/0002-Denver-Skyline-1873.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">What's this town you say? Well, lo and behold, the first Denver skyline. Public School One, later known as Arapahoe School (but almost called Anderson School) sits as the tallest building in Denver. For many years, visitors to Denver travelled to 17th and Arapahoe to go to the school's cupola for stunning views of the city down below. This picture above is taken from near 15th and the Platte River, not far from where the REI store is today. The school was officially ready for use on April 2, 1873. When it opened for primary grades, it was the largest school in Colorado Territory.</p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OIaFs4v75AySAmpG1_5YL1G-Gqrj_osAoo0WJxWmGu9U7WGcdi15s611binHKCqvIeaiumGiFV46K-Zv1LYv-oqZnJkVw_oLw_sfDUh9cuF5PjYqEXo6-SScAu2Ho80I4m3jBcb7Ts6V/s1600-h/0003-Arapahoe-School--X-283.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311375864997705330" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 119px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OIaFs4v75AySAmpG1_5YL1G-Gqrj_osAoo0WJxWmGu9U7WGcdi15s611binHKCqvIeaiumGiFV46K-Zv1LYv-oqZnJkVw_oLw_sfDUh9cuF5PjYqEXo6-SScAu2Ho80I4m3jBcb7Ts6V/s200/0003-Arapahoe-School--X-283.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">The beautiful Arapahoe School, designed by Chicago architect G.P. Randal, eventually contained the first high school classes in Denver and Colorado, starting in 1874. The Class of 1877 was the first to graduate from the school and included Irving Hale who went on to be a Brigadier General during the Spanish-American War. If you've heard of Hale Parkway in east Denver, it is named in his honor. This pictures shows the Henry Rietze House on the left and the Thomas M. Field House on the right.</p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qYrY-9QZDSzeKxcpiKb4BEyvx7w8jpCTCVgI9mOT_iXbDcxDDCEE4BCz8kEPKL3B67Dd13jsJoTahsnbOxqbFrvp3UA_NPuqEmWkKQydSh1suZLvZKDVznqQbUfbALL4MB_ShZFt9r_I/s1600-h/0004-Arapahoe-School-1879-X.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311375871094668466" style="WIDTH: 172px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qYrY-9QZDSzeKxcpiKb4BEyvx7w8jpCTCVgI9mOT_iXbDcxDDCEE4BCz8kEPKL3B67Dd13jsJoTahsnbOxqbFrvp3UA_NPuqEmWkKQydSh1suZLvZKDVznqQbUfbALL4MB_ShZFt9r_I/s200/0004-Arapahoe-School-1879-X.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">This photo, circa 1879, shows the German Methodist Episcopal Church, looking from the corner of 18th and Arapahoe. The high school eventually left Arapahoe School when the new <a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?00310376+WHJ-10376">Denver High School</a> was opened at 1932 Stout in 1882. This school became known as East High School. </p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygyv8AQuMSQw112OZR6C08rquuPfJx_10MDpT19w4jvl6F9Kecbf-v3ra2F7juqi5BE1f_aH8h2ZHWNYa8rFKnI8qZmSz8DulqiAEJOgDMjcCwWDzHopgvjqICIcmlQEt8VS9OUHXzsWR/s1600-h/0005-Arapahoe-School--Z-467.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311375875481724514" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 113px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygyv8AQuMSQw112OZR6C08rquuPfJx_10MDpT19w4jvl6F9Kecbf-v3ra2F7juqi5BE1f_aH8h2ZHWNYa8rFKnI8qZmSz8DulqiAEJOgDMjcCwWDzHopgvjqICIcmlQEt8VS9OUHXzsWR/s200/0005-Arapahoe-School--Z-467.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vb1dYuglTaDYPah3JsLw_gkgKIiXl6Va9skIEeIMAfUVU6wcgch0P8upRdsRrqOUy4BkjfmIQ1UlEu0GsZlxuOjguZxpqyW7w7_ZTofZmBlL6H_6gX-Td2VWX1CgYo0wam6H1U5PdPEy/s1600-h/0006-Arapahoe-School--X-231.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311376056165646706" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 101px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vb1dYuglTaDYPah3JsLw_gkgKIiXl6Va9skIEeIMAfUVU6wcgch0P8upRdsRrqOUy4BkjfmIQ1UlEu0GsZlxuOjguZxpqyW7w7_ZTofZmBlL6H_6gX-Td2VWX1CgYo0wam6H1U5PdPEy/s200/0006-Arapahoe-School--X-231.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygyv8AQuMSQw112OZR6C08rquuPfJx_10MDpT19w4jvl6F9Kecbf-v3ra2F7juqi5BE1f_aH8h2ZHWNYa8rFKnI8qZmSz8DulqiAEJOgDMjcCwWDzHopgvjqICIcmlQEt8VS9OUHXzsWR/s1600-h/0005-Arapahoe-School--Z-467.jpg"></a></p><p align="center">The top photo is taken from the observation deck of the school. It shows a view looking east with a bit of the <a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?10027840+X-27840">First Baptist Church </a>under construction at 18th and Curtis. It is especially interesting to see the large home across the road complete with a fountain! The second photo is looking northwest toward Boulder. The Ezra A. Newton residence is on the left. The school was a big tourist attraction. When US Vice President Henry Wilson visited Denver in 1875, he stopped by and made an address to the high school students.</p><p align="center"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOg1pJ8XN_TmA1zOZf8as92DzcbnR8pWtl_-HnM16jYECBDMphMEzPBa63C3Ny936JnKAw49U64dFlYY5Gi2HWaDPYR9ggkFRm0cMobTUtvzsIGS5Oz0Wv4EALnTsgLRE6R2YcR7QW08q4/s1600-h/0007-Club-Building-MCC-3755.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311376055811550290" style="WIDTH: 162px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOg1pJ8XN_TmA1zOZf8as92DzcbnR8pWtl_-HnM16jYECBDMphMEzPBa63C3Ny936JnKAw49U64dFlYY5Gi2HWaDPYR9ggkFRm0cMobTUtvzsIGS5Oz0Wv4EALnTsgLRE6R2YcR7QW08q4/s200/0007-Club-Building-MCC-3755.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">But of course, in Denver, nothing seems to last. The explosive growth experienced by the city after the arrival of the railroad in 1870 endangered the lovely old school building. By 1890, it was in the middle of a business district and people were clamoring for its closure and removal to a more suburban location. The district complied and sold the land and building. The Club Building, designed by Frank Edbrooke of <a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?20102528+CHS.J2528">Brown Palace </a>fame, was built in front of the school. The old school acted as a back annex for the lovely Club Building. Above is a photo circa 1910.</p><p align="center"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTZTdf28imMuUkC0XK-GRB3WQWiGdYJ87gsGxD4c6aXCHJwO67VWBV5Z-yklt5xJdOoZ5D0Zi-aJMjSTIv55bOhdolRAQ-uEnoWfhXgiP2losXa8QhFjMtN4ZsUKO_oNj2F6su2MwahbX/s1600-h/0008-Club-Bldg-and-Arapahoe.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311376060930038098" style="WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTZTdf28imMuUkC0XK-GRB3WQWiGdYJ87gsGxD4c6aXCHJwO67VWBV5Z-yklt5xJdOoZ5D0Zi-aJMjSTIv55bOhdolRAQ-uEnoWfhXgiP2losXa8QhFjMtN4ZsUKO_oNj2F6su2MwahbX/s200/0008-Club-Bldg-and-Arapahoe.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p align="center">This photo is circa 1893 and shows a tiny sliver of the Arapahoe School on the right behind the Club Building.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIa2VqIlOQxxjRx_2HP-j-DnpK51f1QjckBNV0B7vmabbxKUeYKs3n-1sbvBAJxoLBgg0cr1ot9lc489W2dySY7C_jqeRL4l2R7WqOlyZM8N_PnUWWwijAj8HU86S5xXM5190e9dSJzRF/s1600-h/0009-Arapahoe-School--X-283.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311376061267063778" style="WIDTH: 123px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIa2VqIlOQxxjRx_2HP-j-DnpK51f1QjckBNV0B7vmabbxKUeYKs3n-1sbvBAJxoLBgg0cr1ot9lc489W2dySY7C_jqeRL4l2R7WqOlyZM8N_PnUWWwijAj8HU86S5xXM5190e9dSJzRF/s200/0009-Arapahoe-School--X-283.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Even the Club Building could not survive the onslaught of the automobile. It, like numerous buildings in downtown Denver, was demolished in 1955 to make way for an expansion of the Federal Reserve Building (which was soon to be demolished too) and also for a parking lot! The photo above was taken from the alley and is the last known image of the Arapahoe School. Construction workers are lowering a wheelbarrow. The <em>Denver Post</em> reported that "no one even noticed or cared" that the old school was coming down. That is not true, but...that is a whole other story. Today, portions of <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/elevation/central_downtown/077/block_077_se.jpg">Skyline Park </a>takes up the space where the Arapahoe School once stood.</p><p align="left"><br /><a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/block_pages/central_downtown/block_077.htm">For additional information on Block 077, home of the Skyline Park and the old Arapahoe School, click here to be taken to DenverInfill.com</a></p><p align="left"><br />All black and white historic photos are from the <a href="http://history.denverlibrary.org/images/index.html">Denver Public Library's Western History Collection</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-8777852624840402112009-02-01T22:19:00.010-07:002009-02-02T08:17:13.158-07:0017th and California<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcl7slsnewyzdDimr6DesGR5T0CvbRutBCl62Vlz75_IPuCz53QTZ3m41jZXfgLmRPB9c3M09YjI_ppaX7ORAFE3GVtJ5qSCJXXXgpKFwkt1qOywvxkEhyphenhyphenNCQcSibKjd5nxUpLcpNXIIF/s1600-h/2009-01-31-17th-Street-1898.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcl7slsnewyzdDimr6DesGR5T0CvbRutBCl62Vlz75_IPuCz53QTZ3m41jZXfgLmRPB9c3M09YjI_ppaX7ORAFE3GVtJ5qSCJXXXgpKFwkt1qOywvxkEhyphenhyphenNCQcSibKjd5nxUpLcpNXIIF/s200/2009-01-31-17th-Street-1898.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298090035619403506" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />One of my hobbies includes looking for old pictures, papers and other ephemera associated with old Denver. A couple of years ago, I purchased a souvenir book called <span style="font-style: italic;">Denver by Pen and Picture</span>. It dates from 1898 and has some wonderful pictures of buildings long gone from our memory and others more recently lost. The picture above actually has a couple of buildings that are still around.<br /><br />The large prominent white building in the center of the picture is none other than the <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/special_topics/downtown_denver_historic_district/downtown_hd_15-1.jpg">Equitable Building</a> (1892) which still stands at the southeast corner of 17th and Stout. If you haven't been in the vestibule and inner lobbies of this building, you owe it to yourself to step inside and explore.<br /><br />Across from the Equitable Building on the northeast corner of 17th and Stout stands a four story building known as the <a href="http://www.coloradohistory.org/HSP/LCAlbanyHotel.html">Albany Hotel</a> (1885). This structure stuck around until 1977! What forces were in place to take this building down...I don't know. More research. I was only in kindergarten then. I do know it probably has something to do with the skyscraper in place today, the <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/elevation/central_downtown/141/block_141_sw.jpg">Johns Manville Plaza</a> building. I just wonder if there was any move to save the Albany.<br /><br />On the far left, along California Street at 16th, stands a dark brick building which still stands today, although you will not recognize it in this picture. The Hayden, Dickinson and Feldhauser Building (1891) underwent an Art Deco transformation in 1937 and was renamed the <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/special_topics/downtown_denver_historic_district/downtown_hd_25-1.jpg">Colorado Building</a>.<br /><br />Frank Edbrooke's California Building (1892) stands at the southwest corner of 17th and California. I'm guessing it came down just prior to its replacement--the 1962 Formalist wonder known as <a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?11010449+Z-10449">Western Federal Savings</a>. This was one of Denver's early skyscrapers and it still stands, although some of its Formalist elements have been removed. This <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/elevation/central_downtown/140/block_140_ne.jpg">linked picture</a> from DenverInfill.com also shows the Equitable Building at the rear.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQhmX1GgGatLepYAeX_iTD7a7xq3SYntqLxB2bUbpY7ZXptq1WQSCElBRALbAPvgIwrwc3W1xBDSuQNCmxYGz9wMujb4JLb65U15RjIfdnDjThhs3X9Oqjz80NY4VHL0xjZd0YeYG1ar4/s1600-h/2009-01-31-X-23410-NV+CA+Bldgs-1900.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQhmX1GgGatLepYAeX_iTD7a7xq3SYntqLxB2bUbpY7ZXptq1WQSCElBRALbAPvgIwrwc3W1xBDSuQNCmxYGz9wMujb4JLb65U15RjIfdnDjThhs3X9Oqjz80NY4VHL0xjZd0YeYG1ar4/s200/2009-01-31-X-23410-NV+CA+Bldgs-1900.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298090743442071906" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />Appropriately, in the photo above, on the southeast corner of 17th and California, stands the Nevada Building. It is visible also at the photo at the top of this blog. It was replaced eventually by the <a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?10023398+X-23398">Security Building</a>, circa 1920.<br /><br />Most intriguing I find are the homes, both large and small on the northwest corner of 17th and California, along with the carriages. The corner home is large and prominent and definitely a symbol for the past by 1898, as its days were numbered. Homes are also visible along Welton Street in the foreground. It is no surprise that <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/special_topics/downtown_denver_historic_district/downtown_hd_23-4.jpg">Trinity Methodist Churc</a><a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/special_topics/downtown_denver_historic_district/downtown_hd_23-4.jpg">h </a>would locate itself at 18th and Broadway in 1888 to take advantage of all of the people who lived nearby. This was a short-lived residential area however. The growing city along with the coming of the automobile forever changed the residential character of the downtown we know today. Incidentally, I haven't yet figured out who lived in the large home at this corner. I do know that by 1912, the house, if still standing or not, had a new neighbor across the street (on the northeast corner) in the form of the <a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?00071654+MCC-1654">International Trust Company Building</a>. It was torn down in 1974 and remains a <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/elevation/central_downtown/160/block_160_nw.jpg">plaza</a> today.<br /><br />This blog covers a number of blocks and buildings at the intersection of 17th and California. <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/central_downtown.htm">Click here</a> to go to DenverInfill.com to learn more about the modern city present today at this location.<br /><br />The top photo, as I stated, is from my private collection. The second photo is from the <a href="http://history.denverlibrary.org/images/index.html">Denver Public Library's Western History Collection</a>.<br /><br />SPECIAL NOTE: I am currently looking for personal pictures from City Park, Whittier and the Capitol Hill areas of Denver for another research project I'm involved in. My time period of interest is prior to 1950. If you know of any personal collections of such items, please email me directly at shawn@denverhistorytours.comShawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-20179050955438048962008-12-22T19:14:00.004-07:002008-12-23T00:49:59.637-07:00The Denver Club and Glenarm Place<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1JAM6AJzhd47hh-dImon8PQ9cYLiyNyP8wMVrnGQZXnYSNtS5_e_6H_SuKUam1xPtI4GTe6hTznnZvyJA40eHCxcvebs-KNkC358_0T_cxwsbCcZnwEt4Z68S8cmzwIBASBjzZ30Yyjo/s1600-h/2008-12-17-X-25089-1888.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282803565533046802" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1JAM6AJzhd47hh-dImon8PQ9cYLiyNyP8wMVrnGQZXnYSNtS5_e_6H_SuKUam1xPtI4GTe6hTznnZvyJA40eHCxcvebs-KNkC358_0T_cxwsbCcZnwEt4Z68S8cmzwIBASBjzZ30Yyjo/s200/2008-12-17-X-25089-1888.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The picture above illustrates the continuing changes that have befallen downtown Denver, both good and bad. It is difficult to believe but this is the SW corner of 17th and Glenarm, circa 1889. We know that change is constant but sometimes it is heartbreaking to see all that Denver has lost over the years with the onslaught of new development and parking lots. The two buildings shown include the First Congregational Church of Denver (1880) and the Denver Club Building (1889).<br /><br /><br /><p align="left">First Congregational had relocated to the "suburbs", leaving its home of many years near 15th and Curtis and building a new edifice on Glenarm Place for $41,000 in 1880. It was alone on a block that was otherwise filled with homes of everyday Denverites.</p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hVZRzlELt-wXIV3D2H49CdwucScYMnTXLVjmlNwTd5qFNS5Kdl4HENUmHsQZAj6u_kV8YVex6e0hblLXRHW70JNe_yd87X6SBc5a4ljyFCZno2XwEjLjzG_L9WzdskuXB1AIitgA3zBS/s1600-h/2008-12-17-CHS.X4639-1888.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282811297141022146" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 118px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hVZRzlELt-wXIV3D2H49CdwucScYMnTXLVjmlNwTd5qFNS5Kdl4HENUmHsQZAj6u_kV8YVex6e0hblLXRHW70JNe_yd87X6SBc5a4ljyFCZno2XwEjLjzG_L9WzdskuXB1AIitgA3zBS/s200/2008-12-17-CHS.X4639-1888.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><em>This picture, circa 1888, shows the Denver Club Building under construction. Taken from the Arapahoe County Courthouse (1883), notice the numerous single family homes that populate Glenarm Place, 16th Street and adjacent areas.</em></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0w4hZk3k9LExAvjU2tABgq8ICGHVXqyv89OGia2EVJ6zubirAA_GMEBTMJ8bYO-ovlRb445xaY5KnKQWz_-j394m5AuJ-04Owv9TaRDcJKfeiwgCpMqLv7r4m8C18ouumb93M_1dueHDW/s1600-h/2008-12-17-WHJ-10444-1888.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282803563546014050" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0w4hZk3k9LExAvjU2tABgq8ICGHVXqyv89OGia2EVJ6zubirAA_GMEBTMJ8bYO-ovlRb445xaY5KnKQWz_-j394m5AuJ-04Owv9TaRDcJKfeiwgCpMqLv7r4m8C18ouumb93M_1dueHDW/s200/2008-12-17-WHJ-10444-1888.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><div align="center"><em>This picture, circa 1889, shows the newly completed Denver Club and a very smoggy city! Take note of the new Denver High School (1881) on the far right at 19th and Stout.<br /></em><br /></div><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlWiBBtUyipo3UKC-mG1kOZ2t-tFgbls8_xMnmGj4Zd-nlC0BcZ4sb1fkGP9Onf7ep2mB0SUY9iyDRiOpGadnMic5QgBQGlRyAMnl4Dfm6lEQDZqj9Z0rxIZk2T2o9oD219sgILDBmA-a/s1600-h/2008-12-17-H-255-1889.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282803557457974226" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 125px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlWiBBtUyipo3UKC-mG1kOZ2t-tFgbls8_xMnmGj4Zd-nlC0BcZ4sb1fkGP9Onf7ep2mB0SUY9iyDRiOpGadnMic5QgBQGlRyAMnl4Dfm6lEQDZqj9Z0rxIZk2T2o9oD219sgILDBmA-a/s200/2008-12-17-H-255-1889.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><div align="center"><em>By 1891, the two buildings had a new neighbor on Glenarm Place. The destruction of the houses of the area continued as the Kittredge Building (1891) joined the neighborhood.<br /></em><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbialkBOg6fj6R8juZ-0x25fIrIKYedUjqi6pdkpIJVxT2yEW7hQgB_4GPNsFNv1LRLy6RgjMlb761lTmf_reGR6lwQ9Jlcgsel85HvyOf9DRJKlfW6YN1Goz3awqrI3_gFcQjoxz27PqR/s1600-h/2008-12-17-X-19459-1890.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282803562383194610" style="WIDTH: 162px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbialkBOg6fj6R8juZ-0x25fIrIKYedUjqi6pdkpIJVxT2yEW7hQgB_4GPNsFNv1LRLy6RgjMlb761lTmf_reGR6lwQ9Jlcgsel85HvyOf9DRJKlfW6YN1Goz3awqrI3_gFcQjoxz27PqR/s200/2008-12-17-X-19459-1890.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This picture shows the Kittredge Building under construction. We are lucky to still have this lovely building grace the corner of 16th and Glenarm. The other two buildings were not so lucky. Click <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/elevation/upper_downtown/174/block_174_se.jpg">here</a> to see a current picture of the block taken from 16th Street. Although we certainly appreciate and love the <a href="http://www.paramountdenver.com/history.aspx">Paramount Theater</a>, it was built on First Congregational's site in 1930. The old Denver Club Building suffered a different fate. In 1954, it was replaced by the new <a href="http://images.loopnet.com/Attachments/0/E/B/0EBAAEE1-DE3D-40C4-AD37-528AF780B502.jpg">Denver Club Building</a>--a skyscraper. Along with the <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/2781267088_5e36616b1a_o.jpg">Mile High Building</a>, it was one of the first modernist buildings constucted in Denver and therefore today, is in and of itself a Denver landmark. Modern sentiment however laments the loss of yet another Victorian building in the old Denver Club. Will the "new" Denver Club suffer the same fate? Unlikely, as it is part of <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/subpages_special_topics/downtown_denver_historic_district.htm#14">downtown Denver's historic buildings district.</a></p><br /><br /><p align="center"></p><a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/block_pages/upper_downtown/block_174.htm">For additional information on Block 174, home of the Denver Club Building, click here to be taken to DenverInfill.com</a><br /><br /><p align="center"> </p><p align="left">All black and white historic photos are from the <a href="http://history.denverlibrary.org/images/index.html">Denver Public Library's Western History Collection</a>.</p>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-80216156997307162752008-11-16T21:49:00.006-07:002008-11-17T01:00:08.808-07:00The Daniels and Fisher Tower<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIMcgcM6j_PlGOoY5mEP9824dAo33mTAoJK9Vitzt0DrcLbAU6dSe1h34Adpk-jiYdN9yJlRXq20t-Ih9i7-7croWQCfpBPScmGqhPd4tHdVTQvdaubpyITRDYzqWdeFaeqMio5T3ql-K/s1600-h/2008-11-14-MCC-1612.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269484409597725922" style="WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIMcgcM6j_PlGOoY5mEP9824dAo33mTAoJK9Vitzt0DrcLbAU6dSe1h34Adpk-jiYdN9yJlRXq20t-Ih9i7-7croWQCfpBPScmGqhPd4tHdVTQvdaubpyITRDYzqWdeFaeqMio5T3ql-K/s200/2008-11-14-MCC-1612.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br />We are just a few years away from the centennial of one of Denver's most iconic buildings. The Daniels and Fisher Tower at 16th and Arapahoe Streets opened to the public in early 1912 but began construction in 1910. Modeled after the Campanile in Venice, Italy, the building was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River upon completion. It was designed by the architecture firm of Sterner and Williamson. The hour hand is eight feet long and the minute hand is 6 feet long--designed by the Seth Thomas Clock Company. Its construction marked a new era not only in Denver's retail scene but in its architecture. Daniels and Fisher was <em>the</em> department store of choice in Denver until it merged with the May Company in 1957. The building was soon abandoned for new digs in the newly created <a href="http://denverhistorytours.blogspot.com/2007/08/arapahoe-county-courthouse.html#links">May D&F Department Store located at Zeckendorf Plaza at 16th and Court Place</a>.<br /><br />The Daniels and Fisher Department Store had its roots in the very beginnings of Denver; the tower epitomizes the quick growth of Denver, having been constructed just shortly after the city celebrated its 50th birthday. William B. Daniels started his store in 1864 on Larimer Street. He was later joined by William Fisher in 1872 to form Daniels and Fisher. Daniels son, William Cooke Daniels, took over the helm in 1891.<br /><br />The tower's beauty was under-appreciated as the decade of the 1960's began and with the Skyline Urban Renewal Project in full swing, the old department store's days were numbered. Miraculously, the tower was saved but the rest of the department store was gone by 1971. The red brick scar on one side of the tower shows where it used to be attached to the rest of the department store. The year 1971 was a big year in preservation awareness in Denver as the battle lines were drawn. Some successes included the continued preservation of <a href="http://denverhistorytours.blogspot.com/2008/07/larimer-square.html#links">Larimer Square </a>and saving the Molly Brown House. But other battles were lost, including the loss of the <a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?10026801+X-26801">Moffat Mansion</a> at the northeast corner of 8th and Grant.<br /><br />The comic below shows the complacency of most of Denver during this time and how close we came to losing the <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/elevation/central_downtown/076/block_076_sw.jpg">D & F Tower </a>as well. Even though this comic was drawn in 1965, it was not enough to provoke the city into changing course on preservation. We might have been able to have had a few more preservation success stories such as saving the <a href="http://denverhistorytours.blogspot.com/2007/07/welcome-to-first-denver-history-nugget.html#links">Tabor Grand Opera House</a>, knocked down in 1965, but the planets did not align. Perhaps if the successful <a href="http://coloradohistory-oahp.org/programareas/shf/shfindex.htm">State Historic Fund</a> had been present in those years, more money would have been available to shore up and preserve other structures long forgotten and since demolished but certainly worthy of being left for posterity!<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL94EQZ0gwVqOQTQWIA2J1SKU20nfK3dHqC88FVs66w5OVCmfb1JN6wtO7CEwzAyB1gSnStbQXrB5BMjQjYZD3LoJ2EWNQSA5hEI3ROTmCIY9pddrHfozZqjCALH4gtwya2YbZZ3vt2uTF/s1600-h/D&F-Image.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269484241947404546" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL94EQZ0gwVqOQTQWIA2J1SKU20nfK3dHqC88FVs66w5OVCmfb1JN6wtO7CEwzAyB1gSnStbQXrB5BMjQjYZD3LoJ2EWNQSA5hEI3ROTmCIY9pddrHfozZqjCALH4gtwya2YbZZ3vt2uTF/s200/D&F-Image.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br />The top photo is from the <a href="http://history.denverlibrary.org/images/index.html">Denver Public Library's Western History Collection</a>. The editorial cartoon was created by Pat Oliphant of the Denver Post.<br /><br />Post Script: For regular readers, I apologize for delays in posting. If I had eight hands, it would be better! However, the past months have been extremely busy and therefore, successful, in the walking and bus tour business, especially as related to Haunted Denver!!!Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-65684817427852908672008-09-01T14:58:00.005-06:002008-09-01T15:28:16.962-06:00City Park Fountain<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfP7PQuBrr4Ar-l6Ow6xdMz01CgRAMl3BG3ADEsi75aJ2ajCEHSk8u4xCFsUhvGSbmHMPk9lhG_X9PJawUUCkBG6o4bTSBGCNJU7u1flUrJuM9bi_fMbjqgAMFOCxdvp0sf906oke6w1K/s1600-h/2008-09-01-City+Park+Electric_Fountain_2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241162617053286322" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfP7PQuBrr4Ar-l6Ow6xdMz01CgRAMl3BG3ADEsi75aJ2ajCEHSk8u4xCFsUhvGSbmHMPk9lhG_X9PJawUUCkBG6o4bTSBGCNJU7u1flUrJuM9bi_fMbjqgAMFOCxdvp0sf906oke6w1K/s200/2008-09-01-City+Park+Electric_Fountain_2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p>Now that the DNC is over, we can thankfully look back on a very successful and historic convention for Denver. The city looked wonderful and conventioneers were treated to Denver at its best. While museums and other cultural attractions (including my work place) were not as busy as was projected, hopefully all visitors left Denver feeling they had come to a special place. For those who were able to venture out to City Park, a truly historic treat awaited them. Refurbished just in time for the 2008 Democratic Convention was the City Park Fountain. If you were unaware of there being a fountain at City Park, you're not alone. It has been out of commission for years. But it was originally put in place for the 1908 Democratic Convention. <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/ci_10249315">Read more about its rebirth here via the Denver Post</a>.<br /><br />City Park continues to bring joy to Denverites of all ages. Luckily, the city was able to eradicate the ugly green sludge that was plaguing Ferril Lake this summer. In the middle of this lake, named for Thomas Hornsby Ferril (Colorado's poet laureate and native Denverite who passed away in 1988), sits the fountain. The City Park Pavilion provides a dramatic backdrop as does the Denver skyline beyond.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1zXRpyYnojK5eYSk2gZYVAnuPU9E8evWqRwEYNvQHb5ty-br190IN4W4R0P2Yhp5ieMZnImavmYPHlXFtpl3rVc9sujp3fwm8SSMfx00F7SYcXF2i6_3YT4JOJ2YTG2TldxtnWgMWFzS/s1600-h/2008-09-01-City+Park+Electric_Fountain_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241162610253056594" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1zXRpyYnojK5eYSk2gZYVAnuPU9E8evWqRwEYNvQHb5ty-br190IN4W4R0P2Yhp5ieMZnImavmYPHlXFtpl3rVc9sujp3fwm8SSMfx00F7SYcXF2i6_3YT4JOJ2YTG2TldxtnWgMWFzS/s200/2008-09-01-City+Park+Electric_Fountain_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><br /><br />While I've been busy with the convention, frequent blog visitor Bruce Quackenbush kindly provided historic post card images of the original fountain (below) as well as current photos from its recent re-unveiling, as seen above. I usually focus on changes to downtown Denver's built environment. However, I am not opposed to covering other areas of the city. And the historic fountain is certainly pertinent to this blog. If you haven't been out to see it yet, get there soon. It goes dark at the end of September. It will return to delight City Park visitors next May 2009.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbdGjiOZS96hDsHtHHzdgwmdm87pVbGa1LyF3-ova8vf6XfCx_QERHfiWWgOLQg1jWtIbSchDBrJKchQUiulH3d8tWJHj9fALVC3gD5dndO7-0iC8jKWSOgNGpoz4PO-SfOLyzyCFe4Z6/s1600-h/2008-09-01-City+Park+Fountain+Post+Card+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241162618470784850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbdGjiOZS96hDsHtHHzdgwmdm87pVbGa1LyF3-ova8vf6XfCx_QERHfiWWgOLQg1jWtIbSchDBrJKchQUiulH3d8tWJHj9fALVC3gD5dndO7-0iC8jKWSOgNGpoz4PO-SfOLyzyCFe4Z6/s200/2008-09-01-City+Park+Fountain+Post+Card+1.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Syp8rHIPe9P2UekX_XtXjo4-4_j3Ya1lZ8MsUmjkg-1rsfEtADQtVhDt7TvHoiq2w3PwcYhJo70CWvEjiMxDwFHI-HfLw3UEM3JwH5s3hU3V8Jzy8ZZ3SVPurCYPFJaTLxYiXjwzn07l/s1600-h/2008-09-01-City+Park+Fountain+Post+Card+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241162624415702850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Syp8rHIPe9P2UekX_XtXjo4-4_j3Ya1lZ8MsUmjkg-1rsfEtADQtVhDt7TvHoiq2w3PwcYhJo70CWvEjiMxDwFHI-HfLw3UEM3JwH5s3hU3V8Jzy8ZZ3SVPurCYPFJaTLxYiXjwzn07l/s200/2008-09-01-City+Park+Fountain+Post+Card+2.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljrozHemQ1qpt1kTk953YWJwh9iP4neAujlaNen-fK6fJd6VTdYArkGbkhlKo1fdHhpOLUWa1_MfybZRMOkEoVGP-BIz14WrZE3EZcyAcLe6ujV1nFSz4FcwR0EHCJun2OOel3W0UX9pu/s1600-h/2008-09-01-City+Park+Fountain+Post+Card+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241162630084028002" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljrozHemQ1qpt1kTk953YWJwh9iP4neAujlaNen-fK6fJd6VTdYArkGbkhlKo1fdHhpOLUWa1_MfybZRMOkEoVGP-BIz14WrZE3EZcyAcLe6ujV1nFSz4FcwR0EHCJun2OOel3W0UX9pu/s200/2008-09-01-City+Park+Fountain+Post+Card+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>This view shows the old portion of the then Colorado Museum of Natural History on the upper left side. The word Colorado was replaced by Denver about 1948. Today, after many additions, it is known as the Denver Museum of Nature and Science</em></p><br />As always, I appreciate all of the kind comments and blog suggestions that I receive. Thank you for reading.Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-43058691050136609102008-07-23T23:33:00.010-06:002010-05-06T18:14:21.900-06:00Larimer Square<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMASA6cql9S-dTmwENu4GLmDNjI_OuZnWz32G3nQei_MsvsJdWm53yyxUSE0yGr0XYR5kd3SzrbHfixwrVaE042o08kf86Xq5hFwS10KxNxus3LzK4zjOPmL5KJdS10R_GHvUlElhyphenhyphen_9d/s1600-h/2008-07-20-Z-463-1960.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226454344648502546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMASA6cql9S-dTmwENu4GLmDNjI_OuZnWz32G3nQei_MsvsJdWm53yyxUSE0yGr0XYR5kd3SzrbHfixwrVaE042o08kf86Xq5hFwS10KxNxus3LzK4zjOPmL5KJdS10R_GHvUlElhyphenhyphen_9d/s200/2008-07-20-Z-463-1960.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Larimer Street circa 1960<br /></em><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrzX5Ai8k6cu9hA1dQjIIfwhUTvDI8DF-PKMvkKQGjE-2xzTOCO3wV_V0mUx0lF2lAtnthJXeaKdzz2SqixDYWZJJWhoN0P2qJLE5SmpN_n1Jtg6A64Sg3jWs3h4Z9U7InBA2Qj54cr6w/s1600-h/2008-07-24-DHT-Larimer-4.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226832052069017922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrzX5Ai8k6cu9hA1dQjIIfwhUTvDI8DF-PKMvkKQGjE-2xzTOCO3wV_V0mUx0lF2lAtnthJXeaKdzz2SqixDYWZJJWhoN0P2qJLE5SmpN_n1Jtg6A64Sg3jWs3h4Z9U7InBA2Qj54cr6w/s200/2008-07-24-DHT-Larimer-4.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Larimer Street, circa 2008<br /></em><em></em><em>(photo courtesy Denver History Tours, 2008)</p></em><br />It was called the Skyline Urban Renewal Project. What most politicians and elected officials celebrated as "progress as promised" back in the 1960s, was viewed with skepticism by regular Denverites. The successful proposal flattened most of Denver's historic core for new structures, using Federal dollars, and therefore bypassing any need for the use of local tax money. The result was a shiny new downtown we enjoy today. But much was lost. The heartache historians feel is somewhat tempered by what we managed to save. The fight to save even one block was a monumental task which required vision and foresight. Such vision was necessary in order to see past the blighted building exteriors and see a vibrant urban setting consisting of some of the city's earliest structures (see comparisons above between 1960 and 2008). What we know today as Larimer Square was the result of one woman's tenacity and therefore, we thank Dana Crawford for her efforts. Still, if only we could have saved more. We only have pictures to remind us of our past, but if economics and politics had been different back in the 1960s and 1970s, our downtown would look much different today. Larimer Square was a big gamble and really marked an awakening in Denver for historic preservation. The area was declared Colorado's first historic district back in 1971. While we celebrate Larimer Square, few realize the tremendous built environment that was lost, not only on Larimer Street, but throughout downtown. It's no coincidence that one can find old buildings north of 20th Street, similar to those in the 1400 block of Larimer. The urban renewal line stretched up to that street. It's taken 40 years, but today, even those buildings north or 20th are starting to be renovated. Let's take a look back at a few pictures of the old "Larimer Square", to understand the difficult proposition faced at that time of saving even one block of this 'derelict' street.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXCNkzKv6_0cG8Jyij1Kd5CF6EbwnPZxQjhohuWgw0n6YYgIwK8Fr6_rlvVNfeumb6KxC42SunqbG8rEnZr2hHa8ERTTZvLQeW7CenTf5EXhFZRn5eFjivVJvg2yNkoJO0b80ct-jHELF/s1600-h/2008-07-20-Z-460-1960a.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226454340136017714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXCNkzKv6_0cG8Jyij1Kd5CF6EbwnPZxQjhohuWgw0n6YYgIwK8Fr6_rlvVNfeumb6KxC42SunqbG8rEnZr2hHa8ERTTZvLQeW7CenTf5EXhFZRn5eFjivVJvg2yNkoJO0b80ct-jHELF/s200/2008-07-20-Z-460-1960a.jpg" /></a><br /><em>This picture, circa 1960, shows that Larimer Street was suffereing the effects of urban neglect as those who could continued to depopulate downtown. Larimer was by this time, a collection of "eclecticism", or as others saw it, a kind of skid row, full of bars, porno shops, vice, drugs, pawn shops, and second or third tier retail. When urban renewal tried to erase this urban neighborhood, much of this "vice" moved to East Colfax Avenue. </em></p><br /><p>Most of the structures on Larimer date from the 1880s and 1890s, other than the modern structures which have filled in the gaps. Can you find the modern buildings today? Two of the most interesting buildings on the street are the stunning Second Empire style Lincoln Hall, and the oldest structure on the street, the 1873 Gallup-Stanbury Building. Both are seen below:<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Q50UPIXiAh24Q4ra6X4JrLClaRvEn2wFkwEVyainstExUeE32Xf2LGOMLvv3phfEqjg3jHoc-f8M-DVpKnPxFZpd9JJfsoRZCEL4b7Mp-bsLBtk1tfQfQCddVC0kOO4qxWePzlErxX-o/s1600-h/2008-07-24-DHT-Larimer-1.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226832047955160834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Q50UPIXiAh24Q4ra6X4JrLClaRvEn2wFkwEVyainstExUeE32Xf2LGOMLvv3phfEqjg3jHoc-f8M-DVpKnPxFZpd9JJfsoRZCEL4b7Mp-bsLBtk1tfQfQCddVC0kOO4qxWePzlErxX-o/s200/2008-07-24-DHT-Larimer-1.jpg" /></a><br /><em>A Victorian style of archicture, known as Second Empire, is exhibited at Lincoln Hall. This style, once more prevalent downtown, is now quite rare in Denver. (photo courtesy Denver History Tours, 2008)<br /></em></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nWrWl1NdJ7U1WqMlOC1DLqDWflg_9X6uRT3wzeg3vydfopBmHBWEEI7lUG2Ix6rMPX-s7qV50_JDJCMd1sdQEsasbZhnq0qDGoCCjivasnOS9eK-H2cOHoYTH3S0w83QEnxVCHfwipvE/s1600-h/2008-07-24-DHT-Larimer-3.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226832052141599026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nWrWl1NdJ7U1WqMlOC1DLqDWflg_9X6uRT3wzeg3vydfopBmHBWEEI7lUG2Ix6rMPX-s7qV50_JDJCMd1sdQEsasbZhnq0qDGoCCjivasnOS9eK-H2cOHoYTH3S0w83QEnxVCHfwipvE/s200/2008-07-24-DHT-Larimer-3.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Who knew that The Market is housed in the oldest structure in Larimer Square? (photo courtesy Denver History Tours, 2008)</em><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oV-mV_lsAtn365nML32LTIfmcdoUe-CMtPpMJeUvxZpj2D_1zLZxR-4ig76aHrJRofu1TXOGSqFk2k1PbjhGatdYx5rIMV1R_5FS69PFNsbBnHluiX-uWppaE1wR6-4uriIQPUNe7Xjr/s1600-h/2008-07-20-Z-462--1960c.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226454344106447090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oV-mV_lsAtn365nML32LTIfmcdoUe-CMtPpMJeUvxZpj2D_1zLZxR-4ig76aHrJRofu1TXOGSqFk2k1PbjhGatdYx5rIMV1R_5FS69PFNsbBnHluiX-uWppaE1wR6-4uriIQPUNe7Xjr/s200/2008-07-20-Z-462--1960c.jpg" /></a><br /><em>The splendid 1882 Granite Building, also known as the Clayton Building for its builders. This picture is circa 1950. This building once housed the McNamara Drygoods Company, the predecessor to the Denver Drygoods Company. </em><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UaATwm6mz5DtT47G2aNaEVtYczpQvreOGnsFvxSZ0zRSBSe7deYHvBOZEYJ9tPln5IbwbdbvA2sWPeGBXhfL44Gi80bvFaKW07M857Skgak1TGgSyssPzD-T-l2hfWUomVCgqUo-AxCe/s1600-h/2008-07-20-Brettell-204.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226462962955098226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UaATwm6mz5DtT47G2aNaEVtYczpQvreOGnsFvxSZ0zRSBSe7deYHvBOZEYJ9tPln5IbwbdbvA2sWPeGBXhfL44Gi80bvFaKW07M857Skgak1TGgSyssPzD-T-l2hfWUomVCgqUo-AxCe/s200/2008-07-20-Brettell-204.jpg" /></a><br /><em>This shows the same structure circa 1970. Notice the occupant of the lowest level. The Flick is assumed to be an adult movie house. This building sits on the site of William Larimer's first cabin in Denver. He founded the city on November 22, 1858. (Photo Credit: Brettell, Richard R. Historic Denver: 1858-1893, Denver, p. 204.)<br /></em><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><em></em></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFmccc8KB2KuyAp5wyZH1Fg8Ojsi0OEWOrL7bZUrV3xQAq3-wg2Wm39nvnX2cN__Xx4AC2_k7jXmoIKyxP-wPJvdmf-5N5qe4BINyH1DUmHdWifhZbt7Q24Twz4qwgRNRsOR49d43Bjrc/s1600-h/2008-07-24-DHT-Larimer-2.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226832049794694082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFmccc8KB2KuyAp5wyZH1Fg8Ojsi0OEWOrL7bZUrV3xQAq3-wg2Wm39nvnX2cN__Xx4AC2_k7jXmoIKyxP-wPJvdmf-5N5qe4BINyH1DUmHdWifhZbt7Q24Twz4qwgRNRsOR49d43Bjrc/s200/2008-07-24-DHT-Larimer-2.jpg" /></a><br /><em>A True Survivor: The Granite Building, circa 2008<br /></em><em>(photo courtesy Denver History Tours, 2008)</em><br /><br /></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEokOjemgJ6SkaAJSfdpuY6wWyogMpeqXFYIaxmohjQsD5KTzkCt55K-VOw5B18BNE8FAJAL-7r9m5dDV-d15nOd77gd4lTz8U1-lgiwj0_ceQvtGE4k2ZdwMj5YnyECVrRiARp5Tnl1x/s1600-h/2008-07-20-X-29482-1950.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226454337617060754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEokOjemgJ6SkaAJSfdpuY6wWyogMpeqXFYIaxmohjQsD5KTzkCt55K-VOw5B18BNE8FAJAL-7r9m5dDV-d15nOd77gd4lTz8U1-lgiwj0_ceQvtGE4k2ZdwMj5YnyECVrRiARp5Tnl1x/s200/2008-07-20-X-29482-1950.jpg" /></a><br /><em>This photo, circa 1960, is quite a jewel. It shows the 1600 Block of Larimer. To see the same block today, </em><a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/elevation/lower_downtown/047/block_047_se.jpg"><em>click here</em></a><em>. Imagine if all of Larimer Street had been preserved! This would be some of the hottest property downtown today. One piece from this photo survives however. Take a look at the Manhattan Restaurant at 1633 Larimer. In front of it is a cherub statue, which welcomes visitors to Denver. For reasons unknown, this little remnant was preserved. </em><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XcwedjLyAwAwo6hlR-KVjtqS27w-u48LdW1K4cQD8LkEGXnxgzMzAneAubaKfm6IhaWvttMInFrhFFBuHRdCKC6x5qVJwBNQ0OWSBRrX9Q5Uk0-NrvRj6_ZrLgHvflAex2Jrj75nnY5L/s1600-h/2008-07-20-Kevin-Cherub.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226454332966372850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XcwedjLyAwAwo6hlR-KVjtqS27w-u48LdW1K4cQD8LkEGXnxgzMzAneAubaKfm6IhaWvttMInFrhFFBuHRdCKC6x5qVJwBNQ0OWSBRrX9Q5Uk0-NrvRj6_ZrLgHvflAex2Jrj75nnY5L/s200/2008-07-20-Kevin-Cherub.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Located in the Courtyard of the Bear and the Bull in the rear of the Kettle Arcade on Larimer Square, we can revel in one piece of Denver's past, still welcoming all to the city. That smiling gentleman is the owner of Denver History Tours--Kevin Pharris!<br /></em><em>(photo courtesy of Denver History Tours, 2008)</em> </p><p align="center"></p><p align="left">To learn more about the history of the individual buildings on Larimer Square, <a href="http://hewit.unco.edu/DOHIST/vftrips/colocity/larimer/tourmenu.htm">click here</a>.<br /></p><p align="left">I generally concentrate on one block or the side of one block to coordinate best with DenverInfill.com However, for the purposes of Larimer Square's history, this current blog used the east side of <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/block_pages/lower_downtown/block_045.htm">Block 45 </a>and the west side of <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/block_pages/central_downtown/block_070.htm">Block 70</a>. Click to learn more about the current state of these blocks at DenverInfill.com<br /><br />Unless stated otherwise, all historic photos are from the <a href="http://history.denverlibrary.org/images/index.html">Denver Public Library's Western History Collection</a>.</p><p align="left"><strong>UPDATE</strong>: Many of you have written in concerning the The Flick movie theater located in Granite Building during the 1960s. I had assumed it might be an adult movie house because the picture I have appears to show drawings of scantily clad women in its windows. However, the consensus seems to be that The Flick was an artsy type movie house. It sounds like it was the Mayan Theater of the day. Therefore, we will err on the side of those who were actually there at The Flick! However, newspaper ads from this era do indeed show that there were numerous adult movie houses not only in the areas of lower downtown but upper downtown as well.</p>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-87482349479601668562008-06-13T23:27:00.006-06:002008-06-14T01:17:33.095-06:00Adams Hotel<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUEr8y5_fjRWluESUVym1k66-cem_aK8Umq7jePrEErHsycPIsYghmDL0SyTTvgY-kjo7L2hTMo7YugKPkVy3TYqMMA4xLx-ee3b17V-kuB1Qdw_Y-wE_UOo072ul7AA2lX2yov0tys-W/s1600-h/2008-06-12-X-25141-1902a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211607728971384530" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUEr8y5_fjRWluESUVym1k66-cem_aK8Umq7jePrEErHsycPIsYghmDL0SyTTvgY-kjo7L2hTMo7YugKPkVy3TYqMMA4xLx-ee3b17V-kuB1Qdw_Y-wE_UOo072ul7AA2lX2yov0tys-W/s200/2008-06-12-X-25141-1902a.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br />With the recent departure of the Adams Mark name from Denver, I began to think of all of the hotels that have been in Denver over the past 150 years. The longest lived are the <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/elevation/lower_downtown/015/block_015_ne.jpg">Oxford </a>(1891) and the <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/elevation/upper_downtown/209_&_210/block_209_&_210_e.jpg">Brown </a>(1892). Others have been long gone, their buildings demolished to make way for parking lots such as the <a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?00185755+Rh-755">Cosmopolitan </a>suffered in 1984 (a planned high rise never got off the ground!) Or, they were victims of urban decay such as the <a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?10018608+X-18608">Inter-Ocean</a>, lost circa 1970. Or...yet again...they were unceremoniously demolished for no good reason that I can find, such as the <a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?11000476+Z-476">Windsor</a>, lost in 1959.<br /><br /><br />Less grand, but no less part of downtown, was the Adams Hotel which once stood at the northeast corner of 18th and Welton. It was demolished around 1969 to make way for a bank drive through area and parking lot. <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/elevation/upper_downtown/176/block_176_sw.jpg">It today exists as an abandoned bank drive through site. </a><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_uAPuFj6sqmm5FWNbym40ZxUYtG4waG4Mfkm6nT3TdGguklafPIRfF3iEpjR2yxlbjTxcJTbPiUg_l-Th8kMksKfYGQJwXl-YPzHFccfVGyJFn4LcyZALGFNb7SdMJTnar5A3jVTeR4X/s1600-h/2008-06-12-MCC-270-1902.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211607713837787762" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_uAPuFj6sqmm5FWNbym40ZxUYtG4waG4Mfkm6nT3TdGguklafPIRfF3iEpjR2yxlbjTxcJTbPiUg_l-Th8kMksKfYGQJwXl-YPzHFccfVGyJFn4LcyZALGFNb7SdMJTnar5A3jVTeR4X/s200/2008-06-12-MCC-270-1902.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="left"><br /><br />The Adams Hotel opened for business in 1902. It was designed by the Baerresen Brothers Architects. It was noted for the large copper dome atop the structure. In addition, information included with this picture states that when it opened, there were innovations such as the use of a push button elevator along with there being telephones in every room. Note the bicycles in the picture above.<br /><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qXLFt1T5lHafEXn57T2l0G6VB8kiLncaGVT68YBUi6oQ8wm3cI7xr4bGnOSSX2TXHZAJUTZNz26B1D4xgbBCP-_xQYvG0TRMlXUrIqmDbDVda5lrXCuVV9zCk4oe39ZR4DIqoSh2WaLt/s1600-h/2008-06-12-X-23435-1910.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211607718235817298" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qXLFt1T5lHafEXn57T2l0G6VB8kiLncaGVT68YBUi6oQ8wm3cI7xr4bGnOSSX2TXHZAJUTZNz26B1D4xgbBCP-_xQYvG0TRMlXUrIqmDbDVda5lrXCuVV9zCk4oe39ZR4DIqoSh2WaLt/s200/2008-06-12-X-23435-1910.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />circa 1910</p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDBjEmgyrOqRYQDIOEglxyY49XxUZJbyTCrzGgq250gJEPII-JI8xOcJkJ6VqtFYCxm_ZLdtqtBYVgubEui88xEBWqh8EI6TmJe0IQDbTzepGwYAbssPsCNRmHd6USqjKDV6u0DTBddIf/s1600-h/2008-06-12-X-23434-1920.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211607728211220978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDBjEmgyrOqRYQDIOEglxyY49XxUZJbyTCrzGgq250gJEPII-JI8xOcJkJ6VqtFYCxm_ZLdtqtBYVgubEui88xEBWqh8EI6TmJe0IQDbTzepGwYAbssPsCNRmHd6USqjKDV6u0DTBddIf/s200/2008-06-12-X-23434-1920.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />circa 1920</p><p align="center"></p><p align="left">The two pictures above show the Adams Hotel and the Empire Hotel. The Empire stood at 18th and Glenarm. Most interstingly however, we can see a small building in between the two. This space also shows up in the picture at the top of this blog. We see a small Second Empire style home occupying the spot in 1902. Later, we see a store front on the site above. <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/blog/2007/07/before-they-were-parking-lots-block-176.html#links">DenverInfill.com talked about this very block in July of 2007.</a> In that blog, we learn that Shelby's Bar and Grill is housed in that same building we see in the picture. Amazingly, it bills itself as one of the oldest buildings in downtown Denver. Without more research, it's hard to say if the current Shelby's is housed in a converted Second Empire home or if that house was demolished in 1907 to make way for the current building. Either way, Shelby's currently sits alone in a sea of parking and an abandoned bank drive through! </p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqogRxGCTgGNLSoTLRc0j2CHXiX2VPM4GHxvN5TVdwIRcEWuNCl-da5CKUZ4keG87mUS2QkGM117gtTDau7EchRMkQOqb8gC4EV1aocbUJem5Z1UPa4Cwom8i93d7WzH6aesHNJP4eDE1U/s1600-h/2008-06-12-X-29182-1953.jpg"></a></p><p align="left">What did we lose with the closure and demolition of the Adams Hotel in 1969? Many would argue that its removal helped add new vitality to downtown Denver as more people were able to come into the city and find a place to park or bank conveniently. But the economics of parking aside, as with so much of our lost downtown history, the removal of the Adams Hotel also removed any context we had of a once vibrant area of our city. The only reminder seems strangely out of place--Shelby's Bar and Grill at 519 18th Street.<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqogRxGCTgGNLSoTLRc0j2CHXiX2VPM4GHxvN5TVdwIRcEWuNCl-da5CKUZ4keG87mUS2QkGM117gtTDau7EchRMkQOqb8gC4EV1aocbUJem5Z1UPa4Cwom8i93d7WzH6aesHNJP4eDE1U/s1600-h/2008-06-12-X-29182-1953.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211607888501794626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqogRxGCTgGNLSoTLRc0j2CHXiX2VPM4GHxvN5TVdwIRcEWuNCl-da5CKUZ4keG87mUS2QkGM117gtTDau7EchRMkQOqb8gC4EV1aocbUJem5Z1UPa4Cwom8i93d7WzH6aesHNJP4eDE1U/s200/2008-06-12-X-29182-1953.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="left"><br /><br />Not even this 1953 remodel of the interior could save the Adams from its fate. The hotel interior at some point was designed by Gilbert Jaka. He was influential during the early 1930s designing the stunning Art Deco Cruise Room at the Oxford Hotel, along with some other Art Deco style homes in Park Hill. Without knowing more about Mr. Jaka, it is hard to know if the above decoration represents his work, although it is unlikely since it is definitely not Art Deco. No other interior pictures of the Adams Hotel have been located. If there were other Art Deco finishes inside, its demolition is an even greater loss for our city.<br /><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfBMzO8QnL3heukpGFw-tRQB4BSpAGTOamiaPnGjSxknk5qyPtnAmqDjexweDiDfXYjtgCL7Ob00yq1vObuBth_urUwqVVxUEvkUxzyWgRqEAnTJXcc1aFylI8o7kuSkXwAYBGcLb5PrP/s1600-h/208-06-12-WHJ-10666-1880.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211607904537795202" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfBMzO8QnL3heukpGFw-tRQB4BSpAGTOamiaPnGjSxknk5qyPtnAmqDjexweDiDfXYjtgCL7Ob00yq1vObuBth_urUwqVVxUEvkUxzyWgRqEAnTJXcc1aFylI8o7kuSkXwAYBGcLb5PrP/s200/208-06-12-WHJ-10666-1880.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="left"><br /><br />Just so we don't get too down on ourselves about changes to the city over the last 150 years, this picture illustrates that without change, our city would not be what it is today. This is Denver, circa 1880. In this picture, the direction of north is on the right. In the middle left, we see the intersection of 18th Avenue and Broadway. The Trinity Methodist Church would be constructed here in 1888. At the left center, we see a triangular piece of land that would become the Brown Palace Hotel in 1892. Across the street from that land, we see the Brinker Institute, that thankfully, <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/elevation/upper_downtown/194_&_193/block_194_&_193_se.jpg">we can still see today!!</a> It is known as the Navarre Building. And in the center right of the picture, we see land that by 1902 would become the Adams Hotel. All of those homes are gone today. The closest examples are at 21st and Glenarm. See my last blog to learn about that!</p><p align="left">At least we have pictures.....</p><p align="left"><a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/block_pages/upper_downtown/block_176.htm">For additional information on Block 176, home of Shelby's, click here to be taken to DenverInfill.com</a></p><p align="left"><br />All black and white historic photos are from the <a href="http://history.denverlibrary.org/images/index.html">Denver Public Library's Western History Collection</a>.</p><p align="left"></p>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-32059429719056339552008-05-13T23:26:00.006-06:002008-05-14T00:46:19.753-06:00Lost Residences of Downtown DenverRecently I've been researching aspects of Denver's lost residential neighborhoods of yesteryear. It may surprise most of you to know that downtown Denver and its adjacent neighborhoods were once filled with lovely residences and some not so lovely residences--housing of all types. Many of the parking lots we see in and around downtown today were once occupied by homes. Some of these houses were later supplanted by businesses. The last home standing in central downtown is the <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/elevation/upper_downtown/207/block_207_se.jpg">Curry-Chucovich-Gerash House </a>at 1439 Court Place on <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/block_pages/upper_downtown/block_207.htm">Block 207</a>.<br /><br />To get a sense of what this neighborhood near the Arapahoe County Courthouse once looked like, here is a picture circa 1890 to get us in the right frame of mind:<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjIRVOFi0otkncQAw95Szk0bU8O157OC40ncAhSJwEhc5v7Kts3Dt26wmLH2NCdOfA56f7FQwXGdBPqiDLvFhIYh-li6qZ5ie_z_uWPE4-MB4JjIJDrbWoj9mKyAuyIXp_IxcP7Ro4RNk/s1600-h/2008-05-13-CHS.J9-Tremont-1890.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200110393159345906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjIRVOFi0otkncQAw95Szk0bU8O157OC40ncAhSJwEhc5v7Kts3Dt26wmLH2NCdOfA56f7FQwXGdBPqiDLvFhIYh-li6qZ5ie_z_uWPE4-MB4JjIJDrbWoj9mKyAuyIXp_IxcP7Ro4RNk/s200/2008-05-13-CHS.J9-Tremont-1890.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><em>This area, between Tremont and Glenarm Places, features a now rare Second Empire designed home. That is the house with the mansard style roof. Hidden in the trees to the right is the Curry-Chucovich-Gerash House, circa 1888 with the Arapahoe County Courthouse dominating the skyline.</em></p><em></em><p align="left"><br /><br />Just down the street at 1308 Glenarm stood the Amos Steck House:<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCA17MeN0yJQQsvxArcrXj6yD2fxwfrVhrx3LTbcPQoIpTz8s0Mk4RwAaxjslfjZca7lDtmBV1dvxyaMp4VF8A6KIFKdD6Ccnl0d2ssKSpqaxAGaxRU-umBE828nKq12EGLEh-F5q_B0Y/s1600-h/2008-05-13-X-22035-1308-Gle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200110741051696914" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCA17MeN0yJQQsvxArcrXj6yD2fxwfrVhrx3LTbcPQoIpTz8s0Mk4RwAaxjslfjZca7lDtmBV1dvxyaMp4VF8A6KIFKdD6Ccnl0d2ssKSpqaxAGaxRU-umBE828nKq12EGLEh-F5q_B0Y/s200/2008-05-13-X-22035-1308-Gle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Mr. Steck was on the first Denver School Board. He gave land to the East Denver School District that was eventually used to build the first permanent school building in Denver, the Arapahoe School.</em></p><br /><br />Aside from Curtis Park, which remains remarkably intact north of 23rd Street, there isn't much residential remaining south of that line, except for the random house here and there in the <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/northeast_downtown.htm">Arapahoe Square </a>area. One nearly intact block remains however. Staving off demolition during the mid-1970s when its neighborhing blocks were bull-d0zed to make way for the 1976 Winter Olympics Housing, this block formed the Clement's Historic District. Compare <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/elevation/northeast_downtown/190/190_nw.jpg">this link </a>of the current street with what we can see of some of the 2100 block over a century ago:<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPEkOm_F8fgWzbdjD9cdg3SLFVUvTiiAjFl0gvDPvkcW0vO2mr-GXxoAltxGqi_x6ZwDmFYz8d1yCmPA53hnEnrJ4xWBe9kRLlnGevMK763nG0601KtNFbMui5AUDQcPplQTnUOjZ07UD/s1600-h/2008-05-13-MCC-4292-2130+Glenarm+Place.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200110736756729602" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPEkOm_F8fgWzbdjD9cdg3SLFVUvTiiAjFl0gvDPvkcW0vO2mr-GXxoAltxGqi_x6ZwDmFYz8d1yCmPA53hnEnrJ4xWBe9kRLlnGevMK763nG0601KtNFbMui5AUDQcPplQTnUOjZ07UD/s200/2008-05-13-MCC-4292-2130+Glenarm+Place.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjrDhX3rXxzzVvgqB4ClloMdZwtImhLlIU3okA6b0oksVrYF0nHjotC_guO4PMPT2RwBkY1SiZ07jen5imC-7B-9xnNE72SeUslaSLhusPhFFuso-wEa2TQL9w2kw9q1I6eVfj63MM6z_/s1600-h/2008-05-13-2100-Glenarm.jpg"></a><div align="center"><em>The houses in the far right side of this picture (circa 1900) remain intact today as part of the Clement's Historic District.<br /></em></div><br />The neighborhoods to the south of downtown didn't fair much better. The residences of today's Golden Triangle or Civic Center neighborhood was even more obliterated during the 20th century, first to make way for Civic Center Park, and secondly to make way for libraries, art museums, parking lots and associated businesses. The neighborhood lost so much population that by 1973, the Denver Public Schools closed down the area school: Evans Elementary. That building still stands today but is not in use. Recently, an old picture made its way to the Byers-Evans House Museum (circa 1883). This picture was interesting because it showed people smiling in front of homes that were long ago demolished to make way for the Denver Art Museum's North Building (circa 1971 by Gio Ponti). The only hold-outs from that construction project were the Evans sisters, granddaughters of Colorado's second territorial governor, John Evans. They stayed put and today, their house is a museum (and my workplace). The picture of their neighbor's house to the north at 1316 Bannock is quite a treasure to see today:<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0xGjk_BXm2cALTLtU_608UzndSGI4KXiDyHcYpD-rT1Mj1ZqZaLtzSavKpBivBl89x4ksc-6ydMqKwrcBchsmz3eu_yGkRXEnfpnNhGIbCdV-wYfWHxJeQqqpmeEUsprsYTYTIs7DQFm/s1600-h/2008-05-13-1316-Bannock-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200101090260182722" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0xGjk_BXm2cALTLtU_608UzndSGI4KXiDyHcYpD-rT1Mj1ZqZaLtzSavKpBivBl89x4ksc-6ydMqKwrcBchsmz3eu_yGkRXEnfpnNhGIbCdV-wYfWHxJeQqqpmeEUsprsYTYTIs7DQFm/s200/2008-05-13-1316-Bannock-1.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center"><em>Family and friends at 1316 Bannock in 1910. The use of the rusticated sandstone and granite on the home is a hallmark of architect William Lang, notable for his many beautiful houses in Denver, including the Molly Brown House and the Castle Marne. These large homes, including the large Queen Anne on the left, complimented the Italianate style Byers-Evans House at 1310 Bannock.</em></div><p><em></em></p><p><em></p><div align="left"><br /></em>All black and white historic photos are from the <a href="http://history.denverlibrary.org/images/index.html">Denver Public Library's Western History Collection</a> except for the picture of 1316 Bannock.<br /><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPEkOm_F8fgWzbdjD9cdg3SLFVUvTiiAjFl0gvDPvkcW0vO2mr-GXxoAltxGqi_x6ZwDmFYz8d1yCmPA53hnEnrJ4xWBe9kRLlnGevMK763nG0601KtNFbMui5AUDQcPplQTnUOjZ07UD/s1600-h/2008-05-13-MCC-4292-2130+Glenarm+Place.jpg"></a>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-33091945819094527762008-04-11T08:20:00.003-06:002008-04-11T09:37:56.482-06:00The Masonic Building and Welton Street<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8NvBr47HgctEL2zAd86FJZQ8jT9YjY8VjPZ0llR_Yf6uxGV0jgdrAdxpjzpeR5KbcYe7fnhsDMH92tn6WIVUdlQywhbpEJ6NNFkQJrde44G_F5a61PM96sfApZW1xJ1PzkNWe1TwUO-N/s1600-h/2008-04-11-Z-10471.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187992892565814002" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8NvBr47HgctEL2zAd86FJZQ8jT9YjY8VjPZ0llR_Yf6uxGV0jgdrAdxpjzpeR5KbcYe7fnhsDMH92tn6WIVUdlQywhbpEJ6NNFkQJrde44G_F5a61PM96sfApZW1xJ1PzkNWe1TwUO-N/s200/2008-04-11-Z-10471.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p><br />Ah, the Masonic Building (1889). This downtown institution almost was lost to us back in 1985 due to fire. Without the intervention of preservationists and other interested parties, the Kittredge Building would be alone. The fire damage was significant which resulted in only the facade being salvaged, but we'll take it! This building, designed by Frank Edbrooke, is one of a few of his many notable projects still left standing downtown after so long. Others include the Brown Palace and the Oxford Hotel.<br /></p><p><br />In the distance in this picture, one can also see the Kenmark Hotel at the corner of 17th and Welton, and beyond that, the current Grand Hyatt at 18th and Welton. The Kenmark, known as Hotel Kaiserhof until WWI, was recently demolished in 1995. "They" said it couldn't be saved, that it had to go. And today, we have a "nice" vacant lot/parking lot on that site.<br /><br /><br />But what about the other lesser known buildings along Welton Street "behind" the Masonic Building. I spend my days and nights doing a lot of research for many different projects--that's why I can't post here everyday--but it does point to the problems inherent with historic building research. One wants to ensure accuracy and sometimes that means digging more deeply than just the online photo archive at the Denver Public Library. And sometimes, the evidence is not readily available, especially for less flashy buildings that sometimes faced the city's interior blocks. Such is the case with the even addresses found along the 1600 block of Welton.<br /><br /><br />While doing other research, I stumbled upon the picture below:<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5gPGQzWy5qy6XJ15g7UW7SQsjCXqagfVr_tNeo1DrZhooqqo2FYUsOLGo-VhmQna7c3eUXbvknELrY4gaaQmxrsco54jbBkD5xcWAzOodUtEwbwrk_L9zNsgSJ4MmwWZZya7fYyX1M4P/s1600-h/2008-04-11-X-22450.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187992883975879378" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5gPGQzWy5qy6XJ15g7UW7SQsjCXqagfVr_tNeo1DrZhooqqo2FYUsOLGo-VhmQna7c3eUXbvknELrY4gaaQmxrsco54jbBkD5xcWAzOodUtEwbwrk_L9zNsgSJ4MmwWZZya7fYyX1M4P/s200/2008-04-11-X-22450.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br />The dotted line in this picture is hovering over the Mack Building which stands along Welton next to the Masonic Building. This photo is circa 1953. The information on the back of this photo indicates that the Mack Building had been on the site since 1883. It was to be torn down and to make way for a seven story office building. This is where more research would be needed! The Denver Public Library's online photo archive is pretty scant on later 20th century architecture. The building currently on the site and adjacent sites at approximately 1630 Welton was built in 1982. You can see it at the top picture on this blog. It currently houses offices and other businesses such as the Colorado Athletic Club. Interestingly, the building is owned by one group called IEC Denver, but the land on which it sits is still owned by the Mack Family (the Louis Mack and Barbara Mack McKay Trust). This picture also gives a better view of the Kenmark Hotel and the Patterson Building (also no longer standing) at the corner of 17th and Welton.<br /><br /><br />Another view of this block, circa 1920s, is below:<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLut2ouOEUuUEs2gTDgD6O7mKF8XRr_wo37k8gPhQSnJY1uFRsh6yofsZmdPeT7n-WnyEX4TUBQ7BQtoRjzJFOeUHl2ik-dOB8lB7qF-nl8_mrhjXZ5qzNxNDEIBvKDXp-5YJp7jqNYV7/s1600-h/2008-04-11-X-24872.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187992888270846690" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLut2ouOEUuUEs2gTDgD6O7mKF8XRr_wo37k8gPhQSnJY1uFRsh6yofsZmdPeT7n-WnyEX4TUBQ7BQtoRjzJFOeUHl2ik-dOB8lB7qF-nl8_mrhjXZ5qzNxNDEIBvKDXp-5YJp7jqNYV7/s200/2008-04-11-X-24872.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br />And what of the other smaller buildings on this block. Well, one of the more prominent was the Columbia Savings and Loan Association Building at 1638 Welton, designed by Baerresen Brothers architects. It received a facade redo sometime after WWII and became Silver State Bank. It can be seen in the Mack Building picture further above, just to the left of the said building. This picture below is circa 1900.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16wy7kmq05kA4qTtyOgcOspAkOoSn5KDUWRqIlEnK3btG4nBB405nlVBjtVuLczibSMwJJZYBapRZiyE8iVD3arr2vDxxN6prX7ZNn08EZjLss902p44fWkmD0N8VihAVZtB8jd5_6o2D/s1600-h/2008-04-11-Z-2161-1900.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187992892565814018" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16wy7kmq05kA4qTtyOgcOspAkOoSn5KDUWRqIlEnK3btG4nBB405nlVBjtVuLczibSMwJJZYBapRZiyE8iVD3arr2vDxxN6prX7ZNn08EZjLss902p44fWkmD0N8VihAVZtB8jd5_6o2D/s200/2008-04-11-Z-2161-1900.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p align="left">The building below is circa 1897. It appears to have still been standing along with the Columbia/Silver State Building and Kenmark Buildings in the top photo from 1985. Its address is given as 1630 Welton however, so it may have been demolished when the Mack Building came down. Without more research, we might also assume that when the Kenmark came down, these two buildings came down with it. This picture is described as being a rowhouse. It states that it also contained the Formosa Tea Company and that it sold other Japanese goods.<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXmDoP4W_u1P6VeDpvQ0fAnkZngBM-sIcAltg8Vb3LOY00EFY8vNEGca-09qNM7fi5yoj924Wove-4uvSxCXbyVNi2sgMj27QwTFVK8FvsRXnUAKP0HlodI08o9wS_qov9nETT2FbJrcW/s1600-h/2008-04-11-C-208-1897-1630.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187992879680912066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXmDoP4W_u1P6VeDpvQ0fAnkZngBM-sIcAltg8Vb3LOY00EFY8vNEGca-09qNM7fi5yoj924Wove-4uvSxCXbyVNi2sgMj27QwTFVK8FvsRXnUAKP0HlodI08o9wS_qov9nETT2FbJrcW/s200/2008-04-11-C-208-1897-1630.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="left">It is always interesting to see what has come before. At least photography allows us this window into the past when the buildings are gone. Long live the Masonic Building! <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/elevation/upper_downtown/174/block_174_nw.jpg">Click here </a>to see the 1600 block of Welton today.</p><br /><p align="left">For more information on <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/block_pages/upper_downtown/block_174.htm">Block 174</a>, which includes the 1600 block of Welton, check out DenverInfill.com</p><br /><p align="left">In addition, learn more about Downtown Denver's <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/subpages_special_topics/downtown_denver_historic_district.htm">historic buildings and historic district</a> at DenverInfill.com (included are the Masonic Building and Kittredge Building).</p><p align="left">All black and white historic photos are from the <a href="http://history.denverlibrary.org/images/index.html">Denver Public Library's Western History Collection</a>.</p>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-5670451579416316322008-03-17T00:49:00.007-06:002008-03-17T02:01:15.296-06:00Denver's City Auditorium<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lu8Yy7TXyJvPQLPUTy5zcCBRzlKHS4471UeWQgn5Sa0ujfev__ZPtA9_Gv4Vj-OL6c0Mt1nyk8Nx9PMlSFOzR4_vT_KMOIr3yr4F9IggISb9YAZAGyQ9aPu5MSA6qEdn_1NF_mvS7orb/s1600-h/2008-03-17_MCC-1027_1908.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178600747531652610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lu8Yy7TXyJvPQLPUTy5zcCBRzlKHS4471UeWQgn5Sa0ujfev__ZPtA9_Gv4Vj-OL6c0Mt1nyk8Nx9PMlSFOzR4_vT_KMOIr3yr4F9IggISb9YAZAGyQ9aPu5MSA6qEdn_1NF_mvS7orb/s200/2008-03-17_MCC-1027_1908.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="left"><br /><br />What at difference a century makes. As Denver prepares to host the 2008 Democratic National Convention this August, it seems fitting to look at the city's preparation for our last and only other political convention: the Democratic National Convention of 1908!<br /><br />Denver Mayor Robert Speer built a shining new City Auditorium that just happened to be dedicated on the day of his inauguration on June 1, 1908. When the convention opened in Denver in July 1908, William Jennings Bryan was the party's nominee. He later lost to William Howard Taft.<br /><br /><br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahuDGcZ2CWPj-qnZDfxX_ktkbrlVzYXLB2JlDWhmSIO36X7W9dPfSGJgL1HTvCrVtw_MS7WLNrv67LuIAoUYt0XEyrRc9UPlb4m9UcueH-v-9KRlSS6_I8dSJ_RB0kDTqWMgxxoIqZ90B/s1600-h/2008-03-17_MCC-1227.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178600751826619922" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahuDGcZ2CWPj-qnZDfxX_ktkbrlVzYXLB2JlDWhmSIO36X7W9dPfSGJgL1HTvCrVtw_MS7WLNrv67LuIAoUYt0XEyrRc9UPlb4m9UcueH-v-9KRlSS6_I8dSJ_RB0kDTqWMgxxoIqZ90B/s200/2008-03-17_MCC-1227.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Although 2008's convention will be held in the Pepsi Center, the interior will surely bear some resemblance to the Auditorium's decoration from 1908. Pictures of George Washington, Andrew Jackson and Thomas Jefferson (presumably), dominate the walls. In addition, the rare 46 star flag hangs on the walls and rafters signifying the recent addition of Oklahoma to the union in 1907.<br /><br /><br /></em><br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gh4-gKVD6R3LXt2woL-vBcj4VMRrb5UMwmDzHJg8SRBAFmpEY-tPzFVDFGoqxagSC2QWoQ_Or7cA0jWJdH8gH_HKT6HiYxlP9TTv52Og5I5_ZuRMj7SchZDJIKN-6jNWhhcnQoYhyphenhyphen_R6/s1600-h/2008-03-17_Z-6854_1907.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178600756121587266" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gh4-gKVD6R3LXt2woL-vBcj4VMRrb5UMwmDzHJg8SRBAFmpEY-tPzFVDFGoqxagSC2QWoQ_Or7cA0jWJdH8gH_HKT6HiYxlP9TTv52Og5I5_ZuRMj7SchZDJIKN-6jNWhhcnQoYhyphenhyphen_R6/s200/2008-03-17_Z-6854_1907.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>This picture shows the Auditorium rising from the corner of 14th and Champa. The building was constructed in record time, the cornerstone being laid in September 1907. The beautiful buildings to the rear of the Auditorium are unknown to me. What is apparent however is the residential character was forever altered with the construction of this building. The </em><a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?10022113+X-22113"><em>large homes and mansions along 14th Street </em></a><em>began their swan song as the street became increasingly commercial in nature after 1910.<br /><br /><br /><br /></em><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVOGMSgjOTh2ak4-RjpmW4MhXas0bmD-5VjgTElKVtZiAG_DAWi_KI0NQCZEiVu6jGo415evH-6JdoNr1X4qyYMdJ-HViI4_11iG3jbTlft5Fi-Gfng-s5KHIG3oMbLCkqPL24x364OPp/s1600-h/2008-03-17_X-25828-1402-Champa+1880.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178617291745676882" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVOGMSgjOTh2ak4-RjpmW4MhXas0bmD-5VjgTElKVtZiAG_DAWi_KI0NQCZEiVu6jGo415evH-6JdoNr1X4qyYMdJ-HViI4_11iG3jbTlft5Fi-Gfng-s5KHIG3oMbLCkqPL24x364OPp/s200/2008-03-17_X-25828-1402-Champa+1880.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>The home of Dr. Charles Denison stood at the corner of 14th and Champa, specifically 1402 Champa, opposite the new Auditorium. Many stately homes lined the street including the home of former governor </em><a href="http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?10026448+X-26448"><em>John Evans at 14th and Arapahoe</em></a><em>. It was demolished in 1910 to make way for the Denver Tramway Headquarters. That building today is known as the Hotel Teatro. To see what hideous building stands on the Denison grounds today, click </em><a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/elevation/central_downtown/106/block_106_sw.jpg"><em>here</em></a><em>.<br /><br /><br /></em></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZH2HBOz2pmHSODqIyw_-a_yvIB7FO_WBkrS5wv38fm0Y1K0RMnUjUbByiAmkDEjpCco1rnupXc4xxhRmIjofP2ARfMy3j2LpYy_i5cdL0k70mXcFgwBEFfS_hjRN7AWWbMYgEav6ZBlAC/s1600-h/2008-03-17_X-18727_1919.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178600756121587234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZH2HBOz2pmHSODqIyw_-a_yvIB7FO_WBkrS5wv38fm0Y1K0RMnUjUbByiAmkDEjpCco1rnupXc4xxhRmIjofP2ARfMy3j2LpYy_i5cdL0k70mXcFgwBEFfS_hjRN7AWWbMYgEav6ZBlAC/s200/2008-03-17_X-18727_1919.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Denver, as capital of Colorado, has always been a place of visiation of politicians of all stripes. Here, President Woodrow Wilson and his wife Edith exit City Auditorium in 1919.<br /><br /></em></p><br /><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><br /><p align="left">While the building still stands today, the decorative domes that dominated each corner were removed in the 1950s. The renovated building is known today as the Quigg Newton Denver Municpal Auditorium. But it more commonly associated with the Ellie Caulkins Opera House which is found within its walls. <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/elevation/central_downtown/100--105/block_100-105_ne.jpg">Here is a picture </a>from DenverInfill showing the renovations taking place when the Ellie was being "installed". </p><br /><br /><p align="left">For additional information on Blocks 100-105 that the City Auditorium is a part of, click <a href="http://denverinfill.com/block_pages/central_downtown/block_100--105.htm">here</a>.</p>All black and white historic photos are from the <a href="http://history.denverlibrary.org/images/index.html">Denver Public Library's Western History Collection</a>.Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4918701238841683192.post-81554725901073951252008-01-20T23:21:00.001-07:002008-01-21T15:50:24.615-07:00Republic Building<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LHDbdcREQaqozAtzbSIkOwNM2Htme2iu9LVGCzi3ld16mdOQ9JSwubVT8jT4kBQPkE5mWwlAVFBS0EZqBu854w5i1YojXRqyoob_0oMCrwi0ZOqKd4C3yTb0PPW3SzsanDYgIiHtR5hH/s1600-h/2008-01-14-1927cRB-X-25126.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157812532646351602" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LHDbdcREQaqozAtzbSIkOwNM2Htme2iu9LVGCzi3ld16mdOQ9JSwubVT8jT4kBQPkE5mWwlAVFBS0EZqBu854w5i1YojXRqyoob_0oMCrwi0ZOqKd4C3yTb0PPW3SzsanDYgIiHtR5hH/s200/2008-01-14-1927cRB-X-25126.gif" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6hI7Yc3b1dhYlaqZl6nL-YkYqxB09yvf5S162y6VR1pKa3pQ0dMs-rB_ZrMcItvEfhKFSfSzJZMvWM_0l0TM396A_a5ASRxXs74fAnFi-9V1b6K3uX0IpnxK9hxotZeby1WcWaZWRaPf/s1600-h/2008-01-14-1933aRB-X-25128.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157812541236286210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6hI7Yc3b1dhYlaqZl6nL-YkYqxB09yvf5S162y6VR1pKa3pQ0dMs-rB_ZrMcItvEfhKFSfSzJZMvWM_0l0TM396A_a5ASRxXs74fAnFi-9V1b6K3uX0IpnxK9hxotZeby1WcWaZWRaPf/s200/2008-01-14-1933aRB-X-25128.gif" border="0" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6hI7Yc3b1dhYlaqZl6nL-YkYqxB09yvf5S162y6VR1pKa3pQ0dMs-rB_ZrMcItvEfhKFSfSzJZMvWM_0l0TM396A_a5ASRxXs74fAnFi-9V1b6K3uX0IpnxK9hxotZeby1WcWaZWRaPf/s1600-h/2008-01-14-1933aRB-X-25128.gif"></a><br /><br />The Republic Building represents another battle lost in preserving Denver's colorful built environment. Economic forces and varied business interests from the late 1970s came together to push for the building's demolition in 1981. The photos above show the Republic Building first in 1927 shortly after its construction from the corner of 16th and Tremont. The second shows it across 16th Street in a reflecting pool at Courthouse Square in 1933 shortly after the Arapahoe County Courthouse was demolished on that same site. The Republic Building housed numerous doctors offices, as well as other businesses, and was a beautiful piece of architecture. While the building was lost, the name remains tied to the site, as it was replaced by Denver's tallest building: <a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/images/elevation/upper_downtown/209_&_210/block_209_&_210_nw.jpg">the 56-story Republic Plaza.</a><br /><br />While many criticize the plain and faceless nature of the current Republic Plaza building, also known as the Republic Tower, it represents well the era in which it was built. The modern style skyscraper, finished in 1984, was designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merril. It remains the tallest building not only in Denver and Colorado, but the entire Rocky Mountain Region.<br /><br />But its predecessor was nonetheless a sight to behold. Designed by preeminent Denver architect G. Meredith Musick, the building contained early Art Deco elements, which Musick later took full throttle, especially with his beautiful design of the <a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.dpsk12.org/manilaImages/BryantWebster/BW001.jpg&imgrefurl=http://bryantwebster.dpsk12.org/&h=640&w=480&sz=164&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=RiJzW_VySUGISM:&tbnh=137&tbnw=103&prev=/images%3Fq%3DBryant-Webster%2BSchool%2BDenver%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4SUNA_enUS251%26sa%3DN">Bryant-Webster Public School </a>in northwest Denver. His Republic Building took up a quarter of Block 209, from the alley between Court Place and Tremont Place, along 16th Street. This structure definitely had a special place in the hearts and minds of Denverites. These feelings were not enough to save it, although the preservation battles from the early 1980s were certainly hard-fought and vociferous.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNQYTlX2_9mXhnMWLZ26RzCdUfWA7fOoi8ULTYKyo4a7I4OVeNovjs_MFj5E92EjlWYcwYkoTWisq3D8n1R-GGLllwIYF1Y8yTL3ma2Uqw1OGPlrMVkLdsNt3s4MBMHu055UGkd9ApSCE/s1600-h/2008-01-14-1941RB-X-25125.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157812850473931554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNQYTlX2_9mXhnMWLZ26RzCdUfWA7fOoi8ULTYKyo4a7I4OVeNovjs_MFj5E92EjlWYcwYkoTWisq3D8n1R-GGLllwIYF1Y8yTL3ma2Uqw1OGPlrMVkLdsNt3s4MBMHu055UGkd9ApSCE/s200/2008-01-14-1941RB-X-25125.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><em>circa 1941</em></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_D5uudep3xeIKt_yi0td6W8LDG3UPAAmk4a_fYAzRN6xG0ItbZfcnWOCmRn2Wo_Oixfoye7DBXufFMQmfEKhbmHYzPraMR6O50Wc8jpbwbom_j0sPjS1MWFBwJ0stq61I2q3Rn5-fQ1M/s1600-h/2008-01-14-1953RB+X-23379.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157812854768898866" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_D5uudep3xeIKt_yi0td6W8LDG3UPAAmk4a_fYAzRN6xG0ItbZfcnWOCmRn2Wo_Oixfoye7DBXufFMQmfEKhbmHYzPraMR6O50Wc8jpbwbom_j0sPjS1MWFBwJ0stq61I2q3Rn5-fQ1M/s200/2008-01-14-1953RB+X-23379.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><em>circa 1953, note that Courthouse Square park has become a parking lot.<br /></em></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2a_IFNJELA5Qp8Hrtc5cmu3vUFg5gU4tHTl81Tf5P75wUH-bLoMLlyAuLEjXkKFjENom5Wy3Snj9Fqnf2pYgJGw1idJc07S1YnR0nSRDXCTS5t70ixblB2XuJGf_hBI-XRBAK4ZeRAIS/s1600-h/2008-01-14-1925RB-X-25130.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157811699422696114" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2a_IFNJELA5Qp8Hrtc5cmu3vUFg5gU4tHTl81Tf5P75wUH-bLoMLlyAuLEjXkKFjENom5Wy3Snj9Fqnf2pYgJGw1idJc07S1YnR0nSRDXCTS5t70ixblB2XuJGf_hBI-XRBAK4ZeRAIS/s200/2008-01-14-1925RB-X-25130.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><em>circa 1925</em><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoYm9oKlSiZpd4DRY9mnyTHWLnMItI9RWeN73sDhQ24csaH8455U52-_vPwQeprU-heCKVHwtUV-6dI_p72eVkrFGRG_Oa6ISnGZX3X1eCY6c0QiMbfoCsQSOkfwi1qZ6xsXRxVF70uko/s1600-h/2008-01-14-1926RB-X-25132.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157812511171515074" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoYm9oKlSiZpd4DRY9mnyTHWLnMItI9RWeN73sDhQ24csaH8455U52-_vPwQeprU-heCKVHwtUV-6dI_p72eVkrFGRG_Oa6ISnGZX3X1eCY6c0QiMbfoCsQSOkfwi1qZ6xsXRxVF70uko/s200/2008-01-14-1926RB-X-25132.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><em>circa 1926</em></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIx81oNbcYkFK-GNzAbM3-_EWte5wIcrLDekkoE9uvb8TaRlsD1BURCAb1mN4ZcpL9OfLzn7o2r7ln7U6DFH61WGUXgjKbVNlc96N1LsbunUvBh-dAS-5NpW0pPvQ440MbZmjx1JhaAj6/s1600-h/2008-01-14-1927aRB--X-25122.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157812519761449682" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIx81oNbcYkFK-GNzAbM3-_EWte5wIcrLDekkoE9uvb8TaRlsD1BURCAb1mN4ZcpL9OfLzn7o2r7ln7U6DFH61WGUXgjKbVNlc96N1LsbunUvBh-dAS-5NpW0pPvQ440MbZmjx1JhaAj6/s200/2008-01-14-1927aRB--X-25122.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><em>circa 1927</em></p><em><br /></em><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lU3QLkyfiCQFZbA25QygoHvbJxQx-mNcDy9ukMvrzGctv9GI8pXQvncg_Dhcl6hqfb-_JHrNnjlbSdvcdN3LltkeposHOpmoosyrmlMlygnKGbz0Ntrl9xzUi7VWf_9JNFLkJBe5eObi/s1600-h/2008-01-14-1927bRB-X-25127.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157812528351384290" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lU3QLkyfiCQFZbA25QygoHvbJxQx-mNcDy9ukMvrzGctv9GI8pXQvncg_Dhcl6hqfb-_JHrNnjlbSdvcdN3LltkeposHOpmoosyrmlMlygnKGbz0Ntrl9xzUi7VWf_9JNFLkJBe5eObi/s200/2008-01-14-1927bRB-X-25127.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><em>circa 1927, showing beautiful detail on the Tremont Place entrance<br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMumS5-YEH4tnj2ftYVFr5kdUavfFuqjJMWPp4Wg2mK4DBwc87wm1XWiUyXsHbpQtVVYAP1NnDg8_Y2fCKvFfYGYG3-wfNGOJfuIEfeZaHO2aIr-ab9jJxGuffC3I-hSd5hodeFyK4iRRt/s1600-h/2008-01-14-1900RB-X-22454.gif"></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUcvvpWMpR4o0bPcTh93WNpODuJT9wfjfnrsigdLDuOrlkk1klKqeZk83TvCAafmi5X_4s1wFB36rlNOMfv_5b0jjpaM7OxcxzZD4mT_YCC2tcw_Eoz5LtFVf6CLSj6c4Xse3Ip0DPyh9/s1600-h/2008-01-14-1913RB-X-28965.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157811695127728802" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUcvvpWMpR4o0bPcTh93WNpODuJT9wfjfnrsigdLDuOrlkk1klKqeZk83TvCAafmi5X_4s1wFB36rlNOMfv_5b0jjpaM7OxcxzZD4mT_YCC2tcw_Eoz5LtFVf6CLSj6c4Xse3Ip0DPyh9/s200/2008-01-14-1913RB-X-28965.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><em>circa 1913, the building on the upper right shows what stood on the site of the Republic Building prior to 1925. Without more research, the deeper history of this building and any predecessors is unknown, although it likely dates from the early 1890s. </em></p><p align="center"></p><p align="left"><a href="http://www.denverinfill.com/block_pages/upper_downtown/block_209_&_210.htm">For additional information on Block 209, home of the Republic Plaza, click here to be taken to DenverInfill.com<br /></a></p><p align="left">All black and white historic photos are from the <a href="http://history.denverlibrary.org/images/index.html">Denver Public Library's Western History Collection</a>.<br /><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPC-MrxlBFpGSArSvdw9UXLgA75B_Mo4wPxunDWuU8MrM3CyUekYKazbSFKbfiDcBz8zP3XwWbPS_-sYjrT032QnTZmz8WZdcKOmtiItLWp7QzeGVoYcVjSf7Fq_399F3wqZJQecPCIT8/s1600-h/2008-01-14-1933bRB-X-25131.gif"></a>Shawn Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17836899999017955654noreply@blogger.com2