USA > Colorado > History of the State of Colorado, Volume III > Part 27
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The effect of this seat of learning at Boulder, while perhaps not equal to the antici- pations of those who inspired it, nor their desires, has notwithstanding, produced results commensurate with the effort. Boulder is a moral and upright community, steadily pro- gressive, delightfully attractive, given to intelligent analysis of public questions, sturdily upholding the right and suppressing wrong; a conspicuous factor in State poli- tics, and an element of the first importance in substantial wealth-producing industries.
The county organization was perfected November 15th, 1861. Governor Gilpin appointed Thomas J. Graham county commissioner, authorizing him to select two others. He chose D. P. Walling and G. W. Chambers, and their first meeting was held on the date just named. The county was divided into precincts, and arrangements for a general election perfected. At this election the following were chosen: Sheriff, W. A. Corson; Clerk and Recorder, A. Barker; Treasurer, G. W. Chambers; Assessor, E. S. Glotfelter; Commissioners, D. P. Walling, T. J. Graham and H. N. Coffey; Probate Judge, P. M. Housel; Superintendent of Schools, J. M. Holt; Coroner, J. R. Edick; Surveyor, D. Ripley; Attorney, Charles F. Holly.
The first newspaper, called the "Valley News,"originally located at Valmont, a rival town, was removed to and issued in Boulder, April. 3d, 1867, under the management of W. C. Chamberlain, who conducted it until the fall of 1868, when it gave place to the Boulder County " Pioneer," edited by Dr. J. E. Wharton, whose egotism ran away with his better judgment, and soon brought about irreconcilable antagonisms to himself and his paper. It passed into the hands of Robert H. Tilney, who changed the title to the
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" Boulder County News." The establishment passed from hand to hand until May, 1874, when Amos Bixby and Eugene Wilder, two men of sterling worth, clear-headed, able, well intentioned, animated by the single desire and purpose of meeting the public demand for an honest, useful and enterprising representative of all that was good and highest in public estimation, succeeded to the management. In November, 1878, Mr. Bixby sold his interest to Wm. G. Shedd, owner of the Boulder "Courier," pub- lished in Sunshine mining district, which paper had been removed to Boulder shortly before the purchase, when the two were consolidated under the title, "Boulder News and Courier," with Dr. T. H. Everts as editor. Some years later it was taken by a stock company known as the "News and Courier Publishing Co.," and was afterward consolidated with the "Banner." The word "Courier" was dropped, and the title became "The News and Banner," with Robert H. Tilney editor. In June, 1888, Mr. C. Ricketts purchased a half interest. The word "Banner" was dropped. In August, 1889, Mr. Ricketts became sole editor and proprietor.
The Rocky Mountain " Eagle " was established in September, 1873, by W. Morris, but the paper did not survive long, and the material was sold to Wangelin & Tilney, who then founded the "Colorado Banner." In January, 1880, Wangelin retired, pur- chased a new office, and, on the 18th of February, issued the Boulder "Herald." All these ventures were hebdomadals. On the 17th of April, 1880, Wangelin, to the surprise of the public, began publishing a daily. It was a daring and rather dangerous departure, in view of the limited field, and the additional labor and expense involved. The impression prevailed that it could not be sustained, but it was sustained without break or pause, and has continued its regular issues from that day to this. Wangelin's well edited journal has become one of the potent factors of the county, due to his indomitable energy and good management. The Boulder "Sentinel " was founded by George Newland and L. C. Paddock in July, 1884. Newland retiring the same year, Paddock ran it until October, 1888, when he sold to Clarence H. Pease, who, a few months after, sold to the "Sentinel Publishing Company," with C. Edgar Smith as editor. The " Miner " was started in 1888 by L. L. Gray, who conducted it until 1889, when the material was sold to L. C. Paddock, who established the Boulder "Tribune." Since the foregoing was prepared a new paper called the "Camera " has begun publi- cation. The press of the town, with a few exceptions, has been eminently respectable, in consonance with the character of the people, and has exercised an influence for the general good.
In the matter of churches, which, with public schools, lie at the foundation of social order, the Methodists were the Christian pioneers, first in the field, and per- sistently active in advancing their cause. The Rev. Jacob Adriance, one of the first bearers of the cross and expounders of the gospel in the Rocky Mountain region, divided his efforts between Denver, Golden and Boulder. From the manuscript of an address delivered at Valmont in 1881 by Charles M. Campbell, now county attorney, the following statement is taken: "The Boulder Valley Presbyterian Church (old school) was organized September 6th, 1863, at the house of A. A. Brookfield, near the junction of the North and South Boulder Creeks, with the following members: Peter M. Housel, Eliza J. Housel, Samuel F. Runnels, Amanda Barker, Jane A. C. Barker, George W. Chambers, and Eliza Chambers, at which time the Rev. Alanson R. Day,
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the officiating minister, preached from Acts xvi: 31. * Until March 18th, 1866, we % had no house of worship; meetings were held in private dwellings and out of doors, very frequently in Wallace's grove, in Mr. Housel's mill, and Mr. Coulson's store."
The Congregational Church was organized in a grove near Valmont, July 17th, 1864, by Rev. Wm. Crawford. Its permanent edifice was begun in 1866-67 by the Rev. Nathan Thompson, and was the first church built in Boulder. Mrs. H. D. Harlow, Mrs. Thompson's sister, now residing in the town, has in her possession the old records of this church. The first reference is made to the meeting of July 17th, 1864, containing minutes of the organization in the grove near the Butte. It was very slow in building from lack of means, the pastor, Mr. Thompson, assisting the work by car- rying bricks and mortar to the workmen. For a long time the basement was used for the place of worship. The building was finally dedicated July 10th, 1870. It was about this time that the Methodists began their house of worship.
The Presbyterian Church was organized November 8th, 1872, Rev. J. E. Anderson, pastor, and soon built a church. The Episcopalians followed in 1873, Rev. Henry Baum rector. St. John's Church was built in 1879, T. V. Wilson rector. The Re- formed Episcopals built in October, 1874, Rev. James Pratt, pastor. This church has since been purchased by the "Christians." The Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart was built in the fall of 1876, by Rev. A. J. Abel; the Baptist society organized October 13th, 1872, with six members, Rev. J. G. Maver, pastor, and built a church in 1875-76, Rev. Ross Ward, pastor. At a more recent period a considerable colony of Seventh Day Adventists located there, and in 1880 built a church, Rev. J. O. Corliss, pastor. A Swedish mission has recently been erected. The African M. E. Church recently lost their building through financial embarrassment. At present Boulder has nine church buildings.
No town in these days can be well organized without civic and benevolent societies. Such orders which are very numerous, with vast collective memberships are scattered over the world in this latter half of the nineteenth century, comprising essential features of modern civilization.
Columbia Lodge A. F. & A. M. was organized January 3d, 1867, in Ward mining district, A. J. VanDeren, master, but was moved to Boulder in October, 1868. It was granted a charter October 8th, 1862.
Boulder Chapter No. 7, Royal Arch Masons, was chartered September 23d, 1875; Oren H. Henry, H. P., Daniel A. Robinson, K., and George C. Corning, Scribe.
Boulder Lodge No. 45, A. F. & A. M., was chartered September 21st, 1881.
Mount Sinai Commandery No. 7, Knights Templar, was chartered September 22d, 1882, with James P. Maxwell, E. C .; Ivers Phillips, G., and Geo. M. Neikirk, C. G.
Boulder Lodge No. 9, I. O. O. F., was chartered July 10th, 1869; J. E. Wharton, Joseph Wolff, Thos. J. Jones and James H. Decker, charter members.
Unity Encampment No. 13, I. O. O. F., chartered October 18th, 1877; James H. Decker, Geo. C. Smith, Anthony Hernandez, Samuel Bader, Lafayette Miller, Chas. L. Wood and M. A. Rowen, charter members.
The Grand Army of the Republic, has Nathaniel Lyon Post No. 5, chartered March 30th, 1881; Nathaniel Lyon Relief Corps No. 27, each with a numerous membership.
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The Centennial State Lodge No. 8, A. O. U. W., was instituted November 11th, 1881, and chartered October 10th, 1882.
Tellurium Camp No. 1310, Modern Woodmen of America, was chartered February 8th, 1890.
Ignacio Tribe No. 15, I. O. R. M., was organized in November, 1889. The Grange also has a large association.
The Knights of Pythias organized in June, 1880, and the Good Templars in 1868.
The Water System and service is superior to that of most Western towns, and is ample for domestic purposes, the extinguishment of fires, and the irrigation of lawns. October 31st, 1874, the qualified electors voted $18,000 for the construction of these works, and the contract was awarded May 18th, 1875. Pending their completion, Phoenix Hook & Ladder Company No. I was organized (February 19th), with Eugene Wilder, foreman, and 100 members; Boulder Hose No. 1 (July 13th). The A. J. Macky Hose No. 2, came into line in February, 1877. These companies still constitute the fire department.
Banks and Bankers .- George C. Corning established the Bank of Boulder, the first financial institution in the town in May, 1871. The proprietor, owing to over-indul- gence in outside speculative enterprises, chiefly mining ventures, exhausted its cap- ital, and February 2Ist, 1877, the doors were closed and the bank went into liquidation.
The National State Bank was founded April 20th, 1874, by Charles G. and W. A. Buckingham; conducted in their name as a private bank until May, 1877, when it was nationalized with a paid up capital of $50,000. The capital stock was increased to $55,000 in 1882. The present officers are: C. G. Buckingham, president; Henry Nei- kirk, vice president, and J. H. Nicholson, cashier.
The First National opened for business May roth, 1877, with a capital of $50,000; president, Lewis Cheney; cashier, I. M. Smith. Its capital stock was increased to $100,000 March Ist, 1886. The present officers are J. G. Cope, president; A. J. Macky, vice-president, and W. H. Thompson, cashier.
The Boulder National began business October Ist, 1884; capital stock, $50,000; president, H. N. Bradley; vice-president, Dr. I. L. Bond; cashier, Charles L. Spencer. George R. Williamson has been president since 1887, and Dr. I. L. Bond cashier since 1889.
General Development .- Notwithstanding its attractiveness and its numerous ad- vantages, its picturesque environment and its exalted position in the midst of the agri- cultural garden of Colorado, the town struggled almost desperately through the first, and well on through the second decade of its existence without material recognition from the outside world. In 1870 it began to excite some attention, and some addi- tional residents were gained. In 1872, with a view to accelerating the movement, an immigration society was incorporated with J. P. Maxwell president, and D. H. Nichols secretary, admirable men for the purpose. This proved an effective instrumentality, but the better results attained came through the settlement of people from other points in Colorado, Gilpin County furnishing some of the more prominent. From 1870 to 1880 the population increased from a few hundreds to 3,060. Much of this increase was due to the construction of the Colorado Central and Boulder Valley Railways- both now parts of the Union Pacific system-the first being completed and opened to
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traffic April 22d, 1873, and the latter September 2d of the same year. The county voted aid to the Colorado Central in the sum of $200,000. To gain the Boulder Valley road the citizens subscribed $45,000 and expended it in grading and tieing the road- bed from the Erie coal mines to the town, the owners putting in the bridges, laying the iron and providing the rolling stock, as more fully set forth in Vol. II, page 96. The Greeley, Salt Lake & Pacific, a narrow gauge under the control of the Union Pacific, has since been built from Boulder into the mountains to a point called Sunset.
The town of Boulder was incorporated November 4th, 1871. The first city offi- cials after this event were: Trustees, Frederick A. Squires (presiding officer), Anthony Arnett, James P. Maxwell, Marinus G. Smith, and Alpheus Wright; Town Attorney, Major Henry Ward; Town Clerk, W. C. Wynkoop; Constable, Oscar Allen; Supervisor of Streets, Geo. F. Chase. The terms of these officers expired April 9th, 1872.
The town was reincorporated in February, 1878, with enlarged boundaries, and a more efficient form of municipal government. At a special election, the following officers were chosen, who qualified February 19th: Mayor, Jacob Ellison; Recorder, W'm. H. Laws; Trustees, John H. O'Brien, Robert B. Potter, De Kalb Sternberg, and Richard H. Whitely. Their successors went into office April 6th following (1878), with Jaines P. Maxwell, Mayor.
April 17th, 1882, Boulder became a city of the second class, and under the new organization Col. J. A. Ellet was chosen Mayor, A. J. Macky Treasurer, and J. E. Bemis City Clerk. It was divided into four wards. The first Aldermen elected were: First Ward-H. R. Sackett (one year), E. Williams (two years). Second Ward-W. H. Thompson (one year), B. F. Pine (two years). Third Ward-E. J. Perren (one year), W. H. Laws (two years). Fourth Ward-J. C. Coulehan (one year), D. J. Hutchinson (two years).
A board of trade was formed in 1882, with W. R. Earhart, president, Isaac Berlin, first, and Charles Dabney second vice-president; A. J. Macky treasurer, and Col. John A. Ellet, secretary. This board made arrangements for the wide advertisement of the town and county to induce immigration, and to that end appointed Stanley Stokes to collect mining, agricultural and other statistical data. The board now has a mem- bership of about 100.
In 1882 a handsome courthouse was built at a cost of $100,000. The site is a block of ground in the center of the city.
The Boulder brewery was established in 1875 by Mr. Frank Weisenhorn and Charles Voegtle. Among the other institutions of the place are the iron foundry and machine shops started in 1876 by J. W. Develine; the Sternberg Milling and Elevator Company Mills in 1889; the Boulder agency of the Boston & Colorado Smelting Com- pany, for the sampling and purchase of gold and silver ores, of which Mr. E. Williams has had the management for the past twelve years. There is considerable activity in the lumber and planing business; the Preston Reduction Works, recently erected; the Franklin machine and repair shops; the creamery and cheese factory, etc., are among the industrial institutions. At Valmont the working of fine rock quarries, the manu- facture of superior pressed bricks, and other useful products illustrate the diversified interests and the possibilities of the future.
Boulder is lighted by electricity, and with its shaded streets, fine site and beautiful
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prospect of mountain and plain, is one of the most desirable residence towns in the State. By the census of 1890 its population was 4,100, showing an increase since 1880 of 1,040. While the county has a number of small towns below the mountains, the larger, and to some extent a rival to the county seat, is the colony town of
Longmont, preliminary mention of which appears in Vol. I, page 546. And here we take occasion to correct an error there made, by substituting the name of Robert Collyer for Vincent Collyer as the first president of that colony. It was organized in Chicago February 22d, 1870, christened the Chicago-Colorado Colony, Col. C. N. Pratt chosen secretary, and ex-Lieutenant Governor Wm. Bross treasurer. Thirty thousand acres of land were purchased, and a town site located on the St. Vrain, Judge Seth Terry, Andrew Kelley and Wm. N. Byers selecting the lands. Their names appear in the certificate of incorporation filed with the Territorial Secretary. Seth Kelley, pres- ident of the colony, pursuant to an order and in behalf of the board of trustees, Jan- uary 30th, 1872, authorized the map of Longmont to be filed as the official plat, and the records show that the same was filed with A. E. Lea, County Clerk and Recorder, February 26th following.
The old town of Burlington, founded many years previous, but which had only a small population, and no distinct hope of maintaining a separate existence with a brisk rival so near at hand, was merged into Longmont. Lots were set apart for schools, churches and public buildings, and held in reserve against the time when they should be needed. During the first three months about $50,000 had been expended upon buildings. The plan of Union Colony-that is to say, its better features-was adopted, but owing to early dissension it was not fully executed. All original deeds to lots and lands contained a prohibitory liquor clause, but in less than three years prohibition dis- appeared. A number of large irrigating canals were projected but not then completed. The more important of these canals was that known as the Highland Lake Ditch, built, not by the colony but by a few farmers, led by L. C. Mead. The cause of most of the early troubles in this colony lay in the fact that its chief promoters resided in Chicago, and took no active part in pushing and regulating matters at this end of the line. Mr. Terry explains to the writer that some of the promoters were heavy losers by the great fire in that city in the fall of 1871, hence were unable to give the colony the aid they otherwise would have done.
Unlike its successful exemplar, Greeley, it lacked the important force of well- directed leadership, therefore many errors were committed that might under proper con- ditions have been avoided, and the original plan carried to better conclusions. Never- theless the colony prospered and grew strong after those who resolved to remain with it had fully mastered the situation. The town of Longmont was incorporated January 7th, 1873. November 8th, 1881, by a vote of 195 for, to thirteen against, the people decided to organize the town under the municipal act of the general incorporation laws, approved April 4th, 1877. The town election was held December 7th, 1881, to elect a mayor, recorder and trustees, who were duly installed on the 19th following.
The Colorado Central Railway came to its aid April 17th, 1873, where it remained -owing to a check put upon all railway building by the panic of that year-until November 4th, 1877, when its extension to Cheyenne was completed and opened. The much needed stimulus was afforded by these connections, and together with the
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enlarged experience in dealing with the peculiarities of the soil, climate and irrigation, soon enabled them to establish a footing not reached by other and less favored com- munities until after ten or fifteen years of incessant struggle and countless disasters, had passed over them. At the present time Longmont has a population of 1,646; about sixty business houses, five churches, one public school, and Longmont College under the control of the Presbyterian Church. It is the center and market place for the great, highly cultivated and prosperous farming region roundabout; has three hotels, and many artistic dwellings, the homes of thrifty, intelligent people. The greater part of the land is arable, capable of producing abundantly from any kind of seeds planted therein. In addition to vast crops of cereals and esculents, the progress made in horticulture is very marked. All the small fruits and many standard fruits are grown in great profusion.
Besides the Colorado Central, the Denver, Utah & Pacific narrow gauge railway, built by capitalists of Denver and New York, extends from the capital of the State directly to the town, and thence on to Lyons eleven miles, where are situated fine sand- stone quarries of great extent and excellence. Within recent years it has been owned and operated by the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Company, and is now a standard gauge road.
Longmont is fourteen miles north of Boulder, and fifty-five from Denver. Most of the original colonists and later acquisitions were educated people of broad enlighten- ment and liberal ideas, hence it is not strange that the standards of public instruction established there should be of a superior character. It is noted for the high intellectual and moral standing of its inhabitants.
The first newspaper, the "Sentinel," was founded by Lowe & Hall, in July, 1871. It was changed in 1872 to the Longmont " Press," E. F. Beckwith proprietor. The "Post " appeared in May, 1877, under the auspices of the Longmont Printing Com- pany, W. L. Condit, editor. Later on it was changed to the " Valley Home and Farm," W. E. Pabor, editor, and again to the " Ledger," issued by the Ledger Printing Com- pany. The press is now well represented by the " Ledger " and the " Times."
Col. Byron L. Carr edited the " Ledger." In January, 1881, he was succeeded by Henry L. Hayward, present editor. The "Times" was purchased October Ist, 1888, by L. S. and C. B. Smith from George B. McFadden, who established it in April, 1888.
Churches .- The Methodist Church, which was instituted by Presiding Elder B. T. Vincent, and the pastor, F. C. Millington, July 9th, 1871, built a church in 1872, the first in the town. The Congregationalists built in 1874, Rev. R. J. Williams, pastor. The Presbyterian house of worship was dedicated November 17th, 1876; the St. Stephen's Episcopal in 1881, and the Catholic in 1882. Several other denominations hold services, but own no buildings. The United Brethren have four country churches in the St. Vrain farming section.
The first schoolhouse in Longmont was built in 1871, and the old frame building is now used by the fire department. A brick building took its place, to which several additions have been made, with a large campus and fine grounds.
In 1885 the Presbyterian synod of Colorado began the erection of a college, putting up one wing of the building. During 1889 it was vacant, but in 1890 it was opened as an academy. The society began to lay the foundations for a great college, but the
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question whether or not the church shall found a college in Denver while undetermined but threatening, retards the growth of the college at Longmont. In its early days the town found a noble friend in Elizabeth Thompson, who in 1871, built Library Hall which was used by the various church denominations until they were able to provide houses of their own. In this hall she has placed a library of 400 volumes.
Here, as in Boulder, and in all other towns of any consequence, civic societies are numerous, but lack of space forbids their enumeration beyond the more important details.
St. Vrain Lodge No. 23, A. F. & A. M., was chartered September 2d, 1872, with E. B. Newman, W. M .; W. R. Blore, S. W., and E. J. Coffman, J. W.
Longmont Chapter No. 8, Royal Arch Masons, chartered September 17th, 1879; E. B. Newman, H. P .; Lewis H. Dickson, K., and Conrad Bardell, S.
Long's Peak Commandery No. 12, Knights Templar, chartered September 19th, 1884; George Wyman, E. C .; L. H. Dickson, G., and Thomas Butler, C. G.
Longmont Lodge No. 29, I. O. O. F., chartered October 16th, 1878; Thomas I. Ash, C. Heise, J. A. Fraser, A. J. Donaldson, John C. Wells, H. E. Washburn and J. Q. Grant, charter members.
McPherson Post G. A. R., chartered May 9th, 1881; McPherson Woman's Relief Corps 32, chartered June 17th, 1890.
Longmont Lodge No. 9, A. O. U. W., chartered October 11th, 1882.
Excelsior Lodge No. 54, Knights of Pythias, chartered September, 1890, was organ- ized December 10th, 1889.
Banks and Bankers .- The first bank was opened in April, 1871, by C. Emerson and W. A. Buckingham. On the death of the latter, his widow, Mrs. M. E. Bucking- ham succeeded to his interest, and the firm name still remains the same-Emerson & Buckingham, bankers; C. E. Day, cashier, which position he has held for about fifteen years.
In 1880 F. H. and C. H. Stickney organized a private bank. Subsequently F. H. bought his partner's interest, and in 1885 established the Bank of Longmont, taking in as partners W. H. Dickens, Rienzi Streeter, John Kitely and S. H. Dobbins. Mr. F. H. Stickney is the cashier.
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