History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV, Part 5

Author: Hall, Frank, 1836-1917. cn; Rocky Mountain Historical Company
Publication date: 1889-95
Publisher: Chicago, Blakely print. Co.
Number of Pages: 791

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Fort Logan .* - Early in 1887. Henry R. Wolcott, Senator N. P. Hill, D. H. Moffat, W. S. Cheesman, and other wealthy and enterprising citizens, foreseeing the great advantage of a large garrison near this city, proposed to donate a tract of land sufficient for the purpose, and offered several sites to the general government for selection. Accordingly on the 28th of February, 1887, Congress passed an act authorizing the Secretary of War to establish a military post near the City of Denver, at some suitable site to be selected by the lieutenant-general of the Army, and approved by him. The title to the land was to be first made to the United States, free of cost, of not less than 640 acres in a compact body. The same act appropriated $100,000 to be expended under direction of the Secretary of War in commencement of the work of constructing the necessary buildings, quarters, barracks, and stables. The state of Colorado was required to cede to the United States jurisdiction over the tract. General Phillip H. Sheridan came to Denver and selected the present location

* Many of the facts in this account are condensed from an illustrated and admirably written article by Virginia Bash, Colorado Magazine, April, 1893. Credit for the establishment of this important military post should be given to Major W. S. P'eabody who spent many years in Denver but finally removed to Washington, D C. It is entirely true that he forwarded the movement with untiring zeal from its inception to the final consummation, as the agent of the Chamber of Commerce and of the syndicate of Denver capitalists who purchased the site and donated it to the government. Hle aided in drafting the bill and was influential in securing its passage through the lower house of Congress. This is freely acknowledged by our senators and representative with whom he was in constant communication.

HISTORY OF COLORADO.

out of the great number offered, and after it had been accepted by the War Depart- ment, Col. George K. Brady, with two companies of the Eighteenth infantry, was ordered to proceed and erect temporary quarters on the ground, to be known as "Camp Near the City of Denver." In November the same year, Capt. L. E. Camp- bell, of the quartermaster's department, was ordered to Denver to begin the construc- tion of permanent quarters for a twelve-company post, adapted to cavalry, artillery and infantry. He engaged the services of Mr. F. J. Grodavent, an accomplished architect, to prepare the plans and supervise the work. In spite of many difficulties and discouragements, the details were pushed, and at the end of three years the ground was leveled, roads and walks constructed, trees planted and grass sown; two Targe artesian wells were sunk; quarters and barracks built for six companies of infantry and a band: an administration building erected, and one of the finest and most complete hospitals in the army. Then came that accomplished officer and gen- tleman, Col. H. C. Merriam, with six companies of the Seventh Infantry, and took possession.

Capt. Campbell was succeeded by Capt. F. B. Jones, and he by Capt. M. C. Martin, A. Q. M., and the work of building went steadily on until accommodations for two troops of cavalry and a proposed company of Indians were completed. It was some time before a name was affixed by authority. Until then it was commonly called Fort Sheridan. In like manner by common consent, the people of Chicago liad named their post (began almost simultancously) Fort Logan, but Gen. Sheridan had also great love for Chicago, and when the matter was submitted to him he reversed the names, and the new Colorado post was christened for the favorite son of Illinois.

It is situated about eight miles southwest of the city upon a sightly eminence which affords a few fine views of the mountains and plains. General Sheridan's ob- ject in placing it there was to prevent, as far as possible, the soldiers from coming into the city and spending their money in dissipation. The fort is connected with town by a spur of the Denver & Rio Grande railroad. The design of its founder was to make it one of the largest and finest millitary stations in the West.

Our Public Schools. - It is not the purpose of this sketch to present in detail a complete history of education in Denver, but only to trace the beginnings, with a brief review of the results achieved. After 1875, accurate reports were annually published, to which reference may be had if greater detail is desired. Limited space will not admit of anything further than a passing glance at private schools, semi- naries and colleges.

On the first Monday of September, 1859, Mr. F. B. Steinberger, then only fifteen years old, started a school in a little log shanty on Ferry street, Auraria, situated half a block from the corner of Ferry and Larimer streets. There were fourteen children, in age ranging between nine and thirteen years. The names were Johnnie. Amelia and Susie Dodson; Mary, John and Samuel Scott: Frank and Emma Fox; Tommy Bradford; Homer, John and Samuel Bennett; John and Lucy Haman. This was the original effort. Mr. Steinberger was one of the founders of Auraria in 1858; is now a resident of Denver, and has preserved the memoranda from which this sketch is prepared. He has also in his possession a little silver gong bell, with which he called this school to order, and takes much pride in announcing that with it he has called no less than 975 schools to "attention" in different parts of the United States. He taught school here until 1862, then followed the great goldl excitement of that year to the Bannock mines of Montana, where he established the first Sunday and day schools in that territory. At this writing he has a small school in West Denver, mainly composed of poor waifs who have no other refuge.

The next attempt in this direction was the Union school, opened in a little log cabin with dirt floor and roof, also in the town of Auraria near the present crossing

HISTORY OF COLORADO.

of Larimer street. On the morning of October 3rd, 1859, "Professor" (). J. Gold- rick, one of the quaintest, most original and altogether picturesque Irishmen that ever trod the soul of Colorado, but possessing a thorough classical education and a lecided penchant for teaching, after much effort succeeded in gathering from the juvenile population of that early period a motley assemblage of twelve or fifteen children, Mexicans, half-breeds and native Americans. With this rude material it may be said that he laid the foundation of our present, let us say in truth and justice, incomparable system of public schools. While the immediate results were not wholly satisfactory, perseverance in a good cause ultimately developed a continuous chain of remarkable progression, as we shall see. In 1860 the Union was supple- mented by two private schools, one by Miss Indiana Sopris, the other by that good natured and altogether worthy maiden lady of "uncertain age" whom every one knew as "Miss Ring." In the fall of 1861, pursuant to call in a newspaper, a meet- ing of prominent citizens was held for the purpose of organizing a school district and appointing officers therefor. The deliberations were conducted on a dry goods box in front of a store opposite the present Lindell hotel in West Denver. The prominent citizens were, General John Pierce, O. J. Goldrick, Frank M. Case, Capt. Edwin Scudder and Baxter B. Stiles. Of these only one (General Pierce) survives. A board of school officers was selected from their own number, and they entered upon their duties with more or less enthusiasm under the constant prodding of Prof. Goklrick whose heart was fully enlisted in the work.

The first school house actually owned by any district in this city or county, was purchased by West Denver in 1865, a two-story brick store known as the Giddings building, erected in 1861, and used for mercantile purposes until 1863. During the next two years it served the military authorities as a warehouse for ordnance stores, bence was dubbed "The Arsenal." The district paid $700 for it, the money being raised by subscription. In 1873. it was torn down and a good school building erected on the site. In 1862, the territorial legislature provided for the levy of a school tax, and also for a superintendent. On the first Monday of September that vear. Prof. Goldrick was elected superintendent for Arapahoe county, and at once instituted a public school in a small building in the rear of Hanauer & Salomon's wholesale grocery house, now a part of the Lindell hotel, installing Mr. A. R. Brown as principal. with two female assistants. He also divided the county into districts.

The school board of district No. i was organizedt October 23rd, 1862, by the election of Amos Steck, president ; Lewis N. Tappan, secretary, and Joseph B. Cass. treasurer. There were at this time 188 persons of school age residing in the dis- trict. On December Ist, Mr. IT. II. Lamb and Miss Indiana Sopris were engaged as teachers, the session to continue as long as the money held out, which it did until the following April, when the board ordered an assessment or tax levy of four mills, appointing B. P. Frink to do the collecting. The second school election was held in May, 1863, and resulted in the unanimous reinstatement of the old officers. But in May. 1866, Dr. W. F. MeClelland was installed as president. W. S. Walker as secretary and J. B. Cass as treasurer. A brick building on Larimer street, known as the Kohler house (site of the present Windsor hotel) was rented at $75 per month for the use of the school. At this time there were 456 white, and 42 colored children of school age in the district. In 1867. the former president was re-elected, W. D. Anthony made secretary, and 1. W. Veasey, treasurer. A petition was offered the board to establish separate schools for whites and blacks, but they refused to grant it. During 1868, a meeting of citizens established a tax levy of one mill, and Amos Steck donated three lots on Arapahoe street, near 17th, upon which to erect a suit-

* Examine pages 218-19. 251. 513-14 Vol. 1. also history of Arapahoe county. Vol III. pages 271-72. | From a sketch of our public schools by Prof. Aaron Gove, now on file with the State Histori- cal Society.

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able school house. It was built, and occupied in April, 1873. H. M. Bridges, Miss Lucia Hackett, Miss B. Il. Goff, Mrs. M. L. Horr and Rufus R. Felton were the teachers. The year 1860, saw John S. McCool, John C. Anderson and Adolph Schin- ner, as the school board, and a tax of one mill was levied. Dr. R. G. Buckingham succeeded Mr. McCool in 1870, and great interest in the schools was expressed by the citizens generally. Five adjoining lots to those already owned on Arapahoe street were purchased and the Methodist seminary on 14th street was rented at $150 per month. In 1871, Mr. Opitz took Mr. Schinner's place in the board, and, on June 27th, the board adopted the plans of G. F. Randall for the Arapahoe street school building, this action being approved by the citizens, July Ist; R. W. Woodbury, W. C. Lothrop and D. H. Moffat were the representatives. It was at this period that General Frank MI. Case donated block 75, Case & Ebert's addition, upon which the 30th street primary was afterward erected. Miss A. M. Overton became a teacher that year. In September, the contract for the basement of the new building was awarded, and a few days later Mr. H. Carver was elected superintendent of schools. The citi- zens then held a meeting and by a vote of 508 to 202, voted $75,000 in bonds, from the proceeds of which the contract for the superstructure of the new school last referred to was let. The same board was re-elected in 1872, and. on the 24th of June, laid the corner stone of the Arapahoe street building. April 3rd following the just finished building was dedicated, and Mr. F. C. Garbutt was installed as superinten- ‹lent of schools. The board consisted of Dr. F. J. Bancroft, D. J. Martin and Fred Steinhauer. During this administration the lots in Hunter's addition were purchased and a new building was immediately commenced. Dr. Buckingham, a firm devoted friend of education being a member of the territorial legislature, succeeded in pass- ing some excellent school laws. Six members now constituted the school board, those in 1874, being Dr. F. J. Bancroft, E. M. Ashley, and P. Gottesleben elected for one year, and Daniel Hurd, W. M. Newton and W. C. Lothrop for two years. In July, Mr. Aaron Gove was elected to the superintendency, and has held it ever since. This event signalized the beginning of a remarkable new era of energetic develop- ment. At the commencement of the fall term in 1874, it became manifest that a grade higher than any previously taught was essential to the welfare of the schools, there- fore the High School was inaugurated with 108 pupils. While representing the state in the Forty-fifth Congress, Mr. T. M. Patterson secured the passage of an act donat- ing block 143, East Denver, known as " Government Square," to the city for educa- tional uses. In 1881, the west wing was begun, completed in 1882, and occupied. The entire structure, as it now stands, was not finished until the fall of 1889. The library and reading rooms in the west wing were opened to the public with about 1.500 volumes, June 8th, 1889.

The Broadway school house was built in 1875, the 24th street in 1878. the Ebert in 1880, the Gilpin in 1881, the Longfellow, 1882: the Whittier, 1883, and soon afterward, the Emerson. In district No. 2, the Central was built in 1880, the Fair- mont in 1883, the Franklin begun the same year, and the Washington in 1884. In North Denver and Highlands, the Ashland in 1872, the Bryant, 1882, and the Boule- vard the same year.

There is no institution in our community that is more earnestly and effectively fostered, or with which the people are more completely satisfied, than the excellent system of public schools. And it may be stated, without exaggeration, that they are not only eminently deserving of the exalted praise bestowed upon them by our own citizens, but that no city is more faithfully served in this regard. The underlying cause is found in the fact that the administration of educational affairs has been held above the contaminations of political strife. It is here that all shades of political opin- ion unite and act together for the public good. The boards of directors are chosen from a class known to be thoroughly devoted to the cause and willing to accept and honorably discharge the great duties entrusted to them. Under such control there

HISTORY OF COLORADO.

has been no conflict within or without. A report to the National Commissioner of Education at Washington, by a representative sent here in 1883, to investigate, says: "I find the Denver school system admirable in all respects. Its development has been so wisely and energetically conducted, that already it fairly belongs to the front rank of city systems. The creation of a system of schools on so large a scale of such exceptional merits, and in so brief a time, is a phenomenon to which the history of education affords no parallel. The school houses of Denver reflect the highest credit upon the school officials who are responsible for the plans, and the liberality of the citizens in furnishing the funds for their erection. These are all handsome and sub- stantial structures, well located, and of ample dimensions."

I am indebted to Hon. A. D. Shepard, county superintendent, for the following data, covering the year 1894:

Number of school buildings in Denver, 46; estimated value of the same, $2,854,- 500.

Number of children of school age in Denver, males, 12,656; females, 13,371; total, 26,027.

Number of chiklren of school age enrolled in Denver, males, 9,055; females, 0,816; total 19,471. Average daily attendance, 13,433.

Number of teachers employed, males, 49: females, 363: total, 412.

Denominational Schools. - What is now the University of Denver was organ- ized under the auspices of the Methodist Society in 1863, and called the Colorado Seminary, for the education of young ladies. Early in 1864, it was chartered by the territorial legislature. Funds for the original building, erected near the corner of Arapahoe and 14th streets, were raised by subscription. The school flourished for about three years, when financial embarrassment led to a suspension of active work until 1880, when new and superior buildings were erected on the site, and the Uni- versity system was adopted under the superintendeney of Rev. David 11. Moore, D.D., as chancellor. As a serap of history, it may be related that when the territorial capital was removed from Golden to Denver, in December, 1867, the House of Rep- resentatives of the Legislature and the executive officers were installed for the remain- der of that session in the okl seminary. Shortly after the completion of the new buildings. Haish Manual training school was placed at the opposite corner, upon the site of St. John's church, and steps were taken to build a superior university at Uni- versity Park, then within the southerly limits of South Denver. A large tract of ground was secured, and as a beginning University Hall, Wycliffe Cottage and the Chamberlin Observatory were erected. Under the direction of Chancellor Willian F. MeDowell, aided by munificent gifts from Mrs. Elizabeth Warren, William S. lliff, H. B. Chamberlin and others, University Park has become not only a great educational center, but, by reason of its attractiveness, a very beautiful suburb of the city proper.

Loretto Academy was founded in very early times, beginning with St. Mary's Academy, and at length, occupying an entire square of ground on California, Wel- ton, I4th and 15th streets, has in orderly progression been housed in a very beautiful buikling of red sandstone at Loretto Heights, on the west side of the Platte river, some six or seven miles south of Denver. It was built in 1800-91, and occupies a bold, sightly promontory which overlooks Fort Logan just beyond, almost the entire Platte valley, the City of Denver, and the town of Littleton, affording superb views also of the greater part of the Rocky Mountain range. Here, in quarters thor- oughly adapted to all uses for many years to come, with every facility for complete mental and physical training of young ladies, the Sisters of Loretto make their home. one of the rarest and best institutes of its class west of the Missouri river. The Catho- lies, from their earliest efforts in this fiekl in 1860, have contented themselves with plain, inexpensive houses of worship, expending their revenues mainly upon fine

BRUCE F. JOHNSON

HISTORY OF COLORADO.

hospitals and schools, instead of upon magnificent churches and cathedrals. The results are witnessed in the vast benefits achieved.

The College of the Sacred Heart .-- A school for the instruction of young men for higher educational work under charge of Jesuit fathers, is situated a mile north of Berkeley lake, where may be seen a splendid greystone edifice. In addition, the Catholics have a number of good parochial schools in different parts of the city.

Wolfe Hall .- This is now the largest and perhaps the most complete of all the denominational schools in or about Denver, a seminary for young ladies. Its · founder, the Right Rev. George M. Randall, first Episcopal bishop of this diocese, a man of great learning and remarkable power, raised the funds for the original building (at the corner of Champa and 17th streets), among his friends in the East John D. Wolfe and his daughter, Miss Catherine, being large contributors, hence the name .. It was built in 1867. In 1889, it was torn down to make room for the Boston block. Meanwhile a new site had been secured at the corner of Clarkson street and 13th avenue, whereon the present beautiful structure was erected.

Jarvis Hall and Mathews Hall .- Schools for boys, were founded by Bishop Randall, in 1868-9. They were first built near Golden, George A. Jarvis of New York furnishing a considerable part of the money. November 17th, 1869, Jarvis Hall was blown down by a terrific gale, but was rebuilt and reopened in October, 1870. Some years later the schools were removed to Denver, and located on Glenarm street, near St. John's cathedral, where the work was continued until 1888. In that year the Cathedral Chapter, acting as a board of trustees, secured a tract of land in Montclair where a new building, expressly designed for the uses of these schools, was com- pleted in December, 1888. It was dedicated by Bishop Spalding. March Ist, 1889. and was materially enlarged in 1890.

In the same suburb the Baptist society has erected a large and well-appointed college, for the education of women.

Westminster University. - Under the control of the Presbyterians, was inaugu- rated in June, 1891. This large and extremely handsome building of red sandstone is situated about nine miles north of the business center of Denver, beyond Clear Creek valley, on the line of the Highland boulevard, occupying a fine elevated mesa, called Crown Point, the highest in Arapahoe county. The school is in excellent condition.

In concluding this review of Denver, I am aware that many details of importance have been omitted, for which quite extensive memoranda had been prepared, but which, for reasons already cited, must be reserved for a future edition, should I be spared to write one. If not, the data will be filed with the State Historical Society. for the use of my successor, if he shall find them worthy of compilation.

HISTORY OF COLORADO.

HISTORIC DENVER.

AS IT APPEARED IN THE FIRST DECADE.

According to the United States census, this city gained only ten inhabitants in the decade between 1860 and 1870. In that period, Blake street, from Cherry Creek to 17th, was the chief center of business, with Larimer as the upper or easterly limit of traffic. Between Larimer and Blake on 15th and 16th, there were a few business houses. Larimer, Lawrence and Arapahoe were the residence sections. There were only a few residences on Curtis and Champa. East, along the northeast and southwest parallels, were small cheap frame houses scattered over the prairie, as shown in the sketch by A. E. Mathews. The Methodist church, at the corner of Lawrence and 14th, and the United States Branch Mint were the show places of the city. U'p to 1879-80, when I1. A. W. Tabor, with his abundant wealth acquired in Leadville, began purchasing corners and buikling on 16th, it was believed that the general trend of business would always run along the northeast and southwest streets. The Tabor block (the first building above three stories erected here, and also the first of cut stone), the Grand Opera House, the final location of the Court 1louse, the Federal Post Office and the State Capitol combined to change the pri- mary course. The building of the Union depot and the Albany hotel had great influence in defining the future of 17th street as a great business thoroughfare. Fif- teenth has made less progress, according to its situation and opportunities, than any other in the city. It shouldl, and might have been the equal of 16th in the charac- ter of its business houses.

With this brief introductory we proceed to show what occupied the sites of some of the present splendid structures, many of them grand architectural triumphs. before they were erected.

Ernest & Cranmer Block .- Amos Steck's homestead.

Patterson & Thomas Block .- Ed. Shapter's residence. Shapter was for many years the manager, cashier, ete., of Jack Langrishe's theaters.

Cooper Building .- Dr. S. W. Treat's residence, a little frame cottage surrounded by tall cottonwoods.

Boston Block .- Wolfe Hall, a seminary for young ladies.

Equitable Building .- Mostly vacant. On 17th, a little brick Presbyterian church. A part on Stout street was occupied by a brick residence, where Stickney killed Compton and a young lady many years ago. Subsequently the Union League club. Albany Hotel .- Corner four lots vacant.

Cass & Graham Block. A handsome frame residence, with green blinds, built by R. E. Whitsitt about 1860, and in its time one of the finest dwellings in Denver. It was bought by Dr. O. D. Cass, who resided there, as also did Warren Hussey, The adjoining lots on Curtis were owned by Jonas Deitsch, and next by Fred A. Clark. Next adjoining north, frame residence of Redwood Fisher.

Tabor Opera House .- Residence of A. B. Daniels, a two-story brick, sur-

HISTORY OF COLORADO.

rounded by fine lawn, trees, shrubbery and flowers, built and first occupied by Sam Howe, first sheriff of Arapahoe county, Colorado. In the rear on Curtis, was a two- story frame, and next H. Z. Salomon's house.

Rische Block .- First by what was known as the "Baptist dugout." The Bap- tist society excavated a basement and laid the foundation for a church, but lacking funds the " ecllar " was roofed over with pine boards and used as a place of worship, also for a school. Charles Leischenring bought the ground and built Walhalla Hall, for theatrical purposes, concerts, dancing, publie meetings, etc. The second session of the state legislature was held there: Governor F. W. Pitkin was inaugurated, and Prof. Nathaniel P. Hill was elected United States senator within its walls. Next below on 16th, Leischenring opened a summer garden ; subsequently (in 1880), used as a theater by Jack Langrishe. Next below that, and running clear around Wal- halla to Curtis street, were the stables of the old horse car company (now Garson & Kerngood's clothing house). Both Henry R. and Edward O. Wolcott served their legislative apprenticeship in the okl Walhalla building.

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History of the State of Colorado, Volume IV, Part 5

Author: Hall, Frank, 1836-1917. cn; Rocky Mountain Historical Company Publication date: 1889-95 Publisher: Chicago, Blakely print. Co. Number of Pages: 791

Author: Hall, Frank, 1836-1917. cn; Rocky Mountain Historical Company
Publication date: 1889-95
Publisher: Chicago, Blakely print. Co.
Number of Pages: 791