The following links are to a chronological index of Fort Collins information compiled by Fort Collins Museum volunteers in the 1990s. The information is from these reference sources and they are noted in the Time Line.
The decade of the 1910s was a turbulent one for Fort Collins, as it
was for the rest of the world. The first world war and events related to
it dominated the news of the latter half of the decade. However, there
were also many important civic developments. Among these was the city's
change to a commission form of government in 1913. A home rule charter
was also adopted at this time.
Also important to the town's continued development was the sugar industry,
which continued as the dominant economic force of the area. In September,
1919, the Express noted that an estimated twenty million dollars had been
paid for sugar beets in Larimer County over a period of seventeen years.
The related lamb industry also continued to prosper.
The lamb industry provided the nickname for Fort Collins High School.
The school's athletic teams were called the "Lambkins" in 1918. The name
was not immediately popular, but it was eventually accepted.
College students built and whitewashed the "Aggie A" on a hillside west
of town in 1912. Three years later the school and the town celebrated the
football team's first conference championship. The Fort Collins Express expected the
title to bring more students and prestige to the school and consequently
benefit the town.
Local industry and agriculture were faring so well that the Fort Collins Express
stated in 1916 that Fort Collins men should have no trouble finding work.
Many jobs were available for farm hands and laborers. "Good wages" of $1.75
- $2.50 per day for laborers and $25-$35 per month, plus board, for farm
hands were reported.
Construction which contributed to the good job market included Fort
Collins' first post office, or federal building. Finished in 1912, it was
built of light-colored limestone blocks shipped from Indiana, despite local
efforts to have the area's red limestone used.
The Empress Theatre was another new building. Pledging to play only
the best road shows, the Empress endeavored to attract families by not
booking offensive shows and by making provisions for baby carriages.
Entertainment was also provided in 1919 by John Philip Sousa and his
band. Sousa conducted a performance in the college auditorium in December.
His music was well received.
An annual celebration, "Skookum Day," was begun on October 27th, 1916.
"Skookum" was a Chinook Indian word meaning "full of pep" or "coming to
life." The event featured a parade with floats, decorated buildings, a
queen, many awards, and masks.
The wild west show was another popular event during this period. Fort
Collins' own Frank Miller, Jr., was prominent in this business, which he
entered in 1896. Famed as a marksman, he displayed this talent with Buffalo
Bill's show and with Irwin Brothers. He also conducted his own shows throughout
the country. Noted locally as an artist, he specialized in regional landscapes
and western scenes.
Irwin Brothers' Wild West Show was featured during Fort Collins' Semi-Centennial
Celebration, July 2-4, 1914. Daily activities included parades, barbecues,
horse races, trick-shooting, and Indian dances followed by the wild west
show at night.
The people of Fort Collins deserved such a festival following the previous
winter. One of the worst storms in the city's history dumped about forty
inches of snow during the first weeks of December, 1913. Railroads, streetcars,
and horse-drawn wagons were all brought to a standstill. Tunnels were dug
downtown to allow pedestrian passage through drifts.
A large portion of the news stories during the decade concerned warfare
in Mexico and Europe. The people of Fort Collins were affected, directly
or indirectly, in these conflicts.
In 1915 Battery A, a national guard unit whose roots went back to 1878,
was reorganized. The company trained briefly, but was not called, for duty
on the Mexican border before that crisis ended. It was again assembled
following the United States' declaration of war against Germany in 1917
and made part of the 148th Field Artillery. The group largely consisted
of students alumni, and faculty from the College. It saw its first action
in France in July 1918.
The first Fort Collins man to lose his life in the war was Lt. George
A. Beach, who was in pilot training. He was killed in a plane crash in
Italy in January, 1918. Fort Collins' American Legion Post, founded in
1919, was later named after Beach.
A domestic consequence of the war was the treatment of German immigrants
in the U. S. While Fort Collins was relatively quiet in these matters,
the German language was dropped from school curricula, and townsfolk virtually
prohibited the use of the language. Businessmen were warned not to use
the language with German-speaking customers.
The war effort demanded increased production and conservation in agriculture
and industry. In the summer of 1918, businessmen were urged to close their
businesses for a few days each week and let the women keep them open the
rest of the time so the men could help with the labor.
Just before the end of the war a flu epidemic, which killed about 21
million people in the fall and winter of 1918-19, swept across America,
Asia, and Europe. In Fort Collins public places were closed. A number of
deaths resulted locally from the epidemic, which did not end until the
spring.
Armistice was declared on Monday, November 11, 1918. Mayor Fred W. Stover
declared the day a holiday for Fort Collins. A headline read, "Glad Tidings
Brings Joy Untold to Fort Collins - Entire City is One Mass of Flags, Joy,
Hilarity, and Song."
Overall, Larimer County's war contributions were quite impressive. The
county sent over one thousand men to war, plus 379 from the College. About
four million dollars were raised through various war fund-raising campaigns.
In addition, Larimer County contributed a great deal of food to the U.
S. and its allies.
In March 1919, Larimer County servicemen were welcomed home with a dinner
and dance. Battery A returned in June, also to a celebration.
A dehydration plant was being constructed in Fort Collins on West Howes.
It would employ 50 men 10 to 11 months of the year; it would have the capacity
to dehydrate 50 tons of fruit and vegetables daily. It is expected to begin
operations July 1st.
EMPRESS THEATRE
SEMI-CENTENNIAL SOUVENIR EDITION, FORT COLLINS COURIER (1914, p. 4)
1914
The Empress Theatre, owned by G. W. Thompson and H. F. Beier, intends
to play only the best road shows.
Since women and children form a large part of the patronage, it will
provide for baby carriages and show no offensive shows.
NATIONAL PARKS' HEADQUARTERS IN FORT COLLINS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (6/5/1915, p. 1)
1915
Governor Carlson announced that the headquarters for the new Rocky Mountain
National Park would be in Fort Collins' federal building. The FORT COLLINS EXPRESS felt
this would bring tourists to Fort Collins.
IMMIGRANT WORKERS
FORT COLLINS' YESTERDAYS-Swanson (p. 62)
1910s
"Continued immigration was more and more under the recruiting system
of Great Western and the people were frequently better off that when encouraged
to move here by unscrupulous fellow Mexicans. In 1913 when the company
received reports from growers: 'We will get our own labor,' the reply was:
'We are only too glad to have you secure your own labor but be sure you
get it!' There was insufficient help during World War I and the period
of expansion thereafter, and the company's immigration activities grew
in importance."
"WORK FOR ALL"
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (7/19/1916, p. 1)
1910s
Men of Fort Collins should have had no problem finding work around Fort
Collins. Many jobs available for laborers and farm hands. "Good wages"--$1.75
to $2.50 a day for laborers and $25 to $35 a month plus board for farm
hands.
DENVER POST ARTICLES
1911
First National Bank and Ft. Collins Bank & Trust are merged. (July
25, 1911, 5-1)
To investigate coal trust (11-11-11 3/4)
1916
Motor Trade men have Association. (10-8-1916 2/5 S3)
Statewide concern over crop losses to grasshoppers leads to mass
meetings (see previous issues) and proposed legislation for pest control.
(act listed)
12/10/1910 Act to be submitted at mass meeting of farmers at Greeley
on January 6.
Local movements combined, including Larimer County.
FRENCH SUGAR PROCESSOR INVENTOR VISITS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (10/31/1917, p. 1)
"For the purpose of giving personal attention to experiments in the
Fort Collins and Windsor plants of the Great Western Sugar Company of sugar-making
processes of which he is the inventor, M. Naudet, a distinguished French
inventor and known in his native land as 'the father of beet-sugar making'
has arrived in Fort Collins."
His purpose: the tests are to be conducted at the Fort Collins and
Windsor plants and their results will be watched with the keenest interest
by all concerned with the technical side of sugar manufacture.
LOANS TO EASTERN COLORADO FARMERS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (3/17/1912, p. 1)
1910s
Eastern Colorado farmers were in trouble--actually facing starvation
because of two years of drought and severe winter. The Fort Collins Express urged Fort
Collins residents to respond to $100,000 need (Northern Colorado to raise
one-third) by contributing money to the loan program sponsored by the Humane
Society. The Fort Collins Express said it would receive contributions. The money would
be returned when the crops were harvested.
CHERRY ORCHARDS, LARIMER COUNTY
AGRICULTURE IN COLORADO-Steinel (p. 513)
1910-1920
"In recent years cherry growing has been developing rapidly, especially
in Larimer County, in the vicinity of Loveland and Fort Collins. Sour cherries
are grown in that district for shipment to the pie bakeries of Kansas City
and Chicago...The growing of sour cherries in northern Colorado is a development
of the last fifteen years."
NORTH POUDRE IRRIGATION COMPANY
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (11/14/1913, p. 1)
"The project had its origins in 1878. That year John C. Abbott, W.
C. Stover, John C. Matthews and L. R. Rhodes organized and incorporated
the North Fork Ditch Company. It collapsed. In 1881 Francis L. Carter-Cotton secured a new franchise. In order to get water out of the stream and into the Poudre, he built a diversion dam at a point far enough up in the canyon to give sufficient fall for
the water to flow out on the plains. From the dam he constructed a flume.
In the Boxelder Canyon Valley Cotton could not pay back his debts
so the company fell into the hands of the Travellers Insurance Company.
A few years later the company was bought by the North Poudre Irrigation
Company.
They now run about 30,000 acres of fine land under this system. They
own 30 reservoirs with a gross capacity of something like three billion
cubic feet of water. Mr. Moore was elected president of the company in
February 1909.
NORTH POUDRE IRRIGATING SYSTEM
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (11/14/1913, p. 1)
The completion of the North Poudre Tunnel that was driven through
the hills furnishes the link that connects the waters of the North Fork
with the plains systems of canals and reservoirs of the North Poudre Irrigation
Company. "The tunnel is the keystone of the arch of that system and places
North Poudre in the front rank of the big irrigating systems of Colorado."
The tunnel was completed November 6, 1913. "The tunnel is 4892 feet in length, eight feet wide and six and one-half feet high. It is built on a grade of 16 feet to the mile and has a carrying
capacity of about 500 cubic feet per second of time.
LARIMER COUNTY FARM BUREAU
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (p. 13)
1910s
It was organized in 1919. County unit of nationwide organization aids farm families with "problems
concerning roads, schools, pests, disease, crop and livestock improvement,
club work, home and community work and any other matters needing united
effort." Larimer County work included wheat cleaning demonstration, organization
of Registered Breeders Association, improved seed, hot lunches in 20 rural
schools, boys' and girls' club work.
VALUABLE ALFALFA SEED FOUND
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (12/18/1910, p. 1)
1910s
"A discovery second in importance to Defiance wheat and what is considered
one of the most important results in the history of the experiment station
at the Colorado agricultural College is an alfalfa which is immune to winter
killing, which grows more leaves and which gives finer hay for sheep and
a better seed producer." It was found by P. K. Blinn, a field man at Rocky
Ford after six years' work experimenting with alfalfa seeds.
LAMBS MARKET
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (2/22/1918, p. 1)
The Northern Colorado Sheep Feeders Association, organized less than
two weeks before, lobbied successfully to get lamb put on Meatless Days
menus (Tuesdays) to improve lamb market.
"Due entirely to the activities of the Northern Colorado Sheep Feeders
Association, ...Herbert C. Hoover has been prevailed upon by Colorado congressmen
to lift the embargo on the sale and the consumption of lamb in certain
parts of the county until the marketing season for feeder stuff is past." The area involved is West of the Mississippi and Illinois and Wisconsin.
(2/24) Doesn't solve problems however; retail prices believed to be
too high vs. price to packers and butchers, and shortage of railroad cars
a problem.
SUGAR BEETS--MAIN INDUSTRY
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (9/4/1919, p. 1)
1910s
"The outstanding fact in any review of the sugar beet industry of
Larimer County is that the population and productive wealth of this county
have gone ahead in proportion with the increase in the acreage of sugar
beets. As a basic industry, sugar beet production takes precedence over
any other line of agricultural activity and this assertion would seem to
hold good with regard to every farming community in the state."
Larimer County is second in sugar beet production in Colorado. An estimated $20,000,000 was paid out in the county in 17 years for
sugar beets. Drought cut crops but $1,687,500 is to be paid to Larimer
County farmers in 1919 (normal rainfall would have yielded $2,175,600).
FTC PURE FOOD AND MEAT INSPECTION ORDINANCE
DEMOCRACY'S COLLEGE-Hansen (p. 150-52)
1910s
George Glover and Paul Lee, local attorney, drafted the ordinance
which helped halt the transmission of Tuberculosis and other illnesses from animals
to humans. Other cities, Colorado and elsewhere, copied the ordinance.
Value of veterinary medicine demonstrated.
LAMB FEEDERS
MILLER COLLECTION-FORT COLLINS MORNING EXPRESS (Book 4, p. 705)
MARCH 1915
"Fort Collins lamb feeders, who loaded 42 carloads of winter-fed
lambs here yesterday, are by no means depressed by the market quotations,
which show a general increase of five to ten cents on all the eastern markets.
Among yesterday's sales is noted one by Ed Munroe of this city, who disposed
of two carloads on the St. Louis market averaging 91 pounds at $10."
An admirer of William Cody's, he began his own shows in the 1900s.
"By 1914 he was getting many summer engagements in rodeos, county firs,
and pioneer day parades and winter ones in vaudeville. He estimated that
he gave 3500 performances." He was an exceptional marksman. He also ran
a garage and dude ranch until 1940.
His father was in the liquor business and served on the city council
in the 1890s. Frank, Jr., practiced marksmanship with cowboys in the gallery
below his father's saloon.
Miller's professional life developed around three areas: business, art
and showmanship. His ventures included a department store, the Fair, in
his father's old saloon; Northern Garage at 100 Pine; and a dude ranch,
Trail's End, northwest of Livermore which was his big interest from 1920
to 1940.
"Miller's business affiliations with the store and garage were interrupted
by his travels and exhibitions to the detriment of his financial status.
Running a store was much too quiet a pursuit for the young man who loved
the crowds and adulation he received for his marksmanship exploits."
He entertained show people like Fred Stone and Will Rogers at the dude
ranch. He kept numerous "wild" animals at the ranch in cages and/or at
pasture: deer, bears, buffalo, owls, skunks, eagles, etc. He lost the ranch
during the Depression.
He achieved local success as an artist of western scenes.
"Frank's performances as a showman were the real joy of his life." The
Irwin family developed Frontier Days and hired Miller to demonstrate shooting.
He used a stage coach discarded by Buffalo Bill and supposedly one that
had carried Queen Victoria and other crowned heads of Europe. He often
had a team of eight horses pulling it as he shot and waved his hat from
the front.
MILLER COLLECTION FORT COLLINS MORNING EXPRESS (book 4, p. 694)
MARCH 1915
"That the convict camp working on the Poudre Canyon Road is making remarkable
progress through some difficult territory is the statement made today by
County Surveyor Edwards, who has recently returned from the camp. The road
is now completed to a point about seven and one-half miles west of the
waterworks and within a little over a mile of the Narrows, where the real
difficult work of the road will be encountered. There are now 41 men in
the camp, and they are being kept at an average cost of only 77 cents a
day per man."
FIRST HANGING SENTENCE
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (8/6/1912, p. 1)
1910s
Lauro Garcia, convicted of killing Patrolman C. E. Brockman, received
the first sentence to hang given in Larimer County District Court. It is
to be carried out the week of November 24. Later he was given a second
trial.
PATTISON MURDER
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (6/23/1915, p. 1)
1910s
A huge headline announced the murder of Mrs. Clayton Pattison by her
husband who then shot and killed himself. The event occurred in Livermore.
Pattison had been acquitted less than three months before in a murder trial
for killing a man he found in a rooming house room with his wife. Her testimony
that she had long been having "illicit relations" with the man and that
the man had lunged at her husband had allowed Pattison to be freed.
CITY GOVERNMENT
FORT COLLINS' YESTERDAYS-Swanson (p. 240-44, 254)
1910s
Actions:
The Fire Department obtained an American La France fire engine in 1914.
Was still used in 1951.
Authorized the first pavement construction in 1916.
Bought the streetcar system in 1919 and operated it until 1951.
Fort Collins formed Ansel Watrous Park with the Roosevelt National Forest.
In 1913 Fort Collins banned fortune tellers.
"The structure of city governments changed in the nation, but Fort Collins
resisted early experimentation. The National Municipal League formed in
1894, studied the problem. The mayor-council type was classic and familiar.
Galveston launched the commission form in 1901, and it was widely imitated,
but criticized for its lack of focus on responsibility. The city manager
plan was introduced in Sumter, South Carolina, in 1912, and Dayton, Ohio,
in 1913 and gradually replaced the commission type. Yet Fort Collins changed
to the commission structure in 1913 although its weaknesses were being
acknowledged."
"The Courier optimistically defended the idea in October, 1913: 'The
commission form of government has passed its experimental stage.' It needed
time to make a good record."
Mayors:
1901-1910 Myron H. Akin
1911-1912 Jesse Harris
1913 H. M. Balmer
1913-1918 Samuel H. Clammer (first mayor under commission form of government-1913
charter)
City gets home rule.
1918-1924 Fred W. Stover
ANSEL WATROUS CAMPGROUND
FORT COLLINS' YESTERDAYS-Swanson (p. 241)
1910s
There was a cooperative arrangement between the city and Roosevelt National
Forest to establish Ansel Watrous Campground in the Poudre Canyon.
COUNTY AGENTS
DEMOCRACY'S COLLEGE-Hansen (p. 254)
1914
The federal Smith-Lever Act resulted in the establishment of farm and
home agents in Colorado counties.
World War I farm services were provided through the Extension Service.
(page 255)
CITY GOVERNMENT
MUSEUM FILES (1935 clipping, probably Express-Courier)
1910s
"A charter convention for the purpose of drawing up a set of new or
revised laws was held August 15, 1913, the committee consisting of twenty
of the leading businessmen of the city."
The charter provided for three commissioners on the city council--commissioner
of safety and health, and ex-officio mayor; a commissioner of public works,
and ex-officio mayor pro-tem; and a commissioner of finance and ex-officio
city treasurer; plus the city attorney, city engineer, and the city clerk.
The election results were: S. H. Clammer, Commissioner of Safety; D.
C. Armitage, Commissioner of Public Works; A. A. Edwards, Commissioner
of Finance.
"The new form of government proved to be much more successful than was
the alderman control plan, and fitted well into the growth of the city."
"One commissioner is elected every two years, for a term of six years,
thus eliminating the problem of having the entire administration change
at the same time."
FIRST POST OFFICE BUILDING
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (6/11/1911, p. 1)
There was an announcement on the 10th that the contract had been awarded
for the federal building in Fort Collins. There was some disappointment
that light colored limestone would be used--not the red from the Fort Collins
area quarries.
(6/18/1911) 500 Fort Collins citizens signed a petition to be sent to
Washington in an effort to get red Fort Collins area limestone substituted
for out-of-town rock. It would mean more business for the area.
(10/6/1912) The Post Office moved into the new federal building on 10/5.
FIRST FEDERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING
FORT COLLINS' YESTERDAYS-Swanson (p. 210, 212)
1912
It was completed in 1912. The land cost $12,000 and the building almost
$88,000. It contained 19,825 square feet of floor space.
"The stonework, Alabama marble, and sculptured designs were worked out
with tremendous care and shipped in for placement in the new structure.
With a red tile roof and the facade of an Italian Renaissance palace, it
did not really match the rest of College Avenue, but it weathered well
and gave a sense of prosperity to the business district."
"In 1911 federal buildings were not necessarily expected to fit in with
the town, but were intended to bring proper style to it. Since then a preference
for use of native materials whenever possible has favored local variation."
FIRST CITY CHARTER
CHARTER AND CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
1910s
The charter was adopted by election on September 16, 1913.
NEW LIGHTING FOR CITY BUSINESS DISTRICT
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (11/22/1910, p. 1)
1910s
Two big tungsten lamps (125 candlepower) hung from ornamental brackets
on each end of each trolley pole were to be hung along College Avenue.
They were expected to improve business. They will be turned off at midnight
when old arc lights at Mountain, Walnut, and Oak will be turned on.
(11/30) Other merchants want lighting too. All or none quandary for
the council.
(12/6/1910) "A combination of gas and electricity will light up Fort Collins,
for city council at its meeting Monday night to consider the proposition
of adopting a new lighting scheme passed a resolution which will give both
the Northern Colorado Power Company and the Poudre Valley Gas Company each
a contract for lights. And by this combination the people may see the relative
merits of the two systems."
"The Gas Company will light Walnut Street from Linden to College Avenue
and Linden Street from College Avenue to Jefferson Street" with four gas
arc lights each block with two on each side.
The Power Company will use tungsten lamps from trolley poles to light
College from Walnut to Oak, Mountain from Mason to Remington and Laporte
from College to C & S Railroad Station. This will cost the city $1392
a year more.
DANCE FORMS PROHIBITED
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (10/16/19, p. 1)
1910s
The "shimmie" and the "jazz" dances were banned by the police department
after numerous complaints, especially from parents of young people. This
affected two weekly public dances; Saturday night in the Moose Hall and
Wednesday night in the same place. Club and private dances were not affected
by this order.
"NO LOAFING" LAW
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (7/9/1918, p. 1)
1910s
Federal farm labor agent for Colorado, D. W. Thomas, sought help from
city officials in getting merchants to aid farmers at harvest time. Merchants
and professional men would have to close businesses and provide needed
labor to help farmers get their crops in. The plan was followed in several
cities where there was a shortage of farm labor.
"The usual procedure is to close all stores and places of business for
a few days each week, and to leave the task of keeping them open the other
days to the women just as much as possible."
"Before business is to be brought to a standstill however, a determined
effort is to be made to get the available labor of the community enlisted.
The 'work or fight' proclamation of the president was discussed at some
length, and a move taken to enlist the cooperation of the city authorities
in enforcing its provisions. Next Saturday a special committee will wait
/sic/ on the commission with a request for the immediate passage of a drastic
ordinance on loafing, when /sic/ will make it possible to vag /sic/ any
man who refuses to do his share and who is not otherwise employed. The
ordinance is aimed to get at professional loafers who may be over the draft
age, but who have been refusing to work in the fields at excellent wages."
10/1/18 Police are to clamp down on loafers as local farmers want 100
hands. Either work or spend time in jail is the order.
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (3/22/1912)
1910s
Taft was the winner in the county preference primary. This insured that
the county delegation was instructed to vote for Taft. Combined with statewide
county preference primaries, it helped assure Taft the state convention
control.
GOVERNOR NOMINEE AT FORT COLLINS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (10/11/1910)
1910s
Republican-leaning Fort Collins Express editors were excited about the Republican
candidate for governor, John B. Stephens, and Isaac N. Stevens, candidate
for Congressman-at-large, speaking at the Orpheum Theatre that night. Big
headline.
(10/12/10) Packed house heard "facts about actual conditions" and "expose
of Democratic office-holders and comparison with record of the Republican
party."
GERMAN LANGUAGE PROHIBITED
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (6/18/1918, p. 1)
1910s
Fort Collins residents wouldn't tolerate the use of the German language
in town; they warned businessmen not to use German even with German speaking
customers. Earlier, german had been dropped from the school curriculum.
DENVER POST ARTICLES
1911
Many charged with boot-legging (12-17-1911 3/4)
Cummins ousted by mayor (12-23-1911 12/2)
Apologize must (sic) Cummins (12-26-1911 9/3)
1912
Plan to oust city council (4-17-1912 9/1)
1913
Council split over light plant (2-2-1913 4/6)
Adopts charter rule at election (9-17-1913 9/4)
New German Evangelical Church (10-14-1913 10/5)
Election of officers (10-22-1913 2/2)
1914
City steals patent (1-13-1914 4/6)
Gambling exposed (2-23-1914 4/5)
1915
City wants 160 acres for water supply (6-1-1915 3/6)
FIRST COLORADO AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (11/14/1915 p. 1)
1910s
The Aggie football team assured Colorado Agricultural College of its first conference championship
by defeating Colorado College. Freshmen kept the college bell ringing all
night in celebration.
Said the Fort Collins Express"...it is not an exaggerated statement to say that
the winning of that title is going to mean more for the college and for
the city in which the college is located than anything which has happened
in college history in recent years. For winning athletic teams more students
and a prestige among the educational institutions of the county which cannot
be gained in any other way." Much credit was given to Coach Harry Hughes.
(11/26/1915) Finished the season undefeated by beating Denver University on Thanksgiving
day. Had a parade march down College Avenue to field to honor the team.
COLORADO AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE SHORT COURSE
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (1/10/1911 p. 1)
1910s
C.A.C. provided a week-long short course for farm families to instruct
them in advancements in farm and home economics. It is to be an annual
event.
"Today the fathers and sons are standing side by side judging cattle;
learning how to judge, test and grade grains and seeds; how to propagate
fruit and other phases of agriculture; and the mothers and daughters are
learning about the various forms of cooking apparatus; how to fit a shirtwaist
and skirt; the economical management of meals; etc."
THE AGGIE "A" BUILT
DEMOCRACY'S COLLEGE-Hansen (p. 278-79)
1912
It was built, whitewashed, and enlarged by students.
SUMMER SESSIONS ESTABLISHED
DEMOCRACY'S COLLEGE-Hansen (p. 251)
1913-1917
Aided by federal Smith-Hughes Act funds (1917 Hansen, p. 249)
CIVIL & IRRIGATION ENGINEERING BUILDING FINISHED
DEMOCRACY'S COLLEGE-Hansen (p. 224, 225)
1910
Edward B. House, engineering professor.
GUGGENHEIM HALL BUILT
DEMOCRACY'S COLLEGE-Hansen (p. 146)
1910
The building housed the Home Economics Department with Inga M. K.
Allison, Professor of Home Economics (p. 230). It was named for Senator Simon Guggenheim, copper millionaire, who
donated the construction funds.
CHARLES A. LORY
DEMOCRACY'S COLLEGE-Hansen (p. 233)
1910s
His achievements as C.A.C. president in 1910 decade and photo
are listed.
COLORADO ATHLETIC FIELD
DEMOCRACY'S COLLEGE-Hansen (p. 264)
1912
Built by students. It is the first sodded field in Colorado.
STUDENTS BREAK UP RELIGIOUS MEETING
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (5/11/1915, p. 1)
1910s
150 students marched into the tabernacle where Dr. Balgin was speaking.
They marched in front of the pulpit and gave cheers for Dr. Lory. Dr. Balgin
was so upset and insulted, he called the meeting off. The students had
heard that Balgin had made derogatory remarks about Dr. Lory and Unitarianism.
The students later apologized after being assured the remarks had not been
made. (5/12/15)
STUDENT STRIKE
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (3/23/1912, p. 1)
1910s
C.A.C. students announced a week-long strike to protest the administration's
refusal to allow a spring break. A petition was given to President Lory
by students. Lory refused their request. The student body then voted unanimously
to strike the following week and take their vacation anyway. Other colleges
had vacation. The students felt they needed rest and opportunity to work
off fee on the new athletic grounds. Lory felt spring vacation was unnecessary
at that time and that it would be too much with work at the school. Dire
punishment promised to students who don't keep strike agreement. Rough
tactics by striking students against students attending classes would be
dealt with. (3/26) A few students showed up for class.
LOCAL SUPPORT OF COLLEGE NEEDED
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (2/28/1911, p. 1)
1910s
The Fort Collins Express editor urged local support for college, which was in
danger of being denied a $250,000 appropriation. Fort Collins citizens
had apparently drawn criticism for this lack of interest and support for
an institution which contributed greatly to the town's economic and cultural
welfare. The paper urges support by local groups to get the appropriation,
keep the engineering department and help secure the passage of the Tobin
Bill which would create an educational conference comprised of presidents
of state educational institutions.
2/29 This drew quick response from the Chamber of Commerce.
The Daughters of American Revolution unveiled a granite marker at the site where French trappers
reputedly cached powder and other supplies, supplying the name for the
Cache la Poudre River.
LEAP YEAR MARRIAGES
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (3/1/1912, p. 1)
1910s
Leap year propositions--girls proposing to guys--is blamed for the
doubling of marriages (22 vs. 43) in the first two months of 1912 vs. the
same period in 1911.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (2/9/1918, p. 1)
1910s
People of Weld County had been noticing mysterious light in the night
sky accompanied by the sound of an airplane. "Mystery light" came to Larimer
County too.
It was seen by W. C. Hawsley who was the fourth in the past month
to see the strange light. Was it booze amplifying memory?
(2/12) Mystery light seen by many north of Fort Collins. Movement inconsistent
with movement of stars and planets. Tale that boys were having fun with
balloons.
JANIS FARM MARKER
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (10/18/1886, p. 1)
1910s
The Daughters of American Revolution unveiled a monument on the 17th to mark site of Larimer
County's first farm settled by Antoine Janis.
"Under the leadership of H. G. Petty the band has grown in efficiency
and only recently had no trouble in winning the prize in a state band contest.
The band numbers thirty members and nearly all are experienced musicians
capable themselves in leading a band. The city has contracted with the
band for several years past for ten public concerts each season and the
people co-operate to make the band a success. It is in demand from all
over this region where good music is needed."
SEMI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
COLORADOAN (7/3/1964)
1914
First observance was July 2 through 4. Irwin Brothers Wild West Show performed for three days.
Charlie Irwin, manager, hosted a banquet in the circus tent to start
the celebration off. Speakers included: Lerah J. McHugh, physician; P.
J. McHugh's wife and daughter of the Harris Strattons (first couple to
be married in Fort Collins); Charles A. Lory; Governor Elias Ammons and
Ansel Watrous, who read a list of deceased settlers after which a standing
silent tribute was given. It was followed by an outdoor musical event and
fiddlers contest.
"The program for each of the days of July 2, 3, and 4 was the same,
a street parade in the forenoon, followed by a barbecue at Prospect Park,
now a part of City Park; an afternoon of horse races, bucking contests,
Indian dances and 'trick and fancy shooting' at the park, and performances
of the Wild West Show at night." Crowds grew larger each day.
FIRST SKOOKUM DAY
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (10/17/1916, p. 1)
1910s
"On Friday, October 27, Fort Collins will celebrate her first annual
'Skookum Day.' Heretofore it has been variously designated as a carnival,
a festival and a fete; from this time forward it is 'Skookum Day,' and
the people of Fort Collins should remember the new name, learn its translation
and get it firmly fixed in their minds. For 'Skookum Day' is to be an annual
event, a bigger show each succeeding year, and 'Skookum Day' should soon
come to be one of the most widely known celebrations in Colorado."
George Shaw, of the celebration committee originated the idea. Skookum is a Chinook Indian word meaning "up and coming" and "full
of pep" or "coming to life."
(10/28) There was a parade with floats, a queen, decorated buildings,
many awards given and masks.
BUFFALO BILL'S VISIT
FORT COLLINS' YESTERDAYS-Swanson (p. 221)
1915
Cody was a friend of A. H. "Billy" Patterson.
Cody visited Fort Collins in 1915 and "scolded the oldtimers for
their failure to commemorate the deeds of the pioneers like Patterson.
On this trip Cody went about reviewing memories and sites important in
the early days of the stage coach and the town."
The following year a memorial was placed near Old Main commemorating
men who donated land for the campus. Patterson's name was at the top of
the list.
"HUMAN FLY"
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (6/1/1918 & 6/3/1918, p. 1)
1918
Jack Williams, "the Human Fly," was in town to climb the three story
Central Block building on North College. He climbed without the use of
equipment. A large crowd watched the climb. A collection netted $17.66
for the Fort Collins Express (30% of the take) which donated the money to the Red Cross.
The balance went to Williams.
WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN IN FORT COLLINS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (9/17/1912)
1910s
William Jennings Bryan was in Fort Collins again (here in June for
the Chautauqua--see Fort Collins Express 6/11/12) and was campaigning for Woodrow Wilson.
Seven hundred to 1,000 people heard him speak from the steps of the court
house for 45 minutes (at 11:30) He had been in Denver the previous Sunday
(15th).
DR. E. J. BALGIN REVIVAL
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS
1915
Revival meetings, popular during this period, as traveling evangelists
annually pass through Fort Collins. the Fort Collins Express carried lengthy articles,
usually printing nightly speeches. Dr. Balgin visited Fort Collins in April
and May of 1915.
JOHN P. SOUSA IN FORT COLLINS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (12/6/1919, p. 7)
1910s
John Philip Sousa and his band were in Fort Collins 12/5/19. "Sousa
and his band came and went yesterday, and with his departure music lovers
of Fort Collins have a lingering memory of having heard one of the greatest
musical organizations of the nation."
Almost every seat in the college auditorium was taken. Nearly one
half of the selections were of Sousa's own composition.
CECIL G. SARGENT
DEMOCRACY'S COLLEGE-Hansen (p. 247 ff)
1912
Sargent was appointed rural school visitor.
This was the beginning of school consolidation movement.
One result was consolidated school at Laporte.
COUNTY SCHOOLS
HISTORY OF LARIMER COUNTY-Watrous (p. 128-29)
1910
County school population was nearly 9,000. There were 53 organized
school districts. High schools were in Fort Collins, Loveland and Berthoud.
Half of the districts support graded schools to the 10th grade. Most
schools have free textbooks. The libraries contained 7,000-8,000 books.
Kindergarten was introduced in 1880 by Jay H. Bouton, then president
of the Board of Education.
"LAMBKINS"
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (12/18/1930, p. 10)
1910s
The name of "Lambkins" was first given to Fort Collins High School
in 1918. The name was drawn from a hat from suggestions made by Coach George
W. Scott and Mr. Goff of the Courier. The school had been popularly known
as "Beet-diggers" up to that time. It took a couple of years for "Lambkins"
to stick. It finally did after it had won an all-western track meet. Lambkin
teams would go on to excite Fort Collins residents with titles in various
sports.
It was necessary to find a name for the teams for the first school
yearbook.
TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (5/19/1912, p. 1)
1910s
The town was very excited about the high school track team's victory
at the High School Day track meet at the University of Colorado. It was
the school's first track championship. Students and townspeople welcomed
them back with a big rally.
FIRST COUNTRY CLUB
MUSEUM FILES (June 1935 clipping probably Fort Collins Express-Courier)
1910s
The country club was organized in 1910 under the leadership of R.
M. Booraem. He raised $10,000 for the purchase of the club site and arranged
for the building of a nine hole golf course and club house.
In May, 1911, the by-laws were adopted and a board of directors elected.
In September, 1911, it held its first golf tournament. Board members: R. M. Booraem, H. D. Humphrey, R. J. Andrews, A. W.
Scott, Judge George W. Bailey, F. C. Grable and H. L. Dailey.
LIONS CLUB
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (8/14/37, p. 9)
1919
The club was organized in 1919. Its objectives were:
"To aid in conservation of sight by helping the blind; to help Boy Scouts by sponsoring a troop; and to aid in general community betterment."
AMERICAN LEGION POST
MUSEUM FILES (9/19/1928)
1910s
The American Legion Post was founded in 1919 as Larimer County Post
but was changed to George Beach Post in honor of Fort Collins aviator killed
in the war in France. Initial duties included finding employment for ex-servicemen
and aiding disabled men. As needs of these men lessened, the Post became
active in civic affairs, especially in promoting and sponsoring recreational
activities for the community.
ELDERBLOOM CLUB
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (9/19/1928, p. 8 Poudre Canyon section-Greater Fort
1910s Collins Edition)
"In 1919 Mrs. Ida Seckner, a former resident of this city, saw the
need for the organization of Fort Collins women who had reached the age
of 50 years, into a social group wherein they could chat together, reminiscing
and enjoying each others' company.
"The object of the club, ...is also to visit shut-ins who are unable
to get out and enjoy the beauties and pleasures of life."
ROTARY CLUB
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (8/4/1937, p. 26)
1918
Club was organizd in May, 1918.
Statement: "Wherever service sends men, in business and in professional
life, community activities or international relationships, Rotary endeavors
to lead the way."
YMCA WAR CAMPAIGN FUND
FORT COLLINS FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (11/11/1917, p. 1)
"Perhaps the bigget and certainly one of the most important campaigns
ever undertaken in this or any other country will be launched beginning
Monday, November 12 and continuing a week. The object of the big 'Drive'
will be the raising in the United States of a war fund of $35,000,000 for
work in behalf of 24,000,000 soldiers and sailors in America and overseas,
both for the American troops as well as those of the Allies and including
6,000,000 prisoners of war."
Colorado's share of the entire budget is $300,000 of which amount
Denver will raise nearly two-thirds. It is hoped and believed that Larimer
County alone can and ought to contribute $20,000. The local organization of the Fort Collins campaign is composed of
C. G. Roy Liggett, chairman, and it is proposed to have ten teams of six
men each.
This was the "worst storm to hit Fort Collins in the city's history."
It happened the week of December 1 and continued for a week. About 40 inches
of snow fell altogether. Snow drifts on Mountain were more than 50 feet
high. A tunnel was dug downtown rather than clearing an above-ground path.
"Railroad travel was forced to a standstill, streetcars froze in
their tracks, milk delivery ceased because horses were exhausted, businesses
closed, and newly erected power lines fell down.
"Some 60 men with ten teams of horses attempted to clear the streets."
First Army draft call was in July, 1917. "Wheatless" and "meatless"
days were declared.
About 40,000 Colorado men were in the Army and 1,009 were killed
or died in service and 1,759 were wounded.
Women knitted sweaters, helmets and socks for the soldiers.
WORLD WAR I EVENTS
DEMOCRACY'S COLLEGE-Hansen (p. 274-75)
1917-18
Buildings were erected for Army mechanical trainees. The Student
Army Training Corps was on campus the Fall of 1918.
Influenza became epidemic and there were hospitals on campus and
some deaths.
WORLD WAR I
FORT COLLINS' YESTERDAYS-Swanson (p. 56-57)
1910s
Anti-German attitudes were not much of a problem in Fort Collins
as the German-Russians were obviously trying to establish themselves as
Americans. The building of churches and church activities helped.
Ringling Brothers Circus used propaganda against a German-owned circus
which was scheduled to be in Fort Collins.
LIBERTY LOAN BONDS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (4/13/1918, p. 1)
1910s
Fort Collins achieved its quota for the sale of Third Liberty Loan
bonds after four days of campaign. The Fort Collins Express pushed the loan campaign
hard. The campaign sold $422,600; its quota was $415,000. Later fund raisers were not so dramatically successful.
FORMATION OF INFANTRY COMPANY
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (6/20/1916, p. 1)
1910s
"In anticipation of a further call for troops from Colorado at an
early date or the enlargement of the present call to include a regiment
of infantry, Adjutant General Gamble of the Colorado National Guard yesterday
in a long distance telephone conversation with several veterans of the
Spanish-American War and of the regular Army, authorized the organization
of an infantry company in this city, giving every assurance that they will
be taken into service as soon as the minimum number of men can be enlisted
and that in all probability they will be merged with the First regiment,
now under mobilization orders."
FIRST QUOTA--"LARIMER COUNTY TO SEND MEN TO TRAINING CAMP
FORT COLLINS FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (9/2/1917, p. 1)
"Definite instructions concerning the sending of Larimer County's
first quota of the draft army to the training camp. Acting on these orders
five young men of this county, representing five percent of the county's
total on the first draft."
The training camp was in Fort Riley, Kansas. The men selected were
Carl J. Wickert, August Lynn Rohling, Warren Culver, Bryce Talbot and Korie
Coulson.
"The opinion has been expressed by some that there seems a good chance
for Larimer County men to be kept together in one company, and for Larimer
County men to be named as their officers."
BATTERY A
DEMOCRACY'S COLLEGE-Hansen (p. 273)
1910s
The men were trained at Golden during Mexican Border call-up. The
first Captain was Roy G. Coffin, a chemistry professor. They served in France during World War I as a unit of the 148th Field
Artillery. The personnel were largely A&M students with few faculty members.
BATTERY A
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (3/8/1918, p. 1)
1910s
Local Battery A in France and training with artillery for western
front. The liner carrying Battery A reportedly fired on by German U boats
several times during Atlantic crossing to Britain.
BATTERY A
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (7/11/1918, p. 1)
1910s
Battery A reportedly not at front because its ranks are continually
depleted. Battery A members, former collegians, found to be good instructors
for training new soldiers. So the Battery remained camped in Southern France
while some of its members act as instructors.
BATTERY A
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (12/27/1918, p. 1)
1910s
It is part of the brigade which is the only artillery unit among
American occupation forces. The battery is said to have been in every one
of the important battles of the war that the Americans were in."
CASUALTIES/MEN IN SERVICE
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (11/28/1918, p. 1, 3-6)
1910s
Article presents lists of casualties and men who served in the war
from Larimer County.
CASUALTY
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (1/22/1918)
1910s
George Beach was killed in Italy in an aviation accident (aerial
collision) while training to be a military pilot. Fort Collins Flags flew
at half mast.
FIRST WWI COMBAT DEATH
DEMOCRACY'S COLLEGE-Hansen (p. 274)
January 1918
Lt. George A. Beach, air pilot, was killed in a plane crash in Italy.
Fort Collins Post 4 named for him.
A&M memorial service was held in Old Main chapel.
ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT FOR BATTERY A
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (5/7/1918, p. 1)
1910s
Roy Coffin, Commander of Battery A, requested homefolk send
athletic equipment to entertain the troops. A. W. Scott acted as custodian of the fund for this purpose.
(5/8/1918) Fifty-five dollars was turned in; need three to four times
as much.
BATTERY A WELCOMED HOME
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (6/25/1919, p. 1)
1910s
Larimer celebrated the homecoming of Battery A (500 servicemen) with
a reception, big picnic downtown, and a dance on College Avenue. The event
"went off practically without a hitch."
WELCOME RECEPTION
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (3/12/1919, p. 1)
1910s
A dinner and dance on March 11 was sponsored by the Commercial Club
for returning Larimer County servicemen was a "huge success." There were
"393 covers at the dinner." The "Welcome Home" toast was given my Mayor
F. W. Stover and the "To the Missing" toast was given by Dr. Charles D.
Darling, President and pastor.
ARMISTICE CELEBRATION
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (11/11/1918, p. 1)
1910s
Mayor Stover declared Monday, November 11, 1918, a holiday for Fort
Collins to celebrate the end of the war.
(11/12/1918) Congratulations were sent to Battery A by Fort Collins Commercial
Club. (Page 8 headline, "Glad Peace Tidings Brings Joy Untold to Fort Collins.
Entire City is One Mass of Flags, Joy, Hilarity and Song.")
LARIMER COUNTY WAR CONTRIBUTIONS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (11/28/1918, p. 1)
1910s
Larimer County sent over 1,000 men to war and 379 from Colorado Agricultural College. It
raised about $4,000,000 (Liberty Loans, Red Cross, War Savings Stamps sales,
United War Work, etc. Plus it provided much food for the nation and Allies.)
WWI--LIST OF CASUALTIES
PEACE EDITION OF THE FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (11/28/1918, p. 1)
National flu (Spanish influenza) epidemic only mildly affecting Fort
Collins at this time, some mild cases. The State had ordered all public
halls closed to prevent spread of disease (10/7).
Mayor Fred W. Stover ordered quarantine "on all sufferers of colds,
grippe or other similar ailments, which may be influenza in its first states,
and the prohibiting of gatherings, large or small in the city until the
influenza scare has passed over... It specifies that shoppers spend as
little time as possible in stores in the transaction of their business."
In an attempt to keep the flu epidemic from developing in Fort Collins
on 10/11 Mayor Stover issued a proclamation closing all schools, theatres,
churches, lodge halls, and other public gathering places indefinitely.
There was to be no loitering downtown.
(10/16) The new barracks at Colorado Agricultural College may be needed to house flu victims.
A temporary hospital in the engineering building was filled. The Red Cross
provided services.
The flu was waning during the latter days of October. There were quite a few deaths in the area from the flu.
(11/24) Masks must be worn in business houses. This was petitioned
against by Fort Collins merchants and businessmen. Rescinded for businesses
but will be enforced for all indoor public gatherings.
(12/18) Patients and people caring for them to be quarantined, "places
of amusement and public gatherings to be closed, gatherings for amusement
or business purposes prohibited, the number of customers in business houses
was limited to eight or one each 100 square feet. Violators fined $300
plus costs."
Public schools reopened 12/30 and churches 12/29.
DRUG ADDICTS IN FORT COLLINS
MILLER COLLECTION (p. 574)
1910s
"Fort Collins has been invaded this past few days by a gang of 'coke'
fiends, unfortunates who have become addicted to the use of drugs, such
as cocaine, morphine, opium and other stimulants of this form. They have
been discovered by several physicians upon whom they have called in an
effort to procure prescriptions. They have annoyed several physicians and
druggists since they have been in town. These characters, while their plight
is of course pitiable, are undesirable, and the authorities will doubtless
soon have them in hand and escort them out of town as was done to a couple
of such victims a few days ago."
"Judge Mills believed that anyone who could start and stop a car
could drive it,..."
"Most people preferred a better trained approach. In 1909 the Young
Men's Christian Association gave a special course in use of autos, having
an instructor come from Denver two evenings and one day. In 1917 the council
passed an ordinance requiring drivers to be licensed."
Petitions passed among downtown merchants asking for two blocks of
pavement in June,1915. Some businessmen were against it for fear of higher
taxes. Contract haggling. Finally laid by October, 1916. Had a big celebration.
TRUCKS REPLACING HORSES
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (10/2/1919, p. 3)
"The passing of the horse on city streets and county highways is
now in its second phase. A decade ago the passenger car took one big job
from him. Today the motor truck is taking his last big job"--transporting
burdens.
Trucks are being used more to ship freight by farmers themselves.
Local shipping by railroad "may soon become a mere memory" according to
a local dealer.
10/3 Truck caravan in Fort Collins to promote "Ship by Truck" idea.
About 30 trucks representing leading makes.
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD LINE TO FORT COLLINS
HISTORY OF LARIMER COUNTY-Watrous (p. 256)
1909-12
The Union Pacific Railroad is in the process of completing a line
between Fort Collins and Denver this year.
STREETCAR SYSTEM
TROLLEY HISTORY
1912-13
Incidents: Two mules were killed by a streetcar in 1912.
In 1913 a car was stranded on Whedbee by the blizzard.
There was a collision of a streetcar with the steel bucket of the sugar company crane.
The company was in receivership in 1918 and service ended in July.
The City had the opportunity of buying the operation at $75,000. Their
original cost was $315,000, but the company had been losing money for some
years.
"Everyone loved the street cars but could the City afford them? What
will you have, a city or an old-fashioned country town?," appealed the
supporters. A special election in 1919 ran 940 in favor of purchase, and
32 opposed. So the City took over the task, built a new barn which is standing
today.
STREETCAR SYSTEM
COLORADO TROLLEYS-Feitz (p. 39)
1910s
The City took over the line in 1919.
"First off, the city junked the big Denver and Interurban cars and
put new little Birney cars into service. Then, the Lindenmeier Lake
line was discontinued and some four miles of new track laid. The city operated
the system as the Fort Collins Municipal Railway then, for about a third
of a century without anymore expansions and with few improvements in rolling
stock."
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