Despite a generally depressed farm economy after
World War I, Larimer County farmers were comparatively
prosperous. The Fort Collins Express-Courier (the
two papers combined in 1920) claimed that no other county
in Colorado fed as many sheep and cattle as did Larimer
County.
Beet growers were also still doing well. An attractive
contract in 1925 between Great Western Sugar Company and
the Mountain States Beet Growers Marketing Association
guaranteed eight dollars per ton plus incentive bonuses.
Larimer County was also prospering industrially. It
ranked third among Colorado counties in manufacturing.
Most of the factories were in or near Fort Collins. The
biggest producers were the sugar factory and the Ideal
Cement plant built in 1927 near La Porte.
Rapid growth was predicted for Fort Collins in the 1920s
following the discovery of oil and natural gas near
Wellington in 1923. A gas explosion in an oil and gas
well destroyed half a derrick in November. Area residents
swarmed to the site. The well was not capped for six
weeks.
As the sugar industry grew, so did the need for field
workers, who needed housing. Thus, Great Western Sugar
organized a community for Spanish-American workers. The
community, alternately referred to as "Alta
Vista" and "Spanish Colony," was platted
in 1927. Great Western offered equitable payment plans to
encourage workers to build and own their homes.
The Church of the Holy Family, on Cherry and North
Whitcomb, began serving Spanish-speaking Catholics in
1929. Father Pierre Trudel, who served in Fort Collins
from 1924 to 1936 concentrated on the needs of the
Spanish-speaking beet workers.
Another notable building was completed in 1925. Fort
Collins High School was built with a fronting park on
South College, considered an advantageous location
because of its beautiful surroundings and its
accessibility by streetcar. That same year the high
school's track team excited the town by winning the
national track and field championship in Chicago.
Also in 1925 a new, modern, hospital was built just
outside the city limits. 14,500 people were treated in
the three-story brick building each year.
The local chapter of the Red Cross also provided valuable
health care during this period. Organized in 1916, the
Red Cross aided war-separated families, soldiers
overseas, and influenza victims. After the war, the Red
Cross aided returning servicemen and their families.
Through the 1920s its services broadened. Doctors and
other medical professionals offered their services. An
average of fifteen civilian welfare cases per month were
handled by the Red Cross.
The Larimer County Public Health Association was
organized in 1920. It aided people who could not
otherwise obtain proper medical treatment.
The 1920s marked the high point of the Ku Klux Klan in
Colorado. The Klan virtually gained control of state
politics during the early part of the decade, and had
many men in elective and appointive offices. Klansmen in
Fort Collins could be found in courthouse offices and
city hall. During one rally, sheet-covered KKK members
marched from North College Avenue to Lincoln Park.
However, the Klan did not place a significant number of
its' people into local public offices. Its' influence
faded during the latter half of the decade.
A political figure whose star was on the rise came to
Fort Collins in 1920. Franklin D. Roosevelt, on a
campaign tour as a vice-presidential candidate, spoke
from the courthouse steps against increasing the Navy and
for the League of Nations.
A notable local trial lawyer, Fancher Sarchet, was in the
headlines in 1927 when he was shot in the head while
driving home on a September evening. He was seriously
wounded and later lost his left eye. The gunman was
apprehended. He confessed and went to prison. However, an
oilman who Sarchet suspected was behind the shooting was
found not guilty. Sarchet had defeated the man in a court
case involving property in the oil fields.
In May, 1929, the people of Fort Collins dedicated an
airfield at the west end of La Porte Avenue. A plane
carrying mail left for Denver to advertise the
availability of the field, which would later be named
"Christman Field" in honor of a World War II
pilot.
A bus line was also established in the 1920s between Fort
Collins and Denver. Paradox Land and Transport Company of
Denver operated the twelve passenger buses, which started
their routes in September, 1921.
City traffic became enough of a problem in 1925 to
require the installation of a traffic signal at College
and Mountain. The model purchased included red and green
arms which alternately lowered to signal traffic.
Entertainment in Fort Collins during the "Roaring
Twenties" included the old and the new. In
September, 1920, the town made its first home movie. The
public was invited to view the filming of "The Girl
from Collins" on the college campus. The cast was
entirely homegrown. The Empress Theatre planned to show
the film as soon as it was completed.
The Fort Collins Roundup was an annual affair, delighting
crowds with Wild West events. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Miller
managed the show, which included: Races, trick riding and
roping, bucking broncos and Indians. In 1922 Sioux
Indians performed dances.
In 1926 the Fort Collins Express-Courier and the
Lyric Theatre sponsored a Fiddlers Contest as they worked
to make Fort Collins "the fiddlers capital of the
west." Adam Deines, an elderly German, won the
contest using a fiddle he had brought from Russia many
years before.
As the decade was drawing to an end, "Talkies"
came to Fort Collins. Forthcoming movies with sound
advertised on March 10, 1929, included "The Jazz
Singer" with Al Jolson. Fort Collins citizens had
witnessed earlier experiments with sound movies using a
Kinetophone at the Empress Theatre in 1923. These
"movies" were usually short features with a
singer more or less synchronized to a phonograph.
BUSINESS/INDUSTRY
OIL BOOM
COLORADOAN (4/15/1984)
11/22/1923
Predictions of BIG GROWTH were made following
discovery of oil & gas near Wellington in 1923.
Predictions included: Reaching 30,000 population in two
years, 50,000 by 1928. The Express-Courier newspaper of
1923 carried a motto at the top of each front page: "Fort
Collins, 50,000 by 1928. Watch us grow." "The
roar of the first oil well (which gushed for six weeks
uncapped) sounded like prosperity," the Express-Courier
said. The population was just under 9,000 at the time,
and had been stagnant for a decade. It grew during the
oil boom, but not nearly as much as projected. Fort
Collins' population in 1930 was 11,489, a 31% growth for
the 1920s.
FORT COLLINS OIL FIELD
COLORADO STORY-Hafen (pages 376-378)
1925
The annual output (of oil) passed one million barrels of
crude oil (with a flow from the Wellington dome near Fort
Collins and from the field near Craig). Production did
not reach large proportions during the next fifteen
years, but averaged about one and a half million barrels
annually. (Mark Miller photograph).
OIL FIELD
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (9/19/1928 page 14)
Drilling still going on. " The heaviest drilling was
done in 1925 and part of 1926, when ten to twelve teams
were at work in the field. They started drilling in 1923,
the first well came in on Armistice day that year.
Continuous drilling since that time, has given Fort
Collins 34 producing wells, all owned in whole or part by
the Union Oil Company." A 100,000 barrel month.
Natural gas for Fort Collins, Cheyenne & the cement
plant. This was the largest oil field in Colorado, the
3rd largest in the Rocky Mountain region.
NATURAL GAS TO FORT COLLINS
COLORADO STORY-Hafen (pages 375-6)
1929
Natural gas pipeline from Amarillo, Texas, to Denver was
completed June, 1928. A year later the gas line was
extended 75 miles north to Fort Collins (where it
connected with the Cheyenne, WY system).
NATURAL GAS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (12/10/1925 page 1)
The final connections are being made in the meterhouse at
the gas plant today connecting up natural gas from the
Mitchell well (fourteen miles to the south of Fort
Collins with the city's mains. Gas will be turned into
the main's in Fort Collins tonight. First City in
Colorado to get use of natural gas.
MITCHELL'S GAS FIRE
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (7/23/1924 page 1)
A 2nd BIG GAS WELL (on Mitchell ranch in Larimer
County) caught fire 4 days after it first blew--it had
not been properly capped. Spark from a rock reportedly
started it. One man was seriously burned, others were
only slightly injured. It had been throwing 82 million
cubic feet of gas daily, burned for a month until nitro
charge put it out. It was finally capped 2 weeks later.
FORT COLLINS REFINING COMPANY
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1924
President of Quaker Oil Company, Vice president of
Colorado & Southern & other Oil Men completed the
agreement here Monday. Calling for the immediate
relocation of refining on the C & S to be on the
Northeast side of town, where the stockyards are now
located. To cost $750,000 & be called the Fort
Collins Refining Company. One mile east of town on C
& S Stockyards, which are to be removed. The refining
company is not connected with the Quaker Oil
Company and the Colorado & Southern Railroads except
that their official names are in it as individuals
only. Quaker Oil had property in the field & was
drilling one well at the time. Fort Collins men involved
were Dr. D. O. Norton, O. H. Bonner & N. E. Bonner.
FISH HATCHERY
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (7/30/1924)
Fort Collins citizens raised money & purchased land
near Bellvue to give area a fish hatchery. It had a
capacity of 3 million eggs annually. It cost $20,000.
Expected date of operation-Oct. 15th.
COURIER TAKEN OVER
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS (5/16/1920)
By a deal consummated Saturday, the stock (of
Morris-Emerson) and Ralph Goff (of the Courier Printing
and Publishing Company), was purchased by George C. and
James G. McCormick, P. R. McDowell and a number of Fort
Collins businessmen. It is the intention (in the near
future) to consolidate the two papers, this movement
having been urged for years by businessmen & others
in Fort Collins. The McCormicks have published the Fort
Collins Express for the past 14 years. Mr.Goff has
been with the Fort Collins Courier for about ten
years & Mr. Emerson for about four years. Both papers
have been doing a good business; but the increasing cost
of production made it advisable for the papers to
consolidate just as hundreds of others are doing all over
the United States at this time. For the present, each
paper will be published as heretofore. It is apparent (to
everyone) that under present conditions Fort Collins is a
one newspaper town & the public will be better served
by morning & evening editions issued by one
management (with one set of overhead expenses & one
setting of ads). This will reduce the advertising rate to
the advertisers & give the public better news
service. It is the only way to meet present conditions.
FORT COLLINS INDUSTRY
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (9/19/1928)
Larimer County ranked 3rd among Colorado Counties in
manufactured products, most of which were located in the
Fort Collins vicinity. The Sugar Factory & the newly
established Cement Plant (a few miles away from Fort
Collins) are among the biggest producers. Others included
are: The Foundry Shop, Union Oil Company, Brick &
Tile Company, Canning Factory, Flour Mills, Ice Factory,
Creameries & Butter Factories. Fort Collins is a good
location with cheap power sources.
CEMENT PLANT, LAPORTE
COLORADO AND IT'S PEOPLE-Hafen & Hafen (Vol.
II, p. 538 (380?))
1927
Ideal Cement plant built near LaPorte in 1929. Crushed
limestone and shale are the principal materials used in
the manufacturing of cement.
MIDWEST SUGAR FACTORY
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS
March 1920
Nickerson and Keck had been in constant communication
with a committee from the Beet Growers Association. E. A.
Nickerson and A. W. Keck, made propositions to
incorporate the Midwest Sugar Company in Fort Collins.
The Midwest Sugar Company formerly operated in
California. The company will contract out to experienced
beet farmers for five years. A total of 6,500 acres will
be contracted out. Growers are also asked to subscribe
for $200,000 in capital stock, and $200,000 in bonds.
GREAT WESTERN SUGAR AND THE SPANISH-AMERICAN COMMUNITY
FORT COLLINS YESTERDAYS-Swanson (pages 62-63)
1923
Great Western announced plans for a colony of
Spanish-American workers.... Material for a two room
house was $75. Many were of adobe construction in the
traditional building method of the southwest. The company
furnished straw, lime & gravel to encourage the
workers to build their own homes. The first year NO
PAYMENT was required the next three $40 a year, &
the fifth $25 to $50 for the lot 50 X 85 feet. By this
system the Company hoped to hold steadier & more
dependable workers. A survey of Colorado noted that only
in Fort Collins were the Spanish-speaking beet workers
becoming farm tenants or owners. The screening process attempted
to select the best workers. Character references were
required & the Company could evict occupants if the
home was used for any illegal activities. "Alta
Vista" or the Spanish Colony was officially plotted
and registered by the Company with the county in February
1927. The Company criticized in general housing
standards provided by the farmers for migrant workers. On
the other hand, they also had praised a few for their
improvements.
PIGGLY WIGGLY STORES
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (9/19/1928)
Grocery chain store was well patronized; large chain
store allowed for lower prices. Price tags on items
allowed women to shop at their own leisure & decide
what to buy without a clerk's influence.
EMPLOYMENT
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (2/17/1929)
A list of Fort Collins employers was compiled & the
number of their employees. The list was then divided into
4 categories: Small Industries, Large Industries,
Utilities & Special. A total of 1543 people were
employed by these four industries. The Agricultural
College was the single largest employer by far, with 417
employees. Portland Cement Company was next with 160.
FIRST HOME MOVIE
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1920
Fort Collins will make her initial step towards fame in
the movie world (Friday afternoon at 2 P.M. on the
college campus) when the shooting of the film "The
Girl From Fort Collins" will start. The public is
cordially invited to be on hand and watch how the making
of a production is done. The cast will contain all
Fort Collins folks. The picture will be shown as soon
as it is completed, at the Empress Theater.
CINEMA/TALKIES
COLORADOAN
1929
The BIG ANNOUNCEMENT that everyone had been
waiting for came on March 10, 1929. There was a half page
newspaper ad that announced Now you may see AND
hear movies at the American Theater!!!!!!!" The ad
showed three scenes from forth coming
"talkies", that included "The Jazz
Singer" staring Al Jolson. Fort Collins had
experienced early experiments with sound movies (invented
by Edison with a kinetophone picture at the Empress
Theater in 1913). These short pictures most often were a
short performance by a singer, synchronized (more or
less) to a phonograph.
FIRST RADIO SHOW
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1929
A dedication message by former Fort Collins resident M.
H. Aylesworth (president of National Broadcasting
Company) was featured for opening day of the radio show.
It was held at the Northern Hotel, on Friday &
Saturday. The number of sets for the show is the largest
ever shown Northern Colorado. During the 2 days of
the show, the dealers (on the average) expect to draw the
largest crowd ever to attend a radio show in this area.
Besides the display on the mezzanine floor, the dealers
have each placed one set in the lobby. These sets will be
used to furnish music for the show and the set is to be
awarded on Saturday night.
DENVER POST ARTICLES
1924
Colorado & Southern Railroad station safe cracked
(6-19-1924 3/2)
Fort Collins Field
Whitaker well comes in as oil producer (8-8-1924 1/7)
Shoots 6 in. column 200 ft. (8-9-1924 1/2)
Dr. D. O. Norton and others to build refinery (10-1-1924
1/7)
American Gasoline and Refining Co. to build refinery
(10-9-1924 1/5)
Safe blown at A. P. Jordan's grocery (11-12-1924 1/4)
To have $2,000,000 cement plant (12-18-1924 26/1)
1925
Fort Collins Producing Assn. loses $461,504 in 1924
(4-7-1925 25/1)
Farmers Bank and Trust Co. closes doors (5-4-1925 11/1)
To get gas (9-6-1925 12/1)
1927
Big chicken hatchery is planned (5-21-1927 3/5)
Cattle Feeders Asso. hold convention (6-12-1927 3/5)
Public Service Co. safe cracked (7-11-1927 2/1)
To have chicken hatchery (8-29-1927 10/8)
1928
Fort Collins Express-Courier newspaper is sold
(3-30-1928 8/5)
Same (3-30-1938 13/3)
Burned (6-5-1929 30/7)
Sold to M. C. Spridel (10-29-1936 20/3)
Union Oil Co. of Calif. wins Supreme Court case vs. C. J.
Goodrich (12-31-1928 4/2)
1929
Co. C. increases yield (1-6-1929 3/6)
AGRICULTURE
BIG BEET CONTRACT
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1925
Fort Collins Express-Courier ran headlines and extra
issues to announce contract between the Mountain
States Growers Marketing Association & the Great
Western Sugar Company. In addition to the 8 minimum for
1926 sugar beets (which is an increase of $2 per ton over
last year) the grower will get a figure (determined by a
sliding scale) higher than last year if volume of
production increases and a bonus for volume of
production. The Great Western collects the Beet Growers
Association dues. This attractive contract insures a
record beet acreage for Colorado for next year. Crop
conditions are favorable for A BIG YIELD!!! The
Sugar Company and the Beet Growers Association are in
perfect accord. All this spells of prosperity and great
activity for 1926.
BEET FIELD LABOR
FORT COLLINS YESTERDAYS-Swanson (page 64)
Summarizes the work done by the incoming laborers in
1924! Described their arrival in April in time for the
blocking and thinning of the beets. The hoeing was the
next BIG CHORE, the second hoeing ended in late
July. Then there was no hand labor needed until the
October harvest. Loosened by horsedrawn machines (called
"lifters") then pulled by hand & thrown in
piles to be topped. The worker, with a knife in his right
hand, hooked up the beet & chopped off the crown of
leaves with a sharp downward stroke. He used a knife
eighteen inches long with a hook. Fort Worth and
El Paso were the leading recruiting centers for the best
field workers. The basic problem was that of seasonal
fluctuation. Many families depended on seasonal labor
& had no regular income for large parts of the year.
POSTWAR DEPRESSION ON FARMS
DEMOCRACY'S COLLEGE-Hansen (page 294-295)
1920
Inflation was rampant, according to the State's Board of
Agriculture. There was an inequitable tax situation
existing, along with the existing drought. Gas
powered tractors made their introduction to farming.
LARIMER COUNTY CENTER
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1928
Larimer County is still the best agricultural and
livestock county in the State. In no other county of
Colorado are fed as many sheep & cattle as in Larimer
County. Lots of manure & crop rotation increases
productiveness of soil. Most crops in the county are kept
here for livestock. This is a health condition and
insures continued fertility of our soils.
DENVER POST ARTICLES
1926
Fort Collins Producing Corp.
Earns over $5 per share (7-19-1926 16/1)
Larimer Co. output is over 5,000 lbs per day (12-8-1926
30/1)
1927
Water system finished (8-4-1927 4/7)
Contract let for irrigation reservoir (8-25-1927 10/8)
PEOPLE
FATHER JOSEPH PIERRE TRUDEL & HOLY FAMILY
CHURCH
FORT COLLINS YESTERDAYS-Swanson (pages 64-66)
1929
He was ordained in Quebec in 1901, studied in Paris.
Joseph came to Colorado for his health in 1911. He
rapidly learned Spanish & concentrated on the needs
of this part of the population. In 1924, he came to Fort
Collins & remained until 1936. First priest since the
French-Canadian's to minister to the Spanish speaking
people. Establishing 7 mission chapels for Spanish
speaking people in Northern Colorado. The construction of
the church of the Holy Family occurred in 1929 in Fort
Collins. This happening unified the Spanish speaking
Catholics here. Father Trudel began services in 1924,
with a building bought from the Presbyterians. C. V.
Maddux was in charge of Mexican Labor (for Great Western)
for they attended the dedication. The Company had
contributed to the purchase price on his recommendation.
He assumed the Catholic position, that all religious
makings were for a social good. There were 500 in the
audience.
DENVER POST ARTICLES
1927
John H. Nightingale is postmaster (4-8-1927 1/8)
GOVERNMENT/CITY DEVELOPMENT
CHILD LABOR ISSUE
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (10/28/1921)
Two Denver Club women visited Fort Collins to get
opinions from people in sugar producing county on a bill
they wanted to initiate at the next general election. The
bill would have prohibited children under the age of 14
from working in the beet fields. Dr. C. A. Lory called a
meeting of the Y.M.C.A. 30 representative citizens were
invited to hear & confer with the Denver ladies. That
is, those who were concerned with children's safety &
education. General opinions of Fort Collins
representatives were that present laws were adequate to
provide for education & safety of children, if
properly enforced.
FORT COLLINS COMMUNITY NEEDS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (1/13/1929)
A poll was conducted based on responses to a questioner.
It inquired of what Fort Collins needed most." The
voting was done on 50 top suggestions. The top 3 were: 1)
Provisions of money & work during the slack period of
the year. 2) Municipal light & power plant. 3)
Rerouting of Colorado & Southern railroad line to
come in from East & use Union Pacific Station.
NEW ZONING ORDINANCE
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (5/31/1929)
The city council (at its Friday session) voted
unanimously to adopt the ordinance. "The measure is
designed to evaluate and restrict the use of lands &
buildings, to limit the height of buildings & to
determine the size of yards surrounding buildings. Its
purpose is the promotion of health, general welfare &
stabilization of property value. This was accomplished by
restricting each type of residence, business and industry
to its specified district". Divided into
residential, commercial & industrial districts. There
were 3 residential classes, 2 commercial classes & 1
industrial class. The new zoning ordinance went into
effect June 14th. Ordinance printed in the June issue of
the Fort Collins Express-Courier with maps.
WATERWORKS EXPANSION
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (9/19/1928)
New reservoir & pipelines will supply water for the
next 25 years of growth. Up to a population of 45,000.
Large amount of water available for domestic use IS A
BIG Fort Collins privilege! System is considered
"equalled by few Colorado cities".
NO SUNDAY BUSINESS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (12/07/1924)
City Council discussed an ordinance prohibiting the
operation of "business houses" on Sunday. The
discussion was the result of a recent violation, although
it had been discussed sometime before. L. R. Temple
(attorney for Harry Speak who was ousted for violating
the ordinance) questioned the ability of some of the
provisions of the ordinance to stand the test of
constitutionality in court. Drug stores were an exception
to the rule (medicine & refreshments were the
reason). The problem of business men who observe some
other day than Sunday as Sabbath was discussed. Some
overlapping of goods pointed to the fact that Drug Stores
& Restaurants were selling items which might be in
grocery stores (which were not allowed to be open). This
hinted of unfair competition! The overall opinion was
that Fort Collins citizens favored Sunday closings.
CITY GOVERNMENT
FORT COLLINS YESTERDAYS-Swanson (page 240)
1925
1920 ordinance allowed NO WAGONS loaded with beet
pulp to park on pavement. A 1927 ordinance called for
beautification of trees & the City, but not much done
until Clark Jorgensen was appointed arborist in 1963.
There was a zoning ordinance in 1929, but NO BOARD
to enforce it until new charter of 1954.
Mayors: 1918-24 Fred W. Stover
1924-30 Frank R. Montgomery
CENSUS CHALLENGED
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (5/12(16)/1920)
Express newspaper is upset over census reports
which give Fort Collins' population as 8,734, a gain of
only 524. Express says count is a "Slap in
the City's Face, every citizen can prove his loyalty in
backing the recount." An article states Fort Collins
is actually about twice that size, 12,000 to 15,000 is
the estimation. A recount should be paid for; Express
newspaper will start collection with a $100 donation.
They urged Fort Collins citizens to stand up for Fort
Collins and pay for the recount. Fort Collins Commercial
club decided to make recount of city's population.
Population would be about 10,000, still enough of a
difference to justify recount.
CITY RECALL MOVEMENT
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (11/04/1921)
One or possibly ALL of the City commissioners will
be required if plans set afoot by the Taxpayers League at
its' Thursday night meeting in the district courtroom are
carried through to a successful termination. The League
passed a motion instructing the executive committee to
initiate a recall of one or more of the City
commissioners. This action was taken as a climax of the
meeting, which was called to consider a report on the
reception of the petition initiated by the League for the
amendment of two ordinances received at the hands of the
City Clerk. This action also was in view of a report made
to the meeting, charging the City with wasting money and
the council with making an insincere attempt to reduce
the cost of City government in its' wage cutting. 5 of 7
League Officials opposed to a recall movement. Mayor
Stover & other City officials expressed a willingness
to cooperate in any investigation.
FIRST TRAFFIC LIGHT
TRIANGLE REVIEW (History Section page 82)
1925
From the scrapbook--"The Good Old Days". Light
was installed at Mountain and College. It was an old
model with red & green arms that came down to control
traffic. It had dual indicators to cut down on possible
accidents. Cost for installation, in 1925 approximately
$2,500.
FANCHER SARCHET SHOT/TRIAL
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1927
Fancher Sarchet came to Fort Collins in 1906. His
flamboyant personality made him a likely target, as
people either loved him or hated him. "In a manner
bearing all the marks of a professional gunman, local
attorney (Fancher Sarchet) was shot with a shotgun by an
unknown assailant. This person committed an early phase
of the "drive-by shooting." It took place on
the Adult Highway, about 5 miles northwest of the City at
10:30 P.M. Friday night. The victim of the attack is at
Larimer County Hospital, where he is in serious
condition. It is feared that he may lose the sight of his
left eye. Officers were baffled. The eye was later
removed. A complaint was filed, charging J. J.
Verstraten, Perry W. Johnbeck & Clyde J. Bartelson
with assault with intent to kill. Bartelson is alleged to
have confessed to the shooting. He said Verstraten hired
himself & Johnbeck to do it. Verstraten was tried in
May in District Court in Greeley, Weld County. Jury
disagreed after being out fifty hours. Bartelson
confessed to the actual shooting, he was sentenced to
serve from 18 months to 14 years. The charge of attempted
murder pending against Johnbeck. He drove the rented
automobile, according to Bartelson. A new trial for
Verstraten was set for Dec. The cases were taken to Weld
County. This was after prosecutor obtained order for a
change of venue, after charging prejudice upon part of
the Larimer County people. The case was reopened again in
January, amidst charges of jury tampering. The jury &
witnesses were dismissed for the day. Verstraten was
found not guilty of assault with intent to kill. The case
against Johnbeck was dismissed, due to lack of evidence.
STOLEN HAIR
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1922
14 year old Ellen Ryder had her hair stolen as she slept
on a curtained porch at the rear of her family's home at
938 W. Mountain Avenue. Apparently an intruder lifted the
hooklatch with something and then punched through a small
slit in the screen. They found some scissors on the
dining room table. He/She returned to the porch, where
he/she cut the long braided hair (which reached below the
waist), possibly intending to re-sell it.
DENVER POST ARTICLES
1921
Tax payers start recall movement (11-5-1921 7/5)
1922
Woolworth Store robbed of $400 (3-7-1922 9/1)
Is temporary military center with 300 regulars, student
soldiers and army aviators (5-25-1922 5/3)
1925
Rev. F. Moore asks injunction vs. roadhouse (3-1-1925
9/4)
H. J. Doss to cross question the Rev. (3-1-1925 14/4)
Suit in court (roadhouse) (3-17-1925 8/1)
Six men file jail bars (11-14-1925 3/3)
A. Drees and son killed in laundry explosion (12-11-1925
1/7)
1927
Foremen and policemen get raises (7-24-1927 12/7)
Bandits rob post office of $10,000 and flee in direction
of (on back of card) (7-25-1927 4/1)
Same as above (7-25-1927 1/8)
No trace of bandits (7-26-1927 3/2)
James and Floyd Vandewark, icemen, held on water theft
charge (7- 27-1927 16/5)
Riverside Ice and Cold Storage Co. fined $150 for using
city water (8-12-1927 3/6)
State closes it 24 hours 8-26-27 5/1 Mistrial in water
hearing (8-16-1927 3/3)
Canned goods are stolen (9-5-1927 9/7 S2)
1928
Avery block burns (2-7-1928 2/2)
Election April 3 (2-19-1928 12/1)
Election to be April 3, Sheep Feeders Day (3-10-1928
22/4)
Sawmill burns (6-23-1928 5/1)
Hotel men protest city tourist camp (7-15-1928 12/3)
1929
Supreme Court holds tax for paving rwy street center
invalid (9-30-1929)
Three Mexicans burned to death in ranch house (9-30-1929
14/1)
To have airport (11-29-1929 14/7)
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
COLORADO SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE CLOSES
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (4/1/1927)
With the graduation of 13 seniors at the annual
commencement exercises in the Agricultural College
auditorium Thursday night, the Colorado School of
Agriculture brought to a close its 18 years of service as
a short course secondary vocational school. President
Charles A. Lory of the Agricultural College, who
established the school in 1909 (shortly after he began
service as president) was the commencement speaker. He
recounted some of the important things that the school
has worked for and accomplished.
STUDENT PRANKS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (5/20/1923)
22 students made news by scaring sorority girls by
walking a goat through sorority houses on the night of
May 1st. They were suspended for 2 weeks; they would
probably miss finals & fail.
COLLEGE PRACTICE HOUSE
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (6/18/1921)
A formerly ill baby turned out to be part of the
equipment at the home economics practice house. Six girls
(taking domestic science) learned to keep house by
actually doing it. College instructor & six girls
cared for the baby, who required a special diet. The
mother visited each day.
FIVE-MILL LEVY
DEMOCRACY'S COLLEGE-Hansen (page 291-292)
1920
By the State legislature for higher education, the
five-mill levy was voted on after a college-led campaign.
STATE BIBLE COLLEGE
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1928
Established on Sept. 1, 1927, in Fort Collins. It
succeeded the Christian Bible College of Colorado,
formerly located in Denver. The Colorado Bible College is
one of a chain of colleges conducted by the International
Bible Mission of Eugene, Oregon. They had classes in
Liberal Arts, Classical and Biblical Religious Education,
Teachers Training and Natural Bible Courses.
CIVIC
FDR IN FORT COLLINS
COLORADOAN (7/5/1980)
10/07/1920
See museum for extensive files!
THRIFT DAY
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (4/15/1926)
Fort Collins will have a weekly thrift day starting next
week. This has been arranged by the Merchants Bureau of
the Chamber of Commerce, to stimulate shopping on
Wednesday and to attract more shoppers to the city in
greater numbers. Wednesday of each week will be the day
for "thrifty buyers." Thrift specials
advertised on Monday offer a certain item for a special
price on Wednesday.
SECRETARY WORK VISITS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (7/19/1927)
Dr. Hubert Work (Secretary of the Interior & former
Colorado resident) was in Fort Collins. An audience of
more than 1,000 heard Dr. Hubert Work discuss one of the
most vital issues of the day at the College auditorium
Monday night. It was at that time he was presented to
Fort Collins citizens & Summer School students, under
the auspices of the Colorado Agricultural College.
Secretary Work paid personal tribute to President Charles
A. Lory (who was introduced to him) & to A. A.
Edwards, chairman of the State Board of Agriculture (who
was present) and also to Dr. Edward Mead
(U.S.Commissioner of Reclamation) formerly a member of
the faculty here. He is now ill in a Denver Hospital.
WINDSOR BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1924
Windsor High School won the National Interscholastic
Basketball Championship Tournament, defeating Yankton
S.D. 25-6 in the Championship game. The tournament
involved schools from all over the USA. Windsor was the
Northern Colorado Conference Champion, school only had
enrollment of 120. Town population was 1,300. That event
made for BIG HEADLINES in the Express-Courier.
Town of Windsor "went crazy" when they
heard the news from Chicago. Fort Collins contributed to
welcome home celebration for "The Wizards".
NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPS
COLORADOAN
1927
Fort Collins High School won the National Track
Championship 3 years in a row, to bring home the
silver Chicago Cup (had to win it 3 times to get
permanent possession). Coached by Ted Blevins (field
events) & George Scott (track). They took 6 places in
the Hammer Throw, which provided the edge over the other
teams.
FCHS TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP
Miller Collection-FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1925
Fort Collins High School track team and Coach George
Scott were welcomed home from Chicago (where the team won
the National Championship at the National Interscholastic
meet at Chicago) originated by Amos Alonzo Stagg.
FORT COLLINS NEW HIGH SCHOOL
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1928
Land for a 3 story building & frontage park was
donated by L. C. Moore. A bond was issued for $400,000
for the building passed in 1923. The old High School was
too crowded. South College location was considered
advantageous because of the beauty of the surroundings
& the accessibility of near-by streetcars. The
cornerstone was laid in 1924; the building was completed
in 1925. Ironically, Fort Collins built a new Fort
Collins High School in 1995 for the same reason as
before.
NATIONAL TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1925
Massive headlines announce the news that Fort
Collins High School had won the National Championship.
Fort Collins High School (which last year tied for 2nd),
today (June 6th) won the National Interscholastic meet
held here under the auspices of the University of Chicago
by a margin of 7 & 1\2 points. Fort Collins' total
was 20 & 1\2. Most of the points came in field
events. A BIG CELEBRATION was planned to welcome
home the champs! Businesses were urged to close.
FARMER-MERCHANT PARTY
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1928
The Farmer-Merchant Party began in 1925, it was an annual
event in Fort Collins. Fort Collins businessmen were host
to State officials and Northern Colorado Farmers. In 1928
the entertainment included: Clowns, acrobatics &
orchestra members. The party was held at the College
gymnasium. Express-Courier & Fort Collins
merchants held open house. Gov. Ammons attended.
PROSPECT PARTY
MUSEUM (VOGUE) SCRAPBOOK
1921
Within the limits of Fort Collin's City Park, there was
once a large grandstand and race track (Fairgrounds &
rodeo plus horse races). Frank C. Miller (well known
showman, artist & trick shooter) was the manager.
This was called the Fort Collins Roundup. The events
were: 1) Drills by U.S. troops of the military detachment
of C.A.C. 2) Ducking mules and burros 3) Expert and fancy
shooting by Frank C. Miller & Captain A. H. Hardy.
"The World's Greatest Crack Shots." 4) Potato
sack races 5) Ladies bronco riding 6) A night shirt race
7) An umbrella race. Purses ranged from $25 to $250
daily. There was a downfall however, as someone had left
the gate open at Prospect Park. The stock escaped!! They
trampled many lawns, gardens & etc.
A GREAT DEAL OF VEGETATION! Whoever left the gate
open had to face the wrath of the people & the
Chamber of Commerce. Frank Miller took his show to
Greeley the next year. There, they started the famous
Greeley Spud Rodeo. In the late 1920s, the grandstand
burned down.
ROUNDUP
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1922
The Fort Collins Roundup was an annual event, delighting
crowds with Wild West Events. The 1922 version featured
"Bucking Broncos, Races, Shooting, Bulldogging a
steer from an automobile, Trick & Fancy Riding and
Roping". Sioux Indians also performed dances. Mr.
& Mrs. Frank Miller managed the show. Committees from
the Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions Clubs contributed along with
the Chamber of Commerce.
YWCA
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1928
Founded in 1920, they used the YMCA facilities. They were
sponsored by two different groups. The first being the
Blue Triangle Couriers. They were on a splendid program
throughout the year, a program of social, spiritual &
intellectual helpfulness for business girls and women.
The second group was the Girl Reserves who sought to
develop leadership & train girls in high ideals of
living.
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S CLUB
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1928
Membership in the club is confined to women in business
and professionals. All types of jobs are represented by
more than 50 members. The local chapter is affiliated
with the State Organization and was organized in 1926.
Its motto: Better Business Women for a Better Business
World!!
COMMUNITY ENTERTAINERS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (9/19/1928)
A 35 member non-profit troupe is giving performances of
one acts free. They are charging only a small fee,
sufficient to meet expenses. They are doing this, when
more pretentious plays are being offered. The Community
Entertainers are organized for the purpose of developing
dramatic talent and raising standards of amateur
theatrical activities of the community.
BETTER BABY CONTEST
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1927
Results in the Fort Collins Express-Courier's
"Better Baby Contest"(which closed Nov.18th)
have just been received from the Denver experts who did
the judging. As predicted the judges found GREAT
DIFFICULTY in narrowing the selection from the 360
entrants. They reported there should have been prizes for
every baby. Judith A. Norton (daughter of Dr. and Mrs. D.
O. Norton, 316 S. College Avenue) was awarded first
place, which entitled the parents to a free oil painting
of the baby.
FIDDLERS CONTEST
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1926
Over 30 contestants entered the Old Fiddlers contest for
Larimer County, sponsored by the Fort Collins
Express-Courier & the Lyric Theater. Over $150 in
prizes, held February 8th & 9th. Five best chosen on
each night to compete for championship to be held Wed.,
Feb. 10th. "The Fort Collins Express-Courier
is putting Fort Collins on the map as the Fiddlers'
Capital of the west. It recognizes NO RIVAL
outside Missouri." Henry Ford (the patron saint of
the old fiddlers) was impersonated by W. E. Vaplor, who
presided at the contest at the Lyric Theater on Monday.
Contest was won by Adam Deines, an aged German who played
on a fiddle brought from Russia many years ago.
DENVER POST ARTICLES
1922
Annual roundup July 3,4 and 5th (6-29-1922 15/7)
Roundup boosters in Denver (7-1-1922 11/3)
1924
Cornerstone laid on new high school (5-9-1924 26/3)
1925
St. Joseph Catholic Church to build $60,000 school
(3-22-1925 14/8)
1927
Booster week (2-18-1927 20/1)
Fourth annual Lamb Feeders Day (3-27-1927 7/1)
1928
Parent Teacher Association on dancing question (2-18-1928
8/2)
Parents form dance club for children (3-10-1928 7/5)
American Legion to build clubhouse (5-24-1928 6/5)
1929
Mayday fete to be March (4 4-18-1929 27/4)
Spanish Catholic Church new building starts work
(4-19-1929 10/3)
Highschool safe cracked (9-23-1929 6/4)
NATURAL PHENOMENA
CYCLONE NEAR TOWN
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (5/6/1920)
"A record breaking" cyclone swept across the
county eight miles east of Fort Collins, about 2:30
yesterday afternoon & wrecked homes, fences and
telephone poles and everything it's path..... Charles
Westfall's home was destroyed, the roof was taken off
Frank Well's home. No injuries were reported. It lifted a
Ford car & a grain processing mill off the ground,
both were demolished. It was called a "record
breaker" because of heavy damage. Fort Collins had
only thunderstorms & brief periods of hail.
MILITARY ACTIVITIES/WAR
FORT COLLINS NATIONAL GUARD CALLED OUT
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (11/21/1927)
Each man came carrying an automatic pistol with
twenty-one rounds of ammunition (equipped with four
machine guns). Company H (157th Infantry Machine Gun
Company) which was in the command of Capt. Preston J.
Murphy. Left at 1 o'clock Monday for the Columbine mine
where a clash with WW1 veterans occurred this morning.
The Fort Collins Company will receive rifles at the
Loveland Armory in route. The Company consists of 65 men,
nearly ALL of whom left with the command. Several
miners had been killed by State Police (the miners were
attacked near the Lafayette Columbine Mine). Many
injured, including police. In light of this, the National
Guard was called out.
HEALTH/MEDICINE
PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1928
Founded for the purpose of assisting persons who are
deserving but unable to secure proper dental, surgical or
other medical treatment, Larimer County Public Health
Association was formed in 1920. Each year since its'
organization, it has been helping 100 people deserving of
dental and surgical attention. The program was financed
by donations from individuals and sale of Red Cross
Tuberculosis stamps. Until the previous March, the Public
Health Association had supported their own Nurse. They
then went to a combination Nurse employed by the
association and the College. J. H. Setzler was president
of the board. Members included Dr. P. J.McHugh, Miss Emma
T. Wilkins, Mrs. Luella Rhodes & Nurse Joanne Buoy.
Doctors also gave free service to cases recommended by
the Association.
MEDICINE
COLORADOAN
1920
Doctor's Office calls were $1.50. House calls $3.00.
Night calls $5.00. There was no health insurance, no
danger of malpractice suits!!!!! General
practitioners handled surgery. Lots of measles, whooping
cough, typhoid & scarlet fever along with the usual
colds & ailments. No penicillin, insulin or sulphur
for infections. Usually just put patients to bed,
tried to control the fever, & let illness run its
course.
RED CROSS
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1928
The local chapter was organized in 1916. They had offices
in the basement of the Y.M.C.A. building. George Glover
was the first chairman under whom the war archives for
funds were enacted. Families were aided who were left
with no support when the father went to war. Garments
were made by corps of local women. They donated their
services to the Red Cross, and gifts were collected and
distributed to the boys overseas. When the influenza
epidemic spread, the work of the organization doubled but
enthusiasm did not abate. Hospitals were organized in
cooperation with the Agricultural College under the
supervision of Prof. W. J. Morrill. The old barracks
& the civil engineering building on campus served as
temporary structures, caring for College students as well
as those in the student Army Training Corps. The system
was so efficient, that only eight College students (at
the Agricultural College) died of influenza. Hospitals
also were at the First Presbyterian & at Wellington.
It was seen to that returning servicemen & their
families were cared for. Health clinics were held.
Through the 20s, health programs hardened &
strengthened. Doctors, nurses & oculists offered
services to the county. Civilian welfare cases handled on
the average of 15 cases per month in 1928. Home Hygiene
classes were conducted. Free employment bureau especially
benefitted the ex-servicemen; they also prepared for
disaster relief. Swimming classes were also conducted.
NEW HOSPITAL
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1928
Larimer County's new $175,000 hospital (located just
outside Fort Collins) furnishes adequate facilities for
the care of the City & County's sick. It is a
beautiful three-story brick structure erected in 1925. It
completely modernized hospital care in the vicinity. They
had 14,500 patients that year. A description/layout had
been given. Named Larimer County Hospital and in the
mid-sixties its' name was changed to Poudre Valley
Hospital.
CIVIL RIGHTS
KU KLUX KLAN
COLORADO STORY-Hafen & Hafen
1924
"An organization that rose quickly and gained GREAT
POWER in Colorado at this time was the Ku Klux Klan.
It boasted of 'Americanism', but the reality of it was VERY
UN-AMERICAN (for it operated secretly and used its
powers against certain groups of citizens). It elected
the governor (Clarence Mobley), a majority in the
legislature, and several other officials in 1924.
Unscrupulous actions and disagreement among members
quickly brought its' downfall". Dr. John Locke of
Denver was the State "grand dragon". The book
"White-robed Knights" (part of the Miller
collection), contains a complete account!
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1924
See extensive museum files for activities in Fort
Collins & Larimer County.
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1925
The Klan was an influential force in State politics in
the 1920s. In many of the tours over the State, the
attempt of the Ku Klux Klan to control the board of
education's spirit contends. Dr. M. A. Gates and C. S.
Ickes along with the Ku Klux Klan supported candidates
for school directors in Fort Collins. District no. 5 went
down to defeat Monday, in the most hotly contested school
election ever held in Fort Collins. The successful
candidates were Prof. L. L. McDonald (a member of the
Agricultural College Faculty) & L. D. Hall (the Ford
dealer in Fort Collins). The election brought out many
more voters than usual. Lone Klan candidates in the State
fared better including two in Denver & Longmont.
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER (Editorial in Miller
Collection, page 240)
1924
The Ku Kluxers have had a man here the past few days
trying to organize Fort Collins. This old town is doing
pretty well and feels NO NEED of the strife,
dissension and turmoil that usually follow when the Klan
gets a good hold. Fort Collins will do well to let other
places experiment with the Klan. If it is a good thing,
there will be plenty of time to take it on after it has
proved beneficial in other places. The town is
over-organized right now, without burning a fiery cross
or putting on a nightshirt parade.
TRANSPORTATION
CHRISTMAN FIELD (AIRFIELD)
MILLER COLLECTION-FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1925
Mayor Frank R. Montgomery and others inspected possible
sites for the local airfield. Site was located at the
West end of LaPorte Avenue. Chosen, and later named for
Lt. Bert Christman (first U.S. World War II casualty).
Shot down as pilot for the Flying Tigers, who were in
combat with the Japanese. City Aviation Department formed
by the City Council. $3,000 appropriated for maintenance
and operation of the airfield.
AIRPORT DEDICATION
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1929
Commander Paul V. McNutt of the American Legion will
dedicate the Fort Collins airport (at 9:00 A.M. Tuesday
morning) to the use of aviators in ceremonies to be held
at the field in the A.M. With the delivery of a brief
dedication address (and the removal of a silvered rock
signifying final preparation of the Fort Collins
airport). Plane to leave for Denver with sack of airmail
to advertise the availability of the Fort Collins field.
FORT COLLINS-DENVER BUSINESS LINE
FORT COLLINS EXPRESS-COURIER
1921
A bus line between Denver & Fort Collins was
established Monday, according to messengers Frank W.
Swerer and George Hinman. They made the trip with the
first bus over the proposed route. Bus was a white car
with a 12 passenger capacity. It was operated by Paradox
Land and Transport Company, headquartered in Denver.
Routes also reached included: Broomfield, Lafayette,
Longmont, Berthoud & Loveland.
The headquarters for the busses in Fort Collins will be
at the Northern Hotel and the Northern Garage. The fare
from Fort Collins to Denver is $2.78, this being twelve
cents above the railroad fare. The rates between other
points are said to be lower than the railroad rates.
DENVER POST ARTICLES
1927
Streetcar fare to be raised (11-6-1927 11/4)
1928
Five autoists (sic) may lose license (8-24-1928 7/2)
1929
Streetcar fare is 5 cents (8-11-1929 12/5)
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