Husung Hardware
a.k.a. 5AL246
625 Main St., Alamosa, COHusung Hardware meets criterion C for its architectural significance as it possesses the distinctive characteristics of Art Deco, a style not well represented in Alamosa County or in other small towns across Colorado. The building's terra cotta-clad façade is highlighted with hard-edged low-relief ornamentation that includes chevrons, volutes, and stylized sunrises. The elongated pilasters that culminate in the stepped parapet successfully convey the vertical emphasis that is also characteristic of the Art Deco style. Occupying only a small lot in Alamosa (population approximately 8,000), this well-preserved building is considered one of the best small-town expressions of Art Deco in the state.
By the late 1920s, new stylistic influences emanating from Europe impacted American architecture. Art Deco was "the first widely popular style in the United States to break with the revivalist traditions represented by the beaux-arts and period houses. It was a style that consciously strove for modernity and an artistic expression to complement the machine age" (Poppeliers et al). Art Deco is characterized by a linear hard-edged or angular composition, often with a vertical emphasis, and highlighted with stylized decoration (Blumensen). Art Deco was essentially a style of decoration that was applied to furniture, jewelry, clothing, handicrafts, as well as architecture.
As a conscious rejection of historical styles and a popular form of ornamentation, Art Deco flourished in America's larger cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Miami Beach. The most elaborate examples of the style in Colorado are found predominantly in the state's largest cities (i.e., De Colorado Springs). Most of Colorado's small town buildings characterized as Art Deco exhibit a simple form with understated verticality and restrained ornamentation. There are some exceptions to this trend-- most notably the 1932 Chaffee County Courthouse in Salida and the 1931 Gunnison Town Hall. However, both of these examples are public buildings, while Husung Hardware represents a commercial application of the style. A search of the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP) database illustrates an interesting pattern. In Colorado's small towns, the Art Deco style was most often reserved for courthouses, municipal buildings, and schools; the style was less frequently used for commercial buildings. Husung Hardware's intact terra cotta facade with its characteristic stylized detailing makes this building a well-preserved example of the Art Deco style. An analysis of the OAHP database indicates Husung Hardware is one of the best small-town expressions of Art Deco identified to date.
Local significance of the building:
By the late 1920s, new stylistic influences emanating from Europe impacted American architecture. Art Deco was "the first widely popular style in the United States to break with the revivalist traditions represented by the beaux-arts and period houses. It was a style that consciously strove for modernity and an artistic expression to complement the machine age" (Poppeliers et al). Art Deco is characterized by a linear hard-edged or angular composition, often with a vertical emphasis, and highlighted with stylized decoration (Blumensen). Art Deco was essentially a style of decoration that was applied to furniture, jewelry, clothing, handicrafts, as well as architecture.
As a conscious rejection of historical styles and a popular form of ornamentation, Art Deco flourished in America's larger cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Miami Beach. The most elaborate examples of the style in Colorado are found predominantly in the state's largest cities (i.e., De Colorado Springs). Most of Colorado's small town buildings characterized as Art Deco exhibit a simple form with understated verticality and restrained ornamentation. There are some exceptions to this trend-- most notably the 1932 Chaffee County Courthouse in Salida and the 1931 Gunnison Town Hall. However, both of these examples are public buildings, while Husung Hardware represents a commercial application of the style. A search of the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP) database illustrates an interesting pattern. In Colorado's small towns, the Art Deco style was most often reserved for courthouses, municipal buildings, and schools; the style was less frequently used for commercial buildings. Husung Hardware's intact terra cotta facade with its characteristic stylized detailing makes this building a well-preserved example of the Art Deco style. An analysis of the OAHP database indicates Husung Hardware is one of the best small-town expressions of Art Deco identified to date.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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Colorado was originally part of the Kansas and Nebraska territories, but was separated and made into its own territory in 1861. It became a state in 1876, 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
About Alamosa County
Alamosa County Timeline
Alamosa County, Colorado, was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ute and Jicarilla Apache. These tribes were semi-nomadic and relied on hunting and gathering for sustenance. Spanish explorers arrived in the region in the 16th century, with Juan de Oñate being one of the first known Europeans to visit the area. The Spanish established settlements and missions, but their presence was disrupted by conflicts with Native American tribes and eventually faded away.
In the mid-19th century, the Colorado Gold Rush brought European-American settlers into the area. Ranching and mining industries started to develop, transforming Alamosa County into an agricultural and commercial center. The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad established a route through the county in 1878, further boosting its growth and connecting it to larger markets.
Alamosa County experienced a significant population increase during the early 20th century due to agricultural expansion, primarily in potato farming and cattle ranching. The town of Alamosa was incorporated in 1878 and became the county seat. Water management projects, such as the establishment of reservoirs and irrigation canals, played a crucial role in supporting the region's agricultural growth.
The county also faced various challenges throughout its history. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s severely impacted the local economy, causing many residents to migrate in search of better opportunities. However, the community worked hard to recover, with the construction of the Alamosa National Fish Hatchery bringing much-needed jobs during the Great Depression. Today, Alamosa County continues to be a prominent agricultural center, while also attracting tourists who come to explore nearby natural attractions such as the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
In the mid-19th century, the Colorado Gold Rush brought European-American settlers into the area. Ranching and mining industries started to develop, transforming Alamosa County into an agricultural and commercial center. The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad established a route through the county in 1878, further boosting its growth and connecting it to larger markets.
Alamosa County experienced a significant population increase during the early 20th century due to agricultural expansion, primarily in potato farming and cattle ranching. The town of Alamosa was incorporated in 1878 and became the county seat. Water management projects, such as the establishment of reservoirs and irrigation canals, played a crucial role in supporting the region's agricultural growth.
The county also faced various challenges throughout its history. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s severely impacted the local economy, causing many residents to migrate in search of better opportunities. However, the community worked hard to recover, with the construction of the Alamosa National Fish Hatchery bringing much-needed jobs during the Great Depression. Today, Alamosa County continues to be a prominent agricultural center, while also attracting tourists who come to explore nearby natural attractions such as the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
Alamosa County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Alamosa County, Colorado.
- 1873 - Alamosa County was established on March 8th.
- 1878 - The first permanent settlement, known as "Old Fort," was established.
- 1881 - The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad reached Alamosa, fueling economic growth.
- 1886 - The town of Alamosa was incorporated on April 22nd.
- 1905 - The Alamosa National Bank, the first bank in the county, was established.
- 1912 - The State Normal School, now Adams State University, was founded.
- 1922 - The Carnegie Public Library opened its doors to the public.
- 1951 - The Great Sand Dunes National Monument was established.
- 2003 - The Alamosa County Museum opened, showcasing the county's history.