Curtis School
a.k.a. 5AH459
2349 E. Orchard Rd., Greenwood Village, COCurtis School is the oldest public building in the City of Greenwood Village and is significant for its historic role in the community life of local residents in Arapahoe County. Although the building has been moved, it meets criterion consideration for its historic social significance and because it is the only historic public building associated with the community which developed in the area. The school is the only building designated a historic landmark by Greenwood Village.
The first Curtis School was founded in 1901 and when the educational demands of the community expanded, the original frame building was replaced by the current brick building in 1914. During the same year, local residents petitioned to create a separate district to administer Curtis School, thereby strengthening their influence on its operation. The school served families in its vicinity for fifty-three years, providing an education for many members of the community, including minority students, and those with physical handicaps during its later years. The early history of the school reflects the story of rural education before the modern period of school district consolidation and testifies to the complex role small rural schoolhouses played during the twentieth century in Colorado.
Curtis School has social significance under criterion A for its role as a focus of local community life and uses it as a community center and public building. During its history, the building has housed a number of public activities. As was typical of the small rural school, the building was the scene of educational performances and school gatherings, such as concerts, plays, and holiday festivities.
In addition, the building played a larger role in the life of the community, as it served as a hall for church services, grange meetings, and government activities. In this way, the building provided a multi-purpose facility essential to local residents' private and public lives. The significance of the building to the community has been demonstrated in recent years when Greenwood Village purchased the building and expended substantial funds to preserve it as a community art and history center.
Curtis School reflects the design and decorative elements typical of small rural schoolhouses during the early twentieth century in Colorado. The building's composition includes architectural features commonly found in small rural schoolhouses, including a one-story symmetrical composition with a hipped roof, an enclosed entrance bay, and large, grouped, and evenly spaced windows. The decorative wood shingles in the gable end, shaped hood braces, stone trim, and shingled bell tower convey the sense of community pride and craftsmanship which went into the school's construction. While the building operated as a school until 1967, the period of significance ends in 1941 to comply with the National Register 50-year rule.
Local significance of the building:
The first Curtis School was founded in 1901 and when the educational demands of the community expanded, the original frame building was replaced by the current brick building in 1914. During the same year, local residents petitioned to create a separate district to administer Curtis School, thereby strengthening their influence on its operation. The school served families in its vicinity for fifty-three years, providing an education for many members of the community, including minority students, and those with physical handicaps during its later years. The early history of the school reflects the story of rural education before the modern period of school district consolidation and testifies to the complex role small rural schoolhouses played during the twentieth century in Colorado.
Curtis School has social significance under criterion A for its role as a focus of local community life and uses it as a community center and public building. During its history, the building has housed a number of public activities. As was typical of the small rural school, the building was the scene of educational performances and school gatherings, such as concerts, plays, and holiday festivities.
In addition, the building played a larger role in the life of the community, as it served as a hall for church services, grange meetings, and government activities. In this way, the building provided a multi-purpose facility essential to local residents' private and public lives. The significance of the building to the community has been demonstrated in recent years when Greenwood Village purchased the building and expended substantial funds to preserve it as a community art and history center.
Curtis School reflects the design and decorative elements typical of small rural schoolhouses during the early twentieth century in Colorado. The building's composition includes architectural features commonly found in small rural schoolhouses, including a one-story symmetrical composition with a hipped roof, an enclosed entrance bay, and large, grouped, and evenly spaced windows. The decorative wood shingles in the gable end, shaped hood braces, stone trim, and shingled bell tower convey the sense of community pride and craftsmanship which went into the school's construction. While the building operated as a school until 1967, the period of significance ends in 1941 to comply with the National Register 50-year rule.
Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
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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The state capital, Denver, was originally called "Denver City" when it was founded in 1858. It was named after James W. Denver, the governor of the Kansas Territory, and the city's founders hoped that he would help promote their new settlement. However, Governor Denver never actually visited the city.
About Arapahoe County
Arapahoe County Timeline
Arapahoe County is located in the state of Colorado in the United States. It was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples. The first European settlers arrived in the area during the mid-19th century, following the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854.
In 1858, gold was discovered in the South Platte River in what is now Arapahoe County. This led to a significant influx of prospectors and settlers, and the establishment of several mining camps. The county was officially established in 1861, just a few years before Colorado achieved statehood.
During this time, Arapahoe County became an important center for trade and cattle ranching. The transcontinental railroad also brought further growth and development to the area. In the late 19th century, the county's economy diversified with the establishment of industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
Over the years, Arapahoe County has experienced significant population growth and urbanization. Cities such as Littleton, Englewood, and Aurora have emerged as prominent economic and cultural hubs. Today, the county is known for its high quality of life, outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse communities, and thriving economy. Arapahoe County continues to evolve and attract new residents and businesses, while also preserving its rich history and natural beauty.
In 1858, gold was discovered in the South Platte River in what is now Arapahoe County. This led to a significant influx of prospectors and settlers, and the establishment of several mining camps. The county was officially established in 1861, just a few years before Colorado achieved statehood.
During this time, Arapahoe County became an important center for trade and cattle ranching. The transcontinental railroad also brought further growth and development to the area. In the late 19th century, the county's economy diversified with the establishment of industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
Over the years, Arapahoe County has experienced significant population growth and urbanization. Cities such as Littleton, Englewood, and Aurora have emerged as prominent economic and cultural hubs. Today, the county is known for its high quality of life, outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse communities, and thriving economy. Arapahoe County continues to evolve and attract new residents and businesses, while also preserving its rich history and natural beauty.
Arapahoe County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Arapahoe County, Colorado.
- 1855 - Arapahoe County is established as one of the original 17 counties of the Colorado Territory.
- 1859 - Gold is discovered in Arapahoe County, leading to a population boom.
- 1861 - The Colorado Territory is divided, and Arapahoe County becomes part of the newly created Jefferson Territory.
- 1862 - The Colorado Territory is reorganized, and Arapahoe County is reestablished.
- 1879 - Denver is separated from Arapahoe County to form its own independent city and county.
- 1902 - The northeastern part of Arapahoe County becomes part of the new Adams County.
- 1965 - Arapahoe County merges with South Arapahoe County to form the present-day Arapahoe County.