Globeville is like an archaeological site. Almost every structure has layers of history buried underneath it, and Sam’s Vintage Ford Parts on 5101 Washington St. is one example. 

A portion of the building uses a remnant of the old Globeville School. This story goes back to the very beginnings of the town. The Globe Smelter, incorporated in 1889, provided some housing for its workers. 

The Globe Hotel on Washington Street had rooms for single men, with a communal dining hall on the second floor. There were also 10 company houses for families on a cul-de-sac on 53rd Avenue and Washington Street known as Sheedy Row. The smelter donated land for a school at 51st and Washington, a benevolent gesture to the community since many of the students were the children of smelter employees.

A few of the teachers were Olga Clark, Ethel Glasgow, Kate Connelly, Mrs. Sibley, Margaret Smith, Ethel Boge and Florence Taylor. The town of Globeville was incorporated in July 1891 and the town council held its meetings in the new building.

School board assemblies in the school were lively affairs with business discussions, refreshments and entertainment. The schoolhouse also served as a polling place during elections. 

The May 23, 1897, edition of the Rocky Mountain News enthusiastically reported, “The closing exercises of the Globeville School were held Friday afternoon. All the children, parents and friends were assembled in one room. The duet, ‘Oh, Mister Postman, Wait,’ was sung by the little Misses Leona Clark and Mary Kluborg. Little Freddie Horn, the beautiful boy soprano singer, was the admiration of all. Miss Cannon, conducted the exercises The Globe Smelter had provided the land for the school, but was not always a responsible neighbor.” 

A November 18, 1904 edition of the Denver Times contained a headline “Schoolhouse Is Almost Wrecked” and continued, “Globeville Institution Showered With Rocks From Blasts in Slag Pile.” 

It seems that some workers from the Globe Smelter were blasting a slag pile north of the schoolhouse at 3 p.m. on a Friday afternoon. The roar of dynamite could be heard throughout the community and anxious parents hurried to the site. 

Every window on the north side of the building was broken, and there was substantial damage to the roof and the foundation. The school’s 300 pupils had been dismissed an hour earlier, averting a complete disaster. 

The smelter paid for repairs to the school, but the building was never the same. By 1923, the structure was declared unsafe and students transferred to Garden Place School. In 1925, the top floor was removed and the school was rented to Charles Pattrick for his hardware store. 

By 1931, the Barr Lumber Company was using the building for its office and the grounds for lumber. The family-owned Sam’s Vintage Ford Parts has occupied the corner for nearly thirty years. 

Mary Lou Egan is a fourth-generation Coloradan who loves history. You can reach her at maryloudesign@comcast.net.

The post Mary Lou Egan: Remnants of the Globeville School  appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

Globeville es como si fuera un sitio arqueológico. Casi cada estructura tiene capas de historia enterradas bajo ella, y Sam’s Vintage Ford Parts, ubicado en el 5101 de Washington Street, es un ejemplo. Parte del edificio conserva restos de la antigua Escuela de Globeville.

La historia se remonta a los orígenes de la ciudad. La fundación Globe Smelter, incorporada en 1889, ofrecía alojamiento a algunos de sus trabajadores. El Hotel Globe, sobre la calle Washington, tenía habitaciones para hombres solteros y un comedor común en el segundo piso. También había 10 casas para familias en una calle sin salida en la 53 con Washington, conocida como Sheedy Row. La fundación donó el terreno para construir una escuela en la 51 con Washington, un gesto benevolente hacia la comunidad, ya que muchos de los estudiantes eran hijos de empleados de la fundición.

Algunas de las maestras fueron Olga Clark, Ethel Glasgow, Kate Connelly, la Sra. Sibley, Margaret Smith, Ethel Boge y Florence Taylor. La ciudad de Globeville se incorporó oficialmente en julio de 1891 y el consejo municipal realizaba sus reuniones en el nuevo edificio.

Las asambleas del consejo escolar eran eventos animados que combinaban asuntos administrativos con refrigerios y entretenimiento. El edificio también servía como centro de votación durante las elecciones.

La edición del 23 de mayo de 1897 del Rocky Mountain News reportó con entusiasmo:

“Las ceremonias de clausura de la Escuela de Globeville se llevaron a cabo el viernes por la tarde. Todos los niños, padres y amigos se reunieron en una sola aula. El dueto ‘Oh, Señor Cartero, Espere’ fue interpretado por las pequeñas Leona Clark y Mary Kluborg. El pequeño Freddie Horn, hermoso niño con voz de soprano, fue la admiración de todos. La señorita Cannon condujo los actos”.

Globe Smelter había donado el terreno para la escuela, pero no siempre fue un vecino responsable. El Denver Times del 18 de noviembre de 1904 encabezó: “La escuela casi destruida”, y continuó: “La institución de Globeville fue bombardeada con piedras por explosiones en un montón de escoria”.

Al parecer, unos trabajadores estaban dinamitando un montón de escoria al norte del edificio escolar un viernes a las 3 de la tarde. El estruendo de la dinamita se escuchó en toda la comunidad y varios padres angustiados acudieron al lugar. Todas las ventanas del lado norte se rompieron y hubo daños significativos en el techo y los cimientos. Los 300 estudiantes habían sido liberados una hora antes, evitando una tragedia mayor.

Globe Smelter pagó por las reparaciones, pero el edificio nunca volvió a ser el mismo. Para 1923, fue declarado inseguro y los estudiantes fueron trasladados a la escuela Garden Place.

En 1925, se retiró el piso superior y el edificio fue alquilado a Charles Pattrick, quien instaló allí su ferretería. Para 1931, la empresa Barr Lumber Company usaba el edificio como oficina y el terreno para almacenar madera. La empresa familiar Sam’s Vintage Ford Parts ocupa la esquina desde hace casi treinta años.

Mary Lou Egan es una coloradense de cuarta generación que ama la historia. Puede contactarla en maryloudesign@comcast.net.

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Nearly every Catholic parish holds a bazaar during the summer months to raise money for operating expenses throughout the year.

But the parishes in North Denver and Globeville offer an invitation to share the heritage of their immigrant founders. If you attend any of these celebrations, peek inside these historic churches: the stained glass windows, altars, statues and stations of the cross are a tribute to the devotion of the immigrant founders. 

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Bazaar

Founded in 1894, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 3549 Navajo St., has been the beating heart of the Italian-American community in Denver for 130 years.

Their parish bazaar features music, Italian sausage or meatball sandwiches, hot dogs, roasted corn, beer, wine and sodas. There will be children’s games and Italian crafts, ceramics and merchandise.

Saturday, July 20, 5-10 p.m.
Sunday, July 21, Mass and procession at 2:30 p.m.; bazaar from 4-9 p.m.

To really savor the Italian essence of Mount Carmel, attend the Feast Day Mass at 2:30 p.m. in this stunning church. Then join the procession bearing the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel through the streets of North Denver.

ourladymountcarmel.com

Potenza Lodge and  the Feast of St. Rocco

Societa Nativi di Potenza Basilicata, more commonly known as the Potenza Lodge, was founded in Denver on Oct. 14, 1899, by immigrants from Potenza, Italy. The society helped newcomers find jobs and housing, and provided support to strangers as they adjusted to life in their new environment. 

Today, the society is committed to keeping Italian traditions alive with the yearly celebration of the Feast of St. Rocco, a lively commemoration of the patron saint of the city of Potenza. 

The festival starts at Potenza Hall, 38th Avenue and Shoshone, with Italian sausage and meatball sandwiches, pizzelles, desserts, beer, wine, games, raffles and music. 

Friday, Aug. 16, and Saturday, Aug. 17, 5-10 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 18, Mass at 11 a.m.; festival from 4-9 p.m. 

Sunday is the big celebration with the procession. Bidding for the privilege of carrying the statue of St. Rocco begins following the 11 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 3549 Navajo St. Immediately following the bidding, there will be a procession of the statue and Papal flag through the streets surrounding the church. 

potenzalodge.com 

Kraljica sv. Roznega Venca, Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish Festival

Holy Rosary Parish at 4688 Pearl St. was founded by Slovenian and Croatian immigrants, and dedicated in 1920. The exquisite windows and statues bear plaques featuring the names of their Slavic donors. As the original ethnic groups moved up the economic ladder, they moved out and a predominantly Hispanic population settled in the neighborhood. Today’s Hispanic parishioners share the working-class background and robust faith of their predecessors.

Sunday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy amazing tacos, flautas, enchiladas, churros, hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas, ice cream, snacks and desserts. In a nod to the Slavic founders, there will be some potica and pizzelles for sale. Games for the kids, entertainment, musical performances, raffles and prizes will keep everyone entertained.

holyrosarydenver.org

St. Joseph’s Polish Roman Catholic Church

From I-70 you can see the red spire of St. Joseph’s Polish Roman Catholic Church at 517 E. 46th Ave. Since its founding in 1902, the parish has been a bastion of Polish culture, and you can experience it at the Polish Food Festival. 

Celebrate all things Polish: Polish craft brews, kiełbasa, potato pancakes, cabbage rolls, pierogi, kraut and Polish pastries. Krakowiacy Polish Dancers will perform traditional Polish dances, and the Amber Band and DJ SKI will provide dance music. Treat yourself to Denver’s best Polish celebration. 

Saturday, Aug. 24, noon to 9 p.m. 
Sunday Aug. 25, noon to 5 p.m.

facebook.com/polishfoodfestival/

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By Mary Lou Egan

It’s fun, it’s free and you’ll be glad you came! Join the Denver Woman’s Press Club for an open mic event on Friday, April 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at its historic clubhouse at 1325 Logan.

Members and nonmembers are welcome. Parking is free in the adjacent lot to the north.

Drinks and snacks are also free, and the atmosphere is warm and nurturing. A supportive audience is eager to hear your work. Take the mic and read a published work, a rough draft or an embryonic thought. Bring a friend to cheer you on while you read.

Drinks start to pour at 5. The mic opens at 5:15 and closes at 6:30. Sign up with Dianne Blomberg at the clubhouse from 5 to 5:15. Time yourself to 5 minutes, 45 seconds. You will be stopped at exactly 6 minutes. There is no advance list. First come, first served. Don’t be late. Spots fill quickly.

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By Mary Lou Egan

In order to grow, writers need to cultivate and practice their craft. Fortunately, there is the Denver Woman’s Press Club (DWPC), which has been nurturing and celebrating writers since 1898.

Strengthen your creative muscles at DWPC’s Open Mic on Friday, March 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at its historic clubhouse at 1325 Logan. Both members and non-members are welcome. Parking is free in the adjacent lot to the north.

Drinks and snacks are free, and the vibe is priceless. A supportive and friendly audience is eager to hear your work. Take the mic and read a work in progress, a rough draft or a published piece. Bring a friend or cheer on those who read. 

Drinks start to pour at 5. The mic opens at 5:15 and closes at 6:30. Sign up with Dianne Blomberg at the clubhouse from 5 to 5:15. Time yourself to 5 minutes, 45 seconds. You will be stopped at exactly 6 minutes. There is no advance list. First come, first served. Don’t be late. Spots fill quickly.

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By Mary Lou Egan

Start the New Year by nurturing your creative side. Have you been jotting down parts of poems, beginning lines of a novel or short story? Perhaps you have dialogue from a play that could use some feedback. You’ve been meaning to develop your talent, and this is an opportunity to share your work.

The Denver Women’s Press Club invites members and non-members alike to Open Mic from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12, at their historic clubhouse at 1325 Logan St. Free parking is available in the lot to the north.

Grab a free drink and a snack, then take the mic to read something rough, explore an idea or share a published piece. Feeling timid? Bring a friend or cheer on those who read. This is a friendly and supportive environment.

Drinks start to pour at 5 p.m. The mic opens at 5:15 and closes at 6:45. Sign up with Dianne Blomberg at the clubhouse from 5-5:15. Time yourself to 4 minutes, 45 seconds. You will be stopped at exactly 5 minutes. There is no advance list. First come, first served. Don’t be late. Spots fill quickly.

This is one New Year’s resolution you’ll be glad you kept. Connect with fellow writers and stoke that creative fire.

The post For All Writers: Denver Women’s Press Club Hosts Open Mic Jan. 12 appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

There are lots of cultural events on Denver’s Northside, but there are two ethnic parish festivals in nearby Globeville that you won’t want to miss. 

On Sunday, August 29th, Holy Rosary Parish will host its bazaar from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. Check out amazing tacos, hot dogs, hamburgers, flautas, enchiladas, churros, sodas, ice cream, snacks, and desserts. There will be games for the kids, face painting, the Wick School Irish Dancers, Matachines Dancers, musical performances, raffles, and prizes. Tours of historic Holy Rosary will be offered at 1:00 pm in English and 3:00 pm in Spanish. Holy Rosary can be found at 4688 Pearl Street.

https://www.facebook.com/HolyRosaryChurchDenver

Get in touch with your inner Slav at the granddaddy of church festivals: the Orthodox Food Festival and Old Globeville Days held at Holy Transfiguration of Christ Orthodox Cathedral at 349 E. 47th Avenue. Mark Saturday, September 11th on your calendar. From 11:00 am until 7:30 pm there will be an extravaganza of ethnic food, drinks, and desserts from Greece, Romania, Russia, Eritrea, Mexico, Serbia, Italy, and Ukraine. Musical and dance performances, craft beers, and Slivovitz! Crafts, art, iconography, books, and games for the children will keep everyone entertained. Take a tour of the exquisite 120-year-old Cathedral. One day only – don’t miss it.

https://www.facebook.com/orthodoxfoodfestival

Mary Lou Egan is a fourth-generation Coloradan who loves history, especially stories about immigrants in the West. She is a graduate of the University of Denver and a member of History Colorado, Historic Denver, and several organizations that preserve immigrants’ experiences.

She is working on a history of Denver’s Globeville neighborhood. Her blog http://globevillestory.blogspot.com contains tidbits about the community.

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