AURORA MUSEUM FOUNDATION

The story of Aurora, Colorado

July 2006

                        July 2006 Newsletter of the Aurora Museum Foundation     

                 
History Museum’s Exhibit Salutes Nation’s Soldiers

    Other  uniformed mannequins  depict  US solders fully equipped for action in World War II, the Korean War and the First Gulf War. There  is  also  in  the  exhibit an extensive collection of weapons that  were  used  by  American soldiers from 1856  until the present along with an extensive collection of other equipment.

    Because  soldiers  walked  to  their  battlefields  prior  to  the 20th century,  equipment  carried  into  battle was fairly light.  Today’s soldier often  wears  heavy armor and carries  heavy communications equipment. The  traditional  40-pound backpack  carried  by  World War I and World War II American soldiers has been replaced by up to l40 pounds of equipment worn by today’s soldiers who arrive at the battlefield in a vehicle or helicopter.

    Radio  Station  KEZW  has signed on as the media sponsor for the On the Backs of Soldiers exhibit and  is  providing extensive  promotional assistance.  Town  Center  of  Aurora  has  also provided  support for  the exhibit.

    Admission  to  the  Aurora History Museum, located at l505l East Alameda avenue is free.  The Museum is open from Tuesday  through Friday from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m. on Saturday and Sunday from ll a. m. to 4 p. m.

    A  special  program  complimenting  the  On the Backs of Soldiers exhibit  will  be  presented at the Aurora History Museum on Sunday, July 16 at 2 p. m.  Entitled  From Sand Creek To Vietnam- Colorado’s Veterans: A Diverse Culture will bring the community together with stories of veterans fro diverse backgrounds who found a commonality on America’s battlefields.  Storyteller and singer, Pat Mendoza, will pay homage to some of America’s unsung heroes. The program cost is $3 for Aurora  residents and $4 for non-residents.

    While On the Backs of Soldiers is on display in the history museum’s Gallery 2, it’s popular 10th Mountain Division exhibit is scheduled for a  repeat showing in the museums’s East Hallway..
 
 

    Opportunities and challenges for important historic preservation projects were unexpectedly dropped in the lap of Aurora Historic Preservation Commission during the past couple of months.   Not long after the commission was informed that Aurora’s historic Dutch Mill must be moved or lost, members learned that there is a well-preserved trolley car that once served Aurora that needs to be salvaged.

    The Dutch Mill story was reported in the May Foundation Newsletter.  Donn Eley purchased the Colfax avenue mobile home park on which the Dutch Mill is located and plans to redevelop the property.  His plans include building a shelter for parents visiting cancer patients at the new Children’s Hospital that will be called Brent’s Place in honor of a son who died of cancer at a young age. His plans for development of the property do not include keeping the miniature Dutch windmill which has been an Aurora landmark since 1927.

    The windmill, which has been used for a variety of businesses in its eight decades, was built by Arthur Hart who had been a patient at Fitzsimons Army Hospital after World War I.  Hart also built l0 small cottages that he rented to families visiting Fitzsimons patients as well as a home for his family.  The home and the Dutch Mill remain but the l0 rental cottages are gone–replaced by mobile homes.

    Officials of the Aurora Preservation Commission and the Aurora Historical Society have met with city officials to discuss moving and saving the Dutch Mill.  There appears to be general agreement that the windmill should be preserved but there has not been agreement on a decision on where it should be moved.

    Preservationists prefer to have it remain in the neighborhood of  the Fitzsimons medical campus of the University of Colorado because of its strong association with the Fitzsimons Army Hospital.  Directors of the Aurora Historical Society and the Aurora Museum Foundation have expressed support for saving the Dutch Mill as have members of the North Aurora, Del Mar and Hoffman Heights neighborhood associations.

    In May, members of the Historic Preservation Commission learned that a well-preserved relic of Denver and Aurora’s electric trolley days is encased in an Aurora home that is scheduled to be destroyed.

    The Denver Tramway Company’s Trolley No. 605 was built in l9l3-l9l4 by the Woeber Car Company of Denver.  The trolley trailer is believed to have been used to transport passengers to the Geneva street “Y’ in Aurora until October 11, l932 when trolley service to Aurora was cut back to Poplar street in Denver.  From that time until trolley service was halted in all of Denver in l950, passengers were transported to Fitzsimons Army Hospital from Poplar street by the Fitsimons Bus and Taxi Service on its Route 2l.

    Trolley No. 605 was one of three sold to Dr. Edwin Perott of Aurora.  He moved the trolley to farmland near the corner of Colfax avenue and Airport boulevard in Aurora and converted it into the living room of the house he was building.  It remained there for more than half a century, nearly intact and perfectly preserved.

    There are plans carefully remove the house from around the trolley and move the trolley to the city’s  central facilities site on Potomac street.  Restoration of the trolley and a permanent site for it to be displayed are in the planning stage.

 The Dutch Mill is a miniature of working mills. Trolley No 605 resembles this early Denver Streetcar.

      By Gordon Davis, executive director, Aurora History Museum
    These are busy times for the Aurora History Museum staff with on-going discussions about saving the Dutch Mill, moving a 1913-1914 trolley, readaptive use of the DeLaney Farm milk barn, maintenance of  historic sites buildings, establishing programs for the On the Backs of Soldiers exhibit which runs until September 17, planning 2007 museum exhibits which will include Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln’s Journey to Emancipation from January 4 to February 23, placing digitized collections on the city’s intranet system and working on strategies for generating greater revenue.

    The month of May was Historic Preservation Month which was very successful and included the dedication of the Smoky Hill Trail marker on May 20 and a volunteer effort resulting in the stabilization of buildings at DeLaney Farm and Coal Creek School on May 13.

    The volunteer effort at DeLaney farm and Coal Creek School was an overwhelming success.  Leadership Aurora, Class of 2006, created a spirited community-wide day of volunteerism on May l3.  This day of giving was designed to inspire all citizens of Aurora to participate in an activity that brings people together and gives back to our community.  Leadership Aurora teams and over 40 volunteers provided exceptional service on May l3 to the Historic Sites.

    The Leadership Aurora crew supervisors: Danny Wilcox from the Aurora Fire Department, Marci Maxwell from the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and Rick Stanzyk from Adolfson and Peterson Construction coordinated and recuited the volunteers who were joined by staff members of the Aurora History Museum and Aurora Historic Sites.

    The Historic Preservation Commission and the Aurora Museum Foundation provided snacks and lunch for the volunteers. Three main projects were adopted: milk barn, loafing shed and Coal Creek school.  Here’s what was accomplished that helped Aurora’s historic sites:

Milk Barn at DeLaney Farm Historic District: Replaced broken window, removed metal storage bin, removed interior center concrete trough which divided the interior space and prohibited use of 60 per cent of the room, patched holes in concrete floor, completed interior cladding of walls with 1x8x8 cedar boards covering the raw studs, completed interior framing of windows with 1x4 pine, primed and painted the pine framing around interior windows, relocated blacksmithing equipment to back of the milk barn to provide more space for classroom activities, removed shingles, downspouts, wood scraps and metal scraps from classroom interior, scraped the painted the exterior of the Milk Barn and the adjacent fence, removed rough lumber, wood scraps, metal scraps, gym locker, broken mowing equipment, helium bottles and other trash from the milk barn exterior.

DeLaney Farm Loafing Shed: A Group led by Deputy Fire Chief Danny Wilcox was able to stabilize the south wall and foundation of the loafing shed so that it can be used for outdoor programming and contribute to Pumpkinfest activities.  The building had been a safety hazard for many years.  Facia boards were also replaced.

DeLaney Farm Historic Site: A team of volunteers from Trout Unlimited provided a general cleaning of the trail and Toll Gate creek which are located on the property of the DeLaney Farm
Historic Site.

Coal Creek School:  Volunteers  directed  by  Harry  Glidden of  the Aurora Police Department provided general cleaning at the Coal Creek School.  Windows were washed, trash was picked up, floors were mopped. Two shed doors were rehung and missing boards were replaced on the school’s outhouse.

    The Aurora Museum Foundation’s next Antique Appraisal Fair will be held on Saturday, September 23 at the Aurora History Museum from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.  Those attending the appraisal fair will again be limited to having five items appraised and the fee will be $5 for each appraisal.

    Those wishing to make appointments for the appraisal fair may call (303) 739-6705 after August l. While appointments are desirable, walk-ins are welcome on the day of the event.

    Museum Foundation volunteers will again be on hand to assist those who have furniture or other large items they wish to have appraised. Parking is available on the library parking lot south of the history museum of in the city parking ground at the north end of the Aurora Municipal Center.

    Proceeds from the Antique Appraisal Fair are used to supplement the activities of the Aurora History Museum.  When the Aurora Museum Foundation held its last Antique Appraisal Fair on April 29, l43 participants had 339 antiques examined by the five appraisers who conducted the fair.

    The Aurora History Museum is still seeking volunteers to help solve its budget problems.  Dr. Gordon Davis, the museum’s executive director, has listed the following tasks that could be performed by museum volunteers:
    1. Scheduling open hours at the Round Barn at DeLaney Farm.  Work would be on Saturday or     Sunday afternoons during the Holidays at the Homestead event in November and December.
    2. Volunteers to work on Saturday at Centennial House.  The volunteers would be needed on l2 Saturdays in the summer.
    3. Volunteer as a model train builder for the original Aurora exhibit.  The task is expected to take six months.
    4. Become an exhibit installer helping with tear down, painting, carpentry, etc.  Exhibits are normally changes six times each year.
    5. Become a tour assistant at the museum or at Aurora’s Historic Sites.  You’d be on call as needed to guide large groups.
    6. Assist with digitization/scanning of museum’s photo archive collection.  Four to eight hours a week would be required.
    7. Digitization/filming of the permanent three-dimensional museum collection.  It would also require a commitment of four to eight hours a week.
    8. Marketing: sending press releases to selected publications.  The activity would require only four to six hours each month.
    9. Photograph museum and historic sites activities with digital camera.  An average of two hours would be required each week.
    10. Using a video camera, film oral history subjects for the museum.  Three hours each week would be required.

    Application forms to be filled out by Aurora History Museum volunteers may be obtained at the front desk of the museum.

Volunteers have always been important in the operation of the Aurora History Museum.  With the budget and staffing reductions the museum has experienced in the past few  years volunteers are needed more than ever before.  Members of the Aurora Museum Foundation who have demonstrated their support for the history museum with their financial contributions are urged to  support the museum by giving a bit of their time  as well.
 

    The Aurora History Museum’s Brown Bag and White Linen lecture series schedule has been completed through December of 2006.  The lectures are held at noon on the third Wednesday of  each month through the sponsorship of the Aurora Historical Society.

    There is a $3 admission charge for those attending the lectures.  Attendees must bring their own sack lunch.  The schedule through the remainder of 2006:
     Wednesday, July 19: Justine Ford, M. D.  The first African American woman doctor in Colorado is brought to life in this first person dramatic interpretation.  As a humanitarian Justina brought medical service to the disadvantaged and underprivileged in the metro area.  Author and actress Wallace Tollette brings Justina to life.
    Wednesday, August 16: O Those Pioneer Women.  Suzie Solomon tells the stories of ordinary women who became extraordinary and embodied the spirt of the West.  Meet Rattlesnake Kate, Chipeta and Silverheels among others in her first person stories and songs.
    Wednesday, September 20: The Aftermath 9-11-2001.  Award-winning photographer Nanette Martin takes us into the “hole” as she documents the cleanup effort after the bombing the  World Trade Center Twin Towers in New York City.
    Wednesday, October 18: Colorado Women Who Beat the Odds.  Ann Student presents Colorado women who overcame obstacles, prejudice and their gender to become leaders in philanthropy, law, medicine and other endeavors.
    Wednesday, November 15: Rose King Brown.  In 1912 when women traditionally were homemakers, Rose King Brown went against the current and became Aurora’s promoter and builder.  Learn how this woman is still influencing Aurora as Ginny Steele ties Brown’s past to Aurora’s future.
    Wednesday, December 20: Donald Fletcher, Founding Father.  Donald Fletcher arrived in Colorado sick and penniless.  Within a decade he became a leading businessman and one of the real estate speculators who founded Aurora.  Within another decade he lost his millions.  Historian William Convery tells Donald Fletcher’s story.

Briefly:        Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln’s Journey to Emancipation will be a special exhibit at the Aurora History Museum from January 4 to February 23, 2007. . . .There are a number of interesting programs planned by the museum staff in September and October.  Mint Juleps & Fashion Show at Centennial House is scheduled Saturday, September 16 from 2 to 4 p. m.  The rain/snow date is September 23.  Guests will be invited to sip and savor at a garden party and fashion revue of vintage clothing at Centennial House and there will be docent-led tours of the historical house and Donald Fletcher’s Victorian neighborhood. The cost for the fashion show and tour will be $5 for Aurora residents and $7 for non-residents. . . . On Saturday, September 23 the history museum will present a program entitled Pawnshops on Colfax.  Participants will have the opportunity to spend an afternoon investigating the history of pawnshops with Shirley Widdam at the elegant Pacific Jewelry and Loan Co.  From the medieval Medici’s to listing on the New York Stock Exchange pawnshops and all their intrigue will be explored.  Bus transportation will be provided.  The program is scheduled from 2 to 5 p. m. . . . The museum has scheduled an Art Walk on Friday, October 6 from 5 to 9 p. m.  Those taking part will have a guided tour of the history museum’s Gateway to the Rockies Art Show before boarding a bus for the First Friday Art Walk of the Art District on Denver’s Santa Fe Drive. Participants will experience the work of international, national and local artists in Denver’s only multi-block art district.  There will be an opportunity to visit over 20 participating galleries.  Walking shoes are a must. . . . The Aurora Museum Foundation and the history museum staff are exploring the possibility of lighting buildings at the DeLaney Farm Historic Site for the Holiday season.  The hope is that lighting the DeLaney Farm and Gully Homestead buildings would increase participation in the annual Holidays at the Homestead activities sponsored by Aurora’s  Recreation division at the Gully Homestead.  And with the renovation of the DeLaney Farm milk barn completed in May, there is the possibility of scheduling additional holiday season activities at the DeLaney Farm Historic Site.  The farm is already the site of Aurora’s highly successful Pumpkinfest in October. . . . Aurora’s historical Centennial House was the scene of a highly successful Aurora Historical Society ice cream social on Saturday, June l7.  More than 90 people attended the event and many enjoyed guided tours of the l89l Donald Fletcher house.

     The Smoky Hill Trail, the pathway to Colorado for gold seekers in the 1860's and l870's, became Aurora’s Historic Site No. 22 on Saturday,  May 20 when a trail marker was dedicated along Smoky Hill road. The attractive trail marker is located east of Highway C470 on the south side of Smoky Hill road.

    Some  50  interested spectators were on  hand  for  the dedication. They gathered in the parking lot of the PF Chang’s restaurant and walked across Smoky Hill road where City Councilwoman Molly Market and past Councilwoman  Nadine  Caldwell removed the drape covering the marker.

    Aurora  Historic  Preservation  Commission Vice-president  Mike Lockwood introduced a number of persons who have been instrumental in encouraging  Aurora  to establish  the  Smoky Hill Trail as an historic site. Prominent  among  them  was  Clarice  Crowle,  longtime president of  the Cherry Creek Valley Historical Society.

    Once the  trail marker had been uncovered, the crowd moved back across  Smoky  Hill  road  to  the  Southlands  Shopping Center parking lot where Lee  Whiteley of  Centennial, trail historian and author, spoke about the role the Smoky Hill Trail played in the early history of Colorado.

    The Smoky Hill road site was  selected as the location for the  trail marker because  until recently wagon wheel ruts  that are  believed to have been  made  by  travelers  to  Colorado  in  the  l860's and  l870's  were still visible on a  hillside adjacent  to Smoky Hill road and close to the  location of the new trail marker.   Recent widening of Smoky Hill road removed the ruts. The Smoky Hill Trail began in Kansas and followed the Smoky Hill river into Colorado. Near Limon the trail spit into three branches, two of which passed through land that later became Aurora.  The middle branch entered what is now Aurora along Smoky Hill road.  A north branch roughly followed what is now Highway 40 (Colfax avenue.)  The south branch of the trail connected to Cherry Creek and the Cherokee Trail near the town of Parker.

    Upon the recommendation of the Aurora Historic Preservation Commission the Smoky Hill Trail was designated Aurora’s Historic Site No. 22 earlier this year.  Funds were contributed to pay for the trail marker by the Cherry Creek Valley Historical Society, The Aurora Museum Foundation, The Alberta Development Corporation, Aurora Historical Society, Aurora Gully Washers and Delving Damsels chapters of International Questers, Toll Gate Creek chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the Amercan Revolution and the Aurora Historical Preservation Commission.  There was also an anonymous donor.

Taking part in the Smoky Hill Trail marker dedication were, left to right, city Councilwoman, Molly Markert, Past Aurora Historical Society president and current Secretary Annabelle Dunning, Aurora Museum foundation Director Sandy Sweeney and past City Councilwoman and Aurora Historical Society Vice President Nadine Caldwell.  All strong supporters of historic preservation in Aurora.