A Bit More History

Boulder is celebrating all of 2009. It was founded in 1859 by 54 men who had crossed the Great Plains to seek their fortunes in gold. Alfred Brookfield, one of the prospectors, wrote a letter home to his wife saying, "We thought that as the weather would not permit us to mine, we would lay out and commence to build what may be an important town."

Boulder did become important -- and in those early days as a supply town to the mountain mines, and as a county seat, agricultural center, and a railroad hub. In 1877, one year after Colorado was granted statehood, The University of Colorado opened its doors -- to then a lone building, Old Main, located on a barren mesa south of town.

By 1909, Boulder residents called their city the "Athens of the West." It had grown to a city of 9,000 residents who celebrated with a pioneers' banquet and a spirited parade. Even the Utes came to Boulder to join in the city's semi centennial festivities. To encourage Boulder's growth, local businessmen and women bought stocks in the Boulder Hotel Company. In 1909 the Hotel Boulderado opened its doors on New Year's Day 2009. One year later, nationally known landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. prepared a comprehensive plan of improvements, encouraging Boulder residents to plant a variety of trees and create more parks.

Researching Boulder's history is fun and easily done from your computer by going to http://www.boulder.lib.co.us/, and then going to the Carnegie Branch Library, Boulder's historic branch.

Today, Boulder continues its balmy weather . . . temperatures may reach the 70's . . . . Where has Boulder's winter gone? . . . . I wouldn't be surprised to see a late spring blizzard.