Just Off The Press

"Hannah Connell Barker" is just off the press and available through Amazon.  It will soon be available through Historic Boulder.

Earlier blogs touch on Historic Boulder's beautiful restoration of the Hannah Barker House, a home that was distinguished in architecture, with a fascinating past, but had fallen to great ruin.  During the restoration process much was discovered about the owner, Hannah Barker.  We learned that she was probably one of the most distinguished and accomplished women living in Boulder during the late 19th Century and early 20th Century.  Her significant contributions to Boulder and surrounding area were many -- Barker Dam, Barker Park to mentioned just a few.

The book was written by three young girls from Boulder's Whittier Elementary School.  Working with the students were board member Helene Willis, who had the original idea for the book and, like Hannah Barker, a former teacher.   Polly McDonald, also a former teacher was a leading cheerleader throughout.  Another Historic Boulder board member, Bridget Bacon, spent many hours researching the historic timeline.  Bob Hunnes, a current Historic Boulder board member shared his expertise as an engineer and as an editor and writer and mentor.

Hannah Barker, an Irish immigrant came to Boulder and taught school to miners' children in Ward, Colorado.  She later married Ezra Barker a prominent Boulder land owner and businessman.
This is a beautiful book telling a compelling story about Hannah Barker, her house and her town.

The project was headed by Ruth McHeyser and Thomas Thorpe, the house project manager.  The authors are Iris Landers, Kyra Leland, Poet Lyon.   Know that there were many other talented and dedicated persons involved.

Marcelee Gralapp, Boulder Public Library's recently retired director writes,  This inter-generational project took three young women on a journey through their own community's history directly connecting them to a woman who championed education, intellectual curiosity and the importance and power of reading.

Because of the many persons in our community who were involved and touched by this careful restoration, it was a proud moment for Historic Boulder when this beautiful home sold this fall to a wonderful new owner.