Historical Pick of the day:
The Cities Birthplace: Westminster
“Inside this humble white building plans for Westminster incorporation as a city were first laid, five elections commissioners held planning meetings at Fred Strawson’s little real estate office, then located on Connecticut (Bradburn) avenue. After voters approved incorporation, Westminster’s new board of trustees held its first meeting in Strawson’s building on June 12, 1911. Westminster Grange hosted subsequent meetings until the City Hall was built in the 1940’s. In 1989, the Strawson Buildingwas preserved and relocated to the Bowles House Museum site.”
Edward Bowles: Westminster
“Edward Bruce Bowles came west in 1863, driving a herd of cattle across the plains. He homesteaded 160 acres near 72nd avenue and Bradburn Boulevard in 1871. Bowles made his leaving hauling freight and groceries to nearby miners, while his wife Elizabeth supplemented the family income by knitting socks and gloves. Bowles was a breeder of fine horses and rode in the Denver Pioneer Parade on Colorado Day for many years until his death in 1923.”
Bowles House Museum:
The Bowles House Museum was built in 1871 where it became the home of Edward Bruce Bowles. Mr. Bowles has been highly credited for bringing the “Colorado Southern Rail Roads,” but that is another story for another time. In 1988 the Bowles House Museum was entered into the National Register of Historic Places. The house was added to the list because of the architecturally significates, while also being one of the earliest examples of Italianate style of homes in the Westminster are. The Bowles House Museum is located off of 72nd and Newton.
Below I have provided I Google maps Screen shot. If you are ever in Westminster and are looking for historic buildings to witness, I must urge you to check out the Bowles House Museum.
I picked the Bowles House Museum because it has always caught my eye every time I have driven past it and with good weather for a brief moment I decided to go ahead and snap some pictures of this beautiful building. With everything around us always changing finding old diamonds in the rough like this is pretty awesome in my book. It is always great to grow into big better things but don't let us forget where we started and how we got here. Have an amazing day fellow steemers!
