Blog
Railroads: A Brief History of the Railroad in Northern Colorado
On September 15, 1869, the first railroad to enter this state to serve just Colorado Territory was the Denver Pacific. It covered the hundred miles between Cheyenne and Denver, routed through the railroad town of Evans. Track laying began in Cheyenne, crossing the...
read more50+ Years Ago, Greeley’s Teens Cruised a Bustling Downtown
What did teenagers do for fun in Greeley, CO, in 1959? Greeley’s downtown featured every type of retail business within a five-block radius of Lincoln Park, including three bakeries, five beauty shops, six men’s clothing stores, seven drug stores, eight grocery...
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Greeley’s Shattered History: Three Infamous Hail Storms
The June 19, 2018 hailstorm that damaged many homes, vehicles, trees, gardens and field crops was a reminder that hail, unfortunately, is a predictable part of Greeley’s and northeastern Colorado’s history. Greeley’s first hailstorm was in July 1871, but was eclipsed...
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Cool Off with this Brief Local History of Ice and Ice Cream
Did you know that ice cream was once considered a luxury? Or did you know that in early Greeley, it would have probably been enjoyed in the winter? Ice cream is such an iconic summertime treat, that it is hard to imagine someone would go to great effort and expense to...
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Severance Vigilantes Act Out Against Pro-German Sentiment
On April 6, 1917, Congress declared war on Germany and America entered World War I. At this time, several thousand Germans-from-Russia lived in Weld County, many having arrived after 1902 to work as “stoop laborers” in the sugar beet fields. These immigrants were...
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Two Buildings, Two Churches, Many Stories
The building at 803 10th Ave. is quite important to Greeley’s religious history. Currently the home of Saint Patrick’s Presbyterian Church, the site underwent many changes throughout its history that can be traced back to the Union Colony. Old Park Church was one of...
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1920 City Improvement Plan
What did City of Greeley residents feel were important issues the city should focus on? Here's a snapshot of issues from Greeley's 1920 City Improvement Plan, a 10-year program endorsed by the Greeley Chamber of Commerce. Organize a campaign to do away with rats? Own...
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The Attack on Pearl Harbor: A Date Which Will Live in Infamy
We probably should have timed this post with the anniversary of the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor which was December 7. But truly, it's never too late to write about an important topic, or to revisit its importance in American history. And you know that saying, "I...
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Local Students Prep Centennial Village’s Haunted Hall House
Preparations are underway for Centennial Village Museum’s annual not-so-haunted Hall House, a popular attraction hosted during the museum’s annual Howl-O-Ween trick or treat event. Museum staff are thankful that it's even happening. This year, the team in charge of...
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We Need Your Help! Take Our Community Survey
By Nicole Famiglietti, Curator of Exhibits The City of Greeley Museums collect, preserve, interpret and share the history of northeastern Colorado with an emphasis on Weld County through three public museums and a learning center. As a local system of regional history...
read moreSugar! Sugar! Sugar! A group of men and women gather in front of the Greeley Candy Factory, located at 719 8th St. The photo was taken sometime between 1907-1909.