May 27, 2000 was the big day for the restored 1875
Independence School. Many former students and teachers who had fond memories of the
pre-consolidation Independence School District #23 between Fort Lupton and Brighton, CO
responded to invitations to the school’s dedication. Of course, they didn’t go
to the 1875 school, but to a now-vacant brick building that once housed kindergarten
through eighth grades.
|
South Platte Valley Historical Society provided a Buffalo Burger lunch.
|
|
|
Beginning the ceremonies there was a presentation of the colors by the Young Marines, a
newly-formed club from the Fort Lupton Middle School.
|
Master of Ceremonies Nancy Penfold, herself a product of the Independence District,
invited the Reverend Kanya Okamoto, a Buddhist minister from Denver, to proceed with the
dedication.
Many former students shared memories of school days.
|
|
(Bill Crowley, Al Watada, Reverend Okamoto)
|
Albert Watada, senior member of the family that donated the one-room school building to
the Society, presented President Bill Crowley with a Proclamation and a handsome plaque
affirming the value of education.
|
Inside the school, bulletin boards with old pictures drew lots of attention, and wood
plaques with an original square nail from the school’s old siding were for sale. Not
to mention, it was cool inside!
|
|
| SPVHS Disclaimer |
|
TOP OF PAGE |
Contact Us:
info@spvhs.org |
South Platte Valley
Historical Society
PO Box 633
Fort Lupton, CO 80621 |
