1875 Independence School
Pictures of the
Restoration Process

1.  Dick, Alfred, and Mary look over the schoolhouse before it was donated to South Platte Valley Historical Society.

2. Before the schoolhouse was donated, Mary and her brother Dick discussed the school's history with Alfred, one of the owners.

3.  The school was located on a temporary foundation in Fort Lupton Historic Park.

4.  Dale looks over the leftover concrete blocks that were donated for the temporary foundation.

5.  Dry rot took a toll on the original hand-hewn beams and studs.

6. After the move, demolition began of the two partitions put up when the building was a residence.  A dusty job!

7.  Preparatory to beginning the restoration, Bill has put up the sign detailing the State Historical Fund Grant which financed the major portion of the project.

8. Partitions are down, now it's time to clean up before removing modern drywall.

9.  Subfloor is down, most of the lath replaced.

10.  The cloakroom partition has been built and lathed.

11. The cloakroom begins to take shape.

12.  Window frames need work.

13.  Windows get new panes.

14.  Bill and Moody continue the glazing - putty from a caulking gun.

15.  New wainscoating had to be put up on three walls and in the cloakroom.

16.  Progress!  A first coat of plaster is done as Bill and Moody continue with details.

17.  Plaster is done wainscoating up, new floor is being installed by Bill and Ken.

18.  The west or front view of the restored schoolhouse.

19.  The east end of the school with the ADA ramp which was built as an Eagle Scout project by two Boy Scouts and their fathers.

TOP OF PAGE