South Platte Valley Historical Society Society`````````````````````````````South
Platte Valley Historical Society
Rebuilding the Past - For the Future
Last Update
January 24, 2011
1875 - 1892: The school was known as the Acorn Academy and was named for the Acorn
cattle brand used by the family who donated the land where the school house welcomed
its first students. The schoolhouse was also used for elections, weddings, funerals,
box socials, and "programs".
1892 - 1900: In 1892, the school was renamed the Independence School by the students.
1900 - 1992: In 1900, the schoolhouse was replaced by a new two-room brick schoolhouse.
For the next 20 years the orginal frame structure was used as a personal residence.
Later the building was used as temporary housing for migrant farm workers.
1992 - 1996: In 1992, the schoolhouse was donated to the South Platte Valley Historical
Society by the Watada family and moved to a temporary location on the Society's Fort
Lupton Historic Park property.
1996 - 2000: In 1996, the schoolhouse was moved to its permanent location on the
Fort Lupton Historic Park. Using grant money from the Colorado Historical Fund,
private donations, and volunteer labor the schoolhouse has been restored to its original
condition. Follow this link for a pictorial history of the restoration of the structure.
HOT ITEM: The Independence School is scheduled for classes again in the summer of
2011. Three two day sessions are planned running from 9AM to 3PM. Sessions will
take place on June 21-22, June 28-29, and July 12-13. The cost for this program
is $25 per pupil with a family maximum cost of just $60. Space is limited. For
more information here is a brochure and here is the application form.
