Glimpse history through fascinating old images of Colorado Springs, Colorado, in the USA.
Old Photos of Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs 1946
Here’s a short film made by the Chamber of Commerce in 1946, which lasts just under ten minutes.
It shows many of the facilities and lovely homes available to residents of Colorado Springs in the 1940s.
It includes a trip to the Manitou caves and springs.
1946 Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs Chamber Video – PPLDTV on YouTube
Glen Eyrie Castle
General William Jackson Palmer was a railroad tycoon and, despite being a Quaker, American Civil War veteran.
Between 1904 and 1905 he had a Tudor revival stately home, inspired by the grand houses and mock castles of Victorian and Edwardian England and Scotland, built adjacent to the Garden of Gods and the iconic views of Pikes Peak.
This is a 26 minute film about the man and his love of the Wild West, which led to this grand project.
Colorado Experience: Glen Eyrie Castle – Rocky Mountain PBS on YouTube
History of Colorado Springs
This first video is 26 minutes long. It takes you from the Native Americans who originally lived in the area, through the 1881 founding of the modern city, and on to the urban renewal which preserves what historic buildings still remain.
The video delves into the fascinating stories of lost and preserved architecture in Colorado Springs.
Did you know the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs was built on the grounds of a former TB facility?
The Van Briggle Memorial Pottery Building, a Dutch revival structure, was designed by architect Nicholas Van Denaren. Built in honor of artist Ben Briggle, who succumbed to tuberculosis, this building houses a collection of T.B. huts, showcasing the historical efforts to isolate patients while providing fresh air and care.
The video also uncovers the story of Fannie Mae’s club, a melting pot of cultures and artistic expressions that was deemed a negative influence and demolished in 1975. The modern Antler’s hotel stands in its place today, symbolizing the prevailing belief at the time that new buildings were always better. But all hope is not lost for preservationists.
Renewed interest in historic preservation led to projects such as the Ivy Wilde School and the Mining Exchange Hotel, showcasing the shared role between the public and private sectors in preserving our shared heritage.
The historic preservation master plan, historic COS, was approved in 2019, which emphasizing the economic value of preserving the city’s history.
The video also explores the impact of the military on Colorado Springs, from the presence of NORAD and Peterson Air Force Base to the significance of Trever Air Force Base in satellite technology. They discuss how the city’s economy shifted from tuberculosis to the military after World War 2, leading to population growth and the need for reinvention.
The local preservation movement emerged after the demolition of historic properties. There were efforts to preserve landmarks such as the 1903 El Paso County Court House, an architectural marvel representing the wealth brought in by gold from Cripple Creek.
The iconic Colorado Springs Finance Center, the influence of architect John Gamim in integrating modern materials with southwest design, former sanitariums to repurposed hospitals, are all discussed.
Lost & Preserved in Colorado Springs – Rocky Mountain PBS on YouTube
Topics covered in this video include:
1. The Van Brigel Memorial Pottery Building and its architectural design- European design and materials used- Architect Nicholas Van Denaren and Dutch revival style- Built to honor artist Ben Briggle who died of tuberculosis
2. Colorado Springs as a destination for tuberculosis patients- Marketed as a destination due to climate and sunshine- Sleeping porches in homes for patients
3. T.B. huts and Charles Fox Gardner’s design- Isolation and fresh air for patients- Van Brigel Memorial Pottery Building’s exhibit with a T.B. hut
4. Fannie Mae’s club and its impact- A multicultural club for arts lovers- Negative influence on the city’s image
5. The demolition and loss of historic buildings in Colorado Springs- Demolition of Fannie Mae’s club and other buildings- Failed attempt to modernize a historic structure- The Antler’s hotel as the replacement
6. Increased public interest in historic preservation- Loss of Burns Opera House and private property owner’s actions- Rehabilitation projects like the Ivy Wilde School and Mining Exchange Hotel
7. Collaboration between public and private sectors in preservation efforts- Examples of rehabilitation projects- Historic preservation master plan called historic COS
8. Norad and military presence in Colorado Springs- Norad and Peterson Air Force Base- Impact of military on the community
9. Growth and development of Colorado Springs after World War 2- Economic shift from tuberculosis to military- Population and footprint increase- Construction of new city hall and county courthouse
10. Architecture and suburban development- Opulent homes in the Old North End- Architect Thomas McLaren and his blend of style with Colorado climate
11. The emergence of the historic preservation movement- Preservation efforts after demolition in downtown- Preservation of the 1903 El Paso County Courthouse
12. Notable buildings and their design- Colorado Springs Finance Center and architect John Gamim’s style- University of Colorado in Colorado Springs built on former TB facility- Renovation of Cragmore sanitarium
13. Former hospitals and their repurposing- Sanitarium movement’s impact on the landscape- University of Colorado’s renovation of Cragmore sanitarium
14. Importance of understanding the history of the Union printer’s home site development.
