Lakewood’s Lights
…an electrifying history
By Betsy Bowers
Heritage Lakewood Administrator
A
t the holidays, when Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park is aglow with holiday lights, it is a reminder of how we bring history to life. Our mission is to tell the story of the 20th century through engaging and innovative experiences and events for the community. Electricity became more common place in the 1900s, and at the holidays, our living history park exhibits the evolution from one bulb to thousands of twinkling, colored lights. While exploring Heritage Lakewood, you’ll see our historic structures showcase electrical innovation. The Streer-Peterson House represents the 1910s, when kitchen lighting consisted of a single light bulb hanging from a cord. Fast forward to the 1950s, an era that brought bright lights and neon signs to Colfax Avenue, and you will notice that our Estes Motel is a nod to a time that brought growth and commercialization to Lakewood. As lighting innovations progressed, holiday décor, trees and symbols were electrified. Some claim that the nation’s first outdoor illuminated Christmas tree was lit near Lakewood in 1914. Electrician D.D. Sturgeon placed painted light bulbs on a tree outside his ill son’s window to brighten his spirits. It was the start of a tradition. Today, holiday bulbs vary in size and shape and include the popular Bubble Light from the 1940s. Ask anyone about their favorite style of holiday light, and most will have a prompt and unique reply. For Lakewood resident Lee Wellbrock, too much Christmas is not enough, and he demonstrates this with his annual light display. Lee enjoys sharing the story of when Mayor Adam Paul showed up at his door one December evening. After the mayor made a jovial inquiry about whether Lee had the proper permits for such an extravagant light show, the mayor was invited inside for some holiday cheer. Many see holiday lights as a symbol of hope; for others, the lights conjure childhood memories. In Colorado, it is a tradition to keep lights up through the National Western Stock Show in January. No matter your personal holiday light tradition, we hope you have enjoyed this look back at the history of lights in Lakewood and that you visit our history park to see the holiday lights and attend our festive classes and programs. Stop by this holiday season for our immersive lighting exhibit, Camp Christmas, a brilliant partnership of the City of Lakewood, Denver Center for Performing Arts and hometown artist Lonnie Hanzon that continues the evolution of light. This imaginative display attracts visitors from across the metro Denver area to experience Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park.
18
BRAVO Magazine Lakewood
Lakewood.org/Bravo
