PROGRAMS AT THE CARETAKER’S COTTAGE Coffee and Connections
9-10 a.m. on Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16 and Dec. 21. Join a Heritage Lakewood staff member for an informal conversation about a favorite photo, historic building or object from the collection of over 40,000 artifacts. Share fond memories over a cup of coffee in the sunroom. Free; $5 suggested donation. Drop-in, no registration needed.
Conservation Conversations 6-8 p.m., Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7. Investigate the exciting field of genealogy with educational workshops led by Heritage Lakewood’s curatorial staff. Work with and learn from expert researchers while utilizing museum-caliber resources to explore a variety of historical topics.
GRAND OPENING Caretaker’s Cottage Open House 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, September 11 Where can you find a place to learn about and research local Lakewood history, attend a fun class or rent a historic space for a meeting or wedding? How about the Caretaker’s Cottage at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park!
$10 fee. Activity #37F6203. Register at Lakewood.org/Heritage or call 303-987-7850.
The Caretaker’s Cottage was built over 100 years ago, ordered in pieces from a catalog. May Bonfils Stanton — the daughter of a Denver newspaper owner —purchased the land in the 1930s to accommodate her mansion and 750-acre farm, which was looked after in part by a caretaker who lived in the cottage.
CARETAKER’S COTTAGE RESEARCH ROOM Open free to the public 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Tuesdays. For additional information or to request a reservation, visit Lakewood.org/Collection.
The mansion was torn down in 1971, but the City of Lakewood purchased the land in 1973 for use as open space and, along with the Lakewood Historical Society, preserved several original farm buildings as part of the museum. Historic preservation involves saving, fixing and protecting significant buildings, objects and landscapes. Unique places like the Caretaker’s Cottage can connect people to their past and each other, help them explore diverse experiences that may be missing from mainstream storylines and build a stronger community.
Caretaker’s Cottage images: (Top) Artwork by Dick Gallagher, Heritage Lakewood volunteer. (Bottom) Circa 1960s, courtesy of caretaker Emmett Hageman.
The Caretaker’s Cottage restoration project was paid for in part by a History Colorado – State Historical Fund grant. The project included a condition assessment, production of construction documents and exterior and interior restoration.
10 BRAVO Magazine Lakewood
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