Our Town
Treasures Among Us ARTICLE DENISE ERWIN PHOTOGRAPHY DENISE ERWIN PHOTOGRAPHY
“L
ife will be your treasure box filled with …" as the Nora Roberts quote begins.
Fast forward 100 years from now and consider what others could learn
about you by unearthing ordinary objects that some would coin as trash and others treasure. Ironically, this scenario is unfolding before our very eyes during the rehabilitation of The Schoolhouse in downtown Parker. Built in 1915, this historic landmark is being brought back to its former glory, made possible in part by a grant from Colorado History’s State Historic Fund. Owned by the Town of Parker and formerly called the Mainstreet Center, The Schoolhouse promises to be an even greater gem upon completion. From a K-12 school and a local church to a community and arts center, The Schoolhouse's colorful history will continue to be uncovered as the restoration project continues through 2017. Upon completion, the building will then provide additional community gathering spaces in downtown Parker’s Creative District. As crew members carefully work to maintain the aesthetics of the era with the use of modern building materials, they have uncovered many
great finds that paint a picture of the building's use throughout the years.
The Curtiss Candy Company, known today as Nestle, created the Baby Ruth and Butterfinger candy bars. This retro candy wrapper was discovered in the wall between two rooms on the garden level, which will become a new dance studio.
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Parker Lifestyle | May 2016
The leaded crystal vessel was found at the base of the stairs to the garden level. The restoration crew believes that a container of this type may have been used in a church, possibly on the alter.