Spanish Colony Historic Resource Survey
The City of Greeley is conducting a historic survey of the Spanish Colony neighborhood. This small community, located at O Street and N. 25th Avenue, includes about 64 parcels. The survey will gather details on up to 55 properties, document the history connected to them, and record up to three oral histories from people with ties to the colony. The goal is to identify places that may qualify for local, state, or national historic recognition.
Whether you know a little or a lot about a property or the colony, we want to hear from you!
If you have a story or experience from the Spanish Colony, let us know about it. Did you or someone you know live there? Do you have photos of life there? We’d love to see them!
Click the “Stories” tab below to share your memories and knowledge of the Spanish Colony. Every place has a story, and your stories are an important part of Greeley’s history.
Would you rather talk to us over the phone? Call 970-350-9222.
This project is funded by a grant from the History Colorado State Historical Fund.
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From Sugar Beets to Strong Roots
Share From Sugar Beets to Strong Roots on Facebook Share From Sugar Beets to Strong Roots on Twitter Share From Sugar Beets to Strong Roots on Linkedin Email From Sugar Beets to Strong Roots linkMany longtime residents know the Spanish Colony neighborhood as a place built on hard work, family ties and deep roots in our community.
Did you know that many of the first generation of adult residents in the Spanish Colony were recruited from New Mexico by the Great Western Sugar Company? While some were originally Mexican immigrants, many were not, and for most families, their children were born right here in the United States, growing up in Greeley and helping shape the neighborhood’s identity for generations.
Spanish Colony neighbors: We’d love to hear from you. Do you have family stories connected to the sugar company or growing up in the Spanish Colony? Share your memories in the comments -- your stories help preserve the history that makes this neighborhood special.
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Spanish Colony Survey Continues
Share Spanish Colony Survey Continues on Facebook Share Spanish Colony Survey Continues on Twitter Share Spanish Colony Survey Continues on Linkedin Email Spanish Colony Survey Continues linkThank you to everyone who joined our open house and shared your stories, memories and experiences from the Spanish Colony! We're delighted to learn more about this historic neighborhood.
As our survey progresses, we're excited to share some fascinating insights we've gathered. Here's our first highlight focusing on the adobe houses in the area:
Adobe Structures: There are still 18 original adobe homes in the Spanish Colony. Built in late 1924 by Hispanic agricultural workers, these homes were originally constructed using materials purchased from the Great Western Sugar Company.
Location: At least half of these adobe structures are located on N. 25th Avenue Court.
Original Homes: Most were initially two-room houses. However, Ynez Lopez, Sr., one of the first homeowners and the operator of the Colony’s first store, built a four-room house at 1416 N. 25th Avenue. The front of this house served as the community store from 1930 to at least 1938. Though it now features siding and a gabled roof (added post-1959), the house remains a testament to the Colony's history. At one point, Ynez owned at least two other adobe homes in the area that have survived to this day.
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Photos:
Do you have a memory or story about the historic Spanish Colony you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Please use the stories tab to share your experiences!
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History Open House on the Spanish Colony
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Join us in celebrating the history of Española!
Tell us what places matter to you and share your stories. Learn about historic preservation and how it can promote community heritage.Saturday, September 27
House of Hope & Refuge
1527 N. 25th Avenue Court, Greeley
Food: 11-11:30 a.m.
Open House: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.Food, Giveaways, Children's activities.
Spanish translation available.Event hosted in collaboration with House of Hope & Refuge
More info: 970-350-9222 or betsy.kellums@greeleygov.com
