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LONGMONT CELEBRATES turning 150!

LONGMONT

2021

Locally owned & operated since 2020

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SMALL TOWN.

. T R A E H BIG

LONGMONT

LH NA NIWOT ROAD GO A DI

BOULDER

Publisher, Fran Zankowski Special Editions Editor, Emma Athena Circulation Manager, Cal Winn

EDITORIAL

SUSAN FRANCE

STAFF

Editor, Caitlin Rockett News Editor, Will Brendza

PRODUCTION

Art Director, Susan France Senior Graphic Designer, Mark Goodman

SALES AND MARKETING

Market Development Manager, Kellie Robinson Account Executives, Matthew Fischer, Sami Wainscott Advertising Coordinator, Corey Basciano Mrs. Boulder Weekly, Mari Nevar

GENERAL

Circulation Team, Dave Hastie, Dan Hill, George LaRoe, Jeffrey Lohrius, Elizabeth Ouslie, Rick Slama Bookkeeper, B ookkeeper, Regina Campanella Founder/CEO, Stewart Sallo Editor-at-Large, Joel Dyer

11.....By the numbers

Get to know the facts and figures

2021

12.....Then and now:

Main Street A look at historical and contemporary photos

15.....Wibby’s way

Longmont’s lager-obsessed brewer slings Old-World beers that give the Germans a run for their money

19.....Q&As

Learn from Victor Vela, Rick Williams, Montoya Whiteman and Erik Mason

23.....‘The Sugar Factory Arrives’ An excerpt from Erik Mason’s book: “Longmont: The First 150 Years” 26.....Top Nibbles

Reader, welcome to longmont.

50 years. That’s a long time for anything to survive. Through wars, booms, feasts and famines, Longmont has seen it all over the years. Rich with history and humble with potential, the town has more and more to offer newcomers each year. In these pages you’ll find nuggets of history gold. An excerpt from Longmont Museum curator’s new book, Longmont: The First 150 Years, illustrates the importance of agriculture and specifically the sugar beet during the early years of the region. A Q&A series with indigenous and Latino leaders offers timely guidance for honoring the peoples who came before us. Discover the best places to recreate outside, both old and new. Plus, our longtime dining critic offers recommendations for his favorite non-chain food and drink establishments. From all of us at Boulder Weekly: Happy birthday, Longmont! Here’s to the next 150 years.

A veteran critic’s tastiest picks

29.....Outdoor fun for all ages

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sider

The best of Longmont’s underthe-sun activities

Insider is a special issue of Boulder Weekly, which is available every Thursday throughout the county.

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303.494.5511 690 S. Lashley Lane, Boulder, CO 80305

461 MAIN STREET • LONGMONT, CO • 303-485-5020

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1871

By the Numbers Founded: 1871 Incorporated: 1885 Counties: Boulder and Weld Elevation: 4,979 feet above sea level Land area: 28.7 square miles Highest Visible Peak: Longs Peak (14,259 feet) Water ways: St. Vrain Creek and Boulder Creek, Union Reservoir, McIntosh Lake, Golden Ponds Parks: Lefthand Creek Park, Willow Farm Park, Rothrock Dell Park, Kanemoto Park, Thompson Park, Dawson Park, Carr Park, Roosevelt Park, Collyer Park, Clark Centennial Park, Rough & Ready Park, Stephen Day Park, Flander Park, Golden Ponds Park

98,711

Population: 98,711 (2021) Population growth since 2010: 14.42% Median Age: 38.1 Average household income: $91,611 Persons in poverty: 9.59%

Days of Sunshine: 247 Average Winter Low: 13 degrees in January Average Summer High: 89 degrees in July Average Rain Precipitation: 15 inches Average Snow Precipitation: 36 inches UV Index: 5.8

Breweries: 12 Wineries: 1 Cideries: 1 Distilleries: 3 Dispensaries: 8

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Churches/Synagogues/ Mosques: 63 Schools: 60 in the St. Vrain Valley School District Museums: 3

15 inches

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Then: Photo taken between 1905 and 1907. From the archives: “This is a photo of Main Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues showing the east side of the street, looking north. The street is of dirt, and there are a pair of cottonwood trees in the center of the photo and more trees on the left in the distance. On the corner in the foreground is the Longmont National Bank. Next to the bank is ‘Gaunt and Amb--- Furniture.’ The next store is also a furniture store (‘New and Used’) and next to that is ‘Joe Williamson Groceries.’” Now: Ziggi’s Coffee now resides on the corner, serving up hot and cold drinks to anyone passing through Main Street.

History doesn’t end, stories just repeat themselves Historical photos courtesy of the Longmont Museum Contemporary photos by Emma Athena

Then: Photo taken Feb. 13, 1905. From the archives: “A black and white print shows a building (312 Main St.) destroyed by fire. Men are standing and looking at the building. A bare tree is in the foreground, and part of a wagon pulled by two horses is in the left foreground. Print is mounted on a gray matte. ‘Masonic Hall Fire, February 13, 1905’ is in red print on white paper below the photo. A label with the donor’s name and address is on the back, as are swirls of dried glue.” Now: Today, 312 Main St. is home to Dental Health of Longmont.

LONGMONT INSIDER ’21

Then: Photo taken on an unknown date. From the archives: “This is a black and white reprint from a glass plate. The view is looking south in the dirt alley between Main and Kimbark streets, and Third and Fourth avenues. Print shows privies in the alley and a sign painted on the building on the far left. ... Agitation for public sewers began in 1897 and sewers were completed 1904.” Now: Longmont’s alleys are filled with vibrant art and the occasional art and music fairs. This alley connects Main Street to Kimbark Street.

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Then: Photo taken 18801885. From the archives: “This is a 5” x 7” brown tone print of the northwest corner of Fourth Avenue and Main Street in Longmont. Building occupied by Griffith Drygoods, Maples Drug, McDonald Drug, and Gunning Palmer Drug. This information is written on the back in pen. Over the door, which faces the corner, is an address number (402). There is a large street light to the left of the front door. On the street to the left is a horse carriage with two adults and there are several other people standing outside the front of the store and to the right. There is a sign on the left side of the building advertising ladies’ and children’s wear and a sign on the right side that is cut off that reads ‘furni...’ (furniture).” Now: This corner is now home to the bank Independent Financial.

Then: Photo taken between 1966 and 1975. From the archives: “Color postcard of Main Street Longmont. Through businesses the date should be between 1966 and 1974. The photographer is standing in the middle of the street, facing northward about the 300 block. On the left, visible businesses are Public Service Company, Wards, Browns, Lute’s Drugs, 1st National Bank, Beckly Hotel, Texaco. Down the right side the businesses are Vasicek Photography, Coast to Coast, sports shop, Sheeder Rexall Drug, Woolworth, Firestone.”

Then: Photo taken between 1905 and 1916. From the archives: “Black and white photograph of Fourth Avenue looking east. City Hall is in the center of the photograph. The Carnegie Library is to the east of City Hall. In the distance the spire of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is visible. Milo G. Rice Undertakers to the west of City Hall. There are carriages and wagons with horses tied to hitching posts along the curb on both sides of the street. Sidewalk and striped awning on the left side of the picture.”

Now: With a median and more trees lining the presentday throughway, the character of Main Street has evolved over the decades.

Now: Some businesses have moved in, but awnings clearly haven’t fallen out of fashion, and the Carnegie Library is still standing.

Then: Photo taken 1905. From the archives: “A black and white photograph of the Longmont Abstract company at 514 Fourth Ave. This is a one-story brick building with three store fronts. The center store front has a sign, ‘The Longmont Abstract Co.,’ above the door and a folded awning labeled ‘Abstract Office.’ The store front to the right of the abstract office has a label, ‘Electrical Supplies,’ on the window, and a ‘For Rent’ sign visible. The store front to the right of the abstract office also appears unoccupied. At the end of the block to the left the Longmont National Bank is visible. The street is dirt, the sidewalk appears to be paved.” Now: Flatirons Bank, RE/MAX Alliance Longmont and Hillcrest Glass and Mirror occupy this stretch of 4th Street. BOULDER WEEKLY

LONGMONT INSIDER ’21

Discover it all at DowntownLongmont.com 14

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SUSAN FRANCE

Wibby’s way

Longmont’s lager -obsessed brewer slings Old-World beers that give the Germans a run for their money

by Will Brendza

t had taken close to three months and almost $1,000 to get a case of Ryan Wibby’s Lightshine Helles lager delivered to the judges of the world-renowned Frankfurt International Trophy Wine, Beer and Spirits Competition. The beer had traveled halfway around the globe to be blindly tested against some of the oldest, most successful, most beloved breweries in Europe. And by the time it got there, Wibby had his doubts.

RYAN WIBBY discovered his love of lagers while studying brewing in Germany.

“I sent it in January and it didn’t get judged until early March or so,” the Longmont-based brewer says. “Traveling all that way, I really didn’t know how it was going to be received.” However, both Wibby and the judges of the Frankfurt International Competition were in for a surprise. Wibby is a Boulder County native. He grew up in Gunbarrel and went to school at Ithaca College in upstate New York to study the family business of chemistry. During one of his classes at See WIBBY on PAGE 16

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WIBBY from PAGE 15

Ithaca, though, a craft-brew-loving professor introduced him to the chemistry of beer-making — and quite suddenly Wibby felt his calling: He wanted to start his own brewery. “From that first batch of homebrew, I was like, ‘Oh, I’m going to do this for the rest of my life,’” he says, adding with a chuckle, “which made for an interesting conversation with my folks about who was going to take over the family chemistry lab once I graduated.” After graduation, Wibby worked at breweries on the East Coast; then he got accepted into the six-month VLB brewmaster course in Berlin, Germany; then he got a four-month internship there; and by the time Wibby had made it back to the U.S., he was fully engrossed in the world of beer. He got one last gig working at Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon, spending every waking free moment drawing up business plans, and experimenting with his own beer recipes in preparation to return to his home state to break ground on his dream: Wibby Brewing Company in Longmont. One of those recipes would become the same helles lager Wibby would later send to Germany for the Frankfurt International Competition. He says it had always been a goal of his to see how his own take on a traditional style beer would fare against the Old World’s — and in 2018 he got his opportunity. “When I was in Berlin, I got turned on to Augustina helles,” Wibby explains. “Augustina is a brewery out of Munich. And I mean, literally, it’s the only beer we were drinking and we were drinking it all the time.” He’d been experimenting with his own version of that beer for a while, using traditional malt from Bamberg, Germany, and American Centennial hops from Yakima, Washington. It’s a delicious confluence of the Old-World style, with New-World hoppy character — Bavaria meets America — helles lager, Wibby’s way. Wibby explains, European beer competitions like the Frankfurt International Competition choose their winners a little differently than most U.S. beer competitions. Instead of just choosing first, second and third place out of all the

SUSAN FRANCE

LONGMONT INSIDER 2021

contestants, at the Frankfurt International, multiple beers win gold, and multiple win silver and bronze — and from those winners a “Grand Gold,” a “Grand Silver” and a “Grand Bronze” are chosen as the top three beers in the competition. Wibby waited anxiously for the results for weeks. He knew that his American beer was being judged by German beer sommeliers; he knew that he was competing against some of the most established and respected breweries, not just in Germany, but in all of Europe; he knew the competition was high and he knew that his beer had been ferried across land and sea and had sat unopened for many weeks in fluctuating temperatures. But still, he thought his helles lager had a shot. And sure enough, he was right. “The Lightshine Helles won the Grand Gold at that competition,” he says, “which was really cool because there’s breweries that we beat out that are older than this country.” That Grand Gold-medal winning helles lager put Wibby on the map. The only other American brewery to even place in that competition was Sierra Nevada, a goliath compared to Wibby, which he says put his small brewery in a really great spot. He’d gone to Germany, learned their craft, come home, brewed his own version of it, and had taken it back to sweep the competition — to beat the Germans at their own game. Wibby laughs (a little devilishly) at that notion, but doesn’t seem to disagree with it. “Yeah,” he says. “We did kind of do that. It’s great.” That was in 2018. And still today, if you stop by Wibby Brewing on Emery Street, in the old Butterball Turkey truck maintenance plant, you can still get a pint of the Lightshine Helles lager. Rightfully, it’s become the brewery’s flagship beer. And, unlike the German beer judges who drank canned samples that had been shipped across the world (and still loved it enough to award it a Grand Gold), you can get it fresh on tap at the brewery. Don’t get too hung up on that one beer, though — there’s a lot more to Wibby than its award-winning, mind-bending, internationally renowned helles lager. In fact, all of Wibby’s beers are on a par with the Lightshine, and all are Wibby-ized versions of Old-World styles. The Moondoor Dunkel is supple, crisp and dark, with subtle tones of coffee and chocolate. And all the seasonal beers (like the upcoming Octoberfest-style Witoberfest) are well-worth sampling as they cycle through the brewery. “We’ve also turned our whole pavilion area into a big concert venue,” Wibby says. The brewery is hosting concerts with local artists every Saturday through the end of September. After which the brewery will be hosting football on the big screen on Saturdays and Sundays into the season. There’s a biergarten with a stage, live music, big-screen sports, and even a pool full of inflatable flamingos and tubes through the summer. But of course, those are only bonus features. The real draw to Wibby, as always, is its impeccably brewed, spectacular-tasting Old-World, Colorado-style craft lagers.

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Exceptional ingredients. Inspired preparation. Intimate atmosphere.

Voted Best Fine Dining Dinner Tuesday through Saturday 4:00pm - 9:30pm Happy Hour Tuesday through Saturday 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Reservations 303-651-3330 • 101 Pratt Street, Longmont • www.sugarbeetrestaurant.com

Longmont’s

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Family-friendly brewery serving handcrafted lagers and ales Hours: Mon-Thurs 3-9pm • Fri 3-10pm • Sat 12-10pm • Sun 12-9pm

6778 N. 79th St. Niwot, CO • 303-834-9123 fritzfamilybrewers.com BOULDER WEEKLY

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COMFY TASTING ROOM • PET-FRIENDLY DECK • FAMILY FRIEN

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CRAFT BEER AND OTHER CRAFT BEVERAGES & DINNER SPACIOUS PATIO EAT IN LUNCH ORDER TO-GO FOOD • 32oz CANS • GROWLERS

335 1st Ave, Longmont • 300sunsbrewing.com • 720-442-8292 T-Th 11am-9pm • F-Sa 11am-10pm • Su 11am-8pm • Closed Mon

Great Gifts of the Finest Foods & Imported Specialty Goods Skip a plane ride over the pond during this uncertain time and excite all of your senses in “La Vie Parisienne Boheme” while experiencing a truly original & exciting European Marketplace right here in Colorado!

Come check out our wonderful new wine section offering over 60 varieties of unique one of a kind wines!

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Let us help you celebrate your SPECIAL OCCASIONS Support you Community Shop & Buy LOCAL

103 Main St, Longmont, CO (303) 772-9599 www.cheeseimporters.com info@co-techpoint.com • 303-848-3738 • www.co-techpoint.com 18

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Victor Vela is a Latino community activist and leader. A founding member of El Comite, we asked Vela about his 78-year life in Longmont. by Carly Paul Boulder Weekly: What was it like growing up in Longmont? Victor Vela: I was raised in Longmont, so I have been here 78 years. My dad was a coal miner here for 30 years working for the Boulder Valley Coal Mine and the Lincoln Coal Mine, and my mom was an excellent seamstress. I remember as a teenager we would go to Collyer Park and there was a stand we would go on top of and we would bring a record player and play 78s and we would act like that was our Latino-American bandstand. We would go there and they would play music, oldies and do some dancing. BW: How has the Latino community in Longmont evolved throughout your time in the city? VV: Back then the majority of the Latinos lived on the east side of Longmont but most of the gatherings were weddings or dances. A lot changed when we formed El Comite. Latinos started getting more involved in government. There are a lot of strong Latinos/as now in Longmont that aren’t afraid to voice their opinions, they are not holding back anymore, they are not shy anymore, they want to get involved and know what’s going on — and I want to be able to spread the word. I think this community is going to get better because of young Latinos that are coming out and becoming activists. BW: Can you tell me about the history and work of El Comite? (In 1980, two Latino boys were shot by Longmont Police, and Latino community members formed El Comite to communicate with the City for justice). VV: I was at work and I got a call from Ramona Cordova, one of the mothers of the boys that was shot and killed, she was really upset. I thought, “Who do I know that can help?” I came up with seven, eight community members and we got together at my house [to plan]. We contacted the police chief and the mayor — that we’d like to have a meeting with them and they agreed. So we all met at St. Johns Catholic Church in the basement. You can imagine the tension — that basement was full of the Latino community, and quite a few white people were there too that were concerned about what happened. There were people standing outside because there wasn’t enough room — and we shared our demands. We made a lot of important changes with the police department. Marta Merino deserves a lot of credit for El Comite still being in existence and supporting the community. BW: To you, what are the main strengths of the Latino community in Longmont? VV: The main strength is that the Latino community is family oriented. If somebody is in the Latino community, and that family was sick, the Latino community would really get together and just help those families out. BW: What legacy do you hope to leave behind in Longmont through El Comite and how do you hope it shapes the future? VV: I want people to know I was part of the founding of El Comite and part of the changes that were made with the police department. I do a lot of fundraisers for people that are in need. I also want to be remembered as a good, fair football and baseball coach. I started this group called Longmont Latino/a Voices, raising money to help offset some of these Latino underprivileged families so their kids can participate in school activities and summer activities. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

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Rick Williams is a Lakota/Cheyenne elder and educator. Montoya Whiteman, a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, is the senior director of marketing at the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. We asked them about Longmont’s indigenous history and how to honor the peoples who came before us.

by Carly Paul Boulder Weekly: Can you share some of the indigenous history of Longmont and the Front Range region?

One key component of it is a call to action. It’s a very thought-driven process. I think that the Longmont Museum did their due diligence. They wanted a statement that works for their community and also includes the historical aspects of the tribal peoples that were in the area -— that still are in the area — and call Colorado home.

Rick Williams: There is evidence in archeological digs that indigenous people lived in the Longmont area as long ago as 11,000 years. The people primarily lived along the St. Vrain River and other streams that came out of the mountains and onto the plains. Within the last 500 years and up until 1864, there would have been up to about 40 to 50 different tribes who would move through the area, the most recent being the Cheyenne and Arapaho. What you have to know is that after 1864, Indians didn’t exist in Colorado and we did not have any presence until the 1960s when people were relocated.

RW: I think any land acknowledgment statement not only should recognize the people who inhabited the land prior, but also should be a message from the City of Longmont that they are going to progressively pursue restoration of Indian populations in the community. For example, we had a statewide referendum last year where people said, ‘Hey, we need to bring the wolves back to Colorado.’ Why can’t we bring incorporate Indian people back into their homeland? Yeah, wouldn’t that be wonderful.

Montoya Whiteman: We as Cheyennes have a long history of inhabiting the Front Range. In our oral history we left and returned to the Front Range area on three different occasions. We intimately knew the area and we would live here in the wintertime using the mountains as protection. It was a crossroads of North American tribes where trading and hunting occurred. There is a lot of vibrancy and resources that the Front Range continues to provide to people today.

BW: How do you enjoy the Colorado Front Range?

BW: How can communities on the Front Range honor this history? RW: One of the wonderful stories about contemporary Longmont is that the First Nations Development Institute has chosen it for its headquarters, and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society as well. BW: The City of Longmont just developed a Land Acknowledgement Statement — can you share your thoughts on it? MW: The Longmont Museum is in the beginnings of us exploring together what a land acknowledgment is, what are the components of the land and acknowledgment, and what are its goals and purpose?

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MW: I love going out and seeing the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park. I am a photographer and I volunteer at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Rescue. They have a buffalo herd of over 300. This year something like 40 red dogs (buffalo calves) were born. That’s just a really inspirational story about the bison — the plight of the bison was very similar to the Native plight of removal, decimation and control. Taking photographs feeds my soul and connects me to nature and the outdoors. I enjoy walking in the footsteps of my ancestors and loving the lands just as much as they did. RW: When I am able to visit the watersheds coming out of the because I know that for thousands of years my ancestors were there. When I go there I pray and heal — and you know, I can hear the spirits of our ancestors glad to see some of their descendants that are still alive. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

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Erik Mason has served as the Longmont Museum Curator of History for 25 years. He was also born and raised in Boulder.

by Carly Paul Boulder Weekly: What is your relationship to Longmont and what drew you to your career? Erik Mason: started at the museum, Longmont was celebrating its 125th anniversary — now I get to see it celebrate its 150th anniversary. The story that my parents tell is that there was a poster hanging over my crib of U.S. presidents and I was fascinated with it. Throughout my childhood we visited museums and historic sites across the U.S., and that’s what led me to a career in history. BW: Can you tell me a bit about your work at the museum? EM: I am in charge of all the museum’s collections, the archival collection (photographs, letters, maps and diaries) and the three-dimensional collection. I have worked with many community members who are researching their history and Longmont’s history, and with the museum to develop exhibits and historical stories. BW: What brought you to write your book, Longmont: The First 150 years? EM: There hadn’t been a really solid written history of Longmont written since the 125th anniversary. I had access to what the museum has collected over the last 25 years, and our photograph collection has expanded tremendously. The chance to cover in writing the full 150-year history of Longmont plus, of course, key early chapters on the native peoples of this area, was something that I felt would be helpful both for commemorating the 150th anniversary but also as an ongoing reference for Longmont history. BW: What does it mean to you to help give people a window into their communities’ history? EM: Really compelling history is about people, individuals and their stories; something I try to do is tell the stories of people. One of the really nice things about getting to work with a lot of people doing research with people in the archive is that I learn a story every time they come in. It is an ongoing and never ending process. BW: As a historian, what are some of your main values? EM: Certainly accuracy and documentation are very important to me. Telling as broad a story as possible, as inclusive a story as possible. Which can be a challenge. The historical record tends to be biased toward those with money and power and privilege, so it is a constant struggle to make sure that when we’re telling the story that we’re digging for those lesser known, more hidden folks, who maybe didn’t make the newspaper headlines, leave behind diaries or letters, or write their own

ON THE BILL: LONGMONT’S CELEBRATION of its 150th will be happening downtown on Sept. 11. The Museum’s exhibit on the 150th anniversary opens Friday, Aug. 6 and runs through Jan. 9.

BW: Is there a moment in Longmont history that is most compelling to you? EM: 1873 the railroad was built up from Golden and connected to Longmont and there was a serious economic depression that started within months. Longmont survived that depression because it was connected to the railroad. What if the railroad had not made it — would the community have survived or not? An interesting moment of historical happenstance. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

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COURTESY LONGMONT MUSEUM

The Sugar Factory Arrives

An excerpt from “Longmont: The First 150 Years”

he potential for growing sugar beets in the Longmont area had been noted in an early promotional pamphlet for the Chicago-Colorado Colony, with the bold assertion that “hundreds of acres could be

ABOVE, BEET WORKERS started young, and whole families worked in the fields. These unidentified workers demonstrate beet topping, using an 18-inchlong knife to remove the beet leaves, in about 1910.

talist would but invest a few spare thousands of dollars in the erection of a beet sugar mill.” By 1903, however, Longmont had fallen behind its neighbors — Loveland, Greeley, and Eaton all had operating sugar factories, and other towns were deep in planning. Two elements were necessary for creation of a local sugar beet industry — pledges from local farmers to grow sugar beets, and the capital

by Erik Mason

See SUGAR on PAGE 24

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SUGAR from PAGE 23 The beet dump was

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COURTESY LONGMONT MUSEUM

factory wanted. When the beets had four leaves, it was time to thin them. This meant laboriously and carefully removing, by hand, all but one of the beets from each clump so the remaining beet would grow large enough to be harvested. Beets also needed several hoeings to remove weeds before harvest. Although other parts of the beet growing process would be mechanized, no effective mechanical method of thinning was ever developed. The 1910 Census shows us who was working in the beet the farmer-owner. The Census tract called Southeast LongWeld County line, and from roughly 5th Avenue south to Quail Road, contained a remarkable 33% foreign born residents. percentage of them listed their occupation as tending beets.

The sugar factory to Canada. When the train just east of Longmont stopped in Denver, he hopped belches smoke during off, disguising his intention to the sugar beet camstay in Colorado by leaving bepaign in this photo from hind all his belongings. Despite around 1905. starting with nothing, his family prospered and purchased farmland south of Longmont. Scandinavians also came to this area to farm: the Throndsons, Frolands, Opedahls, Andersons and Haugens Olanders from Sweden; and the Jorgensons, Jacobsons, and small communities surrounding Longmont, starting in the west near Ryssby before moving east of Longmont near Rinn for richer, less rocky soil.

they needed all family members to raise beets, down to children who could barely lift a beet knife. The sugar industry in Colorado would not have been possible without their labor.

monopoly on the market for sugar beets, they had powerful leverage over farmers growing beets. The company contracted with growers before the season started for the price per ton it would pay for sugar beets. The grower had to buy seed from

in the Volga River Valley in Russia since the time of Catherine

The grower contracted with workers to tend the beets on a per-acre basis. The sugar company just paid the farmer for the crop, leaving the farmer to take the risk of a poor growing season. The company also drew up the contracts for all workers across Colorado and Nebraska to sign with local farmers. At the end of the season, the farmer paid the workers last — after the company took their cut for the seeds, the bank loan was repaid, and the farmer’s family was fed.

three more of Peter’s brothers and sisters, plus his parents, all as laborers and eventually buying their own land to farm. Japanese-Americans also arrived in Longmont as the wanted to come to Colorado, but immigration rules prohibited people of Japanese descent from coming to the United

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This is an excerpt from Erik Mason’s book Longmont: The First 150 Years, “Chapter 5: The Sugar Boom.” The book is available at the Longmont Museum gift shop, plus Barbed Wire Books and the Used Book Emporium in Longmont.

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SUSAN FRANCE

Top Nibbles

A veteran local critic names his favorite Longmont food and dining attractions.

by John Lehndorff

ver the years, Longmont has been stuck with many nicknames by clueless out-of-towners ranging from “Longtucky” to “the turkey factory town.” The snobs stopped snickering once everyone else realized what we already knew: Longmont is cool. In 2019, Longmont was named the “No. 1 Boomtown in America” based on a Smart Asset study, and one of the “Top Digital Cities in America” according to the Center for Digital Government. It made Money. com’s “Best Places to Live in America” list based on many factors including quality of life and amenities like dining and food. For decades, residents of surrounding communi-

TOP: Outworld Brewing AT LEFT: Cheese Importer’s Warehouse

Now everybody’s heading to Longmont. Here are a few of my favorite non-chain eating destinations and food favorites, the places I often suggest to visitors. They are strictly personal and by no means all of Longmont’s taste attractions, but it’s a good list to get you started.

The Land of Brewpubs:

The intersection of great ales and approachable eats has found a welcoming crowd in Longmont. Besides many small brewery tasting rooms, you can dine and sip ales at Mike O’Shays Restaurant & Ale House, Longmont Public House, Oskar Blues Brewery Taproom, Collision Brewing Company & Restaurant, 300 Suns Brewing, Pumphouse Brewery, Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse, and the otherworldly Outworld Brewing.

Cheese Lovers’ Destination:

Cheese and charcuterie lovers around the state know that if they venture into the huge refrigerated store at Longmont’s state’s best selection of world cheeses and the largest selection we’ve seen of Colorado-made cheeses. crafted at Haystack Mountain Creamery and cheeseCheese school.

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Mexico and Beyond:

Longmont hosts more authentic Mexican and Central American eateries per square mile than any town in Boulder County. Sample the regional variations at Tacos Al Molcajete, Jefe’s Longmont, Abuelita’s Empanadas, Blue Corn Tacos, and La Panda Mexican Restaurant II. (Sadly, Efrain 3 Mexican Restaurant — where you around — closed.) Develop a craving for pupusas and other Salvadoran dishes at Pupuseria Y Restaurante Salvadoreño.

City of Diverse Cuisines:

Known for Mexican fare, Longmont has become a haven for a wide range of small, family-owned international eateries offering everything from the South American tastes at Rosario’s Peruvian Restaurant to the fast-food Slavic-style calzones at Runza. Thai cuisine of several regions is served at Jai Thai, Urban Thai, A Thai Sticky Rice and at Malee Thai. Indian and Nepali cuisine (including our favorite momo dumplings) are available at Flavor of India, Gurkhas Restaurant and Everest Restaurant. Try the sushi at Sakura Japanese Cuisine, Chinese stir fry at China Gourmet and China 88, and the pan-Asian fare at Kho’s Asian Bistro and East Moon Restaurant.

Pizza, Pasta and Beyond:

Ask any local resident hailing from the Northeast and they will tell you that Rosalee’s Pizzeria in Longmont dishes the real deal including a blissful square Sicilian pizza. While French-inspired in its pastries, the artisan Babette’s Bakery also bakes some of the most authentic

the state, along with Proto’s Pizza. Beau Jo’s offers its famous deep-dish “Colorado mountain” pies. Familiar Italian-American dishes share the menu at Gondolier Italian Eatery, Pinocchio’s, The Twisted Noodle and Racheli’s Italian, while more nuanced Italian regional dishes are prepared at La Vita Bella and Caprese Trattoria.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Black Cat Farm; Martini’s Bistro; Moxie Bread Company; Dickens Prime 300

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Out on the Farm:

The Longmont and Boulder Farmers Markets on Saturdays have a national reputation as among the best in the country. Besides the market, many local farmers maintain farm stands in season around Longmont. Look for fresh crops and local foods at Zweck’s Produce and Flowers, Ollin Farms, Ya Ya Farm & Orchard, and other farm stands.

They Have the Meats:

The aroma of freshly smoked meats wafting from Georgia Boys BBQ is enough to make anyone hungry. Learn the difference that purchasing meats from a real butcher makes with the American cuts at Your Butcher, Frank and the Mexican cuts and preparations at Carnicería Las Cazuelas historic Dickens 300 Prime.

A Cajun-Creole Oasis:

From gumbo to etouffee, Longmont is an unexpected destination for true tastes from Louisiana. That state’s culinary variations are explored at Lucile’s Creole Café and at Tortugas restaurant — also one of the city’s best eateries for seafood.

Crumbs, Flakes, and Sweets:

Longmont truly loves its baked goods, from all varieties of fresh breads to carefully crafted pastries and downhome cakes. Find these and more at the Bavarian Bakery, Babette’s Bakery, Family Bake Shop, La Momo Maes Bakery, Aime’s Love Gluten Free Bakery & Cafe, Marketplace Bakery and Pistachio Cafe Bakery. A full range of Central American breads and baked goodies are available at Panaderia Guanajuato in Longmont.

Saturday Night Fine Dining: For chef-driven destinations at 1914 House, Sugarbeet, West Side Tavern, Martini’s Bistro and The Roost.

In the A.M.:

Weekday breakfast is as popular as weekend brunch in Longmont. Cakes, eggs, bacon, and hash browns are well-made at Tangerine, Hidden Cafe, Goodfella’s Diner and Aunt Alice’s Kitchen.

Other Longmont Taste Destinations:

Visit these businesses for great fried chicken (The Post Chicken and Beer), bulk pantry foods (Simply Bulk), cooking and culture classes (Journey Culinary), spirits (Dryland Distillery), hard cider (St. Vrain Cidery), coffee (Ozo Coffee), culinary adventures (Local Table Tours), milk delivery (Longmont Dairy Farms), and chocolate (Robin Chocolates). John Lehndorff is the Boulder Weekly’s food editor. He writes the Nibbles column. He is the former food editor of the Daily Camera and dining critic of the Rocky Mountain News. He hosts Radio Nibbles on KGNU (KGNU.org).

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Outdoor fun for all ages by Katie O’Leary

EMMA ATHENA

ith over 400 acres of parks and 1,600 nature areas, Longmont contains the ideal environment for biking, hiking and water enthusiasts alike. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll in one of the city’s many greenways, splash around in the newly restored creek shore, or spend the day birdwatching at a nature area, Longmont’s outdoor scene offers activities for those looking for both peaceful and invigorating outings. And with nearly 300 days of sunshine coupled with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains, outdoor lovers of

ABOVE: Sailing on Union Reservoir LEFT: Families play on the renovated shores of the St. Vrain Creek.

that suits their preferences. Here’s a quick guide to some of the best outdoor activities Longmont has to offer.

Longmont Trails Family-friendly

Dry Creek Trail One of the city’s many greenways, Dry Creek Trail is a 3.9-mile paved loop that follows Dry Creek and features a lake. Kid- and dog-friendly, the trail offers an easy but beautiful way to explore the city in a natural setting.

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Choose-your-own-adventure

LoBo Trail Connecting Boulder and Longmont, The LoBo trail is a 12.8-mile trail featuring sweeping views of the Flatirons. Whether you choose to take the direct path or enjoy easy connections to popular areas like the Boulder Reservoir and Twin Lakes, the LoBo trail offers a variety of scenery. See OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES on PAGE 30

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Get outta town

Little Thompson Overlook and Eagle Wind Trail Loop Located in Longmont’s Rabbit Mountain Open Space, this 5.7-mile loop is suitable for hikers and trail runners looking for diversity in terrain with moderate elevation gain. The trail offers beautiful views from Rabbit Mountain, and in the

Longmont Picnic Spots Wholesome fun

Lagerman Agricultural Preserve The Lagerman Agricultural Preserve has covered picnic areas and restrooms in a beautiful backdrop. With picnic sites, a seasonal osprey nest and wetland nature areas, the reserve is perfect for families looking to picnic and explore kid-friendly nature activities or couples looking for a serene setting for a date night.

Bird watchers’ delight

Jim Hamm Nature Area Featuring a 14-acre pond, the Jim Hamm Nature Area provides panoramic views of the Front Range along with two picnic shelters that can be reserved. The area’s pond is a designated bird sanctuary, offering the perfect spot for birdwatching.

Party central

Longmont Fairgrounds Ideal for those looking to host a larger BBQ or picnic, the Longmont fairgrounds offers a sheltered picnic area with 12 picnic tables and a capacity of 100 people. Additional amenities include grills and restrooms. Parties should reserve tables in advance to secure a spot.

Water Activities in Longmont Balanced

Paddle Boarding Longmont’s Union Reservoir offers the perfect setting for paddleboarding. Rocky Mountain Paddleboard is conveniently located by the reservoir’s entrance and offers day rentals along with standup paddleboard yoga classes. PADDLE BOARDING on McIntosh Lake is a favorite pastime for both humans and canines.

Focused Fishing

locals or visitors can spend the day casting on the lake.

Fun

Tubing east of Main Street and exit at the takeout points at Martin Street off the 119th Street Trailhead.

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