Options eyed for former school Frontier High closed on short notice in 2020 BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
The Elizabeth School Board held a discussion on April 24 to consider potential uses for the unoccupied Frontier High School building, including selling the property, turning it into a preschool, and transforming it into a space for district offices with an attached community center. The meeting concluded with a direction to convert the building to new uses without selling it. Frontier High School, originally called the Red Brick School, is located at 589 S. Banner St. in downtown Elizabeth. It opened in 1920 to house an expanding student population and was first accredited in 1924. The newer portion of Frontier High School was built in 1971. Most recently the space held an alternative high school that was abruptly abandoned in 2020 amid low enrollment numbers. Currently the Elizabeth School District is faced with a decision as to what to do with the building. The district’s current insurance carrier will not cover the building next year without 30% of it being in use. If this requirement is not met, the district will need to purchase a separate policy for the building. The district does not yet have a quote for a new policy. “Frontier High School presents some challenges for us right now,” said Superintendent Dan Snowberger during his presentation to the board. “In 2020 we abandoned the building. We pulled the systems out. We pulled things out of the building. And so, we’re trying to determine what’s the best course of action.” SEE SCHOOL, P4
Bank building noted for history Elizabeth landmark gets national designation BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
The dedication inscription on the old Red Brick School in Elizabeth, which last served as Frontier High School before it closed in 2020. It reads “Elizabeth Consolidated School, Erected AD 1920. Directors Ira Hammond (pres), Evan T. Evans (Secy). M.W.E. Morgan (Tres). Laid by the M.W. Grand Lodge. A.F. & A.M. of Colorado. Sep. 30, AD PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON 1920 A.L. 5920.”
The 1907 First National Bank building in Elizabeth was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places — the first of Elizabeth’s historic structures to receive the prestigious designation. The bank was added to the Town of Elizabeth local register of historic places on August 12, 2003. The historic Elizabeth structure joins a group of over 1,600 Colorado properties listed on the national register and over 2,100 listed on the state register. The National Register of Historic Places is the official federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and culture. These contribute to an understanding of the historical and cultural foundations of the nation. Authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate and protect our historic and archeological resources. The National Park Service provides overall program administration and SEE HISTORIC, P2
FORAGING AND FEASTING Learning the skills to make weeds into tasty treats P14