Fences and gates in Globeville

Globeville has been around for more than a century and a walk through the neighborhood is almost like viewing an archaeological site: remnants of every stage of its development are still visible. Before the 1880s, the prairie north of Denver was grassland, sparsely settled by American-born farmers and homesteaders. With the arrival of the railroads, three large smelters, factories, foundries, brickyards and meat packers, the area evolved into an industrial town populated by immigrants. The newcomers built what they could afford on tiny lots, often using railroad lumber purchased from the Burlington shops. Property was hard to come by in the old country and the settlers from eastern Europe and Russia took great pride in owning a home.
Once the house was built, owners would build a fence to keep livestock out and the children in the yard. Many of those iron fences and gates remain - sturdy reminders of those proud pioneers.

 

Beautiful ironwork, flagstone sidewalks
Photo ® Mary Lou Egan

 

A heritage rose hugs and old fence
Photo ® Mary Lou Egan

Richter Iron Works, a foundry at 32nd and Blake
Photo ® Mary Lou Egan