Referred to in the early 1800’s as South Side
or South Broadway, the land where the Baker neighborhood
is located today was originally a 160-acre tract homesteaded
by William and Elizabeth Byers. Elizabeth’s brother,
Edward Sumner, and mountaineer James Beckwourth joined
them for the trip to Denver. Armed with a printing press,
John Dailey came along with the Byers, and shortly after
arriving in Denver published the first issue of the
Rocky Mountain News in 1859.
If you have ever wondered how Broadway was created,
we have Thomas Skerritt to thank! Following the 1864
flood of Cherry Creek, he dragged a log behind his
wagon to create a “broad way” into Denver!
Baker’s first subdivisions were platted in
1872 but most development occurred following the annexation
of South Side to Denver in 1883. Broadway’s
cable cars as well as the Circle Railroad system drew
citizens to South Side.
Two of Denver’s mayors were residents of South
Side—Marion D. Van Horn (1893-95) and Thomas
S. McMurray (1895-7). Prominent women from the area
include Sadie Likens (the first Police Matron of Denver),
Alice Polk Hill (Colorado’s first Poet Laureate)
and Mary Coyle Chase (writer of the Pulitzer-winning
play Harvey).
Much of Baker’s development was related to
commercial and industrial growth. Denver’s professional
baseball team played at a ballpark at 6th Avenue and
Broadway from 1893-1922. What is now Denver Health
Medical Center is located at the County Hospital site
established in 1873 at West 6th Avenue and Bannock.
Gradually, Broadway transitioned from residential
to the commercial use we see today.
Besides housing the largest number of middle-class
Queen Anne homes in Denver, Baker boasts the Mayan
Theatre, one of the most unique buildings in the city.
Built in 1930 by architect Montana Fallis, the Mayan
was constructed over the fire damaged Queen Theater.
With a Pre-Columbian theme, the theatre is one of
a kind. Fortunately, it was saved from demolition
in 1984 and fully restored by 1987. Today it is a
recognized Denver Landmark and regularly shows independently
produced films.
Baker was designated a Historic district in 1985
and continues to draw residents who love the charm
of its history and the conveniences of its urban location.
|
