Research Possibilities Endless

Five Points Book Example of What Can be Accomplished

The wide range of resources at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library offers many possibilities for scholars, writers, students and historians. Laura Mauck’s book, Five Points Neighborhood of Denver, is a great example of what can be accomplished by using the available resources of the library. Using the photographic and historic resources of the Blair-Caldwell AARL, Mauck compiled a photographic history of the Five Points neighborhood. With more than 150 extraordinary photos, ranging in date from the 1880’s to the present, the book highlights the numerous historical triumphs of African Americans in one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods. View images from the book.

Images and Excerpts from Five Points Neighborhood of Denver by Laura Mauck
	Section 1: Birth (1870-1880) The blacksmith shop in this photo from 1887 was located at 33rd Street and Walnut Street in Five Points. It was among many service-oriented businesses in the area that supported Denver as a major center not only for mining, but also for the cattle industry of the plains and the agricultural towns of the Platte and Arkansas River valleys. Written on the back of this photo, "Shod all horses for the Denver Fire Department. Conlan was also a veterinarian."
	Section 2: Development (1890-1900) As Five Points began to develop more as an African American neighborhood the railroads remained a part of the community. This photo from the early 1900s is of the 23rd Street Viaduct that passed over the rail yards in Five Points.
	Section 3: Stabilization (1910-1920) The Hotel Crest was located at the intersection of Welton Street, Broadway, and 20th Street. Mimicking the shape of the intersection, the beautiful flatiron building was completed in 1913. The last listing for the Hotel Crest in the Denver City Directory was in 1925. The building was demolished in the 1970s. A parking lot now occupies the space where it once stood.
	Section 4: Perseverance (1920-1940) This photo was taken in 1921, not long after Dr. Holmes opened his office in Five Points, which remained in practice for 56 years. The office offered quality dental care for African Americans at a time when it was often difficult for them to find such services. Dr. Holmes was an active civic leader and was one of the founders of the Denver Branch of the NAACP.
	Section 5: Prosperity (1940-1950) African American business owners in Five Points were often creative in their business strategies. In this photo, Leroy Smith poses proudly in front of his business, Rhythm Records and Sports Shop. Located along Welton Street in the business district, the shop stocked all the latest hits of the time, as well as sporting goods and novelties. Mr. Smith was also Denver's first African American disc jockey, and owner of The Voters Club.
	Section 6: Change (1960-1980) In 1966, the George Washington Carver Nursery moved to larger, more modern facilities in the City Park West neighborhood at 2260 Humbolt Street. This photo shows the dedication ceremony and ground breaking that welcomed the new facility to the area.
	Section 7: Rebirth (1990-Present) The Juneteenth Celebration is coordinated by the Five Points Business Association and is sponsored by numerous Denver businesses. In this photo, young girls in the Starlite Club concentrate on coordinating their steps while marching in the 2000 Juneteenth Celebration.

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