Call NumberCPHOTO141-2024-1675CreatorJessen, KennethDateSeptember 7, 2006SummaryExterior view of the front of masonry gas station building. The structure's windows have been boarded up.Physical Description1 digital file : colorBorn-Digital or AnalogBorn-digitalSubjectAbandoned buildings--Colorado--VilasService stations--Colorado--VilasGeographic AreaVilas (Colo.)Baca County (Colo.)Finding Aidhttps://archives.denverlibrary.org/repositories/3/resources/2088Type of MaterialDigital photographsOriginal Material Found in CollectionC PHOTO 141. Kenneth Jessen photo collectionNotesPhotographer's note: "This 80-acre town was founded in 1886 and a plat was filed the following year. It was named for Senator Vilas of Wisconsin. The post office opened in 1887 and the town grew quickly to a population of 750. It became the economic center of the region. By 1890, there were 63 businesses along its main street, and the town supported two newspapers. It had a dance hall, school, bank and two churches. The drought of 1892 and 1893 caused a dramatic decrease in farm production. Those that stayed turned to raising broomcorn for a local broom factory. In 1910, the rains returned and ranches were established. From 1913 to 1920, large herds grazed on the abundant grass. In 1926, there was a big change in the area. A subsidiary of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, the Dodge City & Cimarron Valley, laid rails from Kansas into Colorado through Springfield, ending in Pritchett. This prompted the construction of grain elevators on the north end of Vilas next to the railroad tracks. A new school was built and prosperity returned. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s combined with the Great Depression put a dent in the economy. Vilas never recovered, and the area's population decreased rapidly. Broomcorn production declined and many businesses closed their doors. Today, these abandoned business buildings sit along both sides of the town's main street."DonorGift; Kenneth Jessen; 2020.
Rights
Rights Statementhttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/CopyrightDPL holds copyrightCreditDenver Public Library Special Collections, [call number]Digital Reproduction Available for PurchaseYes
Jessen, Kenneth, Vilas gas station (September 7, 2006). Denver Public Library Digital Collections, accessed 21/05/2025, https://digital.denverlibrary.org/nodes/view/1826757
