Colfax Avenue, signs of western journey

Mark Gerwing

February 20, 2019

historic preservation, Mid-century modern, places, architect Boulder

Each year Colorado Preservation Inc identifies a number of interesting and threatened buildings across the state. This year, prominent on the list, was a collective entry - the older advertising signs along Denver's Colfax Avenue.

Mark Gerwing

February 25, 2014

historic preservation, Mid-century modern, places, the whole unorganized thing, architect Boulder

Colfax Avenue, signs of western journey

Mark Gerwing

February 25, 2014

historic preservation, Mid-century modern, places, the whole unorganized thing, architect Boulder

Each year Colorado Preservation Inc identifies a number of interesting and threatened buildings across the state. This year, prominent on the list, was a collective entry - the older advertising signs along Denver's Colfax Avenue.

Mark Gerwing

July 11, 2012

historic preservation, places, the whole unorganized thing, architect Boulder

city signs

Mark Gerwing

July 11, 2012

historic preservation, places, the whole unorganized thing, architect Boulder

In Colorado and much of the Rocky Mountain West, the welcoming signs at the arrival of every town proudly or perhaps matter-of-factly, announce the most important attribute of the settlement: its height above sea level.

In the midwest and, at least in my recollection, most towns across the nation, the introductory boundary sign of a place contains the city's name along with the size of the population.

So why the difference? Most cities are proud to announce their size and status as reflected in a hopefully growing population. I guess in the thin air of the Rocky Mountains, that kind of boastful achievement declaration is reserved not for size but altitude. Our cities and towns may be small, but we're up there pretty high.