IOOF Building Site
&
John Rawlings Gallery
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Historic Background
This 13,000 square foot two-story building was originally completed in
1898 and served the business community with five storefront shops on the
ground floor and a large hall with dance floor in the upper story.
The precision sandstone block construction is characteristic of several
town buildings that were built around the turn of the century.
The building originally housed the Bent County Bank and was home to
the US Post Office (1904-1937) and a wide array of shops including barber
shops, candy stores, a hardware company, dentist offices, Montgomery Wards
and several retail paint stores.
The history of Elders Lodge #11 begins in Kit Carson, Colorado, on
May 25, 1870. The emblem of the order is three interlocking links
that represent Friendship, Love, Truth or Visit the Sick, Bury the Dead
and Educate the Orphan. The motto of the lodge is “If you can’t speak
well of a man, say nothing.” The two-story frame lodge building was moved
from Kit Carson to Las Animas sometime in the 1870s, and the local lodge
was dedicated in 1898. The “cornerstone” set in the middle of the
west upper facade wall of the IOOF Building evidences the date of 1898.
The building represents the return of prosperity to this agricultural community
following the depression of the early 1890s. The Lodge promoted charitable
participation and provided a source of social activities and used the upper
level not only for meetings but also for a variety of community social
events. By renting out this portion of the building at times they
were able to bring in enough money to maintain the building. However,
after the sale of the building by the IOOF Elders Lodge #11 in 1984, the
historic building became dilapidated. The Pioneer Historical Society
of Bent County in conjunction with the local community entities have begun
the arduous task of revitalizing this building located on Highway 50 in
downtown Las Animas. It will eventually house, among other things,
the John Rawlings Gallery in its southwest corner. John Rawlings
was a prominent Bent County banker. This Gallery will exhibit and
sell works by local artists.
Anyone interested in contributing to this project should call the PHSBC
Office at (719)456-2005.
Additional Sources of Interest:
Revitalization (In Progress)
This site was purchased by the Pioneer Historical Society in 2000,
and the work began to bring this historic building back to its original
status. The building was in considerable disrepair, but the job will
be a real labor of love. With work on the interior revealed some
of the original floor tiles and some of the tin ceiling tiles that had
not been removed over the years of use. Some bank fixtures were also
salvageable. With time, this building will house a museum and
an art gallery which could showcase many of the local artists. From its
vantage point in downtown Las Animas, the building will be both visible
and easily accessible to tourists driving through. Local artists will have
the opportunity to display their works within their home area.
The archaeologist
in residence is Richard Carrillo
of La Junta, Colorado.
Financial support catagories include:
| Youth or Student |
$5.00 |
| Individual |
$15.00 |
| Family |
$25.00 |
| Contributing |
$26.00 to $99.00 |
| Patron |
$100.00 or more |
| Checks may be made payable to "IOOF Revitalization Committee" |
Development Credit: Billie Jackson
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