The year was 1913. One-room mountain and rural schools were becoming a thing of the past, being replaced by consolidated schools that brought children to a central location to learn to read, write and cipher. One of those schools, brand new in 1913, was Cache La Poudre School, serving students kindergarten through 12th grade, on the site of the present schools. That little school is long gone, replaced by Cache La Poudre Elementary serving kindergarten through fifth grades, and adjacent to it, Cache La Poudre Middle School, serving sixth through eighth grades.
Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, there will be a reunion of sorts; a community celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Cache La Poudre School. Event planners are counting on between 500 and 700 people who will come together to remember old times and enjoy a barbecue, a 20-minute program, the CLP Riversong Choir, the middle school band, and more music from Fort Collins bands. There will be a bouncy castle and old time fun for kids in the form of sack and three-legged races.
Participants will be encouraged to talk about their experiences with CLP schools in the past. There will be a special spot for older people to gather in the gymnasium to reminisce. CLP students will conduct tours through both schools.
Local businesses are being encouraged to take part in the celebration. Barbecue tickets are available on-line at tinyurl.com/clp100year or at the door. For more information contact Trish Rundquist at Cache La Poudre Elementary School, 970-488-7600.