Crawford Colorado, located in very rural western Colorado, is a high mountain ranching community with generational ties to the 1880s. Descendents of the original homesteaders continue to reside here, with as many as four generations of a family calling this area home. In addition, many other residents have come to know Crawford as their home in the last century, appreciating the life of a small town and close-knit community.

As in most small towns, a community center is the hub of the local activities that occur throughout the year. The community center in Crawford happens to be more than a century old, and in great need of repair.

The current 2-story building in the center of town was built in 1913 as a replacement to the original 1906 school house which was destroyed by a fire. The building first served as a school, gymnasium and a general meeting place for the town. It even survived the depression era, when lack of operating funds threatened it closure.

In the 1960s, high school students began commuting to other towns for education, while elementary students remained at the building. In the early 1980s, the building was closed as a school and elementary children were moved to the newly constructed school. Since that time, the building has served as a community center, the town’s library and the offices of Town Hall.

This historic building hosts community meetings, festivals and events, private gatherings, and nonprofit meetings. There is no other place in the area to serve the group needs or as a gathering place for the community members.In 2008, town residents, outlying community members, and the Town Council trustees came together to discuss a plan for the future of the building. A nonprofit organization was formed to raise the necessary funds to upgrade the building without losing its historical heritage. This group has adopted the slogan "Help Us Rebuid the Heart of Our Community!," and are reaching out to engage the community and former school classmates in preserving this community icon.

The plans for renovation include redesign and improvement of the current space to allow for larger groups, as well as small meeting areas. The exterior will be returned to its original state, and the interior will include a new heating and air conditioning system, reconditioned windows, and general improvements. The latest energy-saving technologies will be used whenever possible. A preliminary estimate of the renovations indicates the total project will cost under $800,000.

Because of the small size of the town and its revenues, it would be impossible for the local government to afford this renovation without the help of financial donations of individuals, corporations and private foundations. If you are interested in supporting this project, please click on the Donate button below and make your tax-deductible donation today. We appreciate your help!