Written by Bonita Hutcheson and Thea Hutcheson for
"Sheridan Celebrates" in 2014.
Ora G. Oliver elementary school was built in 1959 by the
District on a Federal Government property, part of the Military
Fort. Later that parcel, as well as the larger parcel to the
east was deeded to the Sheridan Union School District. South
Suburban Metropolitan Parks and Recreation District built a center
on the land, and in 1970 the new high school was built on the
east end of the land. The balance of the property has become
a beautiful Park. This parcel included land from Oxford to Mansfield
and S. Irving to S. Lowell.
In reviewing the history of this parcel, it was not part of the
original Fort. It was a larger parcel and a big building was
there called the Fabian Mercantile which was located just about
where the High School sits today. The building was on what we
know today as Irving Street, which was open all the way to Oxford.
The Officers at the Fort petitioned the government to purchase
this tract so that they could have use of the building. Once
the military took over the land they, of course, folded it into
the Fort property.
The school has several interesting features that give the school
a unique personality. The most beautiful piece is a large floor
safe made by Hall’s Safe & Lock Company in Cincinnati,
Ohio, and purchased from the Charpiot Safe Company in Denver,
Colorado, is a remarkably beautiful piece of work with gilt embellishments
at the corners and featuring a sailing scene surround by an ornate
gilt frame.
At some point in the past, the school was awarded a State of
Colorado Superior Standard School Award. The plaque hangs down
the main hall behind a door.
When the Fort gave the land grant to the school district, they
took a much needed breath and used the time to get organized,
and utilize the buildings that they had to the best advantage.
In 1984 the school district adminsitration moved back into
the Ora Oliver building. Elementary classes had been transitioned
to Alice Terry Elementasry and Fort Logan Elementary. Head start
classes started utilizing the building in 1985.
During the 1993 - 1994 school year Ora Oliver became the
Early Childhood Center including pre-school and Kindergarten.
Kindergarten classes retrurned to Alice Terry in 2003 and the
ECC reverted back to pre-school and head start only. In January
of 2015 the ECC was moved over to middle school building (old
high school) and middle school students were moved over to the
new Fort Logan Northgate School. Ora Oliver was then demolished.
Principals of Ora Oliver
From 1962 to 1974 the principal from Alice Terry Elementary
would fulfill the prinicipal responsibilities at Ora Oliver.
The change in 1974 coincided with the closing of Petersburg at
the end of the 1973 - 1974 school year with the Petersburg students
being moved to Ora Oliver.
